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Latin America5% Lower than the US

San Jose, Costa Rica

Estimated monthly cost

$4,010

Average net salary

$6,047

Monthly cost breakdown

1-bed apartment (city center)$3,135
1-bed apartment (outside center)$2,696
Utilities (monthly)$267
Internet$73
Mobile plan$52
Monthly transit pass$90
Meal, inexpensive restaurant$24
Meal for two, mid-range$100
Cappuccino$6
Domestic beer (0.5L)$9

Source: Numbeo, in USD. A single-person estimate; couples and families will vary. Updated regularly.

San Jose vs. the average US city

San Jose$4,010
US average$4,200

You'd keep about $190/month in your pocket — roughly 5% lower than the typical US cost of living.

How we estimate $4,010/mo

A single-person monthly budget, built from real Numbeo prices.

Rent

1-bed, city centre$3,135
1-bed, outside centre$2,696
Rent used (average of the two)$2,915

Living costs

Utilities$267
Internet$73
Mobile plan$52
Public transit pass$90
Groceries(monthly basket for one)$215
Eating out(~12 meals @ $25)$294
Subtotal$991
+10% misc / entertainment$99
Estimated total$4,010/mo

Excludes health insurance, flights, visas and one-time setup — see the guide and tools below for those.

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