Cost of living in San Rafael
San Rafael, 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 both residents and potential newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in San Rafael, 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 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 ranges from $394.86 to $918.05 monthly, averaging $616.97.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly fees for international primary schools 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 $53.35.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $19.74 and $35.54, averaging $24.12.
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 offers a moderate cost of living with affordable dining options and reasonable grocery prices.
Transportation costs are manageable, with competitive fuel prices and taxi fares.
Housing and utility costs are relatively low, making it an attractive option for families and individuals alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, San Rafael, Costa Rica, presents a balanced cost of living, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a blend of affordability and quality of life.
With its reasonable housing, dining, and transportation costs, San Rafael is well-suited for both locals and expatriates looking to enjoy the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Costa Rica.