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Cost of Living in Turrialba

Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica · Population 32,004

▼ -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 Turrialba

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 Turrialba 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 Turrialba

Turrialba vs San JoséTurrialba vs San MarcosTurrialba vs San RamónTurrialba vs PuntarenasTurrialba vs Santa CruzTurrialba vs Puerto Limón

Nearby Cities

Paraíso

19 km away · Cartago

Cartago

26 km away · Cartago

Siquirres

30 km away · Limón

Jiménez

33 km away · Limón

Tres Ríos

34 km away · Cartago

San Isidro

35 km away · San José

Quebradillas

35 km away · Cartago

Guácimo

36 km away · Limón

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 Turrialba

Turrialba 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 Turrialba 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 Turrialba expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₡267,427 ($514) per month in Turrialba 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 Turrialba?
A net salary of around ₡347,655 ($669) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Turrialba with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Turrialba is ₡421,200 ($810).
How much is rent in Turrialba?
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 Turrialba cheaper than Costa Rica on average?
Yes — Turrialba 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 Turrialba?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₡63,648 ($122) in Turrialba. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₡2,808 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around ₡842 ($2).
How do transport costs in Turrialba compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Turrialba is estimated at ₡10,296 ($20). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Turrialba are estimates based on Costa Rica national averages adjusted for city size (population 32,004). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.