Cost of living in San Rafael Abajo
San Rafael Abajo, located in Costa Rica, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering relocating or visiting.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you plan your budget effectively.
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 $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 $11.85.
- 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 $1.55 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 $1.82, 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 - The cost for private preschool is between $394.86 and $918.05 monthly, averaging $616.97.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school ranges 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 $53.35.
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"
San Rafael Abajo offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other cities in Costa Rica, especially in terms of dining and utilities.
Housing and education costs can be significant, particularly for private schooling.
Transportation costs are moderate, with reasonable prices for fuel and taxi services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, San Rafael Abajo presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of affordability and quality of life.
Potential residents should consider the higher costs associated with housing and education, while benefiting from affordable dining and transportation options.