Cost of living in Jaco Beach
Jaco Beach, a popular coastal town in Costa Rica, is known for its vibrant lifestyle and beautiful beaches. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Jaco Beach, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $6.76 on average, with a range between $5.87 and $19.58.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $39.58, with prices ranging from $39.16 to $97.91.
- 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, imported beer $2.94 to $6, cappuccino $2.15 to $6.85, and Coke/Pepsi $1.54 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.37 and $2.35 per liter, averaging $1.92.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.22 and $4.31, with an average price of $2.61.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.96 to $5.48, averaging $3.28.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.74 to $6.46 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $5.87 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.08 and $4.25 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.78 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.32 and $1.56 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.37, with a cost of $1.37 to $2 per km and $6.78 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 $357.54 to $685.34, averaging $547.63.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $489.53.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1174.86 to $2400, averaging $1858.29.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $900 to $1200, averaging $1026.35.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $39.16 and $117.49, averaging $81.05.
- Internet - Internet services range from $39.16 to $82.24, with an average cost of $39.16.
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
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"Key Takeaways"
Jaco Beach offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, particularly in terms of dining and housing.
While restaurant prices are quite reasonable, imported goods and certain groceries can be more expensive.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable taxi fares and gasoline prices.
Conclusion
Overall, Jaco Beach presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and dining options, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and long-term residents.
Potential residents should consider the variability in grocery prices and plan accordingly to manage their monthly expenses effectively.