by Joseph 
If you’ve ever wondered about the Costa Rica cost of living, whether you’re planning a part-time stay as a snowbird or a permanent move, you’re in the right place. I’m Yossi Kaplan, a realtor with deep experience working between Toronto, Canada, and Costa Rica. In this article, I’ll give you a comprehensive overview of what it really costs to live in Costa Rica, including housing, food, healthcare, and more. I’ll also compare these costs to those in Toronto, one of Canada’s most expensive cities, to give you a clear perspective on affordability and lifestyle.
Introduction to Living in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a beautiful country known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and welcoming culture. Many people dream of relocating here, but understanding the true costs involved is crucial. Whether you’re considering living in Costa Rica part-time—perhaps from November to April—or making a full-time move by obtaining permanent residency (known as a cedula), knowing the financial realities will help you plan better.
To help you out, I’ll share insights from my own experience as a realtor working with properties in popular Costa Rican areas like Nosara, Playa del Gardo, Tamarindo, Playa del Coco, and more. We run a dedicated site called Playa Lagarto Real Estate, where you can explore available homes and villas.
Comparing Cost of Living: Toronto vs. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
To get a realistic comparison of living costs, I used an AI-powered research tool called Merlin, which pulls data from various sources. I asked it to compare the cost of living between Toronto, Canada, and Tamarindo, Costa Rica—one of Costa Rica’s priciest beach towns and a hotspot for expats and tourists.
Here’s what I found:
- Toronto ranks as the 6th most expensive city in Canada and around 50th globally for cost of living.
- A single person’s estimated monthly expenses, excluding rent, hover around CAD 3,417 (about CAD 850 per week).
- Including rent, utilities, and other costs, monthly expenses can easily reach CAD 4,000 to CAD 6,000.
- Rent is a major expense: a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around CAD 2,200 per month, with prices slightly lower outside the city center.
- Utilities (electricity, water, heating) average around CAD 162, internet about CAD 70, and groceries approximately CAD 821 monthly.
- Public transit costs, such as the TTC, add about CAD 150 monthly, while sales tax is 13%.
In comparison, Tamarindo, Costa Rica, though considered expensive locally and ranking in the top 28% most expensive cities globally, is still significantly cheaper than Toronto.
- Typical monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, and groceries, range from USD 1,500 to USD 2,000.
- Rent for a home or apartment can vary widely, from as low as USD 900 to more luxurious properties, depending on location and size.
- Electricity bills in Costa Rica tend to be higher than expected but remain reasonable overall.
- Internet and phone plans are cheaper and often come with generous data packages.
- Groceries are somewhat less expensive but not drastically cheaper, especially in expat-heavy areas. In more local towns like Nicoya, prices can be much lower.
- Public transportation is very affordable, with bus rides typically costing around USD 2.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re moving to Tamarindo or similar areas, you can expect to spend roughly half or less of what you’d pay living in a city like Toronto. And since Tamarindo is one of the priciest places in Costa Rica, many other towns and regions will be even more affordable.
Healthcare Costs: Canada vs. Costa Rica
Healthcare is a frequent question from expats considering Costa Rica. How does the quality and cost compare to Canada’s universal healthcare system? Here’s what I found through my AI research and personal experience.
Healthcare in Canada
- Family medicine visits are covered under Canada’s universal healthcare, so you don’t pay directly for doctor visits.
- Prescription drugs, however, are out-of-pocket expenses.
- Wait times for medical appointments and emergency services have worsened, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Dentistry is mostly privatized and expensive: checkups cost CAD 100 to 300, fillings up to CAD 400, and crowns can exceed CAD 800.
- Cardiology consultations can cost CAD 300 to 600 privately, with long wait times in the public system.
Healthcare in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica offers low-cost or free healthcare for citizens and legal residents through its public system. Residency is accessible for investors and retirees.
- Private primary care visits usually cost between USD 20 and 50, with shorter wait times compared to Canada.
- Dental care is significantly cheaper: checkups cost USD 20 to 50, fillings USD 30 to 80, and crowns about half the price of Canadian dentistry.
- Cardiology consultations generally range from USD 50 to 150, with wait times often shorter than in Canada.
Summary of Healthcare Savings
On average, healthcare services in Costa Rica cost about 20% to 25% of what you would pay in Canada. That means you’re saving nearly 75% to 80% on medical expenses, including family medicine, dental care, and specialist visits like cardiology.
This is a major reason why many retirees and expats choose Costa Rica—not just for its beautiful environment but also for affordable, quality healthcare.
Housing Options and Real Estate in Costa Rica
One of the biggest expenses when moving abroad is housing. Let me walk you through typical housing options in Costa Rica and share some real examples from my listings.
Villas in Playa Lagarto Eco Development
For those looking for a turnkey property, villas in gated communities like Playa Lagarto are an excellent choice. These villas offer comfort, security, and community amenities such as pools and yoga spaces.
Here’s a typical example:
- Price: Around USD 145,000
- Size: Approximately 900 to 1,000 square feet
- Bedrooms: Two bedrooms, two bathrooms
- Features: Laundry facilities, private gated community, security, and community pools
- Location: About 95 minutes from Liberia Airport, just a short drive to Tamarindo
I’ve personally stayed in these villas and found them excellent for both living and renting out. They appeal to families, snowbirds, and investors alike.
Rental Income Potential
If you’re considering investment, these villas can be rented out for USD 100 to 150 per night, especially during high season. Many visitors stay for about a week, making short-term rental management a viable income source.
Property management companies typically charge a 30% to 35% fee on rental income but don’t require monthly fees, which is great for owners who only rent their properties seasonally.
Financing Your Home
For many buyers, a 50/50 financing plan is available, meaning you put down 50% upfront and finance the rest. For a USD 145,000 villa, that’s about USD 72,500 financed, plus a similar amount as a down payment.
Converted to Canadian dollars, that’s roughly CAD 200,000 total investment for a fully owned home in Costa Rica.
Additional Living Costs in Costa Rica
Once you own or rent a home, your monthly living expenses include utilities such as hydro and internet, which are generally affordable. Many residents use internet services like Starlink for reliable connectivity.
Homeowners also pay monthly condo or maintenance fees, typically around USD 150, which cover community upkeep and amenities.
Property taxes in Costa Rica are very low—about 0.25% per year of the property’s value—making ownership inexpensive compared to many other countries.
Transportation and Lifestyle
If you own a car, you’ll have additional expenses for fuel, insurance, and maintenance, but public transportation is an affordable alternative. Bus fares usually cost about USD 2, making it easy to get around without a car.
Your lifestyle choices will impact your monthly budget, but overall, living comfortably in Costa Rica can be done for around USD 2,000 per month, including housing, food, healthcare, and entertainment.
Why Consider Costa Rica for Your Next Move?
Costa Rica offers a compelling combination of natural beauty, affordable living, and quality healthcare. Even in the more expensive areas like Tamarindo and Nosara, the cost of living is significantly lower than in major North American cities.
For retirees, investors, and remote workers, Costa Rica provides a welcoming environment with plenty of real estate options, from villas to condos, that fit a variety of budgets.
Healthcare accessibility and affordability are major advantages, especially for older adults who want reliable medical care without the high costs and long wait times seen in countries like Canada.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in learning more about specific areas to live, invest, or rent in Costa Rica, I’m here to help. Whether you want to know about the best neighborhoods for full-time living, part-time stays, or Airbnb investment opportunities, feel free to reach out. I can provide tailored advice, referrals, and detailed listings to match your needs.
Remember, moving to Costa Rica is not just about cost savings—it’s about embracing a new lifestyle in a vibrant, beautiful country that offers a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost of many North American cities.
Conclusion
In summary, the Costa Rica cost of living is significantly lower than in Toronto and many other major cities. Housing, healthcare, food, and transportation all come at a fraction of the cost, even in some of Costa Rica’s more upscale areas.
With affordable real estate options like the villas in Playa Lagarto, accessible healthcare that costs about 20% of Canadian prices, and a warm, welcoming culture, Costa Rica stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking a better quality of life without breaking the bank.
If you’re considering making the move, take the time to explore your options, understand the costs, and connect with local experts who can guide you through the process.
Welcome to your new life in Costa Rica!
