Costa Rica vs Costa Rica · 19 km apart
Costa Rica
single / month
Cheaper overallCosta Rica
single / month
| Expense | Cartago | San José | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $5.40 | $7.80 | Cartago |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $21.60 | $31.20 | Cartago |
| Cappuccino | $1.62 | $2.34 | Cartago |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $122 | $177 | Cartago |
| Monthly public transport pass | $19.80 | $28.60 | Cartago |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $52.20 | $75.40 | Cartago |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $15.12 | $21.84 | Cartago |
| Fitness club membership | $15.12 | $21.84 | Cartago |
| Cinema ticket | $3.96 | $5.72 | Cartago |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $222 | $351 | Cartago |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $154 | $244 | Cartago |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $463 | $733 | Cartago |
| Total single-person budget | $514 | $764 | Cartago |
| Average net salary | $810 | $1,170 |
Cartago is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Cartago runs about $514 versus $764 in San José — a difference of roughly 49%.
Salary-adjusted, San José leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.
Full cost of living in Cartago · Full cost of living in San José