Cost of living in Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa, a picturesque town in Costa Rica, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or visiting for an extended period.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Santa Teresa, 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 $6.87 and $19.62.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $58.85, with prices ranging from $39.23 to $98.09.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.81, with a range between $9.71 and $11.77.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.96 to $5, imported beer $2.94 to $6, cappuccino $2.16 to $6.87, and Coke/Pepsi $1.54 to $2.94.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.37 and $2.35 per liter, averaging $1.93.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.23 and $4.32, with an average price of $2.61.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.96 to $5.49, averaging $3.29.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.75 to $6.47 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $5.89 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.08 and $4.26 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.78 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.32 and $1.56 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.81, with a cost of $1.37 to $2 per km and $6.79 to $8.83 per hour of waiting.
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.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $39.23 and $117.7, averaging $83.2.
- Internet - Internet services range from $39.23 to $82.39, with an average cost of $53.05.
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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Salaries And Financing
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"Key Takeaways"
Santa Teresa offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries, especially in terms of dining and basic utilities.
While some imported goods and dining experiences can be pricey, local products and services remain budget-friendly.
Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices being a significant factor for those who drive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Santa Teresa provides a balanced cost of living with affordable local dining and grocery options, though some imported items may be more expensive.
Potential residents should consider the variability in housing costs and plan accordingly, especially if looking for specific amenities or locations.