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If you've ever considered moving to Costa Rica, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Costa Rica and whether the reported $1563 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $755.74.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
7.07 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
39.25 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.07 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.36 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.45 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.53 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.54 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.34 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.35 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.69 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.6 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.4 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
6.41 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
6.82 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
9.25 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.57 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.24 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.2 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.94 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.78 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.08 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.81 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.91 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
10.99 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.7 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.28 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.93 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.79 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
35.27 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.05 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.08 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
5.55 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.22 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
25121.14 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
25362.74 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
64.83 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.06 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
47.2 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
43.38 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
24.58 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.5 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
330.9 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
7249.92 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
60.92 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
44.73 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
97.22 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
85.42 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
491.85 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
342.6 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
889.38 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
632.18 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1670.21 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1280.3 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
755.74 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
9.56 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 7.07 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 39.25 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.35 USD, a loaf of bread 1.69 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.4 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.79 USD and a monthly pass around 35.27 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 64.83 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 43.38 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 24.58 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 330.9 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 7249.92 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 60.92 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 97.22 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 491.85 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 342.6 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1670.21 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1280.3 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 755.74 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 9.56% annually.
Costa Rica
Although there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Costa Rica's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out so remain vigilant at all times.
Costa Rica is generally safe, but you should take precaution on the streets of major cities, and after dark. Be wary of pickpockets and bag snatching and keep your valuables safely by your side. Never carry all your money in one place or leave your valuables in plain sight in a car or at a beach when swimming.
Public transport is generally safe in Costa Rica, but do be careful on buses and bus stops - especially those destined for San Jose - since that's where pickpockets and petty thieves operate. Be especially careful not to fall asleep, because you may wake up and find your valuables stolen.
Pickpockets are a common occurrence on the streets of Costa Rica and tourists are recommended to remain vigilant at all times when on the street. Make sure you don't flash your valuable possessions on the street, be careful when withdrawing money from ATMs and of course, keep all your valuables in a safe place in your accommodation or safely by your side.
As for natural disasters, the most common ones are earthquakes. Earthquakes are quite common in Costa Rica: there are small ones that occur daily and then there are strong earth tremors occurring a few times a year. The deadliest earthquake occurred in 2009, claiming 34 lives. Other minor natural threats come in the form of volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and occasional hurricanes.
Mugging is not altogether uncommon on the streets of Costa Rica. In such a situation, hand over all your possessions immediately and do not resist. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas.
Scams are very common in Costa Rica, so double check your change, never pay anything upfront and negotiate everything in advance. Watch out for the known robbery scheme where someone slashes your tires and when you stop to fix the flat tire, one or two "friendly" people stop to help you with that all the while picking your pockets or just simply grabbing everything you own and running away.
Traveling to Costa Rica is generally safe for solo women, but bear in mind that you should always hike in company, never alone, and the same applies for exploring any city. Stay away from poorly lit and deserted streets and areas and from people that are visibly intoxicated or under the influence.
Since Costa Rica is located between 8 and 12 degrees north of the Equator, it mostly has tropical climate year round. However, the climate in this country varies depending on elevation, rainfall and the geography of a particular region.
Juan Santamaría International Airport is the busiest, primary airport in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. It is located in the city of Alajuela, about 20 km west of downtown San José.
Many countries do not need a visa for Costa Rica, for any stays shorter than 90 days. Your passport must be valid at least 1 calendar day beyond the date that you enter Costa Rica. You may be asked to prove your financial means in order to prove you can cover your entire trip in Costa Rica.
The official currency in Costa Rica is the colón, a currency named after Christopher Columbus. However, US dollars are accepted almost everywhere and you can withdraw them from most ATMs, but carry colones for souvenirs, bus fares and rural shops. Credit cards generally accepted throughout the country.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Costa Rica, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.