Costa Rica
Cost of Living in Jacó
Most developed beach town infrastructure means more affordable options than premium destinations. Weekend crowds from San José can increase demand. Good balance of amenities and cost.
Monthly Total
$2,063
$36,103
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$920
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$38
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
$920
$16,100
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$253
$4,428
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$245
$4,288
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$120
$2,100
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$150
$2,625
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$193
$3,378
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$125
$2,188
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$57
$998
Monthly Total
$2,063
$36,103
Don'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 Jacó
Jacó offers mid-range beach town pricing with excellent infrastructure. Its proximity to San José (1.5 hours) provides easy access to city amenities while maintaining beach lifestyle.
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