Is it expensive for Americans to live in Costa Rica?

For most Americans, Costa Rica is dramatically cheaper than the US: $1,775 per person per month at the moderate tier versus the US average of $3,275, a gap of about $1,500 a month or 46 percent. The composition of spend skews favourably for Americans on dollar income. Housing in San Jose, Escazu, Santa Ana, or Heredia at $500 to $1,500 sits well below mainstream US metro rents. Local groceries (rice, beans, fruit, vegetables, fresh fish and chicken) run far cheaper than US equivalents. Public healthcare via Caja is inexpensive once enrolled. The expensive lines are imported goods (electronics, vehicles, US-brand groceries carry 30 to 80 percent markups thanks to import duties) and expat-pocket rentals in coastal beach towns. Americans who choose central-valley living, shop at ferias and local supermarkets, and avoid imported brands routinely live comfortably below the moderate benchmark. For the full breakdown, see our Costa Rica cost of living page.