Costa Rica vs Costa Rica · 90 km apart
Costa Rica
single / month
Costa Rica
single / month
Cheaper overall| Expense | San José | San Marcos | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $7.80 | $6.00 | San Marcos |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $31.20 | $24.00 | San Marcos |
| Cappuccino | $2.34 | $1.80 | San Marcos |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $177 | $136 | San Marcos |
| Monthly public transport pass | $28.60 | $22.00 | San Marcos |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $75.40 | $58.00 | San Marcos |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $21.84 | $16.80 | San Marcos |
| Fitness club membership | $21.84 | $16.80 | San Marcos |
| Cinema ticket | $5.72 | $4.40 | San Marcos |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $351 | $253 | San Marcos |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $244 | $176 | San Marcos |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $733 | $528 | San Marcos |
| Total single-person budget | $764 | $576 | San Marcos |
| Average net salary | $1,170 | $900 |
San Marcos is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in San José runs about $764 versus $576 in San Marcos — a difference of roughly 25%.
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 San José · Full cost of living in San Marcos