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Puerto Limón vs San José

Costa Rica vs Costa Rica · 109 km apart

Puerto Limón

Costa Rica

₡299,520 ($576)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

San José

Costa Rica

₡397,441 ($764)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpensePuerto LimónSan JoséCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$6.00$7.80Puerto Limón
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$24.00$31.20Puerto Limón
Cappuccino$1.80$2.34Puerto Limón
Monthly groceries (single person)$136$177Puerto Limón
Monthly public transport pass$22.00$28.60Puerto Limón
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$58.00$75.40Puerto Limón
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$16.80$21.84Puerto Limón
Fitness club membership$16.80$21.84Puerto Limón
Cinema ticket$4.40$5.72Puerto Limón
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$253$351Puerto Limón
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$176$244Puerto Limón
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$528$733Puerto Limón
Total single-person budget$576$764Puerto Limón
Average net salary$900$1,170

Verdict

Puerto Limón is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Puerto Limón runs about $576 versus $764 in San José — a difference of roughly 33%.

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 Puerto Limón  ·  Full cost of living in San José

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Puerto Limón cheaper than San José?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $576 per month in Puerto Limón versus $764 in San José — about 33% less.
How far is Puerto Limón from San José?
The straight-line distance between Puerto Limón and San José is approximately 109 km (68 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Puerto Limón or San José?
The estimated average net salary is $900 in Puerto Limón and $1,170 in San José. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $324 in Puerto Limón versus $406 in San José per month.