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 vs. the USA 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.
Looking to help friends or family in Costa Rica with their everyday expenses? Learn about ways to send money to Costa Rica?
Average cost of living in Costa Rica
When looking at the cost of living in Costa Rica vs. the USA, Costa Rica is generally more affordable. According to Numbeo, average monthly expenses for an individual are about 438,219.70 Costa Rican colón (CRC), not including rent costs. Use a currency converter to calculate that amount into US dollars (USD), and it comes out to about $937.60.
Overall, the cost of living in Costa Rica is 20.1% lower than in the United States and rent averages 44.2% lower.
How the cost of living varies throughout Costa Rica
Where you live in Costa Rica can make a noticeable difference in everyday expenses, especially when it comes to rent and dining out. In general, city-center living in the Central Valley may cost more, while smaller cities may help stretch your budget further. San José and nearby Heredia tend to be pricier because they offer more jobs, services, and urban conveniences.
Here’s a simple comparison of average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with the cost of a mid-range meal for two:
| Rent (1BR, City Center) | Mid-Range Meal for Two | |
| San José | 984.15 USD | 62.09 USD |
| Heredia | 982.95 USD | 60 USD |
| Liberia | 320.94 USD | 37.44 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of housing in Costa Rica vs. the US
The average price of rent in Costa Rica is noticeably more affordable than in the United States. For a 1-bedroom apartment near a metropolitan area in Costa Rica, it will cost the average tenant $917 a month. In the United States, the average 1-bedroom apartment will cost $1,667 a month to live in a city. If you are seeking cheaper housing costs, Costa Rica may be appealing.
Keep in mind that prices can still vary by location. Smaller cities and less central neighborhoods may cost significantly less than the average, but they also come with fewer amenities compared to areas like San José.
Here’s how average monthly rent compares in Costa Rica vs. the US:
| Costs in Costa Rica | Costs in US | |
| 1-Bedroom (City Center) | 916.61 USD | 1,666.97 USD |
| 1-Bedroom (Outside City Center) | 642.07 USD | 1,352.94 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of food in Costa Rica vs. the US
Food costs in Costa Rica can feel lower day to day, especially if you enjoy local produce, simple neighborhood meals, and home cooking. Fresh staples like bread, eggs, and chicken are often a bit cheaper than in the US, while some items like milk may cost more. Imported and packaged foods can also narrow the savings, depending on where you shop.
Here’s how a few grocery staples compare:
| Item | Costs in Costa Rica | Costs in US |
| Bread (1 lb loaf) | 2.99 USD | 3.30 USD |
| Milk (1 L) | 2.29 USD | 1.06 USD |
| Eggs (12) | 3.68 USD | 4.39 USD |
| Chicken (1 lb) | 4.59 USD | 5.56 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Eating out can also be more affordable in Costa Rica, whether you’re grabbing a casual lunch or sitting down for a nicer dinner. An inexpensive restaurant meal averages about $11 in Costa Rica, compared with $20 in the US. A mid-range three-course meal for two averages $53 in Costa Rica versus $78 in the US.
| Costs in Costa Rica | Costs in US | |
| Inexpensive restaurant | 10.70 USD | 20 USD |
| Mid-range restaurant (3-course) | 76 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of transportation in Costa Rica vs. the US
Getting around Costa Rica can be fairly affordable if you use local buses or other public transportation, especially for everyday trips. Taxis are common, and you can always buy a car, though driving can cost more because gasoline is pricier than in the US
| Costs in Costa Rica | Costs in US | |
| Public transport fare | 1.07 USD | 2.50 USD |
| Monthly local transport pass | 64.19 USD | 65 USD |
| Taxi (per km) | 3.17 USD | 2.91 USD |
| Gasoline (per liter) | 1.56 USD | 0.89 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of healthcare in Costa Rica vs. the United States
Healthcare in Costa Rica is generally high quality. The country performs well on several healthcare access and quality measures, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports life expectancy there at 81 years. That helps explain why so many retirees and expats see Costa Rica as an appealing place to settle. In the US, healthcare spending is notoriously high. For example, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that the average cost of a treat-and-release emergency department visit was $750 in 2021.
Cost of key utilities in Costa Rica vs. the US
Utilities are another area where many expats in Costa Rica see savings compared to the US, although your expenses depend on where you live. For example, broadband internet in San José averages $65 monthly compared to $39 monthly in Liberia.
In larger cities and newer apartments, monthly bills may run higher than in smaller towns, but the cost of living in Costa Rica is generally lower thanks to reduced utility, mobile, and internet costs compared to the US.
| Costs in Costa Rica | Costs in US | |
| Utilities | 95.10 USD | 212.04 USD |
| Mobile phone plan (per month) | 29.33 USD | 61.35 USD |
| Internet (60+ Mbps) | 58.10 USD | 72.90 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Median annual income in Costa Rica vs. the US
Income is an important part of the picture when comparing the cost of living in Costa Rica vs. the USA. While many everyday expenses in Costa Rica can be lower, local salaries are also much lower than what many people are used to in the United States. While retirees may not have to worry about local income, people planning to work and live in Costa Rica should consider how this impacts their budget.
According to Numbeo, the average monthly net salary is $1,045 in Costa Rica, compared with $4,322 in the US. To offset this gap, some expats may choose to work remotely for employers abroad.
| Costa Rica | US | |
| Average monthly net salary | 1,045.08 USD | 4,320.26 USD |
Source: Numbeo
Is moving to Costa Rica worth it?
For many people, the lower cost of living in Costa Rica inspires daydreams of moving abroad. Lower housing costs, more affordable everyday expenses, and a slower pace of life all have their appeal. Still, the numbers are only one part of the decision.
Before you make a move, think through the bigger picture: your job options, expected income, visa requirements, long-term goals, and how you’ll manage money between countries. Careful research and a realistic budget can go a long way when planning a move.
Costa Rica cost of living FAQs
It depends on your lifestyle and location, but a good starting point is $1,600 to $1,900. Numbeo estimates average monthly costs at about $938 for one person, excluding rent. Average rent prices run between $640 and $920, but it can vary significantly depending on whether you’re living in a large city or small area.
US citizens can visit Costa Rica with a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel. If you plan to stay long term, you’ll need to research the right residency or visa path before moving. For example, Costa Rica’s digital nomad program allows visitors to extend a 90-day tourism visa to a full year, with the option to renew for an additional year.
Compared with the US, Costa Rica is generally less expensive. The overall cost of living is about 20% lower than in the United States, with rent averages also notably lower. Still, some costs, like fuel or imported goods, may be higher.
