Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Costa Rica Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Costa Rica Property Pack
Costa Rica has earned its reputation as one of the best retirement destinations in the Americas, and thousands of North American and European retirees call it home in 2026.
In this article, we break down the real monthly costs, housing prices, visa options, and healthcare expenses you need to know before making the move.
We constantly update this blog post with fresh data so you always have accurate numbers for the current Costa Rica cost of living.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Costa Rica.
How much money do I need to retire in Costa Rica right now?
What's the absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Costa Rica?
The absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Costa Rica in 2026 is around 590,000 colones, which works out to roughly $1,200 USD or €1,100 EUR if you live in a low-cost inland town, cook at home, and use public buses for transportation.
At this minimum budget level in Costa Rica, you can cover a basic studio or one-bedroom rental outside the capital, groceries from local markets, utilities, mobile phone service, and bus fare, but you will have very little left over for dining out, entertainment, or unexpected expenses.
The trade-offs at this survival budget are significant: you will likely live in a less convenient location far from expat amenities, skip most restaurants and social activities, rely entirely on public healthcare through the CCSS system, and have no financial cushion for emergencies or travel back home.
What lifestyle do I get with $2,000/month in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $2,000 per month (around 980,000 colones or €1,850 EUR) gives you a comfortable middle-class lifestyle in most of Costa Rica's Central Valley, or a simpler but pleasant life in non-premium coastal towns like Samara or Puerto Viejo.
On this budget, you can afford a nice one-bedroom apartment in areas like Rohrmoser, Barrio Escalante, or Curridabat for 350,000 to 490,000 colones ($700 to $1,000 USD or €650 to €920 EUR) per month, which typically includes modern amenities, security, and walkable access to shops and restaurants.
Social activities within reach include regular visits to the local ferias (farmers' markets), joining a gym or yoga studio, occasional weekend trips to nearby beaches or volcanos, and eating out at local sodas (family restaurants) several times per week, though you will need to be selective about pricier tourist-oriented venues.
The main limitation at $2,000 per month in Costa Rica is that you cannot comfortably own and maintain a car, so you will rely on buses and Uber, and you will need to choose between premium private healthcare coverage or building a larger emergency fund.
What lifestyle do I get with $3,000/month in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $3,000 per month (around 1,470,000 colones or €2,780 EUR) puts you in the "very comfortable" category almost anywhere in Costa Rica except the most expensive beach enclaves like Tamarindo or Nosara.
At this level, you can rent a modern two-bedroom apartment or a small house in sought-after neighborhoods like Escazu, Santa Ana, or Rohrmoser for 490,000 to 735,000 colones ($1,000 to $1,500 USD or €920 to €1,390 EUR) monthly, often in gated communities with pools, gyms, and 24-hour security.
Dining and entertainment options expand considerably: you can enjoy mid-range restaurants several times a week, take weekend trips to different beaches or cloud forests, afford domestic flights to places like the Osa Peninsula, and maintain memberships at quality fitness clubs or country clubs popular with expats.
The key upgrade from a $2,000 budget is peace of mind: you can now afford solid private health insurance, build a comfortable emergency fund, occasionally rent a car for trips, and generally stop thinking twice about everyday expenses like a nice dinner out or a quality bottle of wine.
What lifestyle do I get with $5,000/month in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $5,000 per month (around 2,450,000 colones or €4,630 EUR) places you in the upper-comfort category in Costa Rica, while $10,000 per month (4,900,000 colones or €9,260 EUR) moves you into full luxury territory with few financial constraints.
At $5,000 monthly, you can rent a high-end two or three-bedroom home in premium areas like Escazu's San Rafael district or the Rohrmoser/Nunciatura zone for 980,000 to 1,470,000 colones ($2,000 to $3,000 USD or €1,850 to €2,780 EUR), while at $10,000 you can access luxury penthouses, ocean-view villas in Guanacaste, or large gated estates with private pools and gardens.
At the $5,000 to $10,000 range in Costa Rica, you can afford a full-time housekeeper or domestic help several days per week, maintain a reliable vehicle with all associated costs, choose top-tier private hospitals like CIMA or Clinica Biblica without hesitation, take regular international trips, and enjoy the best restaurants and experiences the country offers, including private guided tours, premium fishing excursions, and memberships at exclusive clubs.
How much for a "comfortable" retirement in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, a comfortable retirement budget in Costa Rica is around 1,225,000 colones ($2,500 USD or €2,315 EUR) per month for a single person, or roughly 1,715,000 colones ($3,500 USD or €3,240 EUR) per month for a couple.
To protect against rent increases, healthcare surprises, and currency fluctuations, you should add a buffer of at least 15% to your monthly budget, which means setting aside an extra 185,000 colones ($375 USD or €345 EUR) per month for a single person or 255,000 colones ($525 USD or €485 EUR) for a couple.
A comfortable retirement budget in Costa Rica covers expenses that a basic budget does not, including reliable private health insurance as a supplement to CCSS, regular dining at quality restaurants, periodic domestic and international travel, gym or club memberships, a small car or frequent rideshare use, and enough cushion to handle home repairs or medical emergencies without financial stress.
How much for a "luxury" retirement in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, a luxury retirement budget in Costa Rica is around 2,940,000 colones ($6,000 USD or €5,555 EUR) per month for a single person, or approximately 3,920,000 colones ($8,000 USD or €7,400 EUR) per month for a couple.
A luxury retirement in Costa Rica means renting or owning a premium home in a gated community for 1,470,000 to 2,450,000 colones ($3,000 to $5,000 USD or €2,780 to €4,630 EUR) monthly, top-tier private healthcare with no waiting times, a late-model vehicle, household staff, and regular fine dining and travel without any budget concerns.
The most popular neighborhoods for retirees seeking a luxury lifestyle in Costa Rica include Escazu (particularly San Rafael and Guachipelin), Santa Ana (Lindora and Ciudad Colon), the gated communities of Cariari in Heredia, and coastal enclaves like Tamarindo, Flamingo, and the southern zone around Dominical and Uvita for those wanting beach proximity.
Beyond comfort, the main advantage of a luxury budget in Costa Rica is flexibility and security: you can afford immediate access to the best private hospitals, handle any legal or property issues with top professionals, maintain multiple residences if desired, and never worry about the Impuesto Solidario (luxury home tax) or other compliance costs eating into your lifestyle.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Costa Rica. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What are the real monthly expenses for retirees in Costa Rica in 2026?
What is a realistic monthly budget breakdown by category in Costa Rica?
A realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single retiree living comfortably in Costa Rica in 2026 looks roughly like this: housing (rent plus basic maintenance) at $900 USD (€830 EUR), utilities and communications at $150 USD (€140 EUR), food at $450 USD (€415 EUR), transport at $200 USD (€185 EUR), healthcare at $250 USD (€230 EUR), leisure and miscellaneous at $350 USD (€325 EUR), and a buffer for unexpected costs at $200 USD (€185 EUR), totaling approximately $2,500 USD (€2,315 EUR) per month.
Housing typically consumes the largest share of a retiree's budget in Costa Rica, accounting for 35% to 40% of total monthly expenses, which translates to 440,000 to 490,000 colones ($900 to $1,000 USD or €830 to €925 EUR) for a comfortable one-bedroom in the Central Valley or a modest rental near the coast.
Food and groceries represent the second largest category at around 18% to 20% of total monthly spending, which works out to 220,000 to 245,000 colones ($450 to $500 USD or €415 to €465 EUR) for a mix of local market shopping, supermarket staples, and occasional restaurant meals.
The budget category that varies most depending on personal lifestyle in Costa Rica is healthcare, which can range from under 50,000 colones ($100 USD or €90 EUR) monthly if you rely solely on the public CCSS system, to over 390,000 colones ($800 USD or €740 EUR) if you opt for comprehensive private international coverage.
What fees surprise foreigners most after moving to Costa Rica?
The top three hidden or overlooked fees that foreigners underestimate in Costa Rica are: first, the mandatory CCSS (Caja) healthcare contribution of 7% to 11% of your declared income once you become a legal resident; second, the higher-than-expected electricity bills in coastal areas where air conditioning can push monthly costs above 100,000 colones ($200 USD or €185 EUR); and third, the "gringo pricing" in tourist areas where groceries, services, and repairs can cost 20% to 40% more than in the Central Valley.
One-time setup fees that foreigners should budget for when first arriving in Costa Rica include residency application costs of 390,000 to 735,000 colones ($800 to $1,500 USD or €740 to €1,390 EUR) depending on complexity and whether you use an immigration attorney, rental deposits typically equal to two months' rent, utility connection fees of around 50,000 to 100,000 colones ($100 to $200 USD or €90 to €185 EUR), and initial furnishing costs if your rental is unfurnished.
What's the average rent for a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Costa Rica's Central Valley is around 415,000 to 490,000 colones ($850 to $1,000 USD or €785 to €925 EUR), while a two-bedroom typically runs 490,000 to 880,000 colones ($1,000 to $1,800 USD or €925 to €1,665 EUR), with significant variation based on neighborhood and building quality.
For a one-bedroom apartment in Costa Rica, the realistic rent range spans from budget areas like Cartago or outer Alajuela at around 195,000 to 340,000 colones ($400 to $700 USD or €370 to €650 EUR), up to upscale neighborhoods like Escazu or Santa Ana at 590,000 to 980,000 colones ($1,200 to $2,000 USD or €1,110 to €1,850 EUR).
For a two-bedroom apartment, budget-friendly areas outside the capital offer rentals at 320,000 to 490,000 colones ($650 to $1,000 USD or €600 to €925 EUR), while premium locations in Escazu, Santa Ana, or beachfront areas can command 880,000 to 1,470,000 colones ($1,800 to $3,000 USD or €1,665 to €2,780 EUR) or more for modern units with amenities.
Neighborhoods offering the best value for retirees seeking affordable rent in Costa Rica include Heredia city and surrounding towns like Santo Domingo or San Pablo, Alajuela near the airport, Curridabat in the eastern metro area, and inland towns like Atenas and Grecia that offer lower rents combined with pleasant climates and growing expat communities.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the latest rent data in Costa Rica.
What do utilities cost monthly in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, total monthly utilities for a typical one or two-bedroom retiree apartment in Costa Rica run approximately 60,000 to 110,000 colones ($120 to $220 USD or €110 to €205 EUR), with electricity being the main variable depending on whether you use air conditioning.
Breaking down individual utilities in Costa Rica: electricity costs 40,000 to 80,000 colones ($80 to $165 USD or €75 to €150 EUR) monthly depending on AC usage and location, water runs about 5,000 to 15,000 colones ($10 to $30 USD or €9 to €28 EUR), and gas (if used for cooking or hot water) adds another 5,000 to 10,000 colones ($10 to $20 USD or €9 to €18 EUR).
For internet and mobile phone service in Costa Rica, expect to pay around 15,000 to 25,000 colones ($30 to $50 USD or €28 to €46 EUR) monthly for a reliable fiber internet connection, and 6,000 to 12,000 colones ($12 to $25 USD or €11 to €23 EUR) for a mobile plan with sufficient data for everyday use.
What's the monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Costa Rica is around 195,000 to 390,000 colones ($400 to $800 USD or €370 to €740 EUR) combined, depending heavily on whether you cook at home versus eat out and whether you use public transport versus private vehicles.
For a single retiree cooking mostly at home in Costa Rica, the realistic monthly grocery budget ranges from 145,000 to 195,000 colones ($300 to $400 USD or €280 to €370 EUR) if you shop at local ferias and focus on Costa Rican staples like rice, beans, eggs, chicken, and seasonal produce, but can climb to 245,000 to 295,000 colones ($500 to $600 USD or €465 to €555 EUR) if you buy many imported products from supermarkets like Auto Mercado.
Dining out in Costa Rica varies dramatically: a typical lunch at a local soda costs 3,000 to 5,000 colones ($6 to $10 USD or €5.50 to €9.25 EUR), while a dinner at a mid-range restaurant runs 10,000 to 20,000 colones ($20 to $40 USD or €18.50 to €37 EUR) per person, so regular restaurant eating can easily add 150,000 to 300,000 colones ($300 to $600 USD or €280 to €555 EUR) monthly to your food budget.
Monthly transportation costs in Costa Rica range from about 30,000 to 60,000 colones ($60 to $120 USD or €55 to €110 EUR) using public buses and occasional Uber rides, up to 245,000 to 440,000 colones ($500 to $900 USD or €465 to €830 EUR) if you own a car and factor in fuel, insurance, maintenance, and the annual vehicle inspection (Riteve).
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Can I retire in Costa Rica if I want to buy property in 2026?
What's the average home price in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average home price in Costa Rica's Central Valley (greater San Jose area) for a typical 70 to 100 square meter apartment is around 90,000,000 to 130,000,000 colones ($185,000 to $265,000 USD or €170,000 to €245,000 EUR), based on current prices of approximately $2,000 to $2,700 USD per square meter.
The realistic price range in Costa Rica spans from affordable areas like Cartago or outer Heredia, where you can find properties at 55,000,000 to 75,000,000 colones ($110,000 to $150,000 USD or €100,000 to €140,000 EUR), up to premium neighborhoods like Escazu and Santa Ana, where prices commonly reach 195,000,000 to 390,000,000 colones ($400,000 to $800,000 USD or €370,000 to €740,000 EUR) for quality homes in gated communities.
For retirees in Costa Rica, modern condominiums in the Central Valley generally offer the best value because they include security, maintenance, and amenities like pools and gyms, require less upkeep than standalone houses, and tend to hold their value well in popular neighborhoods like Rohrmoser, Sabana, and Curridabat where demand from both locals and expats remains strong.
Please note that you will find all the information you need in our pack about properties in Costa Rica.
What down payment do foreigners usually need in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners buying property in Costa Rica typically need a down payment of 30% to 50% of the purchase price, which means 55,000,000 to 130,000,000 colones ($110,000 to $265,000 USD or €100,000 to €245,000 EUR) for a property priced at the average $350,000 USD mark, though some buyers with strong profiles and local residency may access better terms.
Yes, foreigners generally face higher down payment requirements than Costa Rican locals because banks view non-residents as higher risk: while local banks like Banco Nacional advertise financing up to 80% for qualified Costa Rican borrowers, foreigners without residency, local credit history, or verifiable Costa Rica-source income are typically offered 50% to 70% financing at most, and many end up paying cash or arranging seller financing instead.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the mortgage process in our pack about properties in Costa Rica.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Costa Rica.
What's the all-in monthly cost to own in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the all-in monthly cost to own a typical Central Valley apartment valued at $220,000 USD (with no mortgage) runs approximately 100,000 to 245,000 colones ($200 to $500 USD or €185 to €465 EUR) per month, depending on condo fees and insurance choices, on top of which you pay utilities separately.
This all-in figure in Costa Rica includes: municipal property tax (around 0.25% of registered value annually, or about 22,000 colones/$46 USD per month for a $220,000 property), condo or HOA fees ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 colones ($100 to $300 USD or €90 to €280 EUR) monthly depending on building amenities, home insurance at 25,000 to 50,000 colones ($50 to $100 USD or €45 to €90 EUR) monthly, and a maintenance reserve of at least 25,000 colones ($50 USD or €45 EUR) monthly.
Typical monthly property tax for a $220,000 Costa Rica property works out to roughly 22,000 colones ($46 USD or €42 EUR), while HOA or condo maintenance fees in the Central Valley range widely from 50,000 colones ($100 USD or €90 EUR) for basic buildings to 200,000 colones ($400 USD or €370 EUR) or more for luxury towers with full amenities like pools, gyms, and 24-hour security.
The hidden ownership cost that catches many new Costa Rica buyers off guard is the Impuesto Solidario (luxury home solidarity tax), which kicks in for properties with construction values above a threshold (around $340,000 USD equivalent) and requires annual compliance with a mid-January deadline that many foreigners miss, resulting in penalties.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees in Costa Rica.
Is buying cheaper than renting in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, renting is generally cheaper month-to-month than buying in Costa Rica: a one-bedroom apartment that rents for 490,000 colones ($1,000 USD or €925 EUR) monthly might cost 110,000,000 colones ($225,000 USD or €210,000 EUR) to purchase, meaning financed ownership (with a typical mortgage) can easily exceed monthly rent by 25% to 50% before counting maintenance and taxes.
The typical break-even point where buying becomes cheaper than renting in Costa Rica is around 7 to 10 years for cash buyers, or 12 to 15+ years for financed buyers, largely because mortgage interest rates in Costa Rica (often 8% to 12% for foreigners) significantly increase the monthly cost of ownership compared to equivalent rent.
Key factors that make buying more attractive than renting for retirees in Costa Rica include: having cash to avoid high local mortgage rates, planning to stay for at least a decade, wanting to lock in housing costs against potential rent increases, and valuing the ability to customize your home, while renting remains better for those who want flexibility, prefer to invest their capital elsewhere, or are still exploring different areas of the country before committing.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Costa Rica versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What visas, taxes, and healthcare costs should I plan for in Costa Rica in 2026?
What retirement visa options exist in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main retirement visa option in Costa Rica is the Pensionado (pensioner) residency, which costs approximately 390,000 to 735,000 colones ($800 to $1,500 USD or €740 to €1,390 EUR) in the first year when you factor in application fees, document authentication, translations, and often immigration attorney assistance.
To qualify for the Pensionado visa in Costa Rica, you must demonstrate a lifetime pension income of at least $1,000 USD (490,000 colones or €925 EUR) per month from a government pension, social security, military retirement, or guaranteed annuity, and this same income can cover your spouse and dependent children under one application.
The typical annual visa renewal cost in Costa Rica runs 145,000 to 390,000 colones ($300 to $800 USD or €280 to €740 EUR) including renewal fees, updated documentation, and DIMEX card processing, with the requirement that you have deposited your monthly pension income into a Costa Rican bank account and spent at least four months per year in the country.
The most common visa mistake foreign retirees make in Costa Rica is underestimating the timeline and paperwork: processing can take 6 to 12 months, documents must be recently issued and properly apostilled, and missing a single requirement can restart the clock, so budgeting extra time and considering professional help is strongly advised.
Please note that we keep this page updated with the residency pathways in Costa Rica.
Do I pay tax on foreign income in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, Costa Rica operates a territorial tax system, which means you generally pay zero Costa Rican income tax on foreign-source income such as U.S. Social Security, foreign pensions, overseas investment dividends, or retirement account withdrawals that originate outside Costa Rica.
Foreign pensions, Social Security payments, and investment income from outside Costa Rica are typically exempt from Costa Rican taxation because they are not considered Costa Rica-source income under the territorial principle established in the income tax law (Ley 7092); however, if you earn rental income from Costa Rican property or run a local business, that income is taxed at progressive rates up to 25%.
Costa Rica has limited tax treaty coverage compared to some countries, so double-taxation relief depends largely on your home country's rules; for U.S. citizens, there is no comprehensive tax treaty with Costa Rica, but the territorial system means Costa Rica simply does not tax most foreign income in the first place, reducing overlap concerns.
The single most important tax rule foreign retirees should understand before moving to Costa Rica is that remote work performed while physically in Costa Rica can potentially become Costa Rica-source income depending on the facts, particularly if your employer or clients are in Costa Rica or if the "benefit" of your work is deemed to occur locally, so anyone planning to continue working remotely should consult a Costa Rica tax professional.
What health insurance do retirees need in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, retirees in Costa Rica typically need either enrollment in the public CCSS (Caja) system at a cost of 7% to 11% of declared monthly income, which works out to roughly 35,000 to 110,000 colones ($70 to $220 USD or €65 to €205 EUR) monthly, or private health insurance ranging from 50,000 to 390,000 colones ($100 to $800 USD or €90 to €740 EUR) monthly depending on age and coverage level.
Yes, foreigners can access Costa Rica's public CCSS healthcare system once they obtain legal residency and enroll as "voluntary" contributors, which gives them access to public clinics, hospitals, and medications at subsidized costs, though wait times for specialists and elective procedures can be longer than in private facilities.
The realistic total annual healthcare budget for a retiree in Costa Rica, including insurance premiums, out-of-pocket costs for private visits when preferred, and medications, ranges from 1,470,000 to 4,900,000 colones ($3,000 to $10,000 USD or €2,780 to €9,260 EUR) annually, with the wide range reflecting whether you rely primarily on CCSS with occasional private care or maintain comprehensive private international coverage.
Buying real estate in Costa Rica can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Costa Rica, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) | Official central bank with the reference exchange rate everyone uses. | We used BCCR to convert Costa Rica colones into USD consistently. We anchored our January 2026 exchange rate at approximately 490 colones per dollar. |
| INEC (National Statistics Institute) | Official Costa Rican statistics agency publishing household spending surveys. | We used INEC data to validate realistic spending category shares. We cross-checked our budget breakdowns against national consumption patterns. |
| Numbeo | Widely used global cost-of-living database with transparent methodology. | We used Numbeo for day-to-day price estimates in San Jose. We triangulated their data against other sources for accuracy. |
| Global Property Guide | Recognized property research publisher with stated sourcing methods. | We used their rent and price-per-square-meter data as anchors. We cross-checked against live listings to ensure current accuracy. |
| Encuentra24 | Major Costa Rica listing portal reflecting actual market asking prices. | We used live rental and sales listings to reality-check price ranges. We identified specific neighborhoods mentioned in our analysis. |
| Ministerio de Hacienda | Official Costa Rica tax authority with binding guidance documents. | We used Hacienda materials to explain property taxes and the luxury home tax. We documented compliance deadlines foreign buyers often miss. |
| Ley 7092 (Income Tax Law) | Primary legal text defining Costa Rica's territorial tax system. | We used this law to explain that foreign-source income is generally not taxed. We avoided relying on informal claims about "tax-free retirement." |
| CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) | Official social security and public healthcare administrator for Costa Rica. | We used CCSS to confirm foreigners can enroll in public healthcare. We estimated contribution costs based on their published guidelines. |
| PwC Tax Summaries | Professional tax reference used by multinationals and expat advisors. | We used PwC to validate what counts as Costa Rica-source income. We supported our tax planning section with their analysis. |
| BAC Credomatic | Major Costa Rica bank publishing mortgage product terms publicly. | We used BAC to anchor down payment and financing ranges. We applied conservative adjustments for foreign buyer realities. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Costa Rica compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
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