The Real Cost of Living in Costa Rica
Part 3
In Parts 1 and two of this series, I went into different aspects of the cost of living in Costa Rica and how to save money. This article will deal with monthly budgets. I will provide a couple of sample budgets below in order to break down basic monthly costs. Once again, how much you spend really depends on your lifestyle and budget. I know some singles who live under $1500 per month and couples that spend $4,000 – $5000 monthly. Whatever you spend, you should be able to live for less than in the U.S. Or Canada. Weekend farmer’s markets other cost-cutting factors will make it possible.
Notice that Chart one assumes you own a home and car. Chart two is for those on a lower budget who pay rent and do not own an automobile. Also, these amounts are based on two people living together. A single can live much more affordably. Medical insurance rates can differ between public (la Caja) and private insurance, with the latter being much more expensive. Also, the cost of medicines has to be factored in and depends on one’s health.
I have broken down the yearly cost of car insurance, annual license fees, gasoline and repairs to an approximate monthly rate. Keep in mind that the year of the car determines insurance rates, license fees and the cost of repairs (specifically automobile parts).
| Cost of living as of June 2018 for a home and car owner | |
| House taxes on a $200,000 home (per month but paid quarterly) | $40.00 |
| Home Insurance (monthly) | $50.00 |
| Transportation | $300.00 |
| Utilities (can vary according to consumption) | $150.00 |
| Cable TV | .$50.00 |
| High speed Internet | $50.00 |
| Dinning Out (once a week without liquor) | $200.00 |
| Groceries | $600.00 |
| Part time Maid (two days per week) | $200.00 |
| Health Care (public for ARCR members) | $77.00 |
| Health Care (Private) | |
| Medicine (depends on one’s health) | |
| Entertainment | $150.00 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $300.00 |
| TOTAL EXPENSES: | $2,167.00 |
| Cost of living as of June 2018 for renters without an automobile | |
| Rent (depends on the size of property) | $600.00 |
| Transportation (buses, taxis or Uber) | $125.00 |
| Utilities (can vary according to consumption) | $100.00 |
| Cable TV | .$50.00 |
| High speed Internet | $50.00 |
| Dinning Out (once a week without liquor) | $125.00 |
| Groceries | $500.00 |
| Part time Maid (two days per week) | $200.00 |
| Health Care (public for ARCR members) | $77.00 |
| Health Care (Private) | |
| Medicine (depends on one’s health) | |
| Entertainment | $150.00 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $250.00 |
| TOTAL EXPENSES: | $2,027.00 |
