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San Rafael Arriba vs San José

Costa Rica vs Costa Rica · 6 km apart

San Rafael Arriba

Costa Rica

₡267,427 ($514)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

San José

Costa Rica

₡397,441 ($764)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

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

Verdict

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Rafael Arriba cheaper than San José?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $514 per month in San Rafael Arriba versus $764 in San José — about 49% less.
How far is San Rafael Arriba from San José?
The straight-line distance between San Rafael Arriba and San José is approximately 6 km (4 miles).
Which city has better salaries, San Rafael Arriba or San José?
The estimated average net salary is $810 in San Rafael Arriba and $1,170 in San José. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $296 in San Rafael Arriba versus $406 in San José per month.