Cost of living in San Juan
San Juan, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in San Juan, 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 $10.92 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 $2.37 per liter, averaging $1.94.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.23 and $4.34, 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 $1.57 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
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
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 $54.34.
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
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 Juan offers a relatively affordable dining experience, with inexpensive meals available at local restaurants.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like milk and bread being moderately priced, while others like beef and cheese are higher.
Transportation costs are reasonable, especially for gasoline, though purchasing a new car can be a significant expense.
Utilities are affordable, but housing costs are not detailed, suggesting potential variability in rental prices.
Conclusion
San Juan, Costa Rica, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and transportation options.
While some grocery items and utilities are reasonably priced, the lack of detailed housing cost data suggests potential variability in rental expenses.
Overall, San Juan is an attractive option for those seeking a vibrant lifestyle in a culturally rich environment.