San José, San José, Costa Rica · Population 335,007 · National capital
▲ +25% vs Costa Rica average
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ₡4,056 ($7.80) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | ₡16,224 ($31.20) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | ₡1,217 ($2.34) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | ₡91,936 ($177) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | ₡14,872 ($28.60) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | ₡39,208 ($75.40) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | ₡11,357 ($21.84) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | ₡11,357 ($21.84) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | ₡2,974 ($5.72) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | ₡182,622 ($351) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | ₡127,041 ($244) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | ₡381,124 ($733) | per month |
The estimated average net salary in San José is ₡608,400 ($1,170) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₡397,441 ($764) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₡516,674 ($994) per month.
Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₡127,041 ($244)) represents about 32% of the total single-person budget.
1 km away · San José
3 km away · San José
3 km away · San José
4 km away · San José
4 km away · San José
4 km away · San José
4 km away · San José
4 km away · San José
Alajuela · pop. 198,742
₡299,520 ($576) / moAlajuela · pop. 93,264
₡299,520 ($576) / moPuntarenas · pop. 87,500
₡299,520 ($576) / moGuanacaste · pop. 72,366
₡299,520 ($576) / moLimón · pop. 71,514
₡299,520 ($576) / moGuanacaste · pop. 66,268
₡299,520 ($576) / moGuanacaste · pop. 65,922
₡299,520 ($576) / moHeredia · pop. 59,546
₡299,520 ($576) / moSan José is the capital and one of the key cities in Costa Rica. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₡397,441 ($764), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₡127,041 ($244) per month.
For families, the estimated budget rises to ₡925,710 ($1,780) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₡711,359 ($1,368) monthly.
The average estimated net salary in San José is ₡608,400 ($1,170). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₡516,674 ($994) per month.