Town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Cost of living in Sámara
How much a month costs in Sámara
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $2,410–3,720 (₡1.1M–1.7M).
Prices in Sámara
Typical 2026 ranges in CRC, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | CRC | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | ₡325,000–575,000 | $712–1,260 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | ₡225,000–400,000 | $493–876 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | ₡9,000–16,000 | $20–35 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | ₡40,000–80,000 | $88–175 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | ₡4,500–7,000 | $9.9–15.3 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | ₡9,000–18,000 | $20–39 |
| Cappuccino | ₡2,000–3,300 | $4.4–7.2 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | ₡2,000–3,500 | $4.4–7.7 |
| Getting around | ||
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | ₡4,000–7,000 | $8.8–15.3 |
| Work and life | ||
| Gym membership (month) | ₡20,000–40,000 | $44–88 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | ₡6,000–12,000 | $13–26 |
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 Sámara
Similar safety, lower cost, in Mexico & Central America.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Semuc Champey | Guatemala | $458–720 |
| Ometepe | Nicaragua | $679–1,140 |
| León | Nicaragua | $679–1,140 |
| Guanajuato | Mexico | $988–1,540 |
| Granada | Nicaragua | $815–1,360 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Sámara?
About $1,310–1,860 on a lean budget, $2,410–3,720 for a comfortable month and $4,820–7,660 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Sámara?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs ₡325,000–575,000 ($712–1,260) a month in the center and ₡225,000–400,000 ($493–876) outside it.
How much does food cost in Sámara?
A local meal is ₡4,500–7,000 ($9.9–15.3); a mid-range restaurant is ₡9,000–18,000 ($20–39) per person.
Is Costa Rica expensive?
Prices in Costa Rica are about 59% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Sámara
Going to Sámara solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Sámara 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
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- CCSS (public health)
- Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport
- La Nación: Sámara water supply taken over by AyA
- Bus Costa Rica: shared shuttle Sámara to Liberia
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.