Cost of Living in Costa Rica
Summary of cost of living in Costa Rica:
- The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $3,571.4 (₡1,637,028.5), excluding rent.
- The estimated monthly costs for a single person are $962.3 (₡441,079.5), excluding rent.
- Cost of living in Costa Rica is, on average, 18.3% lower than in United States.
- Rent in Costa Rica is, on average, 43.0% lower than in United States.
Restaurants |  Edit |
Range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $10.91 | |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $56.72 | |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $10.91 | |
| Domestic Draft Beer (1 Pint) | $3.27 | |
| Imported Beer (12 oz Small Bottle) | $4.36 | |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $4.35 | |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 12 oz Small Bottle) | $2.35 | |
| Bottled Water (12 oz) | $1.92 | |
Markets | Edit |
|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $2.35 | |
| Fresh White Bread (1 lb Loaf) | $3.09 | |
| White Rice (1 lb) | $1.24 | |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $3.75 | |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | $4.47 | |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | $4.74 | |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 lb) | $6.43 | |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.34 | |
| Bananas (1 lb) | $0.74 | |
| Oranges (1 lb) | $1.59 | |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | $1.52 | |
| Potatoes (1 lb) | $1.53 | |
| Onions (1 lb) | $1.40 | |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $1.14 | |
| Bottled Water (50 oz) | $2.81 | |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $15.82 | |
| Domestic Beer (16.9 oz Bottle) | $2.64 | |
| Imported Beer (12 oz Small Bottle) | $3.27 | |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $5.45 | |
Transportation | Edit |
|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $1.09 | |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $65.45 | |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $2.21 | |
| Taxi 1 mile (Standard Tariff) | $3.19 | |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $8.13 | |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.55 | |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $33,597.34 | |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $36,533.95 | |
Utilities (Monthly) | Edit |
|
| Basic Utilities for 915 Square Feet Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $95.34 | |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $29.49 | |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $59.81 | |
Sports And Leisure | Edit |
|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $63.49 | |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $25.03 | |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $8.73 | |
Childcare | Edit |
|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $744.32 | |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $12,700.64 | |
Clothing And Shoes | Edit |
|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $77.57 | |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $55.21 | |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $127.91 | |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $113.47 | |
Rent Per Month | Edit |
|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $911.40 | |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $657.22 | |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,736.87 | |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,178.25 | |
Buy Apartment Price | Edit |
|
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $223.05 | |
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $149.19 | |
Salaries And Financing | Edit |
|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $1,074.18 | |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 9.63 | |
Prices in Costa Rica
This country had 1034 entries in the past 12 months by 81 different contributors.
Last update: 8 May 2026
Our data for each country are based on all entries from all cities in that country.
Last update: 8 May 2026
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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