Cost of Living in San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose is a city in Costa Rica, where a single person can expect to spend about $1,449 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $972 per month, or $662 outside the centre. Internet is fast at around 156 Mbps median download speed, and Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa. On safety, San Jose scores 58/100 — moderately safe for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 78°F and winter highs around 77°F, with roughly 353 sunny days a year.
San Jose Cost of Living Breakdown
🍽️ Dining
🛒 Groceries
🚌 Transportation
⚡ Utilities & Tech
🎬 Lifestyle
👔 Clothing
🏠 Housing
📊 Summary
Cost data sourced from Numbeo.
Lifestyle & Quality of Life in San Jose
Communities & Expat Groups
Costa Rica Digital Nomads · Costa Rica Travel & Tourism
San Jose FAQ
How much does it cost to live in San Jose?
A single person should budget around $1,449 per month in San Jose, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs.
How much is rent in San Jose?
A one-bedroom apartment in central San Jose averages $972 per month, dropping to about $662 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,706.
Is San Jose safe?
San Jose scores 58/100 on safety, which is moderately safe. Tourist safety is rated 72/100.
How fast is the internet in San Jose?
Median download speeds in San Jose are around 156 Mbps — fast for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 20 coworking spaces in the city.
Does Costa Rica offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes — Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa. US passport holders can typically stay 180 days visa-free before applying.
What is the weather like in San Jose?
San Jose sees summer highs around 78°F and winter highs near 77°F, with about 353 sunny days and 223 rainy days per year.
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