Cost of Living in San Jose, Costa Rica

Last updated on Apr 04, 2023

Summary: The cost of living in San Jose, Costa Rica is generally considered to be quite reasonable. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in San Jose can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,200 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in San Jose can range from $10 to $20 per person.

Is the cost of living in San Jose high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in San Jose, they wrote:

"The cost of living in San Jose is relatively affordable compared to most other capital cities in the world. Basic commodities like food, housing, public transportation and other basic services are generally affordable. It is possible to save some money on meals by shopping at local markets and cooking at home. Accommodation prices can range from very inexpensive options to more expensive luxury properties. Prices for rental properties can be high but there are still some cheaper options available. Taxes and utilities can be higher than other cities in Costa Rica, but they are still usually quite affordable," explained one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica.

"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," said one expat in San Jose.

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About the Author

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.