Tropical and mountainous, Costa Rica is an attractive place for international tourism for its climate, geography, and rich history. It’s also an alluring destination to move to, especially for retirement. If you are considering relocating to Costa Rica, it‘s a decision that requires forethought: most importantly, is this a financially sound decision for your future? The cost of living in Costa Rica is an important factor to evaluate before making the move. Learn about the cost of living differences between Costa Rica and the United States for food, transportation, housing, and more.
What is the cost of living in Costa Rica vs the USA?
The cost of living for goods, services, housing and more differs between Costa Rica and the USA. If you retire to Costa Rica, the move may be easier to justify. However, if you are planning to work in Costa Rica, you should thoroughly evaluate the differences in cost and income. Important living costs to compare include the following:
- Food
- Housing
- Transportation
- Healthcare
Cost of food in Costa Rica vs the United States
Groceries in Costa Rica are generally cheaper than the United States. Native fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, and meats are generally cheaper in Costa Rica than in the United States. Processed food and packaged foods are more expensive and can be subject to a 13% tax. If you are going out, a lunch in Costa Rica may cost you approximately $9, while lunch in the United States costs an average of $17.60. A dinner for two in a restaurant costs approximately $42 in Costa Rica. A restaurant dinner in the United States for two will cost you $68, on average.1
Cost of housing in Costa Rica vs the United States
The average price of housing and renting in Costa Rica dwarfs the price of housing in the United States. For a 1-bedroom apartment near a metropolitan area in Costa Rica, it will cost the average tenant $541 a month. In the United States, the average 1-bedroom apartment will cost $1531 a month to live in a city. If you are seeking cheaper housing costs, Costa Rica is a better option. 1
Download the Western Union app
Transfer money to your loved ones and family in Costa Rica with the Western Union app. You can transfer USD to Costa Rican Colon for free, and your recipient can receive funds quickly.
Download the Western Union app
Cost of transportation in Costa Rica vs the United States
Costa Rica offers several forms of transportation – taxis, public buses, ferries – and you can always purchase a car, too. Taxis and buses are reliable options to get you where you need to go: a taxi ride traveling 5 miles will usually cost you $13.70 in Costa Rica. The same distance will cost $15.70 in the United States. For a single bus ride, it will cost $0.85 on average. In the United States, a bus ticket will cost $2.27.1 Although public transportation and taxi rides are cheaper, gas is more expensive in Costa Rica. A gallon of gas in Costa Rica fluctuates above $5 per gallon. In the United States, it is less than $4 per gallon on average. 1
Cost of healthcare in Costa Rica vs the United States
Healthcare service is high quality in Costa Rica, and it is cheaper than the United States. The average hospital visit in Costa Rica will cost $631, meanwhilehospital visits in the United States will typically cost $116. Costa Rica has great healthcare and is among the best in Latin America.
As a whole, Costa Rica is a less expensive option. If you are looking to retire in Costa Rica, cheaper expenses will make your money last longer. The total average monthly cost of living in Costa Rica is $1,073. The United States costs $2,317 on average.1 However, if you are going to work in Costa Rica, your salary will be lower, which is important to consider before moving.
Send money to Costa Rica
Send money to family members and loved ones that have relocated to Costa Rica. Download the Western Union app or go online to send them money. You can also visit an agent location to send money in person.
