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Cost of Living in San Juan

San Juan, San José, Costa Rica · Population 25,978

▼ -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 San Juan

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 San Juan 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 San Juan

San Juan vs San JoséSan Juan vs San MarcosSan Juan vs San RamónSan Juan vs PuntarenasSan Juan vs Santa CruzSan Juan vs Puerto Limón

Nearby Cities

Santo Domingo

3 km away · Heredia

San José

3 km away · San José

Guadalupe

4 km away · San José

San Vicente

4 km away · San José

Matinilla

4 km away · San José

San Pablo

4 km away · Heredia

San Pedro

5 km away · San José

Zapote

5 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 San Juan

San Juan 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 San Juan 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 San Juan expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₡267,427 ($514) per month in San Juan 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 San Juan?
A net salary of around ₡347,655 ($669) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in San Juan with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in San Juan is ₡421,200 ($810).
How much is rent in San Juan?
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 San Juan cheaper than Costa Rica on average?
Yes — San Juan 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 San Juan?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₡63,648 ($122) in San Juan. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₡2,808 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around ₡842 ($2).
How do transport costs in San Juan compare?
A monthly public transport pass in San Juan is estimated at ₡10,296 ($20). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for San Juan are estimates based on Costa Rica national averages adjusted for city size (population 25,978). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.