Cost of Living in Atenas

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Atenas, can cost around $400 to $600 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the same area can cost around $800 to $1,200 per month.
Apartment Purchases	The price of purchasing an apartment in Atenas can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the property. On average, you can expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,000 per square meter in the city center. This means a 100 square meter apartment could cost between $150,000 and $200,000.
Transportation	Public transportation in Atenas is relatively affordable. A one-way ticket on local transport can cost around $1. A monthly pass can cost around $40. If you prefer to drive, gasoline costs around $1 per liter. The cost of a new car can vary greatly, but on average, you can expect to pay around $20,000 for a standard sedan.
Groceries	The cost of groceries in Atenas is relatively low compared to many other countries. For example, a liter of milk costs around $1.50, a loaf of bread costs around $2, and a dozen eggs cost around $2.50. A kilogram of local cheese can cost around $5, while a kilogram of chicken breast can cost around $7.
Restaurants	A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Atenas can cost around $5 to $10. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $30 to $50. A regular cappuccino can cost around $2.50.
Utilities	Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $60 to $100 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) can cost around $50 to $70 per month.
Private School Tuition	Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school. On average, you can expect to pay around $300 to $500 per month for preschool, $400 to $600 per month for elementary school, and $500 to $700 per month for middle school and high school. These costs can be higher for international schools or schools with specialized programs.

Please note that these are average costs and actual costs can vary based on various factors. It's also important to note that the cost of living in Atenas, like many places, can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Atenas

"The cost of living in Atenas is considered to be relatively affordable compared to many places in North America and Europe. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite reasonable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite affordable. Groceries in Atenas are relatively inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant is also quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive. Public transportation in Atenas is very affordable, with a one-way ticket on local transport costing very little. However, owning and maintaining a car can be more expensive due to the high cost of gasoline and car maintenance services. Healthcare in Atenas is also quite affordable, especially when compared to costs in the United States. Both public and private healthcare services are available, with the cost of a standard doctor's visit being quite reasonable. In terms of entertainment, the cost can vary. Activities like going to the cinema or enjoying a drink at a local bar are quite affordable. However, more tourist-oriented activities can be more expensive. Overall, the cost of living in Atenas, Costa Rica is quite affordable, especially when compared to many Western countries. However, it's important to note that costs can vary depending on lifestyle and personal spending habits," said one expat living in Atenas.

Can I live in Atenas on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Atenas for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is generally lower than in the US, but it's not dirt cheap. You'll need to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to non-essential items and entertainment. For housing, I'd recommend looking at neighborhoods like Barrio Jesus or Los Angeles. They're a bit more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent 2-bedroom house for around $500-$600 a month. On the other hand, areas like Roca Verde or Hacienda Atenas are more upscale and therefore more expensive. Unless you're willing to allocate a large portion of your budget to housing, I'd avoid these areas.When it comes to utilities, expect to pay around $100 a month for electricity, water, and internet. Food is relatively cheap if you stick to local produce and avoid imported goods. I spend around $300 a month on groceries. Eating out can be affordable too, with a meal at a local soda (Costa Rican diner) costing around $5-$7.Transportation is another area where you can save. Atenas is a small town and it's easy to get around on foot or by bike. If you need to travel further, public buses are cheap and reliable. Owning a car can be expensive due to high import taxes and gas prices.Healthcare is affordable and high quality in Costa Rica. As a resident, you'll have access to the public healthcare system, which costs around $75-$150 a month depending on your income. Private healthcare is also available and is still cheaper than in the US.The biggest sacrifice you'll have to make is probably on discretionary spending. Imported goods, electronics, and entertainment can be expensive. You'll need to be mindful of your spending in these areas and prioritize your needs over your wants. But overall, I've found that the quality of life in Atenas is excellent and the cost of living is manageable on a $1,500 a month budget," commented an expat living in Atenas.

Can I live in Atenas on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Atenas for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you'll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious neighborhoods. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. Atenas is known for its affordable cost of living. You can find a decent two-bedroom house for around $600 to $800 a month. The neighborhoods of Barrio Mercedes, Barrio Los Angeles, and Barrio San Jose are quite affordable and still offer a good standard of living. They're close to the town center, so you'll have easy access to markets, restaurants, and other amenities. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Roca Verde and Hacienda Atenas are more upscale and therefore more expensive. They offer larger homes with modern amenities and stunning views, but you might find the rent to be above your budget. Groceries can cost you around $300 to $400 a month, depending on your eating habits. Local markets are a great place to buy fresh produce at a lower cost. As for utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, you're looking at around $200 a month. Healthcare is another area where you can save money. Costa Rica has an excellent healthcare system and the cost is significantly lower than in the U.S. A visit to a private doctor usually costs around $50, while a specialist might charge around $80. Transportation is also quite affordable. You can get around town in a taxi for a few dollars, or take the bus for even less. If you decide to buy a car, keep in mind that cars are more expensive in Costa Rica due to import taxes. As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable or even free activities to enjoy. You can explore the beautiful nature, visit local markets, or enjoy cultural events. In conclusion, while you might have to make some sacrifices, living in Atenas, Costa Rica on $3,000 a month is definitely doable. You just need to budget wisely and be willing to adapt to a slightly different lifestyle," said one expat living in Atenas.

Can I live in Atenas on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Atenas for a few years now and I can tell you that it's absolutely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might find that you're living a more luxurious lifestyle than you did back home. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many parts of the US or Europe. For example, you can rent a nice, modern home in a safe neighborhood for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. If you're looking for something more upscale, you might pay up to $2,000 a month, but that would get you a luxury villa with a pool and a stunning view. The neighborhoods of Roca Verde and Hacienda Atenas are popular with expats and offer modern, comfortable homes at a reasonable price. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Vista Atenas and Lomas del Paraiso are more upscale and therefore more expensive. When it comes to groceries, you can expect to spend around $400 to $500 a month if you shop at the local markets and eat like a local. If you prefer imported goods and eat out frequently, your food budget might be closer to $800 a month. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will likely cost you around $200 a month. Keep in mind that air conditioning can significantly increase your electricity bill, but many people find that they don't need it due to Atenas' mild climate. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot of money. The public healthcare system in Costa Rica is excellent and very affordable. For a small monthly fee, you can have access to all the healthcare services you need. If you prefer private healthcare, you can get a comprehensive health insurance plan for around $100 a month. As for transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to high import taxes. However, public transportation is reliable and cheap, and taxis are also a good option. If you do decide to buy a car, you should budget around $200 a month for gas and maintenance. In terms of entertainment, there's plenty to do in Atenas and the surrounding areas. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and visiting the beach, or you can explore the local culture by visiting museums, art galleries, and local markets. Most of these activities are either free or very affordable. Of course, everyone's lifestyle and spending habits are different, but in my experience, $5,000 a month is more than enough to live comfortably in Atenas, Costa Rica. You might have to make some adjustments, like getting used to public transportation or eating more local food, but overall, I think you'll find that the quality of life here is excellent," commented an expat living in Atenas.