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: ₡ 1,669,484
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: ₡ 763,781
  • Cost of living in San Jose, Costa Rica is more expensive than in 87% of cities in Latin America (5 out of 30)
  • Cost of living in San Jose, Costa Rica is cheaper than in 60% of cities in the World (114 out of 189)
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List of prices in San Jose, Costa Rica
Current as of Mar 2024.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district ₡ 7,179
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) ₡ 4,244
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast ₡ 2,104
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk ₡ 1,033
12 eggs, large ₡ 2,009
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes ₡ 1,170
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese ₡ 2,832
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples ₡ 1,735
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes ₡ 961
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket ₡ 972
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality ₡ 9,064
2 liters of coca-cola ₡ 1,602
Bread for 2 people for 1 day ₡ 887
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area ₡ 589,206
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area ₡ 339,942
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat ₡ 36,687
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area ₡ 378,343
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area ₡ 224,652
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio ₡ 21,419
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) ₡ 13,402
40” flat screen tv ₡ 192,502
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) ₡ 66,080
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) ₡ 4,562
Hourly rate for cleaning help ₡ 2,235
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) ₡ 40,515
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) ₡ 19,656
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) ₡ 54,687
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes ₡ 47,659
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new ₡ 14,778,300
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas ₡ 703
Monthly ticket public transport ₡ 23,869
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) ₡ 7,764
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) ₡ 3,485
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) ₡ 9,105
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) ₡ 34,202
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) ₡ 4,063
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) ₡ 2,666
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) ₡ 3,626
4 rolls of toilet paper ₡ 1,444
Tube of toothpaste ₡ 1,847
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city ₡ 7,136
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub ₡ 13,943
2 tickets to the movies ₡ 6,915
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) ₡ 14,072
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert ₡ 30,385
1 cocktail drink in downtown club ₡ 4,248
Cappuccino in expat area of the city ₡ 3,270
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) ₡ 1,607
Ipad wi-fi 128gb ₡ 347,355
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) ₡ 44
1 month of gym membership in business district ₡ 34,947
1 package of marlboro cigarettes ₡ 2,707
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 691 prices entered by 79 different people.
Latest price update: March 19, 2024

Moving to San Jose, Costa Rica with your children?

International Schools in San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose, CRI position in our World Ranking

the world
114th
out of 189
latin america
5th
out of 30

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

latin america
2nd
latin america
3rd
latin america
3rd
latin america
3rd
latin america
4th
latin america
4th

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International Cost of Living Index

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Prices recently added

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