Cost of living, of course, depends on lifestyle. But in many ways Costa Rica is much more affordable than back home. A single person can live on between $1,600 and $2,000 a month. Some single people scrape by on considerably less, and others spend hundreds of dollars more, depending on their lifestyle.

In 2026, a "good" salary in Costa Rica depends on your lifestyle and location, but for an expat or digital nomad, a monthly income of $2,500 to $3,500 USD (approx. 1.25 to 1.75 million colones) is considered comfortable. At this level, you can afford a modern one-bedroom apartment in popular hubs like Escazú or Tamarindo, maintain a reliable vehicle, dine out several times a week, and cover private healthcare (INS). Those living on a tighter budget can manage on $1,500 to $2,000, though this requires living in less touristy "local" areas and relying more on public transit and "sodas" (small local eateries). For a family seeking an upscale lifestyle with international schooling and premium housing, a budget of $5,000+ is more realistic. While local wages average around $800, expat costs are driven higher by the demand for Western-style amenities and the high cost of imported goods.