
Cost of Living in Costa Rica Compared to the U.S. & Canada
Many Americans & Canadians are interested in moving abroad to find better a quality of life for lower cost. Costa Rica is a decent option for anyone relocating to a foreign country for lower cost of living. Costa Rica can be cheaper than the U.S./Canada or fairly comparable, depending on your lifestyle and location.
The StartAbroad Costa Rica Guide
Costa Rica Cost of Living
Costa Rica is an incredibly diverse country with a wide range of lifestyles and price-points available, so cost of living varies considerably. That said, Americans and Canadians coming to Costa Rica should not assume that cost of living is more affordable than in their home countries. Depending on your comparison point and your destination in Costa Rica, you may find similar prices or even more expensive cost of living.
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Rent - The real estate market in much of Costa Rica has been booming in the past 1-2 years, and it is increasingly difficult to find long-term rentals. You can still find great deals on rent in areas with more stock, especially in the Central Valley region. Rental prices may vary significantly between the high and low tourist seasons, particularly in popular tourist destinations, with monthly rent sometimes dropping as much as 50% from April to November. If you're looking for a basic one-room apartment, you could expect to pay ~$700, while a well-appointed three bedroom house could run you ~$2500 per month.
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Health Care - Health care is generally high-quality and affordable. If you're a resident, you can access the government-run healthcare system, called Caja. You will be obliged to pay into the Social Security system at a progressive rate based on your income, but many of your medical needs will be taken care of. If you decide instead to use private clinics, you may pay $50 for an x-ray out of pocket, and between $25-50 for a doctor’s visit.
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Transportation - Public transportation in the metro areas is plentiful and cheap. A round trip bus trip from San Jose to the beach can cost $10. Purchasing a car, which many expats opt to do, can be more expensive than you're used to. Stiff car import duties and the long, bureaucratic process to actually get your car released from the port can make importing your own car into Costa Rica a long, painful, expensive process. As such, Americans often shop for used, older models in Costa Rica. Anything in decent shape and with 4-wheel drive could be 20%+ more expensive than what you might pay in the States or Canada.
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Food - Imported foods and eating at expat restaurants will be pricey, although eating out can still be significantly cheaper than some places in the US. Eating like a local could save you significant money. Local products like rice, chicken, and fruit are affordable ($1.50 for a pineapple, $10 for a pound of snapper). A full lunch of rice, beans, vegetables, and a piece of meat at a local soda will be about $5 in most places.
Sample Budgets
Sample Budget #1 - San Jose
Please note that these sample budgets are directional only. The town you live in, changing prices, and your lifestyle will all influence your ultimate budget.
Living in San Jose for Two People per Month (USD)
Rent, modern 2 bed apartment
$1000
Utilities (including internet)
$150
Maid, once a week
$50
Fuel + Maintenance, one car
$160
Groceries
$450
Two lunches per week at sodas (for 2)
$60
Gym membership for two
$150
Health insurance
$320
Misc. (shopping, beauty, etc.)
$200
Total
$2540
Sample Budget #2 - Ojochal
Please note that these sample budgets are directional only. The town you live in, changing prices, and your lifestyle will all influence your ultimate budget.
Living in Ojochal for Two People per Month (USD)
Rent, 2 bed house
$1800
Utilities (inlcuding internet)
$300
Maid + Gardener, once per week
$100
Fuel + Maintenance, one car
$160
Groceries
$600
Dinner out once a week (for 2)
$240
Gym membership for 2
$150
Health insurance
$420
Misc. (shopping, beauty, etc.)
$200
Total
$3970
Sample Budget #3 - Tamarindo
Please note that these sample budgets are directional only. The town you live in, changing prices, and your lifestyle will all influence your ultimate budget.
Living in Tamarindo for Two People per Month (USD)
Rent, furnished 2 bedroom condo
$2000
Utilities (including internet)
$320
Maid, once a week
$50
Fuel + Maintenance, one car
$180
Groceries
$450
Eating out, multiple meals/week (for 2)
$400
Private health insurance for two
$650
Misc. (shopping, beauty, etc.)
$300
Total
$4350