Costa Rica Country Guide
Everything you need to know about moving to Costa Rica
Cost of Living in Costa Rica Compared to the U.S. & Canada
Costa Rica can be more affordable, but it depends on how and where you live
Costa Rica offers a diverse range of lifestyles and living costs, so it is important for American and Canadian expats to carefully consider their budget when relocating. It’s a common misconception that the cost of living in Costa Rica is significantly cheaper than in North America. The reality depends on various factors, including your where and how you choose to live.
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Key Cost Considerations for Expats in Costa Rica
Here are some key cost considerations to take into account when creating your budget:
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1. Rent: The real estate market in many parts of Costa Rica has experienced substantial growth in recent years, making long-term rentals increasingly challenging to secure. Rental prices can vary significantly between high and low tourist seasons, with monthly rates sometimes dropping by as much as 50% from April to November. For instance, a basic one-room apartment may cost around $700, while a well-appointed three-bedroom house could reach approximately $2,500 per month.
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2. Health Care: Costa Rica provides high-quality and reasonably priced health care services. As a resident, you can access the government-run healthcare system, known as Caja, which requires contributions based on your income. Alternatively, using private clinics may involve out-of-pocket expenses, such as around $50 for an x-ray, $25-50 for a doctor’s visit, or an MRI for around $325. Discount programs like Medismart, that charge a monthly fee in exchange for discounted prices on certain medical ticket items, are popular with many expats.
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3. Transportation: Public transportation within metropolitan areas is both abundant and cost-effective, with a round-trip bus journey from San Jose to the beach typically costing $10. However, many expats choose to own a car in Costa Rica, which is generally more expensive than you expect to find in the US or Canada. This often leads Americans to shop for used vehicles in Costa Rica, which can be 20-50%Â more expensive than what they would pay in the United States or Canada for a comparable vehicle.
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4. Food: The cost of imported foods and dining at expat-oriented restaurants can be relatively high. Nevertheless, eating out in local eateries remains significantly cheaper compared to some places in North America. Opting for local products like rice, chicken, and fruit proves to be more budget-friendly, with items like a pineapple costing around $1.50 and a pound of snapper approximately $10. A typical lunch at a local soda, including rice, beans, vegetables, and a meat portion, often costs about $5 in most areas.
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Understanding these nuances can help expats make informed decisions about their cost of living in Costa Rica and create realistic budgets for their new life in this vibrant and diverse country. Keep in mind, too, that prices for all goods varies dramatically between more local, rural areas, and developed, touristic areas.
Costa Rica Cost of Living Calculator
Use our Costa Rica cost of living calculator to determine how much YOUR monthly budget would be in Costa Rica. Explore sample budgets in different locations throughout the country!
Please note: The guidance in this calculator provides a high-level directional estimate of what your expenses may be, and is not designed to exactly predict your monthly expenses. Cost of living in any country will vary depending on where and how you choose to live. This calculator uses averages of many expats currently living in Costa Rica. If you work with StartAbroad, we can develop a detailed budget that is customized for your lifestyle and needs.
Sample Budget #1: San Jose
Please note: these sample budgets are directional only. The town you live in, changing prices, and your lifestyle will all influence your ultimate budget.
Living in San Jose for Two People per Month (USD)
Sample Budget #2: Ojochal
Please note: these sample budgets are directional only. The town you live in, changing prices, and your lifestyle will all influence your ultimate budget.
Living in Ojochal for Two People per Month (USD)
Sample Budget #3: Tamarindo
Please note: these sample budgets are directional only. The town you live in, changing prices, and your lifestyle will all influence your ultimate budget.
Living in Tamarindo for Two People per Month (USD)
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Helpful resources
U.S. Passport for a Child Born Abroad: Registering a Birth in Costa Rica with the U.S. Embassy
Costa Rica client reviews
We would highly recommend using StartAbroad for your relocation needs… [Their relocation] program is very comprehensive and they anticipated our every needs to make sure that our move went smoothly.
We would have made many mistakes on our own… [StartAbroad was] worth every penny and now looking back we can’t imagine having made this move without their assistance.
Clay & Sarah (& Sam)
Costa Rica Concierge Clients
It was an ultimate pleasure working with StartAboard, from start to finish they took care of every minor detail. Their service took loads of pressure off my hands as you can imagine all the small details and variables you have to consider when moving to a different country.
I would highly recommend StartAboard if you are looking to relocate.
Reggie W.
Costa Rica Concierge Client
[The team at] StartAbroad were absolutely fantastic…Â These guys saved our family so much time – it’s quite difficult to quantify the value of their service. One thing for sure, for the small amount that they charged us for facilitating our digital nomad visas – in comparison to the huge amount of time we saved, is substantial!
Very pleasant to work with, very professional, clearly they care very much about what they are doing and their work reflects this.Â
Mateo
Digital Nomad Visa Support
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