Capital city, Costa Rica
Cost of living in San José
How much a month costs in San José
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $2,410–3,720 (₡1.1M–1.7M).
Prices in San José
Typical 2026 ranges in CRC, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | CRC | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | ₡350,000–650,000 | $766–1,420 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | ₡250,000–450,000 | $547–985 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | ₡7,000–13,000 | $15–28 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | ₡45,000–90,000 | $99–197 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | ₡3,500–5,500 | $7.7–12.0 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | ₡9,000–16,000 | $20–35 |
| Cappuccino | ₡1,800–3,000 | $3.9–6.6 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | ₡1,800–3,200 | $3.9–7.0 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | ₡400–1,000 | $0.9–2.2 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | ₡2,500–5,000 | $5.5–10.9 |
| Work and life | ||
| Gym membership (month) | ₡20,000–40,000 | $44–88 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | ₡5,000–12,000 | $11–26 |
Value for money: 9/100
A value score of 9/100 means San José gives more quality of life per dollar than 8% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 57/100. It's the 5th 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 San José
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 San José?
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 San José?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs ₡350,000–650,000 ($766–1,420) a month in the center and ₡250,000–450,000 ($547–985) outside it.
How much does food cost in San José?
A local meal is ₡3,500–5,500 ($7.7–12.0); a mid-range restaurant is ₡9,000–16,000 ($20–35) per person.
Is Costa Rica expensive?
Prices in Costa Rica are about 59% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about San José
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Juan Santamaría International Airport
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- Costa Rica Social Security (CCSS)
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.