Cost of Living in Costa Rica in 2025: The Ultimate Expat Guide
Discover what is the really cost of living in Costa Rica—monthly budgets, housing, food, healthcare, and more.
🏥 Affordable Healthcare
Access Costa Rica’s public “Caja” or get private insurance—with top care at low cost.
🌴 Pura Vida Lifestyle
Enjoy beaches, mountains, and rich culture—perfect balance of peace and adventure.
💸 Cost of Living in Costa Rica: Savings
Living expenses 30–50% lower than in major US/EU cities.
Estimated Monthly Budgets
Single
$1,200–$2,000
Couple
$2,500–$3,500
Family
$3,000–$5,000
Breakdown of Living Costs in Costa Rica
🏠 Housing
- San José: $600–$900
- Beach towns: $850–$1,600
- Rural: $300–$700
🍽️ Food & Dining
- Groceries: $300–$600/month
- Local meals: $5–$10
- Upscale: $25–$50
🚗 Transport
- Bus: $0.50–$1
- Uber/Taxi: $5–$15
- Gas: $6/gallon
🏥 Healthcare & Services
- CAJA: $75–$450
- Private: $60–$250
- Consults: $50–$150
Tip: Hover or tap each section to reveal detailed cost insights!
🌎 Cost of Living: Costa Rica vs Miami, New York & Berlin
Compare estimated monthly living expenses for a single person in Costa Rica with major international cities. These values reflect average costs for housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and lifestyle in 2025.
| City | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇺🇸 Miami | 🇺🇸 New York | 🇩🇪 Berlin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Budget (Single) | $1,200–$2,000 | $3,500–$4,500 | $4,500–$5,800 | $2,500–$3,500 |
| 1-Bedroom Rent (City Center) | $600–$900 | $2,200–$3,200 | $3,000–$4,000 | $1,300–$1,900 |
| Groceries / Month | $300–$600 | $500–$700 | $600–$800 | $400–$600 |
| Public Transport | $20–$50 | $120 | $130 | $90 |
| Healthcare (Private) | $60–$250 | $400–$600 | $500–$700 | $300–$450 |
💡 Source: Local expat data, Numbeo 2025 averages, AG Legal analysis
🍽️ Meal Cost Comparison: Costa Rica vs USA & Berlin
Here’s how much you can expect to pay for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in different cities. These averages reflect both local and tourist-oriented restaurant prices.
| Meal | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇺🇸 Miami | 🇺🇸 New York | 🇩🇪 Berlin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☕ Breakfast | $3–$6 (local) / $8–$15 (tourist place) | $10–$15 | $12–$18 | $6–$10 |
| 🥘 Lunch | $7–$10 (soda) / $15–$25 (mid-range) | $15–$25 | $20–$30 | $10–$18 |
| 🍷 Dinner | $8–$20 (casual) / $30–$50 (upscale) | $30–$60 | $40–$80 | $20–$40 |
💡 Note: Prices vary by location, type of restaurant, and whether you’re dining in tourist zones.
🇨🇷 Frequently Asked Questions: Living in Costa Rica
Is Costa Rica cheaper than the United States?
Yes. On average, the cost of living in Costa Rica is 30% to 50% lower than in major U.S. cities like New York or Miami. Housing, healthcare, and food are significantly more affordable.
How much does rent cost in Costa Rica?
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San José typically ranges from $600 to $900 per month. In beach towns, prices can go from $850 to $1,600 depending on the location and amenities.
Can I live in Costa Rica on a budget?
Absolutely. Many expats live comfortably in Costa Rica on a budget of $1,200 to $1,800 per month by choosing rural towns, using public transport, and eating at local restaurants (sodas).
Is healthcare in Costa Rica good and affordable?
Yes. Costa Rica has a strong public healthcare system (CAJA), and private healthcare is excellent and much cheaper than in the U.S. Private insurance can cost between $60 and $250/month.
How much do groceries cost per month in Costa Rica?
Groceries typically cost $300 to $600 per month for a single person, depending on your preference for local vs. imported goods. Farmers markets (ferias) offer the best prices and freshest produce.