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Cost of Living in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica · Population 72,366

▼ -6% vs Costa Rica average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₡299,520 ($576)
Couple, monthly₡534,248 ($1,027)
Family of four, monthly₡693,472 ($1,334)

Estimated Prices in Santa Cruz

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₡3,120 ($6.00)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₡12,480 ($24.00)per meal
Cappuccino₡936 ($1.80)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₡70,720 ($136)per month
Monthly public transport pass₡11,440 ($22.00)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₡30,160 ($58.00)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₡8,736 ($16.80)per month
Fitness club membership₡8,736 ($16.80)per month
Cinema ticket₡2,288 ($4.40)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₡131,560 ($253)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₡91,520 ($176)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₡274,560 ($528)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Santa Cruz is ₡468,000 ($900) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₡299,520 ($576) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₡389,376 ($749) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₡91,520 ($176)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz vs San JoséSanta Cruz vs San MarcosSanta Cruz vs San RamónSanta Cruz vs PuntarenasSanta Cruz vs Puerto LimónSanta Cruz vs Nicoya

Nearby Cities

Veintisiete de Abril

10 km away · Guanacaste

Nicoya

25 km away · Guanacaste

Sardinal

30 km away · Guanacaste

Nosara

32 km away · Guanacaste

Mansión

41 km away · Guanacaste

Liberia

47 km away · Guanacaste

Bagaces

53 km away · Guanacaste

Nandayure

53 km away · Guanacaste

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

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

Mora

Heredia · pop. 59,546

₡299,520 ($576) / mo

Living in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is one of the key cities in Costa Rica. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₡299,520 ($576), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₡91,520 ($176) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₡693,472 ($1,334) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₡534,248 ($1,027) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Santa Cruz is ₡468,000 ($900). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₡389,376 ($749) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santa Cruz expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₡299,520 ($576) per month in Santa Cruz including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Costa Rica.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Santa Cruz?
A net salary of around ₡389,376 ($749) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santa Cruz with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santa Cruz is ₡468,000 ($900).
How much is rent in Santa Cruz?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₡131,560 ($253) per month in the city centre and ₡91,520 ($176) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₡274,560 ($528).
Is Santa Cruz cheaper than Costa Rica on average?
Yes — Santa Cruz is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Costa Rica average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Santa Cruz?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₡70,720 ($136) in Santa Cruz. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₡3,120 ($6) and a cappuccino runs around ₡936 ($2).
How do transport costs in Santa Cruz compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Santa Cruz is estimated at ₡11,440 ($22). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Santa Cruz are estimates based on Costa Rica national averages adjusted for city size (population 72,366). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.