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Cost of living in Costa Rica: Food, transport, and more
Is Costa Rica an affordable place to live? Find out about the cost of living in Costa Rica if you want to move to this country: housing, food, healthcare and more.
According to Statista, the cost of living in Costa Rica is among the highest in Latin America after Uruguay. So, if you’re thinking about moving for a while, prepare yourself (and your wallet) for everything it involves to live and enjoy Costa Rican culture. Your monthly income should range between $1,200 (€1,144) and $2,000 (€1,908).
Luckily, at Holafly we’ll dive into the key cost-of-living items to stay afloat in Costa Rica. These include housing, food, healthcare, transport, and even a buffer for leisure. Next, grab a pen and paper. Start crunching the numbers and note our saving tips. Then check if your budget covers this trip.
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Cost of living in Costa Rica: average housing costs
Housing costs in Costa Rica represent one of the biggest expenses. The capital, San José, ranks among the most expensive in Latin America. Escazú is one of the most luxurious neighbourhoods, with modern houses, luxury shops, high security, and malls like Multiplaza. This neighbourhood also hosts diplomatic residences and embassies such as Uruguay and Belgium. Mata Redonda is another costly district, with apartments, offices, and government buildings. It also offers access to La Sabana Metropolitan Park, known as the city’s lung.
More affordable options, without losing quality of life, include Uruca and San Pedro. The first has more industrial zones, shops, and heavy traffic. The second is popular with students and young people thanks to its proximity to the University of Costa Rica. In both districts, you’ll find cheaper housing, restaurants, and shops.
There are coliving options in Costa Rica, preferred by digital nomads and remote workers. They provide a community lifestyle and often include services like water, electricity, cleaning, internet, and coworking spaces.
Here’s a table with approximate housing costs in San José:
| Accommodation | Average monthly price in USD (€) |
| Hotel | $2,000-2,500 (€1,900-2,300) |
| 1-bedroom apartment | $500-1,000 (€476-953) |
| 2-bedroom apartment | $1,000-1,500 (€953-1,430) |
| Airbnb | $600-1,200 (€572-1,144) |
| Co-living | $650-800 (€620-763) |
Housing prices in Costa Rica
Food costs in Costa Rica
Costa Rican cuisine is very traditional, with maize as a staple ingredient and beans present in most typical dishes. International chains like Walmart are present in Costa Rica, so a basic grocery shop usually costs between $150 (€143) and $200 (€191) per person. This depends on your habits and whether you cook at home or eat in local restaurants.
Here are approximate prices of staple products you’ll find at this supermarket chain:
| Pasta (500gr) | $1.50 (€1.38) |
| Eggs (12 units) | $2.50 (€2.30) |
| 1 litre milk | $1.50 (€1.38) |
| Beef (1kg) | $10 (€9.20) |
| Chicken (1kg) | $7 (€6.44) |
| Coffee | $5 (€4.60) |
Prices of basic products at Walmart Costa Rica
On the other hand, an average breakfast costs $5 (€4.80) – $10 (€9.50). Lunch costs $8 (€7.60) – $15 (€14.30) in regular cafés and restaurants. Prices in luxury areas may double. How can you reduce these food expenses in Costa Rica? Here are some tips:
- Shop at supermarkets like Maxi Palí across the country, or at farmers’ fairs and local markets like San José Central Market. There, you’ll find cheaper local products. In markets, you’ll also find small eateries called “sodas” serving traditional food at lower prices.
- Compare prices: the app “MiMejorCompraCR” lets you check where 25 basic products are cheaper, based on your location.
- Avoid tourist zones and exclusive areas for both eating and food shopping.
- Cook at home: treat yourself occasionally, but preparing your meals is cheaper, at least while settling in Costa Rica.
Transport prices in Costa Rica
Public transport in Costa Rica, despite being one of the most expensive countries in Latin America, is considered outdated. Buses are often in poor condition, and electronic payment methods are rarely available, in a society where cash use is decreasing. Getting around, especially in industrial zones, is difficult due to insufficient routes causing traffic congestion.
Bus fares in Costa Rica range between $0.45 (€0.43) and $0.90 (€0.86) depending on distance and bus line. Taking a taxi costs about $6.50 (€6.20) for four kilometres.
If you prefer cycling instead of sitting in traffic, bike rental in Costa Rica costs $15-20 (€14.30-19) per day, depending on whether you’re in urban zones or near the beach.
If you’re considering buying a vehicle long-term, keep in mind:
- Super petrol costs about $1.50 (€1.43) per litre.
- The annual Compulsory Car Insurance (SOA) varies by insurer, ranging between $135-300 (€128-286).
- The most popular car in Costa Rica is the Toyota Corolla. A new one can cost up to $20,000 (€19,000).
Healthcare costs in Costa Rica
As a foreigner moving to Costa Rica, you can access the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) if you’re employed by a local company, registered as self-employed, able to pay CCSS monthly contributions, or if you’re in a vulnerable situation during your residency.
You’ll have access to medical care in public hospitals and clinics, but waiting times and quality vary. Private healthcare costs can hit your wallet hard. Here are some prices:
| Medical consultation | $77 (€70) |
| Specialists | $152 (€140) |
| Hospitalisation (per day) | $130 (€120) |
| Blood test | $135 (€125) |
| Medical emergencies | $122 (€110) |
Private medical costs in Costa Rica
Surgical procedures are particularly expensive. That’s why the best option is to get health insurance in Costa Rica. It guarantees immediate, quality care, not just in Costa Rica but globally, as many policies include worldwide coverage. It’s a necessary investment if you want peace of mind during your stay.
Internet and call plan prices in Costa Rica
Among Costa Rica’s telecom providers, Claro and Kölbi lead with prepaid and postpaid plans at competitive prices. Monthly internet service at Kölbi costs between $15 (€14) and $47 (€44) for 1-100 Mbps, plus $2 (€1.91) for the modem. Kölbi also offers “Ultra K” plans, whose price depends on chosen GBs, with social media access, unlimited minutes, and calls within the network. Plans range from $26 (€24) to $75 (€72) monthly.
If you want to stay connected while travelling, without buying SIM cards in each country, nothing beats having one company offering coverage in over 170 destinations with one eSIM. That’s exactly what you get with Costa Rica eSIM, which also includes:
- Activation with just one click.
- High-speed internet anytime.
- Fast, automatic monthly billing. Never run out of data!
- No roaming charges or surprise fees.
- Share internet with multiple devices.
- 24/7 support in several languages.
With Holafly’s monthly plans, you’ll get 25GB or unlimited data from $49.90 (€45.41). Choose the one that fits your trip best and avoid the stress of planning your next adventures.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Cost of living in Costa Rica: leisure activities
Costa Rica offers plenty of outdoor activities, flora, fauna, and gastronomy both in the city and deeper regions. For example, enjoying an afternoon at the cinema costs $5-8 (€4-7). Visiting the National Theatre costs $6.91 for foreign visitors.
You can’t leave Costa Rica without visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, a natural wonder. Entrance costs $18 (€17) for international visitors and includes access to the orchid garden nearby. The Chocolate and Coffee Tour at North Field costs about $50 (€45). It’s a must, as Costa Rica is well-known for these flavours.
Other fun, budget-friendly activities include visiting beaches and hiking for free in:
- Santa Teresa and Tamarindo beaches: perfect for surfing.
- Conchal beach: crystal-clear waters and shell-covered sand.
- Monteverde’s Cerros Amigos hike: free cloud-forest trail, perfect for trekking. At the top, there’s a viewpoint with stunning views, weather permitting.
If you’re not into extreme outdoor activities and prefer the gym, memberships start from $50 (€47). For relaxing days at home, streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime cost between $6 (€6) and $25 (€23) monthly. Overall, set aside $100-300 (€95-287) for entertainment in Costa Rica, depending on your tastes and how often you enjoy activities.
To conclude, the cost of living in Costa Rica, ranging from $1,200 (€1,144) to $2,000 (€1,908) monthly, is high compared with countries like Paraguay and Colombia. However, it’s compensated by quality of life: reliable services, easy access, strong sustainability commitment, and natural wonders. If it fits your budget, don’t miss the chance to experience life in this country full of volcanoes, beaches, and biodiversity.
