San Isidro, located in the heart of Costa Rica, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living in this vibrant city is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in San Isidro costs approximately $6.91.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A 0.33 liter bottle of water is priced at around $1.78.

Grocery Prices

  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are available for about $1.78.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs approximately $2.17 per kilogram.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $4.94 per kilogram.
  • Rice (1kg) - A kilogram of white rice costs around $1.58.
  • Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round or equivalent red meat is priced at $11.85 per kilogram.
  • Cigarettes (20 Pack, Marlboro) - A pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs about $3.55.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at approximately $2.17 per liter.

Utilities

  • Internet - Internet services with 60 Mbps or more cost around $29.61 per month.
Worldwide
Costa Rica

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Feb, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 1 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$6.91
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.78
Markets
Avg / Range
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.78
Local Cheese (1kg)
$2.17
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.55
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.94
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.58
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$11.85
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.17
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$29.61
San Isidro Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

San Isidro offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban centers. Dining out is reasonably priced, and grocery costs are manageable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.

Transportation costs, particularly gasoline, are moderate, while internet services are competitively priced, providing good value for residents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, San Isidro presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining and grocery options. The moderate transportation and utility costs further enhance its appeal.

Whether you're planning to move or just visit, understanding these expenses will help you budget effectively and enjoy all that San Isidro has to offer.