Cost of Living in Tibas - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $805 (excluding rent), and $1,495 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,813 (excluding rent), and $2,940 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.85 ₡4,932

$6.89 ₡3,450

$21.66 ₡10.8K

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$30.02 ₡15K

$100 ₡50.1K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.89 ₡4,449

$11.85 ₡5,930

Cappuccino

$1.93 ₡967

$6.76 ₡3,383

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

$1.22 ₡610

$3.05 ₡1,529

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.17 ₡586

$1.96 ₡981

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.03 ₡1,018

$5.08 ₡2,542

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.01 ₡1,506

$6.03 ₡3,017

Milk (1 liter)

$1.02 ₡510

$2.92 ₡1,461

White Bread (500g)

$1.94 ₡969

$1.22 ₡610

$4.3 ₡2,154

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.16 ₡1,080

$1.76 ₡883

$3.92 ₡1,963

Eggs

$3.03 ₡1,518

$2.04 ₡1,020

$4.08 ₡2,041

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.77 ₡4,889

$3.91 ₡1,955

$19.52 ₡9,772

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.25 ₡2,626

$4.96 ₡2,481

$10.91 ₡5,462

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.82 ₡6,919

$10.25 ₡5,132

$16.08 ₡8,052

Apples (1kg)

$4.63 ₡2,318

$2.86 ₡1,432

$6.14 ₡3,076

Banana (1kg)

$1.5 ₡749

$0.61 ₡304

$3.55 ₡1,776

Oranges (1kg)

$4.29 ₡2,146

$2 ₡1,003

$6.01 ₡3,008

Tomato (1kg)

$2.67 ₡1,337

$2.02 ₡1,012

$8.08 ₡4,046

Potato (1kg)

$3.46 ₡1,731

$1.9 ₡953

$6.93 ₡3,471

Onion (1kg)

$3.1 ₡1,552

$1.95 ₡974

$4.45 ₡2,227

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.51 ₡256

$1.01 ₡507

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.94 ₡1,473

$2.24 ₡1,120

$3.56 ₡1,780

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.14 ₡2,573

$3.88 ₡1,943

$5.43 ₡2,719

Wine (Bottle)

$19.64 ₡9,832

$12.77 ₡6,391

$29.46 ₡14.7K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.4 ₡1,201

$1.62 ₡812

$2.92 ₡1,464

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.89 ₡1,445

$2.08 ₡1,042

$5.6 ₡2,804

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.98 ₡491

$0.79 ₡396

$1.14 ₡570

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.88 ₡941

$1.43 ₡715

$2.04 ₡1,024

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.85 ₡927

$1.4 ₡703

$2.41 ₡1,208

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.06 ₡4,033

$7.22 ₡3,614

$9.14 ₡4,575

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.42 ₡709

$1.31 ₡654

$1.47 ₡738

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

$37.8K ₡18.9M

$36.7K ₡18.4M

$40K ₡20M

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

$32.9K ₡16.5M

$35.1K ₡17.6M

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

$94.8 ₡47.5K

$60.3 ₡30.2K

$131 ₡65.4K

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

$25.52 ₡12.8K

$19.59 ₡9,808

$48.98 ₡24.5K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$59 ₡29.5K

$39.37 ₡19.7K

$82.7 ₡41.4K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$56.9 ₡28.5K

$39.86 ₡20K

$79.7 ₡39.9K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$24.41 ₡12.2K

$8.14 ₡4,076

$24.41 ₡12.2K

Cinema Ticket

$9.89 ₡4,952

$7.91 ₡3,962

$14.83 ₡7,426

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

$575 ₡288K

$403 ₡201.5K

$936 ₡468.6K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.7K ₡6.4M

$10K ₡5M

$19.6K ₡9.8M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$62.6 ₡31.3K

$39.85 ₡20K

$120 ₡59.9K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$52.2 ₡26.2K

$40.6 ₡20.3K

$70.7 ₡35.4K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$125 ₡62.6K

$88.9 ₡44.5K

$148 ₡74.2K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$109 ₡54.3K

$50.3 ₡25.2K

$161 ₡80.5K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$771 ₡385.9K

$501 ₡250.9K

$1,210 ₡605.6K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$603 ₡301.8K

$362 ₡181.1K

$804 ₡402.4K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,502 ₡752.1K

$888 ₡444.5K

$1,776 ₡889.3K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$958 ₡479.6K

$593 ₡297K

$1,193 ₡597.3K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$910 ₡455.5K

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 Tibas - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with other parts of the Greater San José area, Tibas offers solid value for everyday life, especially if you steer toward local options. Modest apartments and guesthouses are common, groceries from mercados stay affordable, and street food is both tasty and budget-friendly. Transit is convenient, with reliable bus routes linking you to work hubs without heavy commuting costs. Imported goods and nightlife can push costs higher, but choosing local products and flexible housing saves you money. Cost of Living in Tibas, Costa Rica reflects a practical balance of accessibility, community, and a welcoming pace. Tip: Plan a simple monthly budget around weekly markets, transit passes, and predictable bills.

Daily life in Tibas revolves around practical choices: how you search for housing near transit, where you shop for fresh produce, and how you get around for work or co-working. Many expats lean toward modest apartments in walkable blocks, with markets within easy reach and reliable bus lines for longer trips. Food options range from local mercados to cafes that fit a balanced budget, and coffee culture is part of the rhythm of the day. Consider short-term rentals while you test neighborhoods, and factor in seasonal rains for transit timing. Tibas, Costa Rica living cost influences these decisions. Tip: Start with a 2-week trial in a couple of areas.

Quality of life and budgeting come down to fit, seasonality, and smart choices. Build a simple framework: fixed housing costs, variable daily needs, and a monthly cushion for travel or health basics. In dry and rainy seasons, plan for light rain gear and possible transit delays, which can shift your errands timing. Explore neighborhoods by vibe: central access for work, quieter pockets for evenings, and proximity to parks or cafés for downtime. Compare options by functionality, not just price, and try a mix of markets, dining out, and cooking at home. Tip: Track your expenses for a few weeks to identify where you can cut without sacrificing quality.