Cost Of Living For a Student in San Jose 2025

Average monthly spending for students in San Jose

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in San Jose?

Students in San Jose spend around 900,000 CRC per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 140,000 CRC or as high as 6M CRC. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in San Jose?

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

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in San Jose typically spend from 15% to 26% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 20% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 210,000 CRC with expenditure ranging from 33,000 CRC to 1.4M 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 San Jose ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 36,000 CRC with 5,500 CRC and 240,000 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 9,600 CRC to 420,000 CRC in a month on commuting with 63,000 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 San Jose is 180,000 CRC. The cost of groceries can range between 27,000 CRC to 1.2M 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 San Jose 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 8,200 CRC to 360,000 CRC with 54,000 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 6,800 CRC to 300,000 CRC with 45,000 CRC being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 3% 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 170,000 CRC per month with 26,000 CRC being the minimum spent amount and 1.1M 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 San Jose

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in San Jose?

Around 78% of surveyed students think that living in San Jose is affordable with proper budgeting while 22% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in San Jose

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 options69%

Few low-cost options31%

Based on the survey, 69% of the students living in San Jose have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 31% 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 San Jose whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes78%

No22%

Based on the survey, 22% of the students living in San Jose said that they don't have an emergency fund while 78% 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 San Jose 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 San Jose

Rent Cost in San Jose

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

160,000 CRC

230,000 CRC

620,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$300

$460

$1,200

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

230,000 CRC

370,000 CRC

940,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$460

$730

$1,800

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

310,000 CRC

470,000 CRC

1.2M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$610

$910

$2,400

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

370,000 CRC

620,000 CRC

1.7M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$730

$1,200

$3,300

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

750,000 CRC

1.9M CRC

3.7M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,500

$3,600

$7,300

Townhouse monthly rent cost

620,000 CRC

940,000 CRC

2.7M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,200

$1,800

$5,200

House monthly rent cost

750,000 CRC

1.9M CRC

3.7M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,500

$3,600

$7,300

Villa monthly rent cost

940,000 CRC

2.3M CRC

3.7M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,800

$4,600

$7,300

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in San Jose ranges between 160,000 CRC and 620,000 CRC, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 230,000 CRC to 940,000 CRC. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 310,000 CRC and 1.2M CRC per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 370,000 CRC to 1.7M CRC. The average rent of a townhouse in San Jose is around 940,000 CRC while house rental costs can be as high as 1.9M CRC per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 940,000 CRC to 3.7M CRC per month.

Apartment and house prices in San Jose

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

31M CRC

47M CRC

94M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$61,000

$91,000

$180,000

1-bedroom apartment price

37M CRC

62M CRC

230M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$73,000

$120,000

$460,000

2-bedroom apartment price

62M CRC

190M CRC

370M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$120,000

$360,000

$730,000

3-bedroom apartment price

210M CRC

310M CRC

940M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$410,000

$610,000

$1.8M

Townhouse price

270M CRC

620M CRC

2,300M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$520,000

$1.2M

$4.6M

House price

310M CRC

1,900M CRC

2,700M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$610,000

$3.6M

$5.2M

Villa price

370M CRC

2,100M CRC

3,100M CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$730,000

$4.1M

$6.1M

The average price of a studio apartment in San Jose can range from 31M CRC to 94M CRC depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 37M CRC to 230M CRC. A villa can cost you 2,100M CRC on average with prices ranging from 370M CRC to 3,100M CRC.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in San Jose can be x132 to x238 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x132 multiples of the average monthly salary in San Jose.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in San Jose is around 36%. This means that people pay 36% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 25% to 48% 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 San Jose

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in San Jose

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

5,500 CRC

36,000 CRC

240,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$11

$70

$470

Internet and cable cost

8,500 CRC

17,000 CRC

23,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$17

$33

$44

Mobile phone bill and charges

6,800 CRC

11,000 CRC

34,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$13

$22

$67

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 36,000 CRC. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 8,500 CRC to 23,000 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 6,800 CRC and 34,000 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 San Jose is around 5.7%. This means that people pay 5.7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in San Jose

Prices and cost of goods and services in San Jose

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

Fast food combo meal price

1,700 CRC

3,400 CRC

5,700 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.3

$6.7

$11

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in San Jose is approximatly 3,400 CRC with meal cost ranging from 1,700 CRC to 5,700 CRC. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

6,000 CRC

9,000 CRC

18,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$12

$17

$35

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 6,000 CRC and 18,000 CRC with 9,000 CRC being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in San Jose.

Fine dining meal for one price

12,000 CRC

18,000 CRC

72,000 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$23

$35

$140

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 12,000 CRC to 72,000 CRC with the average cost being 18,000 CRC for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in San Jose.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

1,400 CRC

2,300 CRC

3,400 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.8

$4.4

$6.7

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in San Jose is around 2,300 CRC. Price ranges between 1,400 CRC and 3,400 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

1,400 CRC

1,700 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.2

$2.7

$3.3

The average price of a large bottle of milk in San Jose is 1,400 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

850 CRC

1,100 CRC

1,700 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.7

$2.2

$3.3

A dozen eggs costs around 1,100 CRC on average with 850 CRC and 1,700 CRC being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

1,900 CRC

2,500 CRC

3,600 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.8

$4.9

$6.9

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in San Jose is between 1,900 CRC and 3,600 CRC depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 2,500 CRC.

Pack of beef price

2,300 CRC

3,400 CRC

6,800 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.4

$6.7

$13

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 3,400 CRC. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

920 CRC

1,300 CRC

1,800 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.8

$2.4

$3.5

A bag of rice in San Jose costs around 1,300 CRC on average with prices rangeing between 920 CRC and 1,800 CRC depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

340 CRC

460 CRC

850 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.67

$0.89

$1.7

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 340 CRC to 850 CRC. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

610 CRC

800 CRC

1,300 CRC

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.2

$1.6

$2.6

A bag of apples costs 800 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 San Jose is around 30%. This means that students spend 30% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 36% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students