Cost Of Living For a Student in Costa Rica 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Costa Rica

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Costa Rica?

Students in Costa Rica spend around 790,000 CRC per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 120,000 CRC or as high as 5.3M CRC. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Costa Rica?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Costa Rica typically spend from 16% to 27% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 21% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 190,000 CRC with expenditure ranging from 29,000 CRC to 1.3M CRC. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Costa Rica ranges from 3% to 9% of total expenses with 5% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 32,000 CRC with 4,800 CRC and 210,000 CRC being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 8,400 CRC to 370,000 CRC in a month on commuting with 55,000 CRC being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 11%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Costa Rica is 160,000 CRC. The cost of groceries can range between 24,000 CRC to 1.1M CRC. Students spend on average about 22% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 16% and 26% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Costa Rica allocate 5% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 7,200 CRC to 320,000 CRC with 47,000 CRC being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 6,000 CRC to 260,000 CRC with 39,000 CRC being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 19% of the monthly expenditure of students with 12% and 24% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 150,000 CRC per month with 23,000 CRC being the minimum spent amount and 1,000,000 CRC being the maximum.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

• 50% for needs and financial obligations

  This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

• 30% for wants and discretionary spending

  This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

• 20% for savings and emergency fund

  This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

Affordable living in Costa Rica

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Costa Rica?

Around 69% of surveyed students think that living in Costa Rica is affordable with proper budgeting while 31% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Costa Rica

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options61%

Few low-cost options39%

Based on the survey, 61% of the students living in Costa Rica have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 39% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Students

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked students of Costa Rica whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes69%

No31%

Based on the survey, 31% of the students living in Costa Rica said that they don't have an emergency fund while 69% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Costa Rica

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy64%

We asked student guardians and parents in Costa Rica whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 36% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 64% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.

Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether students of Costa Rica have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 26% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 74% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance26%

Easily manages finances74%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Costa Rica

Rent Cost in Costa Rica

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

140,000 CRC

210,000 CRC

550,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$270

$400

$1,100

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

210,000 CRC

330,000 CRC

830,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$400

$640

$1,600

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

280,000 CRC

410,000 CRC

1.1M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$540

$800

$2,100

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

330,000 CRC

550,000 CRC

1.5M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$640

$1,100

$2,900

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

660,000 CRC

1.7M CRC

3.3M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,300

$3,200

$6,400

Townhouse monthly rent cost

550,000 CRC

830,000 CRC

2.4M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,100

$1,600

$4,600

House monthly rent cost

660,000 CRC

1.7M CRC

3.3M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,300

$3,200

$6,400

Villa monthly rent cost

830,000 CRC

2.1M CRC

3.3M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,600

$4,000

$6,400

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Costa Rica ranges between 140,000 CRC and 550,000 CRC, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 210,000 CRC to 830,000 CRC. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 280,000 CRC and 1.1M CRC per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 330,000 CRC to 1.5M CRC. The average rent of a townhouse in Costa Rica is around 830,000 CRC while house rental costs can be as high as 1.7M CRC per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 830,000 CRC to 3.3M CRC per month.

Apartment and house prices in Costa Rica

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

28M CRC

41M CRC

83M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$54,000

$80,000

$160,000

1-bedroom apartment price

33M CRC

55M CRC

210M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$64,000

$110,000

$400,000

2-bedroom apartment price

55M CRC

170M CRC

330M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$110,000

$320,000

$640,000

3-bedroom apartment price

180M CRC

280M CRC

830M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$360,000

$540,000

$1.6M

Townhouse price

240M CRC

550M CRC

2,100M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$460,000

$1.1M

$4M

House price

280M CRC

1,700M CRC

2,400M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$540,000

$3.2M

$4.6M

Villa price

330M CRC

1,800M CRC

2,800M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$640,000

$3.6M

$5.4M

The average price of a studio apartment in Costa Rica can range from 28M CRC to 83M CRC depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 33M CRC to 210M CRC. A villa can cost you 1,800M CRC on average with prices ranging from 330M CRC to 2,800M CRC.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Costa Rica can be x116 to x210 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x116 multiples of the average monthly salary in Costa Rica.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Costa Rica is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Costa Rica

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Costa Rica

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

4,800 CRC

32,000 CRC

210,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$9.4

$61

$410

Internet and cable cost

8,300 CRC

17,000 CRC

22,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$16

$32

$43

Mobile phone bill and charges

6,600 CRC

11,000 CRC

33,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$13

$21

$64

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 32,000 CRC. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 8,300 CRC to 22,000 CRC with 17,000 CRC being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 11,000 CRC but can range between 6,600 CRC and 33,000 CRC depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Costa Rica is around 5%. This means that people pay 5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2% to 9% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Costa Rica

Prices and cost of goods and services in Costa Rica

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

1,700 CRC

3,300 CRC

5,500 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.2

$6.4

$11

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Costa Rica is approximatly 3,300 CRC with meal cost ranging from 1,700 CRC to 5,500 CRC. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

5,500 CRC

8,300 CRC

17,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$11

$16

$32

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 5,500 CRC and 17,000 CRC with 8,300 CRC being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Costa Rica.

Fine dining meal for one price

11,000 CRC

17,000 CRC

66,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$21

$32

$130

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 11,000 CRC to 66,000 CRC with the average cost being 17,000 CRC for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Costa Rica.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

1,400 CRC

2,200 CRC

3,300 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.7

$4.3

$6.4

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Costa Rica is around 2,200 CRC. Price ranges between 1,400 CRC and 3,300 CRC depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

1,100 CRC

1,300 CRC

1,700 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.1

$2.6

$3.2

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Costa Rica is 1,300 CRC. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 1,700 CRC and the minimum being 1,100 CRC depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

830 CRC

1,100 CRC

1,700 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.6

$2.1

$3.2

A dozen eggs costs around 1,100 CRC on average with 830 CRC and 1,700 CRC being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

1,900 CRC

2,400 CRC

3,400 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.7

$4.7

$6.7

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Costa Rica is between 1,900 CRC and 3,400 CRC depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 2,400 CRC.

Pack of beef price

2,200 CRC

3,300 CRC

6,600 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.3

$6.4

$13

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 3,300 CRC. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

890 CRC

1,200 CRC

1,700 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.7

$2.4

$3.3

A bag of rice in Costa Rica costs around 1,200 CRC on average with prices rangeing between 890 CRC and 1,700 CRC depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

330 CRC

440 CRC

830 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.64

$0.86

$1.6

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 330 CRC to 830 CRC. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

590 CRC

770 CRC

1,300 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.1

$1.5

$2.5

A bag of apples costs 770 CRC on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Costa Rica is around 26%. This means that students spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students