
Compared to most western nations, it is fairly inexpensive to live in Costa Rica. The average price for a room in a shared apartment is about ¢83,360 (US$150). In major cities like San Jose rooms may cost closer to ¢150,000 (US$270), but will include an internet connection, and a hot and cold shower. Utilities are quite cheap as well. Expect to pay about ¢13,500 (US$24) for electricity and water in a shared apartment with 2-3 people.
You can budget about ¢75,000 (US$135) for a month’s groceries and ¢50,000 (US$90) for entertainment including movies, dining out, drinks. A bottle of wine in an upper scale restaurant costs about ¢5,500 (US$9.99). A case of the local Imperial beer, is about ¢5,100 (US$9). A 2.5 litre bottle of Coke is ¢928 (US$1.67), and a cup of Costa Rican gourmet coffee costs ¢1,400 (US$2.58).
A hamburger costs ¢850-1,900 (US$1.50-3.50) while sandwiches cost around ¢1,400 (US$2.50). Medium sized pizzas cost between ¢2,500-4,200 (US$4.50-8.40). A meal at McDonalds or KFC costs about ¢2000-2500 (US$4-5).
Bus rides typically cost ¢25-50 (less than a dollar) if traveling within the suburbs. Traveling by bus to the farthest parts of the country would not cost more than ¢5,500 (US$10).
More links
Find TEFL English Teaching Jobs in Costa Rica
TEFL English teaching job listings in Costa Rica
Teach English in Costa Rica (General Information)
A general overview of what to expect teaching English in Costa Rica
Teach English in Costa Rica (Visa Requirements )
Information on visa requirements to teach English in Costa Rica
Interviews with English Teachers in Costa Rica
Interview with Lisa Katerman, teaching English in Costa Rica.
More Information
Costa Rica Official Website
Costa Rica (Tourism)
Costa Rica News (Tico Times)
Costa Rica News (AM)
The Costa Rica News
Costa Rica Classifieds (Jobs)
Costa Rica Classifieds (Jobs)
Costa Rice Classifieds (Accommodations)
Costa Rica Classifieds (Accommodations)
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