From the cost of housing to the price of healthcare, here’s everything you need to know about the cost of living in Costa Rica. It’s important to know that security in Costa Rica is still developing. I traveled the continent in the era of Arthur Frommer’s Europe on $5 a day but the same trip would be closer to $80-$100 per person per day now. A week of vacation in Costa Rica costs between $850 and $1,450 for an average traveler in mid-priced hotels, lodges or rental houses and doing standard tours (assuming double occupancy). Alcohol and a few other things we haven’t included because they’re unpredictable or optional. Advance reservations are recommended unless you’re traveling in the off season. What are the Most Expensive Countries in the World to Live In? A lot of my transportation was included in … The categories above should give you a pretty good idea of what you can expect to get based on how much you have to spend but we’ve also looked at figuring a budget. For the average expat, expect to spend closer to $1,500 or $2,000, which is relatively cheap compared to the United States. Outside of the city center, expect to pay $415 per month USD. You can buy a local one-way ticket for a mere $0.66. Splurges. Define Expatriate – What is an Expat Anyway? That being said, Costa Rica is still pretty safe when compared to some of its more violent neighbors. Most direct flights from the U.S. to Costa Rica originate in Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles or Denver. Copyright © 2021, International Citizens Group, Inc. Expat Forums, Twitter and Social Networks, How to Move Abroad to Popular Expat Locations, Work Abroad – Advice for International Jobs, Staying Healthy Abroad While Living abroad, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), The Cost of Living in London for Travelers and Expats, Understanding the Cost of Living in Dubai, Best International Countries and Cities to Live in. A single person estimated monthly costs are 661.92$ (405,469.94₡) without rent. The costs per person per day or per week do NOT include airfare (see why) and do NOT include alcohol or other incidentals. We’ve written a separate article on family budgets for Costa Rica vacations that will help provide an accurate estimate. Choose Price Range: Cheap | Economical | Superior. Because it’s so easy for individuals to find their own airfare bargains, travel packages almost never include airfare. Regardless of where you settle down, the overall cost of living is relatively low when compared to the United States and much of Europe. Best Places to See Wildlife in Costa Rica, no obligation custom trip plan & price quote. #5 Best Value in Costa Rica that matches your filters “ The positives- beautiful grounds, ample pools (hot and cool), great animal exhibits, excellent poolside bar (with great food and drinks), a/c worked great in our large room , breakfast buffet was terrific, comfy beds. With private insurance, policyholders receive quicker access to care and a more extensive selection of doctors. By day visitors can challenge themselves with a surf lesson, cool off under a waterfall at Rincón de la … Total trip cost of $1,100 to $1,700 per person plus incidentals assuming double occupancy. Cell phone. Increased convenience, reliability, and efficiency are all included in the higher price ranges. To give you an idea of some of the costs of everyday items in Costa Rica, we’ve put together a short list of the things students may be paying for while studying overseas. Estimates below assume at least double occupancy so if you’re a solo traveler adjust accordingly. These prices are somewhat high compared to the United States, but you’ll undoubtedly save money in other areas (like housing). Where you’ll see the most significant difference in pricing is in housing costs. Flying into the other international airport outside Liberia (LIR) near the northwest beaches of Guanacaste is used to be more expensive but now prices are similar. Of course if you want a fishing charter and 18 holes of golf with a caddie every day you can push the budget even higher. Budget travelers can survive on around $30 – $50 USD per day. Backpackers do a bit better in Costa Rica but five bucks won’t get you through the first couple of hours of an average day. When it comes to drinks, a cappuccino will cost you about $2.65. Some single people scrape by on considerably less, and others … The average per day costs include food, lodging, activities and transportation within Costa Rica. It’s more expensive in San Jose than smaller, more rural towns, for example. Cost of living, of course, depends on lifestyle. In Costa Rica you can use US dollars to pay for hotel rooms, midrange to top-end meals, admission fees for sights, tours, domestic flights, international buses, car hire, private shuttle buses and big-ticket purchases. The cost of travel in Costa Rica is higher than other Central American countries, but can be kept to a reasonable rate if you stay off of the main drag of the touristy areas while dining or lodging. Well educated residents and low cost labor make country interesting for investments. For those who enjoy cooking at home, groceries run the price gamut, and depend heavily on whether you consume imported or local goods. A 12-ounce bottle of imported beer runs about $4.13 in a bar. This price range requires public buses, dormitories or hostels and grocery stores or fast food. These expenses including your medical care, housing, food needs, and transportation costs. Dinner for two in a nicer restaurant averages $41.30. So--after all these years I can actually SHOW people what we do. It boasts many of the country’s popular beaches, including Playa del Coco, Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal and the Papagayo Peninsula. A single person can live on between $1,400 and $1,700 a month. For some travel related items the tax will phase it at 4% for 2020, 8% for 2021 and 13% for 2022. Le Costa Rica a défini six régions socio-économiques, ou régions fonctionnelles, déterminées par le décret exécutif n ° 7944 du 26 janvier 1978, en liaison avec la planification économique … Double your budget one more time and you’ve bought yourself luxurious surroundings and pampering, a day of deep sea fishing or scuba diving to add to your activities and a domestic flight to give you an extra day on the beach instead of in the car. If you’re not sure where you’d like to live, we’ve outlined the best cities in each Costa Rican province. Reservations are not accepted at most accommodations in this price range and public transportation in Costa Rica is first come first served (no online reservation systems). $220 – $420 per person ground costs for 8 to 10 days after adding minimal transportation from airport to beach. The average salary after taxes in Costa Rica is $772, which is enough to cover living expenses for 0.9 months. Boy this pandemic has been interesting. Families with small children will find some savings available especially if everyone piles into the same room. ECONOMY COSTA RICA The main industries in Costa Rica are eco-tourism, software development, financial outsourcing, and pharmaceutical. Cost of Living in Costa Rica The cost of living in Costa Rica is $874, which is 1.19 times more expensive than the world average. Of course, some of these will not be everyday expenses, and others may be built into your program or homestay. Otherwise there are, Rental Car Insurance and damage waivers. That breaks down to a median monthly expense of $1,500 per month for an individual retiree or $36,000 per year for a couple. International Retirement: The Best Places to Retire Abroad. How To Empty Your Bowels Each Morning (1 min Routine) Watch later. How much should I budget for groceries in Costa Rica? Using airport ATMs and paying international transaction fees could add up to 10% to your total cost so we recommend. Flexibility while traveling is key to saving money. Review Coverage from the Best Companies and Request a Quote Today, What are the Most Expensive Countries in the World to Live In? If you plan to stay pretty much in one place, just want a dorm bed each night ($10-18), a couple of plates of rice and beans ($3-5) each day and can entertain yourself by walking along the beach you can probably get by for around $20 to $40 a day. The average cost of building a house in Costa Rica is about $125-150 Square Foot. The descriptions below give a good general idea of how much it will cost to travel in Costa Rica in 2020. Best, and Safest, Places to Live, or Retire, In Mexico! And when you need to take a taxi, expect to spend $1.87 per mile, plus a $1.07 base fare. Click the section to skip to it. The price of the trip will be affected primarily by the type of accommodation you choose, and the kind (and the number) of activities that are included in the tour. $400 to $590 per person for 7 days…$600 to $850 for 10 days plus super cheap airfare $450-$550 (usually requires flexible dates and some luck) for a total trip cost that could be under $1,000 per person plus incidentals. This post will give you an in-depth look and a well rounded idea of your Costa Rica travel expenses but remember, much of it also depends on the type of vacation you’re looking for. Transportation Costs in Costa Rica. We’ve seen round trip tickets priced from $250 to $850 from these gateway cities to the main airport in San José Costa Rica (SJO) for 2019. Here is our detailed guide to the cost of traveling in Costa Rica from food, activities, transportation, lodging and more. Best, and Safest, Places to Live, or Retire, In Mexico! I spent about $75. Alcohol. Family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,390.49$ (1,464,324.22₡) without rent. That was for two people (my boyfriend and myself). Le Costa Rica (prononcé [kɔs.ta ʁi.ka] ; littéralement « Côte riche »), en forme longue la république du Costa Rica, en espagnol República de Costa Rica, est une république constitutionnelle unitaire d'Amérique centrale ayant un régime présidentiel. I spent exactly 14 days in Costa Rica and spent a total of 672,773.99 Colones or roughly $1,175.24 USD. If you enjoy working out at the gym, a monthly membership to a fitness club will set you back approximately $58.40. The rate is determined when you make payments, not when you travel so consider saving with reservations well in advance. Cost of living in San Jose, Costa Rica … Even t-shirts can run $25 so if you have children, grand kids, nieces and nephews it can add up fast. Internet and Wi-Fi access costs an extra $78. Use the average cost of lodging, transportation, tours & activities, add in food & drink costs then see our suggestions on how to get the cheapest airline tickets to come up with a total cost of travel for your family or group. Healthcare in Costa Rica consistently ranks among the best in the world and often places higher than the United States. Move up to a private room and a hot water shower ($50-$150 double), a guide with a spotting scope to point out the birds while you’re hiking in the National Park ($25 to $40 pp), a couple of days with a 4×4 rental ($45-$80 per day depending on location, duration time of year and insurance options) to check out an off the beaten path destination and a white water rafting trip ($60-$100) and you’ve about doubled the money again. Souvenirs and shopping. If you’d like to try a canopy tour ($70), rent a surf board ($15), take a hike through a National Park ($7-$25 entrance + $25 to $40 pp for a guide), add a couple of beers ($2-$4) with your evening meal ($8-$15 to step up from rice and beans) and hop on the public bus ($4-16) to check out a few different areas you should double your budget to at least $50 per person per day. Calculated from travelers like you The average price for one person for... Food Budget in Costa Rica. Most expats in Costa Rica can live comfortably on $1,000 to $1,500 USD per month. You could also do it for A LOT … Most custom agency planned vacations start when you’re met by a driver at the airport in Costa Rica and end when you’re dropped off for your departing flight. COST OF LIVING IN COSTA RICA 2020, Living in Costa Rica on a Budget, $1,000 a month - is it Possible - YouTube. Little costs can add up to between $50 and $600 per couple (airport taxi or car service $80 x2, public transport to airport $8 x 4, airport parking $120 per week, one checked bag each RT $50 x 4, one carry-on each $25 x 4, seat assignment $25 x 4, wi-fi $5 x 4 hours etc. At sodas, the Costa Rican version of the neighborhood mom-and-pop, a full meal plus natural fruit drink will only run you $2-4. The range of this amount is determined by age, gender, and other factors, such as underlying … Even if you love planning and want to make all of your own reservations and arrangements it’s worth talking to someone who knows the country and can help you avoid mistakes like signing up for a week at an All Inclusive resort six hours away from the cloud forest you want to see. Reservations are not accepted at most accommodations in this price range and public transportation in Costa Rica is first come first served (no online reservation systems). Costa Rica Cost of Living – Utilities Costs. The answer to this question is going to depend on your personal preferences. Local meals and drinks, domestic bus fares, taxis and small purchases should be paid for in … Many hotels and lodges in this price range accept reservations and you may be able to find some VRBO or other rental houses or condos that are affordable if you have 3-4 people in your group. Local fruits and veggies – at most farmer’s markets or fruit and veggie stands, you can get a BIG bag of fruits and veg for under $20. If the thought of driving in Costa Rica scares you, the country has a reliable and affordable public bus system. Twelve doses of antibiotics cost about $40. miraculously low airfare at $250-$350 round trip, insurance and/or waiver offered by the rental agency, average cost of lodging, transportation, tours & activities, Costa Rica Travel Budget & Cost Calculator. NOTE: July 1, 2019 – Costa Rica imposed a new 13% value added tax. How Much Does Costa Rica Cost? [custom_script adID=149] I keep a record of every single dime, cent and Costa Rican colone that has been spent living in great comfort here in Escazú, in Costa Rica. Flexibility while traveling is key to saving money. In the big city, lunch for one person in an inexpensive restaurant will only set you back about $7.22. Costa Rica has a universal government-run healthcare system for citizens and permanent residents (you can apply to be a permanent resident after three years of temporary residency). And it’s not just great for retirees; young people flock to Costa Rica for its unbelievable weather, beautiful beaches, and welcoming community. Cost of living in San Jose, Costa Rica is 35% more expensive than in Bogotá. There’s nearly always an unexpected expensive day when the cheapest hostel is full so you have to  step up or the bus schedule was wrong so you have to blow $40 on a taxi. First off, it’s in Central America, and that means it has all the flavor and fun of living in Latin America. The average cost to retire in Costa Rica is about $18,000 per year. Let’s talk nat… An evening showing at the movies is about $5.06 per ticket. Meals and transportation can also affect the cost of the trip but to a lesser degree. Ask a Costa Rican expat what they love best about their life and you’ll receive answers as varied as the country’s topography. If you decide to take a helicopter ride along the coast or upgrade to a beachfront suite you could spend an extra few hundred bucks in a few minutes. Even though the country has universal healthcare, many citizens and expats opt for private health insurance in Costa Rica. Compared to the U.S., rent in Costa Rica is 60% lower. When it comes to medication, a six-day supply of cold medicine, such as Tylenol, costs $6. It’s that time of the year when I look back and analyze the costs of living in my home/office and see if I actually made any money this year. Here is a breakdown of your Costa Rica travel budget. Typically we tell people to figure on $600 to $800 a month. Mistakes. I would say we were mid-range spenders on this trip. If you have very flexible dates or plan at least 6 months in advance you may be able to find airfare as low as $450 per person but a more reasonable estimate is probably $600-$700. Need International Health Insurance? You can retire to Costa Rica without much in savings. That might seem like a crazy high number but it’s going to depend on how you eat, and what you eat. Beachfront accommodations and high dollar activities like deep sea fishing will quickly push the budget over $2,500. Check this out!---Good to see this photo function!! Costa Rica is consistently recognized as one of the best places to retire. For those that prefer to cook at home, you can expect to pay $0.96 for a one-pound bag of potatoes, $0.89 for one pound of rice, and $3.55 for one pound of chicken breast. Costa Rica may be more expensive than some other Central American countries, but you can certainly experience the country on a backpacker’s budget if you take the time to investigate low-cost sleeping options like camping, hostels and small eco guest houses. But in many ways Costa Rica is much more affordable than back home. Tuition costs about $80 per credit hour for undergraduates, and $140 for graduate students, plus miscellaneous fees of around $100 per year. The University of Costa Rica, which offers more than 100 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, is Costa Rica’s highest ranking public university. A Toyota Corolla or a similar vehicle is about $25,000. How much does it cost to travel in Costa Rica? A short 15-minute visit to a doctor costs about $70. With rent costing 60% less than rent in the United States, it’s an excellent way for expats, especially retirees, to get the best bang for their buck. Outside of tourist areas, locals pay a little less. A monthly pass costs $49.56. $1,925 to $5,000 ground costs per person for 7 days plus airfare. The roads and traffic in Costa Rica are notorious, so if you do plan on driving in the city, practice defensive driving and make safety your top concern. Expatriate Resources, 18 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA 02043, USA | info@internationalcitizens.com. You could definitely do it a lot cheaper by cooking your own meals and staying in dorms or other shared accommodation. $1,200 to $1,600 per person ground costs for 7 days plus airfare and incidentals. Expense Estimated Cost Meals $5 to $10 - inexpensive meal (more expensive in San Jose) $25 to $45 - date at … That may sound expensive, but remember, Costa Rica has some of the best coffee in the world. If you’re not flying from one of the cities with direct service you’ll pay an additional $100-$200 for the first leg of your flight so anything under $500 round trip to SJO and anything under $550 round trip to LIR from cities like New York or Chicago is a great deal. One of the most variable numbers in your budget will be the cost of international airfare to get there (see tips on saving). Add miraculously low airfare at $250-$350 round trip (requires extremely flexible dates and a lot of luck) and you may be able to visit for under $500 per person plus incidentals. Once again, these prices assume that you’re in a more expensive area. On the other end of the spectrum, backpackers can spend as little as $250 a week for a dorm room and plate of beans. A gallon of gas will cost you $3.91. Food costs in Costa Rica largely depend on personal preferences. Cost of living in Costa Rica is, on average, 29.63% lower than in United States. Costa Rica is administratively divided into seven provinces which are subdivided into 82 cantons, and these are further subdivided into districts.Cantons are the only administrative division in Costa Rica that possess local government in the form of municipalities.Each municipality has its own mayor and several representatives, all of them chosen via municipal elections every four years. Cost of living in San Jose, Costa Rica is 16% more expensive than in Mexico City. Dental tourism in Costa Rica is on the rise, in fact, Costa Rica welcomed around 50,000 medical tourists in 2015. A budget of around $200 per person per day buys you a great vacation in Costa Rica with superior lodging ($125-$275) in unique settings, comfortable transportation (either chauffeured or rental SUV) and enough tours and activities to discover the best of Costa Rica and get back to the lodge happily exhausted each night. The cost of living in Costa Rica varies depending on where you decide to settle down. Pineapples can be bought for $1-$2, bananas are between 10 and 17 cents each usually, and papaya, mango, watermelon, coconuts, cucumbers, onions, … There are moments where you may feel unsure but we believe that most of the time and most areas in Costa Rica are safe. Costa Rica is an incredible place to live, and if you’re looking to move somewhere where you can stretch your dollar, it should be near the top of your list. Looking at Costa Rica and wondering how much homes costs?? If you can live without it you can save a lot. Accommodation Budget in Costa Rica. Overall, the cost of living in Costa Rica is 26.6% lower than living in the United States. The average cost for private health insurance through the government-back INS is 34,000-141,500 CRC (60-250 USD) per month. The upper price ranges above include a beer or glass of wine with a meal, but if you’re going to spend an entire afternoon sipping $16 Piña Coladas under a palm tree or order $200 bottles of wine then increase your budget accordingly. If you prefer a larger place in the heart of San Jose, you can rent a three-bedroom apartment for about $940 each month. Most expats in Costa Rica can live comfortably on $1,000 to $1,500 USD per month. Share. Resources for International Citizens and Expatriates. Cost of living in San Jose, Costa Rica is 58% more expensive than in Buenos Aires. Food and entertainment costs are also rather affordable. If you decide to live outside of the capital, rent prices decrease dramatically. $630 to $1,050 ground costs per person  for 7 days  plus airfare. Basic utilities, such as heat, water, and electricity, will cost you an additional $73 per month in a one-bedroom apartment. Mistakes can be very costly so, Nickle and Dime. If you choose a more remote environment, rent can be more than half the price of a comparable apartment in San Jose. I told people about 2 weeks before this started that it may be a good idea to take some of the profit in stocks and diversify! This price range requires public buses, dormitories or hostels and grocery stores or fast food. Costa Rica ranked 82nd out of 197 countries by cost of living and the 63rd best country to live in. If you don’t have a favorite flight searcher (or even if you do) we recommend kayak.com for quick comprehensive searches of dozens of airlines lowest fares with flexible dates. We always use the, Excess banking fees. In the center of San Jose, the largest and most expensive city in the country, a one-bedroom apartment costs about $491 per month. Imported products cost almost 50% more. Costa Ricans live up to this, with a welcoming and inclusive culture—in many towns, the expats fold right into the fabric of everyday life. International Retirement: The Best Places to Retire Abroad Expat? Petty theft (pickpocketing around tourist areas/on public transport) definitely happens. The economical price range introduces some latitude and allows choices of transportation and lodging. ). The combination of breath-taking white-sand beaches, sweeping mountain views and an ideal tropical climate has made Guanacaste one of Costa Rica’s most popular regions. It is much cheaper than a taxi. The country make more earnings from tourism then all three main exports: coffee, bananas, and pineapples. A week-long vacation in Costa Rica can cost anything from $1400 to over $2500 per person. Regardless of where you settle down, the overall cost of living is relatively low when compared to the United States and much of Europe. How much does it cost to travel to Costa Rica? There’s a lot to love about this spot in Central America. This of course, is based on a normal size house, on an average lot. At a moderately-priced sit-down restaurant, a salad, main course and glass of wine will cost $15-20 per person. Define Expatriate – What is an Expat Anyway? Like all countries, the cost of living in Costa Rica depends on when you live.