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Cost of Living in Cartago

Cartago, Cartago, Costa Rica · Population 22,775

▼ -16% vs Costa Rica average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₡267,427 ($514)
Couple, monthly₡476,353 ($916)
Family of four, monthly₡617,701 ($1,188)

Estimated Prices in Cartago

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₡2,808 ($5.40)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₡11,232 ($21.60)per meal
Cappuccino₡842 ($1.62)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₡63,648 ($122)per month
Monthly public transport pass₡10,296 ($19.80)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₡27,144 ($52.20)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₡7,862 ($15.12)per month
Fitness club membership₡7,862 ($15.12)per month
Cinema ticket₡2,059 ($3.96)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₡115,326 ($222)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₡80,227 ($154)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₡240,680 ($463)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Cartago is ₡421,200 ($810) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₡267,427 ($514) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₡347,655 ($669) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₡80,227 ($154)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Cartago

Cartago vs San JoséCartago vs San MarcosCartago vs San RamónCartago vs PuntarenasCartago vs Santa CruzCartago vs Puerto Limón

Nearby Cities

Paraíso

8 km away · Cartago

Tres Ríos

9 km away · Cartago

Quebradillas

9 km away · Cartago

Patarrá

11 km away · San José

Curridabat

14 km away · San José

San Isidro

14 km away · San José

Purral

15 km away · San José

San Pedro

16 km away · San José

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 Cartago

Cartago is one of the key cities in Costa Rica. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₡267,427 ($514), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₡80,227 ($154) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₡617,701 ($1,188) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₡476,353 ($916) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Cartago is ₡421,200 ($810). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₡347,655 ($669) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartago expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₡267,427 ($514) per month in Cartago including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Costa Rica.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Cartago?
A net salary of around ₡347,655 ($669) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Cartago with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Cartago is ₡421,200 ($810).
How much is rent in Cartago?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₡115,326 ($222) per month in the city centre and ₡80,227 ($154) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₡240,680 ($463).
Is Cartago cheaper than Costa Rica on average?
Yes — Cartago is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Costa Rica average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Cartago?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₡63,648 ($122) in Cartago. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₡2,808 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around ₡842 ($2).
How do transport costs in Cartago compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Cartago is estimated at ₡10,296 ($20). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Cartago are estimates based on Costa Rica national averages adjusted for city size (population 22,775). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.