Central America Updated
Average Cost of Living in San-Jose-Costa-Rica
The average cost of living in San-Jose-Costa-Rica, Costa Rica is $3,533 per month for a single person, and $6,449 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $3,163 per month. The local average net salary is $5,761 per month.
Moderate cost
Updated today
Index 80.3 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $3,533 / month
- Family of 4
- $6,449 / mo
- Student
- $2,026 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in San-Jose-Costa-Rica
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$5,760.79 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for San-Jose-Costa-Rica | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in San-Jose-Costa-Rica | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in San-Jose-Costa-Rica | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in San-Jose-Costa-Rica | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in San-Jose-Costa-Rica | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in San-Jose-Costa-Rica | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in San-Jose-Costa-Rica | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in San-Jose-Costa-Rica | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in San-Jose-Costa-Rica | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in San-Jose-Costa-Rica | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| San-Jose-Costa-Rica FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in San-Jose-Costa-Rica. |
Rent & Property Prices in San-Jose-Costa-Rica
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $3,163 | $2,800 – $3,500 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $2,746 | $2,210 – $3,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $4,788 | $4,500 – $6,800 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $4,290 | $3,780 – $6,300 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $9,240 | $7,380 – $12,701 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $9,747 | $8,611 – $11,840 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $3,163$2,800 – $3,500
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $2,746$2,210 – $3,500
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $4,788$4,500 – $6,800
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $4,290$3,780 – $6,300
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $9,240$7,380 – $12,701
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $9,747$8,611 – $11,840
Grocery Prices in San-Jose-Costa-Rica
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.69 | $1.11 – $2.11 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $4.79 | $2.76 – $8.27 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $4.36 | $2.20 – $4.78 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $5.63 | $2.50 – $7.99 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $22 | $14 – $33 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $13 | $11 – $18 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $22 | $17 – $35 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $5.80 | $3.31 – $7.72 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $2.16 | $1.75 – $4.41 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $4.93 | $3.31 – $8.80 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $5.50 | $3.28 – $6.72 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $3.26 | $1.96 – $4.41 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $3.09 | $2.20 – $4.56 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.40 | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $2.60 | $2.34 – $3.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $15 | $9.99 – $20 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.40 | $0.71 – $3.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.43 | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $12 | $10 – $12 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.69$1.11 – $2.11
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $4.79$2.76 – $8.27
- White Rice (1 kg) $4.36$2.20 – $4.78
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $5.63$2.50 – $7.99
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $22$14 – $33
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $13$11 – $18
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $22$17 – $35
- Apples (1 kg) $5.80$3.31 – $7.72
- Bananas (1 kg) $2.16$1.75 – $4.41
- Oranges (1 kg) $4.93$3.31 – $8.80
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $5.50$3.28 – $6.72
- Potatoes (1 kg) $3.26$1.96 – $4.41
- Onions (1 kg) $3.09$2.20 – $4.56
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.40$2.00 – $3.00
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $2.60$2.34 – $3.00
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $15$9.99 – $20
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.40$0.71 – $3.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.43$2.00 – $5.00
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $12$10 – $12
Public Transport & Car Costs in San-Jose-Costa-Rica
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.50 | $2.50 – $2.50 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $90 | $90 – $204 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $3.50 | $3.50 – $3.50 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $3.00 | $3.00 – $3.00 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $30 | $30 – $30 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.31 | $1.15 – $1.60 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $36,998 | $36,998 – $37,650 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,964 | $25,634 – $26,030 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $2.50$2.50 – $2.50
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $90$90 – $204
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $3.50$3.50 – $3.50
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $3.00$3.00 – $3.00
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $30$30 – $30
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.31$1.15 – $1.60
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $36,998$36,998 – $37,650
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,964$25,634 – $26,030
Utility & Internet Costs in San-Jose-Costa-Rica
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $267 | $191 – $450 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $52 | $25 – $75 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $73 | $60 – $110 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $267$191 – $450
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $52$25 – $75
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $73$60 – $110
Childcare & Preschool in San-Jose-Costa-Rica
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $1,849 | $1,150 – $2,380 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $39,800 | $39,800 – $40,000 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $1,849$1,150 – $2,380
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $39,800$39,800 – $40,000
Clothing Prices in San-Jose-Costa-Rica
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $60 | $40 – $70 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $51 | $45 – $80 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $100 | $80 – $120 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $120 | $80 – $200 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $60$40 – $70
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $51$45 – $80
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $100$80 – $120
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $120$80 – $200
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in San-Jose-Costa-Rica
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $135 | $30 – $350 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $25 | $20 – $25 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $18 | $12 – $22 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $135$30 – $350
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $25$20 – $25
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $18$12 – $22
Restaurant Prices in San-Jose-Costa-Rica
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $25 | $15 – $50 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $100 | $75 – $150 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $12 | $10 – $13 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $9.00 | $6.00 – $10 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $11 | $8.00 – $12 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.78 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.44 | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.50 | $2.00 – $4.00 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $25$15 – $50
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $100$75 – $150
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $12$10 – $13
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $9.00$6.00 – $10
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $11$8.00 – $12
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.78$4.00 – $8.00
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.44$3.00 – $5.00
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.50$2.00 – $4.00
Salaries & Mortgages in San-Jose-Costa-Rica
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $5,761 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.40% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $5,761
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.40%
Compare San-Jose-Costa-Rica with…
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in San-Jose-Costa-Rica?
- An estimated $3,533 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in San-Jose-Costa-Rica. A family of four needs around $6,449 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $2,026.
- How much money do I need to live in San-Jose-Costa-Rica?
- Plan for at least $3,533 per month as a single person, $6,449 per month for a family of four, or $2,026 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to San-Jose-Costa-Rica.
- What is the average rent in San-Jose-Costa-Rica?
- A one-bedroom apartment in San-Jose-Costa-Rica rents for around $3,163 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $4,788 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in San-Jose-Costa-Rica?
- The average monthly net salary in San-Jose-Costa-Rica is around $5,761. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 55% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in San-Jose-Costa-Rica?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in San-Jose-Costa-Rica costs around $25. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $108 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.69/L) and bread ($4.79/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in San-Jose-Costa-Rica?
- A monthly public transport pass in San-Jose-Costa-Rica costs around $90. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in San-Jose-Costa-Rica?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in San-Jose-Costa-Rica costs around $73 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.