Costa Rica vs Costa Rica · 83 km apart
Costa Rica
single / month
Cheaper overallCosta Rica
single / month
| Expense | Puntarenas | San José | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $6.00 | $7.80 | Puntarenas |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $24.00 | $31.20 | Puntarenas |
| Cappuccino | $1.80 | $2.34 | Puntarenas |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $136 | $177 | Puntarenas |
| Monthly public transport pass | $22.00 | $28.60 | Puntarenas |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $58.00 | $75.40 | Puntarenas |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $16.80 | $21.84 | Puntarenas |
| Fitness club membership | $16.80 | $21.84 | Puntarenas |
| Cinema ticket | $4.40 | $5.72 | Puntarenas |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $253 | $351 | Puntarenas |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $176 | $244 | Puntarenas |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $528 | $733 | Puntarenas |
| Total single-person budget | $576 | $764 | Puntarenas |
| Average net salary | $900 | $1,170 |
Puntarenas is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Puntarenas 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 Puntarenas · Full cost of living in San José