Costa Rica
Cost of Living in Atenas
Small-town living with easy access to San José for shopping and healthcare. Farmers markets offer excellent local produce prices. Limited dining options but lower cost of living overall.
Monthly Total
$1,553
$27,178
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$633
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$31
Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 1/14/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$633
$11,078
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$121
$2,118
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$210
$3,675
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$96
$1,680
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$150
$2,625
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$193
$3,378
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$100
$1,750
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$50
$875
Monthly Total
$1,553
$27,178
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Cost estimates are great for budgeting, but real coverage protects you when something goes wrong.
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Living in Atenas
Atenas offers approximately 25% savings compared to beach towns and premium San José suburbs. The famous climate means zero AC/heating costs. Perfect for retirees on fixed income.
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