San Jose, Costa Rica

Trust 47

Country

Costa Rica

Relocation

About San Jose, Costa Rica

Costs exclude rent

Single / month

$597

Family of 4 / mo

$1,545

Avg salary (after tax)

$1,030

San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica , is a vibrant place full of culture and history. Nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, it has a lively atmosphere that attracts many visitors. The city is known for its friendly people and colorful buildings.

Data aggregated from public cost-of-living sources. See About for methodology.· Wikipedia · San José, Costa Rica· Updated May 22, 2026

Cost breakdown by category

Cost breakdown

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Fashion

Men's Dress ShoesUSD $103.88
Classic Jeans (e.g., Levi's 501)USD $76.45
Summer Dress from Chain Stores (e.g., Zara, H&M)USD $46.68
Midrange Nike Running ShoesUSD $105.24

Financial

Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed)USD $0.02
Average Monthly Salary After TaxUSD $913.41

Food - Beverages

Soft Drinks (350 ml Bottle)USD $1.75
Imported Beer (Small Bottle)USD $5.25
Local Draft Beer (Pint)USD $2.42
Bottled Water (350 ml)USD $1.7
CappuccinoUSD $2.88

Food - Dining

Casual Dining ExperienceUSD $10.06
Upscale Dinner for TwoUSD $48.09
Fast Food ComboUSD $7.86

Food - Grocery

Beef Round (1 kg)USD $10.81
Apples (1 kg)USD $3.9
Bananas (1 kg)USD $1.21
Oranges (1 kg)USD $2.06
Tomatoes (1 kg)USD $2.58
Potatoes (1 kg)USD $1.93
Onions (1 kg)USD $2.43
Lettuce (1 Head)USD $0.98
Bottled Water (1.5L)USD $1.87
Midrange Bottle of WineUSD $13.12
Marlboro (20-Pack)USD $4.38
Chicken Fillets (1 kg)USD $7.12
Local Cheese (1 kg)USD $7.75
Dozen EggsUSD $2.55
White Rice (1 kg)USD $2
Fresh White Bread (1 kg)USD $3.72
Milk (1 litre)USD $1.78

Housing

Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments in City CenterUSD $199.87
Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $796.95
Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $484.43
Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $1,409
Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $924.13
Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments Outside City CenterUSD $147.75

Leisure

Monthly Fee for Fitness Club Membership (1 Adult)USD $54.29
Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)USD $23.51
Cinema Ticket (International Release)USD $6.99
Monthly Fee for Private Kindergarten (1 Child)USD $362.48
Yearly Cost for International Primary School (1 Child)USD $7,971

Transportation

Average Taxi Fare for 1 kmUSD $2.11
Average Rate to Start a Taxi RideUSD $1.19
Average Price of a New Compact Hatchback CarUSD $27,977
1 Hour Taxi WaitUSD $6.61
Average Monthly Cost of Public Transport PassUSD $34.22
Average Price of a New Sedan CarUSD $28,896
One-Way Local Transport FareUSD $0.83

Utilities (Monthly)

Internet Service (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited)USD $54.85
Average Monthly Cost for Essential Utilities in a 915 sq. ft. ApartmentUSD $71.48