Students opt for many countries to study abroad which makes them curious to learn about the cost of living there. This blog is for those people who are curious about how the cost of living in Costa Rica compares to the United States so that they can decide their preferred location. We’ll break down expenses into categories like housing, transportation, dining, and more. With a focus on simplicity and practical insights, let’s dive into the numbers and explore the cost of living in Costa Rica vs the USA.
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Cost of Living in Costa Rica vs USA
The cost of living varies significantly between Costa Rica and the USA, influenced by factors such as utilities, internet, housing, transportation, and daily expenses. Costa Rica offers a more affordable lifestyle, particularly in areas like utilities and basic facilities, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking a budget-friendly environment. Below is a detailed comparison of the cost of living in the USA and Costa Rica.
| Expense | Costa Rica (USD) | United States (USD) |
| Apartment (1 bedroom, city centre) | 777.69 | 1,748.74 |
| Undergraduate program (annual) | 3,537.50 | 37,333.33 |
| Postgraduate program (annual) | 4,716.67 | 45,000.00 |
| Taxi per km | 1.97 | 1.74 |
| Basic utilities (85m2 apartment) | 83.33 | 205.93 |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 9.83 | 20.00 |
Cost of Studying in Costa Rica vs USA
Tuition fees in Costa Rica are much lower than in the USA, especially for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Public universities in Costa Rica offer high-quality education at a fraction of the cost charged by American institutions. The cost of studying has a major portion in the cost of living in Costa Rica and USA. Look at the table below to compare the cost of studying in Costa Rica vs the USA. Both Costa Rica and the USA offer the best places to study abroad. You can decide your preferred option wisely.
| Expense | Costa Rica (USD) | United States (USD) |
| Undergraduate program (annual) | 3,537.50 | 37,333.33 |
| Postgraduate program (annual) | 4,716.67 | 45,000.00 |
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Cost of Accommodation in Costa Rica vs USA
Housing costs are a major part of the cost of living in Costa Rica vs the USA. The differences between Costa Rica and the U.S. prices are stark. Costa Rica offers more affordable options for both renting and purchasing homes than the USA. Below we have mentioned the table in which prices of Costa Rica and USA are compared. You can find cheap accommodation in the USA for students to manage their budgets wisely.
| Expense | Costa Rica (USD) | United States (USD) |
| Apartment (1 bedroom, city centre) | 777.69 | 1,748.74 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom, outside centre) | 542.55 | 1,441.62 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms, city centre) | 1,481.02 | 2,914.38 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms, outside centre) | 1,030.87 | 2,393.48 |
| Price per square meter (city centre) | 2,648.39 | 3,182.51 |
| Price per square meter (outside centre) | 1,470.55 | 2,681.11 |
Cost of Transportation in Costa Rica vs USA
Transportation costs form a major part of the overall cost of living in both Costa Rica and the USA, but there are notable differences. In Costa Rica, public transportation like buses is highly economical and widely used, making it an affordable option.
However, some costs, such as taxis or ride-hailing services, can be unexpectedly high, especially for tourists or in urban areas. In contrast, the USA often requires reliance on personal vehicles due to less extensive public transit systems in many areas, leading to higher expenses for fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
| Expense | Costa Rica (USD) | United States (USD) |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | 0.98 | 2.50 |
| Monthly pass | 40.87 | 65.00 |
| Taxi Start (normal tariff) | 1.80 | 3.75 |
| Taxi per km | 1.97 | 1.74 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.47 | 0.93 |
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Cost of Utilities
Cost of Utilities and Internet expenses are also part of the Cost of Living in Costa Rica vs USA. Utility costs in Costa Rica are significantly lower, especially for electricity, heating, and cooling. We have mentioned the comparison between the cost of utilities in Costa Rica and USA for a better understanding.
| Expense | Costa Rica (USD) | United States (USD) |
| Basic utilities (85m2 apartment) | 83.33 | 205.93 |
| Mobile phone (monthly, 10GB+ data) | 25.65 | 56.54 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more) | 53.76 | 70.83 |
Cost of Food in Costa Rica vs USA
The cost of groceries varies between Costa Rica and the United States. While staples like milk are cheaper in the U.S., other items like rice and local cheese cost less in Costa Rica. Dining out in Costa Rica is generally more affordable than in the United States, though the cost varies depending on the type of restaurant. Look at the Cost of Food and Groceries in Costa Rica vs the USA for a detailed explanation.
| Expense | Costa Rica (USD) | United States (USD) |
| Milk (1 liter) | 1.99 | 1.05 |
| Loaf of fresh white bread (500g) | 3.08 | 3.61 |
| Rice (white, 1kg) | 2.32 | 4.58 |
| Eggs (12) | 3.44 | 3.78 |
| Local cheese (1kg) | 8.79 | 12.91 |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 9.83 | 20.00 |
| McMeal (or equivalent combo) | 9.83 | 11.00 |
| Domestic beer (0.5L draught) | 2.95 | 6.00 |
| Cappuccino | 3.86 | 5.19 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L bottle) | 2.18 | 2.53 |
| Water (0.33L bottle) | 1.67 | 2.07 |
The cost of Living in Costa Rica and vs United States varies as both places have unique advantages and challenges when it comes to the cost of living. While Costa Rica offers affordable housing, dining, and utilities, salaries are generally higher in the United States, which balances out the higher costs. Your choice depends on your lifestyle, career opportunities, and personal preferences. Costa Rica is perfect for those seeking affordability and natural beauty, while the U.S. provides higher earnings and advanced infrastructure.
Hope you liked reading our blog about the Cost of Living in Costa Rica vs USA. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal accommodation abroad with ease.
FAQs on Cost of Living in Costa Rica vs USA 2025
Overall, living in Costa Rica can be 40-60% cheaper than in the USA. The lower costs of housing, food, and healthcare contribute significantly to this difference.
Housing in Costa Rica is much cheaper. For example, renting an apartment in Costa Rica can cost about 50-70% less than in the USA.
Yes, Costa Rica is generally more affordable than the USA. Housing, utilities, food, and healthcare costs are significantly lower, making it a budget-friendly destination for residents and expatriates.
Food in Costa Rica is more affordable, especially local produce and meals at traditional eateries. Eating out or cooking at home is considerably cheaper than in the USA.
Public transportation in Costa Rica is highly economical. A monthly pass costs a fraction of what you’d pay for similar services in the USA.
Yes. Healthcare in Costa Rica is significantly more affordable, with quality services available at a fraction of U.S. costs.
Education in Costa Rica, especially public universities, is much more affordable than in the USA, making it accessible to more people.
Dining out in Costa Rica is budget-friendly. A meal at a local restaurant often costs half of what you’d pay in the USA.
Internet is cheaper in Costa Rica, with basic plans costing about 25-30% less than in the USA, making it accessible for most households.
Yes, locally produced groceries like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are cheaper in Costa Rica compared to the USA.
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