| Cost Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in city center) | $500 – $700 per month |
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom outside city center) | $400 – $600 per month |
| Apartment Purchase (Price per square meter in city center) | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Apartment Purchase (Price per square meter outside city center) | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | $30 – $50 |
| Transportation (Taxi, 1km) | $1 – $2 |
| Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) | $1.20 – $1.50 |
| Groceries (Bread, 500g) | $1.50 – $2.00 |
| Groceries (Rice, 1kg) | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg) | $5.00 – $7.00 |
| Restaurants (Meal at an inexpensive restaurant) | $5 – $10 |
| Restaurants (Three-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant) | $30 – $50 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m2 Apartment) | $60 – $100 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Preschool) | $300 – $500 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Elementary School) | $400 – $600 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Middle School) | $500 – $700 per month |
| Private School Tuition (High School) | $600 – $800 per month |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Dominical
“The cost of living in Dominical is considered to be relatively affordable compared to many places in the world. Housing costs are generally low, with rentals for small homes or apartments often being quite reasonable. Utilities such as electricity and water are also typically inexpensive, although this can vary depending on usage. Groceries can be bought at a lower cost, especially if you choose to buy local products and fresh produce from farmers markets. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite affordable, but prices can increase significantly at more upscale dining establishments. Healthcare in Dominical is also relatively affordable, especially when compared to costs in countries like the United States. Public healthcare is available and private healthcare is also an option at a higher cost. Transportation costs are generally low, especially if you use public transportation. Owning a car can be more expensive due to the cost of petrol and maintenance. Overall, while the cost of living in Dominical is lower than in many places, it’s important to remember that wages and salaries are also generally lower in Costa Rica. Therefore, while costs may seem low to foreigners, they may not be as low for locals,” said one expat living in Dominical.
Can I live in Dominical on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Dominical for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is generally lower than in the US, but it’s not dirt cheap. You’ll need to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to non-essential items and entertainment. For housing, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like Baru or Platanillo. They’re a bit further from the beach, but the cost of rent is significantly lower. You can find a decent 2-bedroom house for around $500-$600 a month. On the other hand, areas like Escaleras or Uvita are more upscale and the rent can easily go over $1,000 a month, so you might want to avoid those if you’re on a tight budget. Groceries can be quite affordable if you stick to local produce and avoid imported goods. I spend around $200-$300 a month on groceries. Eating out can be a bit pricey, especially in touristy areas, so I’d recommend cooking at home most of the time. Utilities like electricity and water are not too expensive, around $50-$100 a month depending on usage. Internet is around $50 a month for a decent connection. Transportation can be a bit of a challenge. Public transportation is not very reliable and taxis can be expensive. I’d recommend getting a used car or a motorcycle, which can be a bit of an upfront investment but will save you money in the long run. Healthcare is quite affordable here. You can get private health insurance for around $100 a month, and the quality of care is quite good. The biggest sacrifice you’ll have to make is probably on entertainment and non-essential items. Things like electronics, clothing, and imported goods are quite expensive here. You’ll also need to be mindful of your spending when going out, as it’s easy to blow your budget on a night out in town. But overall, I’d say it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month in Dominical. It’s a beautiful place with a laid-back lifestyle, and the cost of living is quite reasonable if you’re mindful of your spending,” commented an expat living in Dominical.
Can I live in Dominical on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Dominical for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in a luxury beachfront villa. But if you’re okay with a simpler lifestyle, you can definitely make it work. In terms of housing, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like Baru or Platanillo. They’re a bit more inland, but the cost of living is significantly lower than in the more touristy areas. You can find a nice, comfortable house for around $800 to $1,000 a month. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Escaleras or Uvita are more upscale and therefore more expensive. You might have to pay upwards of $2,000 a month for a house in these areas, which wouldn’t leave much room in your budget for other expenses.Groceries are relatively cheap here, especially if you buy local produce. I spend around $300 a month on groceries. Eating out can be a bit more expensive, especially in the touristy areas, but there are plenty of affordable local restaurants where you can get a meal for around $10.Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, cost me around $200 a month. Keep in mind that electricity can be quite expensive, especially if you use air conditioning a lot. I’ve found that using fans instead of AC can significantly reduce your electricity bill.Transportation is another expense to consider. If you have a car, gas can be quite expensive. I’ve found that using public transportation or a bicycle can be a more affordable option. Healthcare is relatively affordable here, especially compared to the U.S. I pay around $100 a month for a private health insurance plan. All in all, I’d say that if you’re willing to live a bit more simply and avoid the more touristy, expensive areas, you can definitely live comfortably in Dominical on $3,000 a month,” said one expat living in Dominical.
Can I live in Dominical on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Dominical for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. Of course, it all depends on your lifestyle and what you consider to be ‘modern amenities’. If you’re expecting to live in a luxury condo with a private pool and a beachfront view, then you might find it a bit challenging. But if you’re okay with a comfortable, well-equipped home in a nice neighborhood, then you’ll find that $5,000 goes a long way here. The cost of living in Costa Rica is generally lower than in the U.S. or Europe, but it varies depending on the area. Dominical, being a popular tourist destination, can be a bit pricier than other parts of the country. However, there are still plenty of affordable options. For example, the neighborhoods around Playa Dominical and Playa Hermosa are quite affordable and offer a good quality of life. You can find a nice 2-bedroom house for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, areas like Escaleras and Costa Verde are more upscale and therefore more expensive. Here, rents can go up to $3,000 or more for a luxury villa. But even in these areas, you can find more affordable options if you’re willing to live a bit further from the beach or in a smaller home. As for other expenses, groceries are quite affordable, especially if you buy local products. Eating out can be expensive in touristy areas, but there are plenty of ‘sodas’ (local eateries) where you can get a good meal for a few dollars. Utilities like electricity and water are also reasonably priced, although they can be higher if you use air conditioning a lot. One thing to keep in mind is that cars are quite expensive in Costa Rica due to import taxes, so if you’re planning on buying a car, that could take a big chunk out of your budget. However, public transportation is quite good and affordable, so you might not need a car unless you plan on traveling a lot. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the conveniences you’re used to. For example, while you can find most products in Costa Rica, some specific brands or items might not be available, or they might be more expensive than back home. Also, while internet and cell phone service are generally good, they can be unreliable in some areas, especially during the rainy season. But overall, I’d say that living in Dominical on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can live quite comfortably without making too many sacrifices. Plus, the benefits of living in such a beautiful place with a laid-back lifestyle and friendly people more than make up for any minor inconveniences,” commented an expat living in Dominical.
