Lifestyle
Costa Rica — Cost of Living Overview
Costa Rica's national statistics institute, INEC, publishes the official consumer price index and household expenditure data. Living costs vary widely by area, with the San José metropolitan area, including suburbs such as Escazú and Santa Ana, usually higher than elsewhere, and housing, private healthcare and imported goods are the main cost drivers. No official source gives a single monthly budget for a foreign resident, so plan using current rents and the cost of the services you will use.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceInstituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (INEC) — Costa RicaLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- INEC publishes the official consumer price index and household expenditure data for Costa Rica.
- Costs vary by area; the San José metropolitan area is generally higher.
- No official source gives a single monthly budget for a foreign resident.
Common mistakes
- Using a single national figure — costs differ by location and by housing.