Costs of living in San Jose, Costa Rica


Mortgage: $750.

Food: $400.

Transport: $600.

Insurances: $250.

Utilities: $500.

Various: $500

Total: $3000.

In Dollars

Rent: 650

Utilities: 50

Healthcare: 0

Recreation: 50 (gym membership)

Milk: 1.20 per half gallon

Transportation: 50 cents per bus ride

I live very simple.

Rent - $350 for small 2 bedroom house
Gas - $100 / month
Car - greatly varies - to purchase a car is about 50%-80% more than in USA. I drive a 16 year old car for this reason that I purchased for $3,500 (so, car repairs - $100 every 2 months). Otherwise you can easily pay $300+ a month on a car payment for a very simple and/or used car. Brand new cars are generally for wealthier families only.

Dozen eggs - $2.25
Cable/internet - $75/month
Electricity - $45/month
Food in general is more expensive in CR than one would expect.

Overall cost of life for two 30-something adults living a simple but comfortable life together - $2,200 / month.