Cost of living in San Francisco
San Francisco, located in Costa Rica, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering moving or traveling here.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in San Francisco, Costa Rica, covering everything from dining and groceries to transportation and housing.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $10.92 on average, with a range between $7 and $19.74.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $59.23, with prices ranging from $39.49 to $98.71.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.87, with a range between $9.77 and $10.86.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.97 to $5, imported beer $2.96 to $6, cappuccino $2.17 to $6.91, and Coke/Pepsi $1.58 to $2.96.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.38 and $3 per liter, averaging $1.94.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.23 and $5, with an average price of $2.63.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.97 to $5.53, averaging $3.3.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.76 to $6.52 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $5.92 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.09 and $4.28 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.79 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.33 and $1.59 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.38, with a cost of $1.38 to $2 per km and $6.83 to $8.88 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $31,193.89 and $40,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $30,000 to $34,374.34.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - Monthly preschool costs range from $394.86 to $710.75, averaging $529.77.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly costs for international primary school range from $9,871.48 to $19,320.47, averaging $12,575.34.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $39.49 and $118.46, averaging $83.71.
- Internet - Internet services range from $39.49 to $82.92, with an average cost of $40.
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
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
San Francisco, Costa Rica, offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban centers. Dining out is reasonably priced, especially at casual restaurants.
Grocery prices are moderate, with some variability in fresh produce costs. Transportation costs are manageable, particularly for those using public transport or taxis.
Utilities and internet services are cost-effective, making it easier to manage monthly expenses. However, education costs, particularly for international schools, can be significant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, San Francisco, Costa Rica, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and transportation options. While housing and education can be costly, especially for international schooling, overall expenses remain manageable.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle needs and budget accordingly to make the most of living in this vibrant city.