Cost of living in Nosara
Nosara, a charming coastal town in Costa Rica, is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Nosara, 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 $10 on average, with a range between $6.87 and $35.31.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $58.85, with prices ranging from $39.23 to $102.01.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.87, with a range between $6.87 and $11.77.
- 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 $2.16 to $6.87, and Coke/Pepsi $1.54 to $2.94.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.37 and $2.35 per liter, averaging $1.42.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.23 and $4.32, with an average price of $2.61.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.96 to $5.94, averaging $3.29.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.06 to $6.47 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $5.89 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.08 and $4.27 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.78 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (Monthly Pass) - A monthly pass for local transport costs $65.91.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.3 and $1.56 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.81, with a cost of $1.37 to $2 per km and $6.79 to $8.83 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1800 to $2648.35, averaging $2224.18.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $600 to $882.78, averaging $741.39.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2500 to $4767.03, averaging $3633.52.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1000 to $1608.63, averaging $1304.31.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $6277.58.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1078.96.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $39.23 and $117.7, averaging $83.2.
- Internet - Internet services range from $39.23 to $82.39, with an average cost of $47.08.
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
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Nosara offers a diverse range of dining options, from affordable local eateries to more expensive dining experiences.
Grocery prices in Nosara are relatively moderate, with essential items like milk, bread, and eggs being reasonably priced.
Transportation costs are manageable, with affordable public transport and taxi services.
Housing in Nosara can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but more affordable options are available outside the centre.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to a balanced cost of living.
Conclusion
Nosara, Costa Rica, presents a unique blend of affordability and luxury, making it an attractive destination for both short-term visitors and long-term residents.
While housing costs in the city centre can be high, the overall cost of living remains balanced with affordable dining, transportation, and utility expenses.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget to make the most of what Nosara has to offer.