Beach town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Cost of living in Manuel Antonio
How much a month costs in Manuel Antonio
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $2,630–4,160 (₡1.2M–1.9M).
Prices in Manuel Antonio
Typical 2026 ranges in CRC, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | CRC | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | ₡400,000–750,000 | $876–1,640 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | ₡280,000–500,000 | $613–1,090 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | ₡9,000–16,000 | $20–35 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | ₡60,000–120,000 | $131–263 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | ₡4,000–6,500 | $8.8–14.2 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | ₡12,000–20,000 | $26–44 |
| Cappuccino | ₡2,000–3,500 | $4.4–7.7 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | ₡2,000–3,800 | $4.4–8.3 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | ₡500–1,500 | $1.1–3.3 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | ₡3,500–6,500 | $7.7–14.2 |
| Work and life | ||
| Gym membership (month) | ₡22,000–40,000 | $48–88 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | ₡5,000–12,000 | $11–26 |
Value for money: 13/100
A value score of 13/100 means Manuel Antonio gives more quality of life per dollar than 12% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 70/100. It's the 10th 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 Manuel Antonio
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 Manuel Antonio?
About $1,530–2,080 on a lean budget, $2,630–4,160 for a comfortable month and $5,470–8,760 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Manuel Antonio?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs ₡400,000–750,000 ($876–1,640) a month in the center and ₡280,000–500,000 ($613–1,090) outside it.
How much does food cost in Manuel Antonio?
A local meal is ₡4,000–6,500 ($8.8–14.2); a mid-range restaurant is ₡12,000–20,000 ($26–44) per person.
Is Costa Rica expensive?
Prices in Costa Rica are about 59% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Manuel Antonio
Going to Manuel Antonio solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Manuel Antonio meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- SINAC national parks
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
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.