Cost of Living in Costa Rica

Most American, Canadian, and European expats in Costa Rica spend much less money on day-to-day expenses than they do in their home countries. The cost of living, of course, depends on lifestyle. But in many ways, Costa Rica is much more affordable than back home.

A single person can live on between $1,600 and $2,000 a month. Some single people scrape by on considerably less, and others spend hundreds of dollars more, depending on their lifestyle. Some retired couples live well on $2,000 per month and even better on $2,500 to $3,000. That includes all costs, including housing, transportation, medical care, utilities, food, and entertainment. Real estate, whether you rent or buy, is more affordable in Costa Rica, with North American-style homes in great locations reasonably priced, comparatively.

Lake Arenal, Costa Rica|Dan Prescher

Medical care is high quality and low cost, with legal resident expats enjoying the use of the government-run universal healthcare system known as Caja. For a low monthly fee based on income, you get doctor’s visits, prescriptions, surgeries…any care you need…for free. Private clinics and hospitals are also a fraction of the price if you pay cash—and insurance is available, too.

When it comes to food, it pays to shop and eat out like a local. The feria, or weekly open-air farmers’ market, is an institution in just about every Costa Rican town or village. This is where the locals come to stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables, and spices. You’ll also find farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, beef and chicken, eggs, dairy products, bread, coffee, and more. Prices are low…$1.50 pineapples…a pound of red snapper for $10…a head of lettuce for 50 cents…fistfuls of herbs like basil for 25 cents—shopping there a couple can fill their fridge for about $40 to $50 per week. Plus, going to the feria is fun, too, with the vendors offering free samples and calling out deals, all surrounded by tables piled high with produce.

Keep in mind that many beach destinations that are popular with tourists will have a higher cost of living because prices for rentals, dinners out, and grocery stores tend to be more expensive. And you will use air conditioning, which drives up your electric bill. Still, wherever you are in Costa Rica, there are many ways to save.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Couple in Costa Rica

It’s important to keep in mind that figures will vary depending on location for any particular line item. Costs in popular coastal communities tend to be 10% to 25% higher than they are in the Central Valley. The figures below represent a price that is doable, but not necessarily extravagant. Use this as a guide to guestimate your needed budget.

Thanks to the mild climate, you will not need to budget for fuel costs to heat your home in Costa Rica. Garbage pick-up is paid for at the same time as your property taxes. In addition, landlines have become unnecessary in recent years, thanks to better cellphone coverage.

Common Monthly Expenses

Here are some more common items to give you an idea of how much things cost in Costa Rica:

Monthly Rentals

• House (small, furnished) - $600 to $1,400

• House (large, luxurious) - $1,400 to $4,500

• Apartment (small, one to two bedrooms, unfurnished) - $550 to $1,500

• Apartment (large, luxurious) - $1,500 to $3,500

Typical Monthly Bills

• Electricity (apartment) - $40 to $200

• Electricity (house) - $60 to $500+

• Cellphone - $25 to $50

• Cable TV (including English language channels) - $50 to $100

• Satellite TV (full premium package) - $60+

• High-speed internet (cable) - $30

Miscellaneous Expenses

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant or at a local "soda" - $6 to $8

• Meal at a mid-range restaurant - $10 to $20

• Meal at a tourist restaurant (expect North American prices) - $20+

• Doctor's visit - $40 to $100

The Benefits of Eating Like a Local

Eating like a local is one of the best ways to keep your cost of living low in Costa Rica. And for dining out, that means frequenting your local soda, the equivalent of a diner or neighborhood family-owned restaurant in North America.

They serve simple, nutritious food, including the casado, the unofficial national dish, which runs $6 to $8. The base is rice, black beans, a side of plantains, cabbage, or green salad. Then you have a choice of fish, beef, chicken, or pork. (Casado, by the way, means “married” in Spanish and refers to the marriage of ingredients on the plate.)

At first glance, it seems boring... bland. Rice and beans are rice and beans, right? But each soda does it a little different, adding their own special touch.

For example, in Rancho Nelson in the Central Valley town of Grecia, they add fresh avocado slices and a savory casserole of either chayote (like squash) or potato, depending on what they cooked up that day. They serve very generous portions and you usually have enough to take home. All for between $6-$8.

As a bonus, it’s a family-run place, like many sodas. Kids do homework at one of the tables while mom works in the kitchen. An uncle mans the register. And the family patriarch—since passed away—watches over everything from family photos on the wall. Come in more than once and you get a friendly handshake and greeting every time you walk through the door.

And one last thing...

Skip the soft drinks. Try a refresco natural, tropical fruit mixed with ice, water, or milk. You can usually get pineapple, mango, or strawberry. But why not be adventurous and try guanabana, tamarindo, or cas—tropical fruits you really don’t see much in North America but are sweet, refreshing, and delicious.

Not every soda is special. But do some searching. Once you find your place you’ll go back again and again.