Living on $1,500 a month in Costa Rica in 2026 is technically possible, but it requires a very disciplined "local" lifestyle and careful geographic selection. While Costa Rica was once a budget-friendly haven, it has become one of the most expensive countries in Latin America. To make this budget work, you would likely need to avoid popular expat hubs like Tamarindo or Escazú and instead settle in smaller towns in the Central Valley (like Grecia or Atenas) or more remote areas in the Southern Zone. Rent for a modest, Tico-style home would consume about $500–$700 of your budget. You would need to shop primarily at Ferias (local farmer's markets), use public buses instead of owning a car—which is incredibly expensive due to high import taxes and fuel costs—and minimize the use of air conditioning, as electricity rates are surprisingly high. While $1,500 covers the basics for a single person, it leaves very little room for private healthcare, international travel, or frequent dining out at tourist-oriented restaurants. Most financial advisors in 2026 suggest a more comfortable baseline for expats is closer to $2,500.