Costa Rica
Cost of Living in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
No Uber available—bikes and local taxis are main transport. Caribbean cuisine (rice and beans, jerk chicken) is more affordable than Pacific tourist food. Limited healthcare facilities.
Monthly Total
$1,502
$26,285
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$690
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$27
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
$690
$12,075
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$180
$3,150
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
$0
$0
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$183
$3,203
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$100
$1,750
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$43
$753
Monthly Total
$1,502
$26,285
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 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo is the most affordable coastal option in Costa Rica. The Caribbean side offers significantly lower costs than Pacific beach towns with unique cultural experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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