Cost of Living in Nosara - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $866 (excluding rent), and $1,685 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,118 (excluding rent), and $3,557 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$10.97 ₡5,491

$6.98 ₡3,494

$35.9 ₡18K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$59.2 ₡29.6K

$39.43 ₡19.7K

$103 ₡51.3K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.1 ₡3,552

$12.16 ₡6,088

Cappuccino

$3.73 ₡1,868

$1.94 ₡973

$6.76 ₡3,386

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.56 ₡779

$1.53 ₡764

$2.92 ₡1,459

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.22 ₡613

$2.05 ₡1,025

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.91 ₡1,459

$1.95 ₡974

$4.86 ₡2,433

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.79 ₡2,400

$3.06 ₡1,531

$6.16 ₡3,083

Milk (1 liter)

$1.42 ₡709

$2.73 ₡1,369

White Bread (500g)

$2.76 ₡1,384

$1.21 ₡606

$4.28 ₡2,141

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.21 ₡1,107

$1.81 ₡905

$4.02 ₡2,012

Eggs

$2.93 ₡1,469

$1.97 ₡987

$5.98 ₡2,992

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.6 ₡3,305

$3.96 ₡1,984

$19.8 ₡9,914

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.36 ₡4,684

$5.1 ₡2,552

$11.22 ₡5,618

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.66 ₡6,837

$10.13 ₡5,071

$15.89 ₡7,957

Apples (1kg)

$2.13 ₡1,068

$6.1 ₡3,052

Banana (1kg)

$1.46 ₡731

$0.61 ₡304

$2.42 ₡1,213

Oranges (1kg)

$4.29 ₡2,147

$2 ₡1,003

$6.01 ₡3,009

Tomato (1kg)

$1.51 ₡755

$8.06 ₡4,033

Potato (1kg)

$3.42 ₡1,713

$1.88 ₡943

$6.86 ₡3,435

Onion (1kg)

$3.21 ₡1,607

$2.02 ₡1,009

$4.61 ₡2,307

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.96 ₡483

$0.84 ₡419

$1.06 ₡531

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.32 ₡1,163

$2.16 ₡1,084

$3.44 ₡1,722

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.48 ₡2,242

$3.9 ₡1,953

$5.46 ₡2,733

Wine (Bottle)

$18.81 ₡9,415

$13 ₡6,510

$30.01 ₡15K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.44 ₡1,223

$1.65 ₡827

$2.98 ₡1,490

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.81 ₡1,409

$2.03 ₡1,016

$5.46 ₡2,734

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.09 ₡547

$0.88 ₡442

$1.27 ₡636

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$66.4 ₡33.2K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.78 ₡892

$1.35 ₡678

$1.94 ₡970

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.86 ₡929

$1.41 ₡704

$2.42 ₡1,210

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.87 ₡3,939

$7.05 ₡3,530

$8.93 ₡4,468

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.34 ₡670

$1.51 ₡756

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$31.9K ₡15.9M

$39.7K ₡19.9M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$32.5K ₡16.3M

$34.9K ₡17.5M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$93.7 ₡46.9K

$59.6 ₡29.8K

$129 ₡64.6K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$25.74 ₡12.9K

$19.76 ₡9,893

$49.41 ₡24.7K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$46.89 ₡23.5K

$39.08 ₡19.6K

$82.1 ₡41.1K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$57.7 ₡28.9K

$40.42 ₡20.2K

$80.9 ₡40.5K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$23.45 ₡11.7K

$7.82 ₡3,914

$23.45 ₡11.7K

Cinema Ticket

$10.18 ₡5,095

$8.14 ₡4,076

$15.26 ₡7,639

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$449 ₡224.7K

$397 ₡198.8K

$923 ₡462.3K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$10.4K ₡5.2M

$9,771 ₡4.9M

$19.1K ₡9.6M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$49.64 ₡24.8K

$39.71 ₡19.9K

$119 ₡59.6K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$51.8 ₡25.9K

$40.24 ₡20.1K

$70.1 ₡35.1K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$72.8 ₡36.4K

$152 ₡75.9K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$71.9 ₡36K

$49.9 ₡25K

$160 ₡79.9K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$752 ₡376.6K

$489 ₡244.9K

$1,180 ₡591K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$737 ₡368.7K

$591 ₡295.9K

$882 ₡441.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,498 ₡749.7K

$885 ₡443.1K

$1,771 ₡886.4K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,294 ₡647.7K

$984 ₡492.4K

$1,604 ₡803.1K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$6,253 ₡3.1M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,100 ₡550.5K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$811 ₡405.9K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

10.17

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

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Cost of Living in Nosara - Frequently Asked Questions

Nosara offers a laid-back, nature-forward lifestyle valued by travelers and remote workers for balance. You’ll find a spectrum from modest long-term rentals near the jungle to villas with ocean views. The area can feel pricier during peak season, especially for private homes and dining out, but you can stretch your budget with guesthouses, shared apartments, and local markets. For longer stays, value tends to emerge when you mix beachfront days with quieter inland options and seasonal timing. Cost of Living in Nosara, Costa Rica gives you a clear frame for planning. Tip: Track neighborhood vibes and seasonality to maximize value.

Your housing search tends to favor mid-range, long-term options such as cabinas, small casas, or shared villas near beach towns or lush pockets; negotiate seasonally and ask about utilities and internet reliability. Food is varied: local mercados offer fresh produce, while cafes and restaurants provide inexpensive meals and healthier options. Getting around is mostly by scooter, ATV, or short taxi hops; walking is pleasant in compact areas. Co-working spaces and remote work-friendly cafes keep you connected. Nosara, Costa Rica living cost comes into play when you balance rent, meals, and transport. Tip: Map a weekly plan to align groceries, transport, and work sessions.

Your quality of life in Nosara hinges on balance between outdoor access and practical logistics. To budget, use a simple framework: fixed costs (rent, internet, utilities) and flexible costs (food, transport, activities). Seasonality affects crowds, availability, and prices more than salaries, so consider shoulder-season stays for better value and longer leases for stability. Neighborhood fit matters: beachfront pockets are lively but busier; inland lanes offer safer walking and lower rents. Push for internet reliability, solar power options, and easy access to groceries or co-working cafés. Tip: Build a lightweight packing and shopping list to reduce impulse buys and overspending.