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Puerto Viejo vs San José

Costa Rica vs Costa Rica · 73 km apart

Puerto Viejo

Costa Rica

₡267,427 ($514)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

San José

Costa Rica

₡397,441 ($764)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpensePuerto ViejoSan JoséCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$5.40$7.80Puerto Viejo
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$21.60$31.20Puerto Viejo
Cappuccino$1.62$2.34Puerto Viejo
Monthly groceries (single person)$122$177Puerto Viejo
Monthly public transport pass$19.80$28.60Puerto Viejo
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$52.20$75.40Puerto Viejo
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$15.12$21.84Puerto Viejo
Fitness club membership$15.12$21.84Puerto Viejo
Cinema ticket$3.96$5.72Puerto Viejo
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$222$351Puerto Viejo
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$154$244Puerto Viejo
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$463$733Puerto Viejo
Total single-person budget$514$764Puerto Viejo
Average net salary$810$1,170

Verdict

Puerto Viejo is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Puerto Viejo 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 Puerto Viejo  ·  Full cost of living in San José

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Puerto Viejo cheaper than San José?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $514 per month in Puerto Viejo versus $764 in San José — about 49% less.
How far is Puerto Viejo from San José?
The straight-line distance between Puerto Viejo and San José is approximately 73 km (45 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Puerto Viejo or San José?
The estimated average net salary is $810 in Puerto Viejo and $1,170 in San José. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $296 in Puerto Viejo versus $406 in San José per month.