San Jose skyline

🇨🇷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

Avg: $717.50
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$650.00
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$420.00
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,100.00
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$700.00

Food & Groceries

Avg: $6.58
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$7.00
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$35.00
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$7.00
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.50
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.80
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.30
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.60
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.50
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.00
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.10

Transportation

Avg: $6.77
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$30.00
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.65
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.20
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.80
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20

Utilities

Avg: $43.33
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$75.00
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$15.00
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$40.00

Healthcare

Avg: $31.67
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$40.00
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$45.00
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$10.00

Entertainment

Avg: $11.63
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$35.00
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$5.00
Cappuccino(per cup)
$3.00
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$3.50

Clothing

Avg: $52.33
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$50.00
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$32.00
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$75.00

Compare 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.