Costa Rica
Is the cost of living in Costa Rica high?
We asked people about the cost of living in Costa Rica, they wrote...
"The cost of living is less than most tourist towns. For example if you own a restaurant in a non-tourist town and your food is not good or overpriced, you will quickly go out of business. Yet many well know restaurants are located in Ojochal. Water is abundant and you never need heat and most don't use AC. The temperature is more temperate than many other areas in Costa Rica, because the largest lowland forest in all of the entire Pacific region starts in Ojochal and continues to the south. The largest mangrove estuary in all of Central America is just to the south as well - so there is lots of clean air. The newest hospital in the CAJA system is located just two towns to the south in Cortez -- so healthcare is close and inexpensive," remarked another expat who made the move to Ojochal, Costa Rica.
"The cost of living in Costa Rica is generally considered to be quite affordable, with prices being considerably lower than many other parts of Central America. However, some areas in Costa Rica have a much higher cost of living compared to the rest of the country. For example, cities like San Jose and certain areas in the Limon province tend to have prices that are higher than in more rural areas. On average, a nice one-bedroom apartment in the capital of San Jose costs around $650 per month in rent. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment usually ranges from $850 - $1,000 depending on the area. Eating at a moderately priced restaurant in Costa Rica typically ranges from $7 - $15 per person, depending on what is ordered," explained one expat living in Costa Rica.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Costa Rica?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Costa Rica?
- Will I be able to find a job in Costa Rica?
- What is life like in Costa Rica?
- What do expats in Costa Rica appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Costa Rica?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Costa Rica accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Costa Rica like?
- What are healthcare services like in Costa Rica?
- What are medical services in Costa Rica like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Costa Rica?
- What are emergency services like in Costa Rica?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Costa Rica?
- How are local medical facilities in Costa Rica?
- As a foreigner living in Costa Rica, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
Is the cost of living in Costa Rica high?
If you live in Costa Rica, newcomers to Costa Rica would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
