Cost of living 2019 in Costa Rica

Pretty much the same as last year, except if you have your money in dollars, your money goes further than it has in years due to the dollar being strong against the colon. I figure sooner or later it will go the other way... unfortunately.
So look at the thread on this from last year and know it's still the same, pretty much.
While some things have risen in price (food, gas, property taxes, etc) the value of the dollar has offset it for Americans.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment or a house in Costa Rica?
We pay $500 per month for semi furnished 2-BR house.

How about buying an apartment or a house in Costa Rica?
No idea

How much do you pay on average for public transportation (bus, subway, train, tram, taxi)?
Bus costs about $.70 to travel betweeen Montezuma and Cobano - one way.
Taxi costs about $8.00 to travel between Montezuma and Cobano - one way.

How much do you pay for basic food items such as rice, bread, and pasta?
$4.00 for a two pound bag of rice.
$3.20 for a medium sized loaf of bread from the bakery.
$1.00 for 8.8 oz of Cabitos Ziti.

What is your monthly budget for groceries?
$500

How much does it cost to see a doctor or health specialist in Costa Rica?
About $60.00 for a visit

How much do you pay for health insurance per month?
Approximately $90.00

How much does childcare cost on average per month?
No idea

What is your child's schooling budget per month?
N/A

How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank?
I have a motorcycle.  About $4.00

How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc., per month?
Electricity about $60.00 per month

How much do you pay for your internet and phone subscription?
Internet is $80.00 per month.
Cell Phone is about $30.00.

How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays?
N/A

How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?
I don't

How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?
I don't

How much does a gym membership cost in Costa Rica?
No idea.

Thank you for sharing your experience.
You are welcome.

Cost of living has gone up in the past year. Now with the new tax law, all kinds of services will charge 13% sales tax. We will also have a capital gain tax.

I am not an economist, but I would say that cost of living for 2019 will be at least 10 - 15% more expensive than it was in 2018

godutch, I hope it's not that much of an increase but it could be.
That is a lot of sales tax, I don't know why they put it SO high... but then it doesn't matter what I think.
Capitol gains taxes? How does that work for gringo residents?
Does that have something to do with the new form we have to fill out starting in March for corporations?
Do you know if this new form - that requires we have a digital signature - is an annual thing or a one time thing, then only for changes?

I'm concerned about the sales tax on apartment and condo rentals which will be paid by the renter.  I read in
'AM COSTA RICA'; "those renting where their monthly payment exceeds 1.5 times the current basic salary of 446,200 colons or a total of 669,300 colons (about $ 1,115) will have to fork out another $145 in sales tax."  Is this per month?  Do you know more?

This is part of the law (Ley 9635 Strengthening of Public Finances) passed on Dec 4, and I understand it will take effect in June.

I would 'guess' that the renter will be required to pay this tax on rent, every month.

You don't think the landlord would pay it, do you?

No, the landlord would not pay. Although, they may work with the tenant and lower the rent in exchange for the tenant picking up maintenance fees, water, etc.  Our landlord currently pays for the condo maintenance fees and the water.

I believe landlords will come up with some very creative ways to negate the costs for the tenant. An additional $145.00 per month for rent will be a deal breaker for some who are on fixed incomes.

With increased sales tax and increased taxes for who know what else, I expect it is going to be much more expensive in 2019.