🇨🇷Cost of Living in San Jose
Costa Rica · Population: 342,188 · Cost Index: 42/100
Cost of Living in San Jose
Costa Rica · North America
Costa Rica's capital and largest city, San Jose sits in the fertile Central Valley surrounded by volcanic mountains. A popular base for expats drawn by the country's renowned biodiversity, universal healthcare, and pura vida lifestyle.
342,188
Population
42
Cost Index
48
Safety Index
62
Quality of Life
Average Monthly Cost: $1,100 (single person, excluding rent)
Cost Breakdown
Housing
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$650.001-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$420.003-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,100.003-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$700.00Food & Groceries
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$7.00Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$35.00McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$7.00Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.50Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.80Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.30Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.60Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.50Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.00Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.10Transportation
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$30.00One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.65Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.20Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.80Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20Utilities
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$75.00Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$15.00Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$40.00Healthcare
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$40.00Dentist Visit(per visit)
$45.00Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$10.00Entertainment
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$35.00Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$5.00Cappuccino(per cup)
$3.00Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$3.50Clothing
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$50.00Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$32.00Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$75.00Compare San Jose with another city
See how San Jose stacks up against any other city in our database.
Quick Facts
- Currency
- CRC
- Language
- Spanish
- Cost Index
- 42/100
- Safety Index
- 48/100
- Quality of Life
- 62/100
Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.