Costa Rica
Live cost-of-living data across 2 cities in Costa Rica — average cost index 39/100 (New York = 100), ranging from 31 to 46. Sourced by AI, refreshed regularly.
Cost of living by city in Costa Rica
Ranked cheapest first. Cost index anchored to New York = 100.
Frequently asked questions
Is Costa Rica cheap to live in?
Across 2 cities in Costa Rica, the average cost-of-living index is 39 (New York = 100) — from 31 in San Jose to 46 in Santa Teresa. It's meaningfully cheaper than the US and Western Europe.
What is the cheapest city in Costa Rica?
San Jose is the most affordable city we track in Costa Rica, with a cost-of-living index of 31 (New York = 100) and a 1-bedroom city-center rent around $998/month.
Does Costa Rica have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Costa Rica offers the Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia para Trabajadores Remotos), allowing stays of up to 1 year, with an application cost around $100. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration portal.
How much does it cost to live in Costa Rica per month?
A single person can live comfortably in the cheaper cities of Costa Rica for roughly $620–$868/month. Costs scale up toward Santa Teresa. See the full city-by-city breakdown above.
Compare San Jose with anywhere
Dig into any Costa Rica city, or see where your salary stretches furthest worldwide.