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The cost of Living in Costa Rica in 2023

Last activity 20 February 2023 by sporto505

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Mickael

Hello everyone,

As every year, we invite you to share your experience on the evolution of the cost of living in the region or city where you live in order to answer future requests for information from new members of the site who would like to move there soon in Costa Rica.

In terms of accommodation, how much does it cost to rent/buy a flat or house in in Costa Rica?
How much do you pay on average for public transport (bus, metro, train, tram, taxi)?
What is the average price of your monthly food basket?

How much does health insurance cost? How much does it cost to see a doctor in Costa Rica?

What about school fees for your children?

What is the average monthly cost of electricity, gas, water, internet, telephone?

What is the average cost of your leisure activities?

If there are other expenses that you think are useful, please share them!

Thank you in advance for your future contribution

Mickael
Expat.com Team

edwinemora

The bottom line : Guanacaste/Nicoya Peninsula---a paradise for paying more for everything.I won't get into minutia on how affordable rice, beans and spotty wifi can be.Yes,there is affordable rent here but do you really want to risk your health and safety. Let's get real ! If you are on a budget Costa Rica is not your place.

sporto505

The cost of food items or any other item imported from the US has gone thru the roof in 2023.   If your content to live on beans, rice and local produce you can still live and pay a reasonable amount for food.  Rent depends on where you live and what type of housing you acquire.  Where ever you choose to live make sure your area / house has 24hour security or at some point you may have a large surprise in store for you.


I live in the metro San Jose area.  Prices are more for just about everything in CR compared to the US. One factor is that CR imposes a heavy duty tax on everything imported into the country.  CR is not now a destination for expats seeking to reduce their cost of living.  If you seek lower cost of living,  look to areas of Mexico, or Panama. 

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