Cost of Living in Perez Zeledon - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $924 (excluding rent), and $1,151 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,187 (excluding rent), and $2,618 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.17 ₡3,501

$22.53 ₡11K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$40.45 ₡19.8K

$101 ₡49.4K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.66 ₡4,721

$11.59 ₡5,660

Cappuccino

$3.94 ₡1,926

$2.05 ₡1,003

$7.14 ₡3,490

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

$1.45 ₡710

$2.91 ₡1,420

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.64 ₡802

$1.21 ₡589

$2.02 ₡985

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.96 ₡1,448

$1.98 ₡967

$4.94 ₡2,415

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.7 ₡2,295

$3 ₡1,465

$6.01 ₡2,934

Milk (1 liter)

$2 ₡975

$1.48 ₡724

$2.8 ₡1,369

White Bread (500g)

$2.8 ₡1,368

$1.23 ₡600

$4.33 ₡2,118

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.13 ₡1,041

$1.74 ₡851

$3.87 ₡1,892

Eggs

$2.59 ₡1,266

$2.01 ₡981

$4.01 ₡1,961

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.39 ₡4,098

$4 ₡1,953

$19.98 ₡9,761

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.3 ₡4,545

$5.07 ₡2,477

$11.16 ₡5,452

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.89 ₡6,786

$10.3 ₡5,033

$16.16 ₡7,897

Apples (1kg)

$4.39 ₡2,146

$2.71 ₡1,326

$5.83 ₡2,847

Banana (1kg)

$0.96 ₡468

$0.58 ₡284

$2.31 ₡1,131

Oranges (1kg)

$4.32 ₡2,113

$2.02 ₡987

$6.06 ₡2,961

Tomato (1kg)

$3.52 ₡1,722

$2 ₡979

$8.02 ₡3,917

Potato (1kg)

$2.82 ₡1,380

$1.94 ₡948

$7.07 ₡3,455

Onion (1kg)

$2.72 ₡1,329

$1.95 ₡951

$4.45 ₡2,175

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.38 ₡188

$0.95 ₡464

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.82 ₡1,375

$2.14 ₡1,046

$3.4 ₡1,662

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.14 ₡2,510

$4.03 ₡1,970

$5.64 ₡2,757

Wine (Bottle)

$18.23 ₡8,905

$10.13 ₡4,948

$30.37 ₡14.8K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.18 ₡1,066

$1.65 ₡805

$2.97 ₡1,451

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.56 ₡763

$5.61 ₡2,743

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.74 ₡361

$0.68 ₡330

$0.8 ₡391

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.87 ₡914

$1.42 ₡694

$2.03 ₡993

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.86 ₡909

$1.41 ₡689

$2.42 ₡1,183

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.01 ₡3,915

$7.18 ₡3,508

$9.09 ₡4,441

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.35 ₡659

$1.3 ₡635

$1.47 ₡717

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

$37.7K ₡18.4M

$36.6K ₡17.9M

$39.8K ₡19.5M

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

$32.4K ₡15.8M

$34.6K ₡16.9M

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

$92.1 ₡45K

$58.5 ₡28.6K

$195 ₡95.3K

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

$21.65 ₡10.6K

$20.14 ₡9,840

$50.4 ₡24.6K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$59.8 ₡29.2K

$39.85 ₡19.5K

$83.7 ₡40.9K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$30.38 ₡14.8K

$81 ₡39.6K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$23.99 ₡11.7K

$8 ₡3,908

$23.99 ₡11.7K

Cinema Ticket

$10.23 ₡4,999

$8.19 ₡4,000

$15.34 ₡7,497

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

$504 ₡246.3K

$401 ₡196K

$933 ₡455.6K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.8K ₡6.3M

$10.1K ₡4.9M

$19.7K ₡9.6M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$62.9 ₡30.7K

$40.05 ₡19.6K

$120 ₡58.7K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$52.3 ₡25.5K

$40.61 ₡19.8K

$70.7 ₡34.5K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$126 ₡61.5K

$89.4 ₡43.7K

$149 ₡72.8K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$106 ₡51.6K

$48.91 ₡23.9K

$156 ₡76.5K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$344 ₡167.9K

$303 ₡148.1K

$364 ₡177.7K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$270 ₡131.9K

$203 ₡99K

$304 ₡148.4K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,541 ₡752.7K

$911 ₡444.9K

$1,822 ₡890K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$626 ₡305.7K

$587 ₡286.6K

$1,180 ₡576.3K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: December 1, 2025

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Cost of Living in Perez Zeledon - Frequently Asked Questions

Perez Zeledon often feels more affordable than beach resorts or the capital, making it a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want space, nature, and local life. Housing options range from modest apartments to larger casas that can be negotiated for longer stays, often at a lower density than coastal towns. Food comes from lively markets, casual eateries, and home-cooked meals, which helps budgeting. The overall Cost of Living in Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica is balanced by a slower pace, accessible services, and nearby natural attractions, so you can enjoy a comfortable routine without paying big-city premiums. Tip: start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods before committing long-term.

Daily life in Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica is practical and relaxed. For housing search, use local agents and long-term rental listings, focusing on San Isidro de El General and surrounding villages for access to stores and transport. Food options range from vibrant markets to affordable casual eateries; cooking at home helps trim costs. Transportation relies on a mix of buses, scooters, and car rentals; walking is easy in the town center. For remote work, seek cafes with reliable wifi or a shared workspace. Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica living cost flexibility lets you pace your stay without pressure. Tip: inspect a few neighborhoods at different times of day to judge noise and safety.

Quality of life here hinges on climate, pace, and community connections. The highland setting offers cooler mornings and a forested backdrop, with a rainy season that reshapes activities and travel planning. Your budgeting framework should blend fixed costs (rent, utilities) with flexible spending on food, transport, and occasional excursions. Neighborhood fit matters: you may prefer central towns for mobility or hillside areas for quiet mornings and views. Use seasonal planning to align your market visits and festivals, and build relationships with local vendors to improve prices without sacrificing quality. Tip: track expenses by category to spot leaky budgets and adjust before the next season.