Located in Central America, Costa Rica is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and welcoming locals. But that’s not all. It has become a sought-after destination for digital nomads, expats, and retirees, thanks to lenient property ownership laws and its reputation for offering a high quality of life at an affordable cost.
If you’re a Canadian considering a move, here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect in terms of living costs.
Is Costa Rica Expensive?
The cost of living in Costa Rica is generally lower than in Canada, the United States, and many European countries. This means your Canadian dollar ($CAD) stretches further in Costa Rican cities than in major urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal.
According to Numbeo’s 2023 Cost of Living Index, Costa Rica ranks as the 56th most expensive country out of 140. This positions it as cheaper than most developed countries but more expensive than many developing nations.
Cost of Living in Costa Rica by City
The average cost of living in Costa Rica varies significantly by city. For instance, the capital city, San José, is the most expensive, while smaller towns like San Ramón are more budget-friendly.
Here are some average costs in San José (converted to $CAD for your reference):
- Meal in a cheap restaurant: $12.60 CAD
- Meal in a mid-range restaurant: $67 CAD
- Milk (1 litre): $8 CAD
- Internet (monthly): $70 CAD
- Gym membership (monthly): $65 CAD
In San Ramón, costs are lower:
- Meal in a cheap restaurant: $8 CAD
- Meal in a mid-range restaurant: $45 CAD
- Milk (1 litre): $4 CAD
- Internet (monthly): $63 CAD
- Gym membership (monthly): $40 CAD
Smaller towns like Atenas, Grecia, and San Isidro de El General, located in the Central Valley region, also offer a lower cost of living along with a laid-back lifestyle.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Living
Your cost of living in Costa Rica depends on your lifestyle and location. For instance:
- Living in tourist hubs or city centres will be more expensive than suburban or rural areas.
- A single person cooking at home in a smaller town will spend far less than a family of four frequently eating out in San José.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare in Costa Rica is relatively affordable, with a universal healthcare system known as the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). Canadians will appreciate this as it aligns with our values of accessible healthcare.
- Contributions: Employees pay about 9% of their salary to CCSS, with employers covering an additional 14%. Expats can join through a similar system.
- Private Insurance: Monthly premiums for private plans range from $80 to $330 CAD, covering approximately 80% of medical costs.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Doctor’s visits cost around $80 CAD, specialty care about $135 CAD, and dental exams roughly $270 CAD.
Housing in Costa Rica
Housing costs in Costa Rica are generally lower than in Canada. However, they have been rising as Costa Rica gains popularity among expats.
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs about $675 CAD monthly. Suburban or rural areas offer even lower rents.
- Real Estate: Buying property can be a solid investment, especially for those planning to stay long-term.
- Variance by Location: City centres and tourist areas, like Tamarindo, tend to be pricier than rural locations.
Food Prices
Food in Costa Rica is generally affordable, though some staples may cost more than in Canada:
- Milk (1 litre): $8 CAD (compared to $3 CAD in Canada).
- 1.5L bottled water: $2.80 CAD (similar to Canadian prices).
- Eating Out: Meals in local diners (sodas) cost around $11 CAD, while mid-range restaurant meals can go up to $67 CAD.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is inexpensive and efficient:
- Local Bus Fares: Typically under $1 CAD.
- Intercity Travel: Affordable and widely available. In smaller towns, transport options may be more limited.
Schools
Costa Rican public schools are free for all children, including foreigners, provided they demonstrate Spanish proficiency. Private and international schools are more expensive but still cheaper than in Canada.
- International Primary School: Around $10,800 CAD annually.
Median Salary in Costa Rica
The average monthly salary in Costa Rica is about $1,075 CAD after tax. Salaries vary significantly by profession:
- Teacher: $1,300 CAD
- Architect: $1,375 CAD
- Financial Analyst: $1,790 CAD
- Mechanical Engineer: $2,535 CAD
- Attorney: $4,370 CAD
Expats often find it challenging to secure work in Costa Rica unless they are permanent residents or have a work visa. Many choose to run their own businesses or work remotely for Canadian companies.
