Costa Rica
Cost of Living in San José / Escazú
Escazú commands a 30% premium over central San José. Santa Ana is 15-20% lower than Escazú but growing quickly. The Central Valley climate means no AC/heating costs year-round.
Monthly Total
$2,172
$38,010
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$1,093
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$36
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
$1,093
$19,128
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$140
$2,450
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
$180
$3,150
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$204
$3,570
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$125
$2,188
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$65
$1,138
Monthly Total
$2,172
$38,010
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Living in San José / Escazú
San José and its premium suburbs Escazú and Santa Ana offer the highest cost of living in Costa Rica but with the best infrastructure, healthcare access, and amenities. No AC needed due to mild climate, keeping utility costs low.
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