San José

Costa Rica 🕒 12:43:40 AM (UTC-6 CST)

Local Highlights

Explore the history, neighborhoods, food, and culture of San José.

📖 Read Wikivoyage Travel Guide 📺 Watch City Videos

☀️ Weather Forecast

Mon Feb 23
25°C / 77°F
Low: 11°C / 52°F
Tue Feb 24
19°C / 66°F
Low: 13°C / 55°F
Wed Feb 25
23°C / 73°F
Low: 15°C / 60°F

📊 Core Metrics

Rent (1BD)
$672
Per Month (USD)
Safety Score
7.0
Out of 10
Internet
108
Mbps Avg
ℹ️ Data Accuracy & Sources

Rent: Sourced from live listings (Zyla Labs), government databases (HUD/CMHC), or regional economic estimates.
Safety: Aggregated from national crime statistics and State Department advisory levels.
Note: Prices are estimates only and may vary by neighborhood.

🌍 Demographics

  • Population335,007
  • Region
  • ClimateTemperate
  • Elevation26 m

🛂 Immigration & Visas

Tourist Stay: 90 Days (Extensions Possible)
Tourists can apply for an extension of their stay at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería.

Pensionado Visa
For retirees with a lifetime pension.
🕒 Validity: 24 Mo 💰 Income: $1,000/mo
Rentista Visa
For individuals with a stable income from investments or savings.
🕒 Validity: 24 Mo 💰 Income: $2,500/mo
Inversionista Visa
For individuals investing in Costa Rica.
🕒 Validity: 24 Mo
Citizenship Path: Eligible after 7 years of residency. (Dual Citizenship Allowed)

💰 Cost of Living Breakdown

Housing & Utilities

  • Basic Utilities for 915 Square Feet Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)$96.27
  • Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher)$63.38
  • Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)$23.84
  • 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre$989.48
  • 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre$671.68
  • 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre$1,731.41
  • 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre$1,177.91
  • Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre$214.66
  • Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre$166.85

Transportation

  • One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)$1.04
  • Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price)$62.19
  • Taxi Start (Standard Tariff)$2.30
  • Taxi 1 mile (Standard Tariff)$2.42
  • Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff)$8.21
  • Gasoline (1 Liter)$1.43
  • Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car)$22,532.52
  • Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car)$35,105.02
  • Cinema Ticket (International Release)$8.29

Food & Groceries

  • Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant$10.36
  • Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks)$61.83
  • Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal)$10.36
  • Domestic Draft Beer (1 Pint)$2.80
  • Imported Beer (12 oz Small Bottle)$3.20
  • Cappuccino (Regular Size)$4.06
  • Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 12 oz Small Bottle)$2.18
  • Bottled Water (12 oz)$1.77
  • Milk (Regular, 1 Liter)$2.20
  • Fresh White Bread (1 lb Loaf)$2.44
  • White Rice (1 lb)$1.03
  • Eggs (12, Large Size)$3.00
  • Local Cheese (1 lb)$4.39
  • Chicken Fillets (1 lb)$4.29
  • Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 lb)$6.24
  • Apples (1 lb)$2.05
  • Bananas (1 lb)$0.74
  • Oranges (1 lb)$2.04
  • Tomatoes (1 lb)$1.65
  • Potatoes (1 lb)$1.63
  • Onions (1 lb)$1.48
  • Lettuce (1 Head)$1.04
  • Bottled Water (50 oz)$2.99
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)$18.66
  • Domestic Beer (16.9 oz Bottle)$2.66
  • Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro)$5.60

Lifestyle & Entertainment

  • Monthly Fitness Club Membership$63.11
  • Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child$898.63
  • International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child$16,786.62
  • Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar)$72.02
  • Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)$123.04
  • Men's Leather Business Shoes$111.94

Other

  • Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data)$31.53
  • Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M)$53.45
  • Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)$958.17
  • Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %)$0.02

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