Cost of living in San Jose, Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Summary of cost of living in San Jose, Costa Rica

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: ₡ 1,753,401
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: ₡ 772,721
  • San Jose, Costa Rica is the 3rd most expensive city in Latin America (3 out of 28)
  • Cost of living in San Jose, Costa Rica is more expensive than in 59% of cities in the World (63 out of 153)
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List of prices in San Jose, Costa Rica
Current as of Jan 2025.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district ₡ 6,804
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) ₡ 4,601
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast ₡ 2,681
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk ₡ 1,101
12 eggs, large ₡ 2,089
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes ₡ 1,272
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese ₡ 3,451
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples ₡ 1,694
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes ₡ 1,325
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket ₡ 1,082
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality ₡ 8,100
2 liters of coca-cola ₡ 1,623
Bread for 2 people for 1 day ₡ 899
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area ₡ 553,149
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area ₡ 332,037
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat ₡ 43,944
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area ₡ 461,548
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area ₡ 256,808
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio ₡ 33,666
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) ₡ 17,163
40” flat screen tv ₡ 196,837
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) ₡ 79,023
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) ₡ 4,255
Hourly rate for cleaning help ₡ 2,710
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) ₡ 34,564
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) ₡ 21,328
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) ₡ 60,028
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes ₡ 75,077
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new ₡ 16,366,400
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas ₡ 707
Monthly ticket public transport ₡ 25,365
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) ₡ 8,541
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) ₡ 4,885
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) ₡ 9,654
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) ₡ 37,178
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) ₡ 4,966
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) ₡ 3,447
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) ₡ 4,169
4 rolls of toilet paper ₡ 1,710
Tube of toothpaste ₡ 2,118
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city ₡ 9,668
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub ₡ 18,139
2 tickets to the movies ₡ 7,361
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) ₡ 16,473
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert ₡ 36,290
1 cocktail drink in downtown club ₡ 5,335
Cappuccino in expat area of the city ₡ 3,395
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) ₡ 1,398
Ipad wi-fi 128gb ₡ 341,176
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) ₡ 40
1 month of gym membership in business district ₡ 38,916
1 package of marlboro cigarettes ₡ 2,504
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 664 prices entered by 81 different people.
Latest price update: January 17, 2025

Moving to San Jose, Costa Rica with your children?

International Schools in San Jose, Costa Rica

Did you know that ...

San Jose, CRI position in our World Ranking

the world
63rd
out of 153
latin america
3rd
out of 28

Cheapest and most expensive products in San Jose, CRI compared to other cities:

the world
2nd
the world
3rd
the world
3rd
the world
4th
the world
5th
latin america
2nd

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