Cost of living in Escazu
Escazu, a vibrant city in Costa Rica, is known for its modern amenities and proximity to the capital, San Jose. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $10 on average, with a range between $6.85 and $19.58.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $58.74, with prices ranging from $39.16 to $156.65.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.79, with a range between $9.69 and $11.75.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.96 to $5.87, imported beer $2.94 to $11.75, cappuccino $2.15 to $6.85, and Coke/Pepsi $1.54 to $3.92.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.09 and $5.29 per liter, averaging $1.92.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.22 and $5.48, with an average price of $2.61.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.96 to $7.05, averaging $3.28.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.35 to $7.44 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $6.85 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.08 and $5.09 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.78 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.78 and $1.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.32 and $2.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.57, with a cost of $1.27 to $2.35 per km and $5.84 to $8.81 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $850 to $1272.77, averaging $1061.38.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $850 to $1272.77, averaging $1061.38.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1300 to $2000, averaging $1691.1.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1018.21 to $2000, averaging $1554.55.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $391.62 to $2500, averaging $1615.38.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $732.95 to $1500, averaging $1177.65.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $39.16 and $234.97, averaging $83.05.
- Internet - Internet services range from $39.16 to $97.91, with an average cost of $52.96.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Costa Rica are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Costa Rica, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
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Markets
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Escazu offers a moderate cost of living with affordable dining options and reasonable transportation costs.
Housing can be a significant expense, especially in the city centre, but options outside the centre offer similar pricing.
Grocery prices vary widely, with some items like milk and eggs being relatively expensive.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to manageable monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Escazu presents a balanced cost of living with a mix of affordable and premium options.
While housing and some grocery items can be costly, the overall expenses are manageable, making it an attractive location for both locals and expatriates.
Understanding these costs can help potential residents plan their finances effectively and enjoy the vibrant lifestyle Escazu offers.