Cost of Living in Costa Rica: Rent, Housing & Income

Costa Rica is a popular destination for retirees and remote workers from the United States, and its price level reflects that. Tourist areas and expatriate towns cost more than rural regions and Costa Rican cities that foreigners rarely visit. The numbers below describe the country broadly, so they will not match the Pacific beach town or the Central Valley suburb you have in mind.

Figures are crowd-sourced estimates from Numbeo and Livingcost, shown in US dollars after conversion from the colon.

The World Bank's price level ratio for Costa Rica was 59.1 in 2025, with the U.S. at 100. At market exchange rates, the same basket of goods and services cost about 59% of its U.S. price.

GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, was 33,815 international dollars in 2025 (U.S.: 90,027 international dollars in 2025). Consumer prices fell 0.1% in 2025 (U.S.: 2.9% in 2024).

Numbeo lists $961.40/mo excluding rent. Livingcost lists $752/mo excluding rent and $1,402/mo including it. The two non-rent figures differ by a meaningful amount, so a budget built on the low number can run short if you eat out and import groceries.

A one bedroom apartment in a city centre is listed at $438.96 – $1,750.41/mo, with a typical value of $851.45/mo. Outside the centre the range is $384.09 – $1,097.40/mo, with a typical value of $651.59/mo.

Three bedroom homes are listed at $987.66 – $3,000/mo in a centre and $658.44 – $2,000/mo outside it. The top of those ranges likely belongs to tourist-oriented areas and gated communities.

Where people choose to live

The Central Valley, with San Jose and surrounding towns, has the most services, hospitals and shops, and a spring-like climate through much of the year. Coastal towns on the Pacific and Caribbean sides have a beach lifestyle, a hotter climate and more seasonal rentals. Mountain towns offer cooler air and quieter days. Rental prices follow the demand from visitors, so a beachfront area with many foreign residents tends to sit near the top of the ranges.

Long-term rentals are commonly arranged through local agents, property groups and word of mouth. Ask for a written contract, clarify who pays for water and electricity, and have a local attorney review it.

Utilities for an 85 square meter apartment are listed at $57.74 – $219.48/mo, with a typical value of $95.03/mo. Electricity is a notable cost, especially if you use air conditioning in the hot lowlands.

A monthly public transport pass is listed at $65.84 – $85.60/mo. Buses cover most routes, but many residents of rural and beach areas rely on a car. Internet is listed at $58.41/mo, though service quality varies a lot by region.

An inexpensive restaurant meal, often a casado with rice, beans and a protein, is listed at $7.68 – $21.95 each. Tourist restaurants charge more. A liter of milk shows $2.38 each and a dozen large eggs show $4.01 each. Local farmers' markets sell fruit and vegetables, while imported products at supermarkets are more expensive.

It can feel pricey, and these numbers show where: rent and groceries lean higher in expatriate areas. Living like a local, with local food and public transport, brings the budget toward the lower figures. Living like a tourist pushes it toward the top.

Renting for a few months before buying anything is a common approach. That time lets you check the commute, the noise, the rainy-season conditions and the neighbors. Road quality varies, and some homes are cut off for stretches during heavy rain, so ask about access. Allow a cushion for deposits, furniture and a vehicle if you need one.

Two crowd-sourced sources disagreeing is normal. Numbeo's contributors may include more expatriates who buy imported groceries and eat in tourist areas, while Livingcost blends a wider mix of local prices. Neither is a precise measurement of your spending.

A practical method is to treat the lower figure as a frugal budget and the higher as a comfortable one. Frugal means local food, public buses, a modest rental and few imports. Comfortable means a car, regular restaurant meals, air conditioning and a nicer apartment. Your actual spending will probably land somewhere in the middle, and your first three months will show where.

• Health insurance and medical bills
• Residency application fees
• Vehicle purchase, import taxes and maintenance
• International school tuition
• Taxes

Residency categories and their requirements are specific. Check the official Costa Rican immigration site and consult a licensed attorney.