Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, Costa Rica

Cost of Living in Costa Rica

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jun 20, 2023

Summary: The cost of living in Costa Rica is generally considered to be quite affordable. A nice 1 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $700 to $1,500 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant can range from $10 to $20 per person.

Universal Tax
Universal Tax
Universal Tax
Universal Tax

Is the cost of living in Costa Rica high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Costa Rica, they wrote:

"Depends on lifestyle. I eat all my meals in restaurants, go to coffee shops, have a big social life and go on a lot of dates, I travel every month. My expense including all this are around $3500/mo," remarked one in San Jose.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.

Learn MoreGet Quotes

International Citizens InsuranceInternational Citizens Insurance

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
Get Quotes

Will I save money living in Costa Rica?

Answer Question & View More Answers

Answer Question & View More Answers

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, Costa Rica

International Citizens Insurance
International Citizens Insurance

Get comparison quotes from Cigna, Allianz, IMG, GeoBlue and more.
Get Quotes

International Citizens InsuranceInternational Citizens Insurance

Get comparison quotes from Cigna, Allianz, IMG, GeoBlue and more.
Get Quotes

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help others in Costa Rica by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Universal Tax
Universal Tax

Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal