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Cost of Living in Cariari

Cariari, Limón, Costa Rica

▼ -13% vs Costa Rica average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₡277,023 ($533)
Couple, monthly₡493,656 ($949)
Family of four, monthly₡640,338 ($1,231)

Estimated Prices in Cariari

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₡2,902 ($5.58)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₡11,606 ($22.32)per meal
Cappuccino₡870 ($1.67)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₡65,770 ($126)per month
Monthly public transport pass₡10,639 ($20.46)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₡28,049 ($53.94)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₡8,124 ($15.62)per month
Fitness club membership₡8,124 ($15.62)per month
Cinema ticket₡2,128 ($4.09)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₡120,151 ($231)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₡83,583 ($161)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₡250,750 ($482)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Cariari is ₡435,240 ($837) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₡277,023 ($533) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₡360,130 ($693) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₡83,583 ($161)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Cariari

Cariari vs San JoséCariari vs San MarcosCariari vs San RamónCariari vs PuntarenasCariari vs Santa CruzCariari vs Puerto Limón

Nearby Cities

Rita

7 km away · Limón

Roxana

9 km away · Limón

Colonia Salvador

22 km away · Heredia

Guácimo

25 km away · Limón

Río Jiménez

25 km away · Limón

Guápiles

27 km away · Limón

Jiménez

31 km away · Limón

Horquetas

33 km away · Heredia

Other Major Cities in Costa Rica

San José

San José · pop. 335,007

₡397,441 ($764) / mo

San Marcos

Alajuela · pop. 198,742

₡299,520 ($576) / mo

San Ramón

Alajuela · pop. 93,264

₡299,520 ($576) / mo

Puntarenas

Puntarenas · pop. 87,500

₡299,520 ($576) / mo

Santa Cruz

Guanacaste · pop. 72,366

₡299,520 ($576) / mo

Puerto Limón

Limón · pop. 71,514

₡299,520 ($576) / mo

Nicoya

Guanacaste · pop. 66,268

₡299,520 ($576) / mo

Liberia

Guanacaste · pop. 65,922

₡299,520 ($576) / mo

Living in Cariari

Cariari is one of the key cities in Costa Rica. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₡277,023 ($533), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₡83,583 ($161) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₡640,338 ($1,231) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₡493,656 ($949) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Cariari is ₡435,240 ($837). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₡360,130 ($693) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cariari expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₡277,023 ($533) per month in Cariari including rent outside the city centre. That is 13% less than the national average for Costa Rica.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Cariari?
A net salary of around ₡360,130 ($693) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Cariari with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Cariari is ₡435,240 ($837).
How much is rent in Cariari?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₡120,151 ($231) per month in the city centre and ₡83,583 ($161) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₡250,750 ($482).
Is Cariari cheaper than Costa Rica on average?
Yes — Cariari is estimated to be about 13% cheaper than the Costa Rica average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Cariari?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₡65,770 ($126) in Cariari. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₡2,902 ($6) and a cappuccino runs around ₡870 ($2).
How do transport costs in Cariari compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Cariari is estimated at ₡10,639 ($20). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Cariari are estimates based on Costa Rica national averages adjusted for city size. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.