Is the cost of living in San Jose high?

"The cost of living in San Jose is generally considered to be moderate. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in San Jose can cost around $500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost around $700 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in San Jose can cost around $10 USD per person," explained one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica.

"Per capita GDP in Costa Rica is about a third as high as it is in the US, and the cost of living is commensurately lower. However, the prices of some goods are set at a global rather than a local level and the prices of others are actually higher owing to taxes and import costs. Realistically, the cost of living is about half as high as it is in a similar location in the US, although individual tastes and circumstances vary. As for a dollar amount, some expats say $2000/month is the minimum, though I think that's high and others think that's low. I will say that the pensionado minimum of $1000/month is doable, but pretty lean," said another in San Jose, Costa Rica.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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