Cost of Living in Costa Rica
Summary of cost of living in Costa Rica:
- The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are 3,429.1$ (1,674,430.2₡), excluding rent.
- The estimated monthly costs for a single person are 923.8$ (451,096.8₡), excluding rent.
- Cost of living in Costa Rica is, on average, 20.7% lower than in United States.
- Rent in Costa Rica is, on average, 51.7% lower than in United States.
Restaurants |  Edit |
Range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | 10.24 $ | |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | 56.62 $ | |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | 10.24 $ | |
| Domestic Draft Beer (1 Pint) | 3.07 $ | |
| Imported Beer (12 oz Small Bottle) | 4.51 $ | |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | 4.07 $ | |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 12 oz Small Bottle) | 2.14 $ | |
| Bottled Water (12 oz) | 1.74 $ | |
Markets | Edit |
|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | 2.18 $ | |
| Fresh White Bread (1 lb Loaf) | 2.95 $ | |
| White Rice (1 lb) | 1.15 $ | |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | 3.50 $ | |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | 4.34 $ | |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | 4.39 $ | |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 lb) | 6.20 $ | |
| Apples (1 lb) | 2.15 $ | |
| Bananas (1 lb) | 0.72 $ | |
| Oranges (1 lb) | 1.53 $ | |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | 1.44 $ | |
| Potatoes (1 lb) | 1.39 $ | |
| Onions (1 lb) | 1.31 $ | |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | 1.05 $ | |
| Bottled Water (50 oz) | 2.60 $ | |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 15.67 $ | |
| Domestic Beer (16.9 oz Bottle) | 2.44 $ | |
| Imported Beer (12 oz Small Bottle) | 2.95 $ | |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | 5.12 $ | |
Transportation | Edit |
|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | 1.02 $ | |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | 61.44 $ | |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | 2.05 $ | |
| Taxi 1 mile (Standard Tariff) | 3.03 $ | |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | 10.24 $ | |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | 1.50 $ | |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | 37,323.43 $ | |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | 36,918.42 $ | |
Utilities (Monthly) | Edit |
|
| Basic Utilities for 915 Square Feet Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | 91.82 $ | |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | 28.08 $ | |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | 54.87 $ | |
Sports And Leisure | Edit |
|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | 58.38 $ | |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | 31.86 $ | |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | 9.22 $ | |
Childcare | Edit |
|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | 536.98 $ | |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | 10,102.45 $ | |
Clothing And Shoes | Edit |
|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | 75.03 $ | |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | 54.96 $ | |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 122.32 $ | |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | 104.15 $ | |
Rent Per Month | Edit |
|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | 862.64 $ | |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | 582.55 $ | |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | 1,578.83 $ | |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | 1,029.06 $ | |
Buy Apartment Price | Edit |
|
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre | 231.51 $ | |
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | 139.71 $ | |
Salaries And Financing | Edit |
|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 995.98 $ | |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 10.38 |
Prices in Costa Rica
This country had 1866 entries in the past 12 months by 154 different contributors.
Last update: 6 December 2025
Our data for each country are based on all entries from all cities in that country.
Last update: 6 December 2025
Our data for each country are based on all entries from all cities in that country.
Sources and References
Moving to Costa Rica? Explore:
Distribution of Expenses Using Our Statistical Model:
Salary Calculator:Got a job offer in Costa Rica? Estimate your take-home pay with our Salary Calculator for Costa Rica.
Moving to Costa Rica? Explore:
This Page in Other Languages:
 DeutschLebenshaltungskosten in Costa Rica
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 PortuguêsCusto de Vida na Costa Rica
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 ItalianoCosto della vita in Costa Rica
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 FrançaisCoût de la vie au Costa Rica
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 EspañolCoste de vida en Costa Rica
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