What is the cost of living in San Jose?

The cost of living in San Jose is 57.4% cheaper than New York City (index: 42.6). Groceries are 31.8% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 42.3% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately CRC 306,011 per month. Local purchasing power index is 47.0 (NYC = 100).

🇨🇷 Costa Rica · #248 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to San Jose?

Q: Should I move to San Jose?

San Jose, Costa Rica has a cost of living 57.4% cheaper than New York City (index: 42.6). It is ranked #248 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is weak (index: 47.0 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

57.4% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-57.4%

vs NYC

CRC 306,011

1-BR, city centre (estimated)

47.0

Purchasing Power

Weak

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to San Jose?

Cost breakdown: San Jose

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

42.6 Mid-priced

Rent

22.6 Very affordable

Groceries

68.2 Moderate

Restaurants

57.7 Moderate

Purchasing Power

47.0 Weak

Estimated rent in San Jose

1-BR, city centre CRC 306,011/mo

1-BR, outside centre CRC 246,372/mo

3-BR, city centre CRC 532,686/mo

3-BR, outside centre CRC 357,197/mo

Save by going outside centre 20% cheaper

Estimated from rent index. Actual prices vary. · 2026

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇨🇦 Kingston

Canada

CoL index 42.6

Compare Kingston vs San Jose →

🇹🇹 Port of Spain

Trinidad And Tobago

CoL index 42.1

Compare Port of Spain vs San Jose →

🇨🇦 Montreal

Canada

CoL index 43.1

Compare Montreal vs San Jose →

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