Costa Rica
Cost of living in San José
San José is Costa Rica's capital, in the Central Valley at about 1,170 m. Many newcomers live in surrounding cantons such as Escazú or Santa Ana rather than the city center, which changes rent and transport costs.
What it costs to live in San José
On an average lifestyle in a 1-bed apartment, San José comes to an estimated $1,640 a month: the 17th lowest of 19 cities and 53% above the median of this dataset ($1,073). Rent makes up 54% of the total. Compared with the median city, you would spend more on rent, groceries, transport, utilities, internet, coworking and entertainment.
| Lifestyle | Room | 1-bed apartment | Family apartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frugal | $780 | $1,160 | $1,645 |
| Average | $1,230 | $1,640 | $2,255 |
| Comfortable | $1,757 | $2,262 | $3,087 |
Every figure is a modeled estimate in US dollars, not an individually observed price. Q1–Q2 2026 data, not re-verified since. Methodology
Your budget in San José
Adjust the household, lifestyle and any category.
Monthly breakdown by category
One person, 1-bed apartment, average lifestyle. Median = the middle city of all 19.
| Category | San José | % of total | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $880 | 54% | $540 |
| Groceries | $280 | 17% | $200 |
| Transport | $65 | 4% | $40 |
| Utilities | $85 | 5% | $58 |
| Internet | $35 | 2% | $28 |
| Coworking | $140 | 9% | $100 |
| Entertainment | $155 | 9% | $100 |
| Total per month | $1,640 | 100% | $1,073 |
Housing in San José
Before signing, always ask about the deposit, any rent paid in advance, whether a guarantor is required and who pays utilities and building fees. These terms vary between landlords and are not fixed legal requirements.
Moving to San José
Visa and residency rules in Costa Rica depend on your nationality and circumstances. Always check the official website of Costa Rica's migration authority or its nearest consulate. Nothing on this page is legal advice.