Cost of Living in Santa Cruz - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $796 (excluding rent), and $1,549 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,420 (excluding rent), and $3,206 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$10.99 ₡5,371

$6.99 ₡3,417

$21.99 ₡10.7K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$59.5 ₡29.1K

$39.65 ₡19.4K

$105 ₡51.5K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.8 ₡4,790

$11.76 ₡5,743

Cappuccino

$3.87 ₡1,892

$2.02 ₡985

$7.02 ₡3,429

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

$1.98 ₡966

$1.53 ₡746

$2.92 ₡1,425

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.6 ₡782

$1.18 ₡575

$1.97 ₡961

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.02 ₡1,475

$2.02 ₡985

$7.5 ₡3,662

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.61 ₡2,255

$2.94 ₡1,439

$10.45 ₡5,108

Milk (1 liter)

$1.99 ₡974

$1.48 ₡722

$2.76 ₡1,348

White Bread (500g)

$2.79 ₡1,362

$1.22 ₡597

$4.31 ₡2,107

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.15 ₡1,053

$1.76 ₡860

$3.92 ₡1,913

Eggs

$3.05 ₡1,488

$2.05 ₡1,001

$4.1 ₡2,001

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.18 ₡4,972

$4.07 ₡1,989

$20.35 ₡9,940

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.36 ₡4,575

$5.1 ₡2,493

$11.23 ₡5,488

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.44 ₡6,564

$9.97 ₡4,869

$15.64 ₡7,639

Apples (1kg)

$4.49 ₡2,193

$2.77 ₡1,355

$5.95 ₡2,909

Banana (1kg)

$1.01 ₡494

$0.61 ₡299

$2.44 ₡1,193

Oranges (1kg)

$4.38 ₡2,139

$2.05 ₡999

$6.14 ₡2,998

Tomato (1kg)

$3.57 ₡1,744

$2.03 ₡991

$8.12 ₡3,966

Potato (1kg)

$3.41 ₡1,664

$1.87 ₡916

$6.83 ₡3,338

Onion (1kg)

$3.09 ₡1,508

$1.94 ₡947

$4.43 ₡2,164

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.95 ₡463

$0.82 ₡402

$0.95 ₡463

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.94 ₡1,435

$2.23 ₡1,092

$3.55 ₡1,734

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.42 ₡2,647

$4.09 ₡1,999

$5.73 ₡2,798

Wine (Bottle)

$17.94 ₡8,766

$9.97 ₡4,870

$29.9 ₡14.6K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.41 ₡1,180

$1.63 ₡798

$2.94 ₡1,438

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.88 ₡1,409

$2.08 ₡1,016

$5.6 ₡2,735

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.03 ₡505

$0.83 ₡408

$1.2 ₡586

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.85 ₡905

$1.41 ₡687

$4.03 ₡1,967

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.83 ₡895

$1.39 ₡679

$2.39 ₡1,166

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.98 ₡3,898

$7.15 ₡3,493

$9.05 ₡4,422

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.47 ₡719

$1.36 ₡664

$1.53 ₡749

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

$37.6K ₡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)

$94.5 ₡46.2K

$60.1 ₡29.3K

$130 ₡63.6K

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

$25.6 ₡12.5K

$19.65 ₡9,601

$49.13 ₡24K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$53.1 ₡25.9K

$39.31 ₡19.2K

$82.6 ₡40.3K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$57 ₡27.8K

$39.88 ₡19.5K

$79.8 ₡39K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$23.49 ₡11.5K

$7.83 ₡3,828

$23.49 ₡11.5K

Cinema Ticket

$5.92 ₡2,890

$14.78 ₡7,223

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

$575 ₡280.9K

$402 ₡196.6K

$935 ₡457K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.6K ₡6.2M

$9,937 ₡4.9M

$19.4K ₡9.5M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$61.8 ₡30.2K

$39.36 ₡19.2K

$118 ₡57.7K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$50.8 ₡24.8K

$39.47 ₡19.3K

$68.7 ₡33.6K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$126 ₡61.6K

$89.7 ₡43.8K

$239 ₡116.8K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$105 ₡51.5K

$48.76 ₡23.8K

$156 ₡76.2K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$750 ₡366.2K

$487 ₡238.1K

$1,176 ₡574.6K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$587 ₡286.8K

$352 ₡172.1K

$783 ₡382.4K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,520 ₡742.5K

$898 ₡438.9K

$1,797 ₡878K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$966 ₡471.8K

$598 ₡292.2K

$1,203 ₡587.6K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

10.17

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

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

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.