Cost of living in Costa Rica
The cost of living in Costa Rica runs at about 63% of US prices on the World Bank's comparison.
Official prices, where your money goes further, and a budget built from your own rent and insurance. Checked against official sources on Oct 8, 2026.
- Price level
- ~63% of the US Household consumption, 2025. World Bank. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
- Tax on a foreign pension
- 0% Foreign pensions are not taxed. PwC Tax Summaries; Law 9996. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
Build your Costa Rica budget
No official source tracks what expats pay in rent, and rent is the biggest line in any budget. So this starts from what is measured and adds your own numbers.
Get rent from current listings in the area you like and a written quote for health insurance at your age; the total then shows how far it sits above the $1,000 Pensionado minimum.
Your monthly budget
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Cost of living questions
How much do I need a month to live in Costa Rica?
It depends mostly on rent, which no official source tracks for expats. Add your rent and insurance quotes in the calculator above, and keep the $1,000 Pensionado minimum in mind as a floor, not a budget.
Is Costa Rica cheaper than the US?
On average, yes: the World Bank puts household prices in Costa Rica at about 63% of US levels (2025). Imported goods, cars and electronics can cost as much as at home or more.
Is Costa Rica cheaper than the US to retire in?
Yes. Prices run at about 63% of US levels on the World Bank's comparison.
