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Cost of Living in San Rafael

San Rafael, Heredia, Costa Rica · Population 48,848

▼ -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 Rafael

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 Rafael 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 Rafael

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

Nearby Cities

Palmares

3 km away · Alajuela

Naranjo

6 km away · Alajuela

San Jerónimo

10 km away · Alajuela

Puente de Piedra

11 km away · Alajuela

Grecia

12 km away · Alajuela

Tacares

13 km away · Alajuela

Carrillos

17 km away · Alajuela

Turrúcares

18 km away · Alajuela

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 Rafael

San Rafael 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 Rafael 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 Rafael expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₡267,427 ($514) per month in San Rafael 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 Rafael?
A net salary of around ₡347,655 ($669) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in San Rafael with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in San Rafael is ₡421,200 ($810).
How much is rent in San Rafael?
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 Rafael cheaper than Costa Rica on average?
Yes — San Rafael 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 Rafael?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₡63,648 ($122) in San Rafael. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₡2,808 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around ₡842 ($2).
How do transport costs in San Rafael compare?
A monthly public transport pass in San Rafael is estimated at ₡10,296 ($20). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for San Rafael are estimates based on Costa Rica national averages adjusted for city size (population 48,848). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.