San José, Costa Rica

Cost Of Living In San José, Costa Rica

The cost of living in San José, Costa Rica, depends greatly on your lifestyle preferences, where you decide to live, and what your budget is.

The official currency in Costa Rica is the Colon. Check live foreign currency exchange rates here.

Thinking About A Budget

Generally, a single person living in San José can expect to pay around US$1,250 per month. A family of four can get by on a budget of about US$3,600 per month.

Most importantly, your budget may end up being higher than that depending on a variety of factors, but either way the cost of living in San José is cheaper than most places in North America and Europe.

The cost of housing in San José varies depending on where you decide to live. The further you are from the city center, the less you can expect to pay per month on rent.

Within the city center, you would pay on average US$400 to US$800 per month for a one bedroom. A three bedroom in a similar area will cost anywhere between US$700 and US$1,500 per month.

San José and Costa Rica are known for their great cuisine, and you should be sure to sample local delicacies such gallo pinto (rice and beans), ceviche, or casado (a dish with rice, beans, salad, and your choice of meat).

The cost of eating out in San José ends up being extremely affordable, with most local places costing between US$5 and US$10 for a meal. If you prefer cooking at home, your monthly grocery expenses will end up being around US$200 to US$300.

The cost of your basic utilities in San José come out to between US$50 and US$100 per month.

A good internet plan only sets you back US$40 to US$60 per month.

Getting around San José, Costa Rica, is extremely easy, and you can get around by using a bus, taxi, or ride-sharing app such as Uber very easily.

An average bus ticket will only cost US$0.60, and a normal taxi fare will only cost you a few dollars. The taxi fare from the San José International Airport goes up to US$30.

Your monthly budget will go towards rent and groceries, but there is entertainment offered in San José. Even if you are living on a budget in San José, you will be able to afford amenities and comforts.

There are a wide range of options offered by San José, and the city is well known for its cultural hotspots and events, night life, and outdoor activities.

The cost of a movie ticket in San José, for example, ranges between US$5 and US$7.

Plus, a monthly subscription to a local fitness center is only another US$30 to US$50 added on to your budget.

The Costa Rican Economy

Economy in Costa Rica has still plenty of opportunity for the entrepreneur that is forward thinking and a risk taker.

Investing inreal estatecould have positive opportunities at full spectrum: condo projects, residential, agriculture, etc. This rings true, as new projects to expand and renovate access areas and roads are already underway in the country.

All in all, San José, Costa Rica, is perfect for people living on a budget giving the variety of lifestyle and living space options offered.

Still, it is important to have a budget in place to ensure you can comfortably afford all your necessities in San José.

Things To Do In San José, Costa Rica

San José, Costa Rica, is a very active city with a vibrant culture, rich history, and plenty of things to do.

The most notable things to do in San José include museums and cultural landmarks, sampling Costa Rican cuisine, and partaking in outdoor activities.

But, if you are looking for a cultural hub in a tropical setting, with ease of access to volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, and beaches, then definitely consider visiting or living in San José, Costa Rica.

You should start your visit with a tour of the National Museum of Costa Rica. They host a variety of pre-Colombian artifacts and art from the colonial period.

It is a great place to learn about the history and the culture of Costa Rica before diving into the more eccentric things to do that San José has to offer.

Another thing to do is just walk around San José or take a walking tour. The city is extremely walkable, and you can enjoy all the old architecture dating back to the colonial period.

Discovering San José, Costa Rica, amidst the lively street life and the colorful buildings is what makes it a great city to just take in and explore.

While on your walk, be sure to sample local cuisine and traditional delicacies. Maybe afterwards you could head to another prominent museum of San José, the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum.

There you will be able to see pre-Columbian gold artifacts such as masks, jewelry, and ceremonial objects.

Another highlight of San José is the Central Market. This is the place where you’ll find local treats such as tamales, churros, and empanadas.

Above all, it is an extremely energetic and fun place to be filled with fresh produce at a bargain, souvenirs to bring home to friends and family, and intricate Costa Rican crafts.

Spend a better part of your day in the market, especially since it is open from six-thirty in the morning until six in the evening (except for Sundays).

You can also enjoy the nightlife because there are always new events.

You will often be able to catch local musicians playing live on the street or attend live events in larger venues. There are always a place where you can dance the night away to a variety of Latin rhythms at a nearby bar, club, or other music venue.

Outside the city you’ll find other fun things to do. For example, plenty of natural wonders to discover including a few nearby volcanoes (some are still active, although there hasn’t been any sort of activity since 1910).

Also explore the waterfalls, take a coffee plantation tour, rest at a hot springs, drive out for a day trip to the beach, and much more.

San José and its surrounding areas make it, so you never have to worry about finding fun things to do. You will always have new experiences to behold, and you will enjoy a very comfortable and interesting life on a budget in San José.

Health Care In Costa Rica

Costa Rica boasts one of the most advanced health care systems in Latin America.

Offering universal health care to all citizens and permanent residents, expats have a choice between public and private health care.

The public health care system is run by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, commonly referred to as the Caja.

A total of 15 public hospitals operate under the Caja, offering citizens and permanent residents excellent health care across the country.

The private health care system is constantly upgrading, with state-of-the-art facilities and experts available in every field. Expats often opt for the private system as insurance is relatively cheap and most doctors speak English.

Costa Rica is quickly becoming a popular medical tourism destination because of its high standards and comparatively low costs for care. Costa Rica also excels in private dental treatments.

Moving And Visa For Costa Rica

Moving to San José can be a scary but very rewarding experience. As long as you take the proper steps and planning, you will have a wonderful new life in San José if that is what you want.

The drive from the San José international airport only takes 30 to 40 minutes, and there are great neighborhoods. In short, it’s not too difficult to find a good place to live.

Most of the great things to experience in Costa Rica are less than a few hours’ drive away.

Other Notable Areas Of San José

· Escazú (which is popular among expats and offers high end amenities),

· Santa Ana (also popular among expats with great housing options and beautiful mountain views),

· Rohrmoser (in downtown San José),

· Barrio Amón (a historic neighborhood),

· And, Curridabat (a more reasonably priced option)

When moving to San José, it is important to take care of paperwork and legal requirements such as obtaining the proper visas and permits.

It’s also helpful to learn basic Spanish to help with daily communication, although people in San José speak some English.

You can visit San José for up to 90 days on a tourist visa.

And, if you decided to move to San José, you will need to get residency or a long term visa. For example, the most common visas for visitors in Costa Rica include Pensionado Visas, a Rentista Visa, an Investment Visa, or a Work Visa.

You will need to be sponsored by your employer to qualify for a Work Visa. For an Investment Visa, you need to invest at least US$200,000 in Costa Rican businesses or real estate.

To be eligible for the Rentista Visa, you need to show a monthly income of at least US$2,500 for two years or have at least US$60,000 in savings.

You need to be a retiree who can show a pension or annuity of at least US$1,000 per month to get the Pensionado Visa.

Be sure to check out all the options for residency or a visa in Costa Rica here.

Weather In San José, Costa Rica

The weather in San José, Costa Rica, is subtropical. But since it is so close to the mountains it boasts a much a cooler climate than you would expect.

The tropical mountain climate of San José is characterized by relatively constant temperatures throughout the year, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations.

No matter what time of year, you will always be perfectly comfortable. In San José, temperatures typically range from the 65°F to 83°F (18°C to 28°C) throughout the year.

Dry Season

The dry season in San José runs from December to April, and the rainy season runs from May to November.

Rainy Season

During the rainy season in Costa Rica, it is common to have afternoon showers or thunderstorms, which can be heavy at times so be sure to pack an umbrella during the rainy season.

That being said, the rain usually clears up quickly, leaving behind lush green vegetation and pleasant temperatures.

San José’s location in a mountain valley means that it can be quite windy at times, especially during the dry season.

On top of that, the city’s high elevation (1,160 meters above sea level) means that it can be cooler than expected, especially at night.

In San José is a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater, even during the warmer months.