Town in Alajuela, Costa Rica
Cost of living in La Fortuna
How much a month costs in La Fortuna
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $2,410–3,720 (₡1.1M–1.7M).
Prices in La Fortuna
Typical 2026 ranges in CRC, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | CRC | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | ₡300,000–500,000 | $657–1,090 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | ₡220,000–400,000 | $482–876 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | ₡8,000–14,000 | $18–31 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | ₡50,000–95,000 | $109–208 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | ₡4,000–6,000 | $8.8–13.1 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | ₡10,000–17,000 | $22–37 |
| Cappuccino | ₡2,000–3,200 | $4.4–7.0 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | ₡2,000–3,500 | $4.4–7.7 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | ₡500–1,500 | $1.1–3.3 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | ₡3,000–6,000 | $6.6–13.1 |
| Work and life | ||
| Gym membership (month) | ₡18,000–35,000 | $39–77 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | ₡5,000–12,000 | $11–26 |
Value for money: 17/100
A value score of 17/100 means La Fortuna gives more quality of life per dollar than 16% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 69/100. It's the 6th most affordable of 13 places we cover in Costa Rica.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Costa Rica
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Tortuguero | $1,860–2,850 | — |
| Puerto Viejo | $2,190–3,500 | 14/100 |
| La Fortuna | $2,410–3,720 | 17/100 |
| San José | $2,410–3,720 | 9/100 |
| Monteverde | $2,410–3,720 | 17/100 |
| Uvita | $2,410–3,720 | 17/100 |
| Playas del Coco | $2,410–3,720 | — |
| Sámara | $2,410–3,720 | — |
| Jacó | $2,630–3,940 | 10/100 |
| Manuel Antonio | $2,630–4,160 | 13/100 |
| Tamarindo | $2,850–4,380 | 6/100 |
| Santa Teresa | $3,070–4,820 | 7/100 |
| Nosara | $3,070–4,820 | 6/100 |
Cheaper alternatives to La Fortuna
Similar safety, lower cost, in Mexico & Central America.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Ometepe | Nicaragua | $679–1,140 |
| León | Nicaragua | $679–1,140 |
| Guanajuato | Mexico | $988–1,540 |
| Granada | Nicaragua | $815–1,360 |
| Utila | Honduras | $894–1,420 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in La Fortuna?
About $1,310–1,860 on a lean budget, $2,410–3,720 for a comfortable month and $4,820–7,880 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in La Fortuna?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs ₡300,000–500,000 ($657–1,090) a month in the center and ₡220,000–400,000 ($482–876) outside it.
How much does food cost in La Fortuna?
A local meal is ₡4,000–6,000 ($8.8–13.1); a mid-range restaurant is ₡10,000–17,000 ($22–37) per person.
Is Costa Rica expensive?
Prices in Costa Rica are about 59% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about La Fortuna
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- SINAC national parks
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.