Cost of Living in Santa Cruz - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $899 (excluding rent), and $1,563 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,137 (excluding rent), and $3,190 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.02 ₡5,519

$7.01 ₡3,511

$22.05 ₡11K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$60.8 ₡30.4K

$40.5 ₡20.3K

$108 ₡53.9K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.02 ₡5,014

$12.01 ₡6,012

Cappuccino

$3.83 ₡1,915

$1.99 ₡997

$6.93 ₡3,471

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

$1.96 ₡983

$1.52 ₡759

$2.9 ₡1,451

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.58 ₡790

$1.16 ₡580

$1.94 ₡971

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.92 ₡1,463

$1.95 ₡977

$7.26 ₡3,633

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.58 ₡2,295

$2.93 ₡1,464

$10.39 ₡5,199

Milk (1 liter)

$2.05 ₡1,027

$1.52 ₡761

$2.84 ₡1,421

White Bread (500g)

$2.88 ₡1,443

$1.26 ₡632

$4.46 ₡2,233

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.21 ₡1,105

$1.8 ₡903

$4.01 ₡2,008

Eggs

$2.92 ₡1,463

$1.96 ₡983

$3.93 ₡1,967

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.05 ₡5,029

$4.02 ₡2,012

$20.08 ₡10.1K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.06 ₡4,533

$4.94 ₡2,471

$10.86 ₡5,438

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.42 ₡6,717

$9.95 ₡4,983

$15.62 ₡7,818

Apples (1kg)

$4.52 ₡2,264

$2.79 ₡1,399

$6 ₡3,004

Banana (1kg)

$0.98 ₡488

$0.59 ₡296

$2.36 ₡1,179

Oranges (1kg)

$4.21 ₡2,108

$1.97 ₡985

$5.9 ₡2,954

Tomato (1kg)

$3.54 ₡1,772

$2.01 ₡1,007

$8.05 ₡4,029

Potato (1kg)

$3.51 ₡1,757

$1.93 ₡967

$7.04 ₡3,524

Onion (1kg)

$3.12 ₡1,563

$1.96 ₡981

$4.48 ₡2,243

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.03 ₡518

$0.9 ₡450

$1.03 ₡518

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.84 ₡1,422

$2.16 ₡1,081

$3.43 ₡1,718

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.15 ₡2,579

$3.89 ₡1,947

$5.44 ₡2,725

Wine (Bottle)

$19.82 ₡9,924

$12.89 ₡6,451

$29.74 ₡14.9K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.43 ₡1,215

$1.64 ₡821

$2.96 ₡1,480

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.82 ₡1,414

$2.04 ₡1,020

$5.48 ₡2,744

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.97 ₡483

$0.78 ₡390

$1.12 ₡561

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.82 ₡911

$1.38 ₡692

$3.96 ₡1,981

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.78 ₡890

$1.35 ₡675

$2.31 ₡1,159

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.78 ₡3,893

$6.97 ₡3,488

$8.82 ₡4,416

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.44 ₡722

$1.33 ₡666

$1.5 ₡752

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

$37.5K ₡18.8M

$36.4K ₡18.2M

$39.7K ₡19.9M

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

$32.3K ₡16.2M

$34.5K ₡17.3M

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

$94.2 ₡47.1K

$59.9 ₡30K

$130 ₡65K

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

$25.75 ₡12.9K

$19.76 ₡9,894

$49.41 ₡24.7K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$54.1 ₡27.1K

$40.06 ₡20.1K

$84.1 ₡42.1K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$55.8 ₡27.9K

$39.07 ₡19.6K

$78.1 ₡39.1K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$20.36 ₡10.2K

$6.79 ₡3,400

$20.36 ₡10.2K

Cinema Ticket

$6.1 ₡3,055

$15.25 ₡7,634

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

$566 ₡283.2K

$396 ₡198.2K

$920 ₡460.8K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.6K ₡6.3M

$9,929 ₡5M

$19.4K ₡9.7M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$61.5 ₡30.8K

$39.15 ₡19.6K

$117 ₡58.8K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$50.6 ₡25.3K

$39.35 ₡19.7K

$68.5 ₡34.3K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$124 ₡62.1K

$88.2 ₡44.2K

$235 ₡117.7K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$106 ₡53.1K

$49.08 ₡24.6K

$157 ₡78.6K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$672 ₡336.5K

$437 ₡218.8K

$1,055 ₡528.1K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$556 ₡278.1K

$333 ₡166.9K

$741 ₡370.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,603 ₡802.4K

$947 ₡474.2K

$1,895 ₡948.8K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$823 ₡412K

$510 ₡255.2K

$1,025 ₡513.1K

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 Santa Cruz - Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Cruz offers a laid-back pace with real value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want access to nature without a resort price tag. Cost of Living in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica tends to be more affordable than the country's high-traffic hotspots, while still delivering reliable services, decent internet in cafes, and plenty of local markets. The mix of simple hostels, guesthouses, and longer-term rentals often provides flexible options for short stays or longer stays. You will feel the difference when dining at local sodas or buying fresh produce. Tip: prioritize longer rental terms to lock in favorable rates and neighborhoods you prefer.

Daily life in Santa Cruz blends simple comforts with authentic Costa Rican flavor. Housing search often starts with local listings, guesthouses, and modest apartments; many options are walkable from town centers. Grocery runs are satisfying at mercados with fresh produce, meats, and bread, while casual eateries keep meals affordable. Transport leans on buses and short taxi hops, with bikes or scooters practical for short trips. For remote work, cafes with reliable wifi regularly accommodate digital nomads, and occasional coworking spaces pop up outside peak season. Santa Cruz, Costa Rica living cost scales with your lifestyle. Tip: plan your week around local markets and set a comfortable routine to reduce impulse purchases.

Quality of life in Santa Cruz rewards thoughtful planning and neighborhood scouting. For budgeting, build a framework around fixed costs (rent, utilities) and variable ones (food, transport) and compare neighborhoods by daily routines rather than sticker prices. Seasonality affects travel and services; rainy season can alter road conditions and open-air activities, while the dry season brings busier streets. Neighborhood fit matters: traditional town centers offer culture and walkability, while coastal edges may tilt toward a more laid-back, expat-friendly vibe. Tip: join local meetups or chat with shopkeepers to learn the lay of the land and save through local knowledge.