Cost of Living in La Fortuna

Betsy Burlingame

Understanding the the cost of living in La Fortuna helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: $400 – $600 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $300 – $500 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $800 – $1,200 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $600 – $1,000 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: $1,000 – $1,500 Price per square meter outside city center: $800 – $1,200
Transportation	One-way local bus ticket: $0.50 – $1.00 Monthly local bus pass: $20 – $30 Taxi starting tariff: $1.00 – $2.00 Taxi 1km tariff: $1.00 – $1.50 Gasoline (1 liter): $1.00 – $1.20
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $1.20 – $1.50 Bread (500g): $1.50 – $2.00 Rice (1kg): $1.00 – $1.50 Eggs (12): $2.00 – $3.00 Chicken breasts (1kg): $5.00 – $7.00 Beef round (1kg): $6.00 – $8.00 Apples (1kg): $2.00 – $3.00 Oranges (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Tomatoes (1kg): $1.50 – $2.50 Potatoes (1kg): $1.00 – $1.50 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.00 – $1.50
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5.00 – $10.00 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $30.00 – $50.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $2.00 – $3.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $3.00 – $4.00 Cappuccino: $2.00 – $3.00 Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 – $1.50
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: $50.00 – $100.00 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $30.00 – $50.00 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: $200 – $400 per month Elementary School: $300 – $600 per month Middle School: $400 – $800 per month High School: $500 – $1,000 per month

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific location within La Fortuna, as well as individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It’s always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in to get a more accurate understanding of the cost of living.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in La Fortuna

“The cost of living in La Fortuna, is relatively affordable compared to other tourist destinations in the country. Housing and rental prices are moderate, with a variety of options available for different budgets. Groceries and food prices are reasonable, with local markets and supermarkets offering fresh produce at lower costs. Dining out at local restaurants can be inexpensive, while more upscale establishments will have higher prices. Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transportation options and reasonably priced taxis. Healthcare is generally affordable, with both public and private options available. Overall, La Fortuna offers a comfortable and cost-effective lifestyle for both locals and expats,” said one expat living in La Fortuna.

Can I live in La Fortuna on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in La Fortuna for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I’d recommend looking into areas like San Carlos or El Tanque, which are a bit more budget-friendly compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like La Fortuna town center or near the Arenal Volcano.In terms of housing, you’ll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or house, and you might have to share it with roommates to keep the costs down. Utilities like electricity and water can be a bit expensive, so you’ll need to be mindful of your usage. Also, you might not have access to all the modern amenities you’re used to, like high-speed internet or air conditioning.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. I’d recommend using public transportation like buses or shared taxis, which are more affordable and reliable. You can also consider getting a bicycle or a scooter for short distances.Eating out can be pricey, especially in touristy areas, so you’ll need to cook most of your meals at home. Local markets and supermarkets offer a good variety of fresh produce and other groceries at reasonable prices. However, imported products can be quite expensive, so you might have to adjust your diet and stick to local ingredients.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you’ll have to be selective about what you do in your free time. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities like hiking, swimming in natural hot springs, or exploring the beautiful nature around La Fortuna. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like guided tours, spa treatments, or dining at high-end restaurants.Overall, living in La Fortuna on $1,500 a month is doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on certain luxuries, and being resourceful with your entertainment options, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful part of Costa Rica,” commented an expat living in La Fortuna.

Can I live in La Fortuna on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in La Fortuna for a while 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 some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants as often as you’d like, or you might have to cut back on some of your entertainment expenses.In terms of housing, you’ll want to look for affordable neighborhoods like El Bosque or La Perla. These areas offer more budget-friendly options, while still providing access to modern amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and public transportation. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Los Laureles or Monterrey, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, you might want to consider using public transportation or even biking instead of owning a car. Gas prices can be quite high in Costa Rica, and owning a car can be a significant expense. Plus, La Fortuna is a relatively small town, so getting around on foot or by bike is quite feasible.Another way to save money is by shopping at local markets for fresh produce and other groceries, rather than relying on more expensive supermarkets. This can help you save on your monthly grocery bill, while also giving you the opportunity to enjoy fresh, local ingredients.In terms of entertainment, you might have to be a bit more selective about the activities you choose to participate in. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in La Fortuna, such as hiking, swimming in natural hot springs, or exploring the local parks, some of the more touristy activities like zip-lining or guided tours can be quite pricey.Overall, living in La Fortuna on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in order to make it work. By choosing affordable neighborhoods, cutting back on transportation costs, and being selective about your entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful Costa Rican town,” said one expat living in La Fortuna.

Can I live in La Fortuna on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in La Fortuna for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible for an expat to live comfortably on $5,000 a month. In fact, you’ll probably find that your money goes a lot further here than it would in many other places. That being said, there are some sacrifices you might have to make in terms of certain modern amenities, but overall, I think you’ll find that the quality of life is quite good.In terms of housing, you’ll find that there are plenty of affordable options in La Fortuna. Some of the more budget-friendly neighborhoods include El Bosque, La Perla, and Los Angeles. These areas offer a mix of local and expat residents, and you can find a decent house or apartment for around $500 to $800 a month. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, you might want to check out neighborhoods like Monterrey or La Palma. These areas tend to be more expensive, with rents ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 a month, so they might not be the best fit for your budget.As for other living expenses, you’ll find that groceries, transportation, and utilities are all quite affordable in La Fortuna. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Local transportation is also quite cheap, with bus fares costing around $1 per trip. If you decide to get a car, you’ll find that gas prices are a bit higher than in the US, but overall, it’s still quite manageable. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will likely cost you around $150 to $200 a month.One thing to keep in mind is that while La Fortuna does have some modern amenities, it’s still a relatively small town, so you might not have access to all the same conveniences that you’re used to. For example, there’s no large shopping mall or big-box stores, so you might have to adjust your shopping habits a bit. Additionally, while there are some good restaurants and bars in town, the nightlife scene is fairly limited, so you might find yourself spending more time at home or exploring the beautiful natural surroundings.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in La Fortuna on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You might have to make some adjustments in terms of your expectations for certain amenities, but in exchange, you’ll get to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle in a beautiful, friendly community,” commented an expat living in La Fortuna.

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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