Costa Rica
Cost of Living in Costa Rica: Comfortable Living for $1500 a Month, Luxury for $3,000
Summary: Costa Rica enjoys a relatively low cost of living. Barrantes covers the basic costs. Expats living in Costa Rica can live comfortably on $1,500 a month and luxuriously on $3,000 a month.
One of the many benefits of living in Costa Rica is the relatively low cost of living compared to North American countries.
Many new residents of Costa Rica will often remark that the country gives you spending freedom, and by that they mean that you can spend as little or much as you want, and comfortably enjoy your life and lifestyle either way.
Many things are inexpensive in Costa Rica, some amazingly lower than their equivalents in the United States and Canada. There are some "North American-style luxuries" that can certainly add up, as they would in any country. But many new residents and visitors will tell you that generally, living in Costa Rica is less expensive than in the U.S., Canada or Europe, no matter what lifestyle you choose.
Those seeking a modest lifestyle should consider a budget of approximately $1500 per month, or even less. If you would like to rent a home, generally rent costs in select urban areas and rural areas are in the $300 to $600 range for a furnished apartment or small home.
Others who desire to live in relative luxury should look at spending around $3,000 per month. For this, you will live a very good life, one that can include full-time housekeepers, a nice car, beautiful homes and imported goods. High-end homes near San Jose – ones that boast granite countertops and Jacuzzi bathtubs, for example – start at approximately $1500 monthly.
As in any country, the cost of food depends largely on personal preference. A meal at a moderately-priced restaurant would be in the $15 to $20 range. Groceries vary, with a trip to your local farmer's market in the $20 to $40 range, while expensive meats, imported wines and other premium goods could cost more than $200 per week.
Entertainment costs, like trips to museums and outdoor concerts, are very inexpensive compared to North America, generally less than $5 per person.
About the Author
Barrantes & Associates is a leading Costa Rican law firm established in 1999. Lic Giovanna Barrantes and her associates are fluent in both English and Spanish.
Contact Barrantes & Associates at:
Office 011 506 2 256 3807
Direct 011 506 8 398 1203
Skype CostaRicaLaw1
Office Located at:
Edificio Casa Canada Paseo Colon Subway
Anexo Uno 100 metros sur/50 metros oeste
Additional Information:
- Costa Rica Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
- Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Guide to Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Pros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica
- Cost of Living in Costa Rica
- Chikungunya Disease in Costa Rica
- Zika Virus in Costa Rica
- How to Rent a Home in Costa Rica
- Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Costa Rica
- 2024 Guide to Living in Costa Rica
- Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Costa Rica
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Costa Rica
Comments
Tee0578I have been considering the move for several years now but several issues arise whenever I attempt to make the plans, Work being the first, second the safety and education of my four very young children. third, the health,mosquitoes,around the family. And fourth, the ability to start my own business as a remodeling company,repair man , or supervisor for a builder. I have heard the beach areas in particular Tamarind is not the best place to raise the kids or look for construction repairman jobs. But what other areas would suit us.. I cannot go somewhere that there is not a lot of expats communities with potentially more to come. any advice . thx
guestPANAMA IS BETTER COUNTRY TO LIVE IN THEN COSTA RICA! AND CHEAPER! THE PEOPLE IN COSTA RICA DO NOT RESPECT AMERICAN'S! AND THE LEGAL SYTERM IS LACKS! WHEN IT COMES TO AMERICAN'S! SO WHY LIVE IN COSTA RICA! ? GOOD QUESTION! WHO KNOWS I, LIVED IN COSTA RICA! FOR 6 YEARS ! AND IT'S NO BIG DEAL! PANAMA HAS MUCH MOUE TO OFFER TO AMERICAN'S AND THEY RESECT! US, MORE THEN COSTA RICA!
guestFolks planning to move to CR should be realistic about costs here. One fellow wrote he pays $1.50 for breakfast, $2.00 for lunch, and $4-6 for dinner. Really? Where? What year? The lowest cost for a "snack" at the feria I've ever found as $2 for a cup of coffee (one) and a deep fried "samosa" type food I wouldn't put in my diet more than 2x/year. At the simplest "soda" cafe a basic meal is $9--anytime, anywhere (2012/3 prices). Gasoline is $5+/gallon, and the biggest stunner was a used vehicle here is VERY USED, a 10yo vehicle w 90k miles will run $10k. So I sold my 2000 Mercury Cougar for $2k in the US and arrive in CR and a similar aged vehicle is NOT going to be less than $10k. Ouch. In the grocery store (the village shop, nothing special), item by item the costs are the same and usually MORE than in the US. As I'm seeing it, the ONLY bargain in living costs here in CR can be rents, but a Tico house for $250/month ain't nothin' like what you knew in the US. All in all, I'm glad I'm here, and I'm staying--and using very good public transportation and shopping at organic markets when I find them (the "organic" food of CR is another tall tale).
