Can You Live on $5000 a Month in Costa Rica?

Yes — you can live extremely comfortably on $5,000 a month in Costa Rica. This budget provides a lifestyle far above the local average and places you in the top tier of expat earners. With $5,000 per month, you can live in premium coastal areas, enjoy frequent travel, eat out daily, and afford high-end housing.

1. Housing Options on $5,000/Month

With this budget, you can afford:

  • Luxury condo in Escazú or Santa Ana: $1,500–$2,500

  • High-end villa near Tamarindo or Nosara: $2,500–$4,000

  • Modern home in Atenas, Grecia, or Heredia: $1,200–$2,000

Utilities, internet, and security services are affordable.

2. Food & Dining

Costa Rica has great local cuisine and strong international options.

You can easily enjoy:

  • Daily restaurant dining

  • Weekly grocery shopping at premium stores

  • Imported goods and wine
    Monthly food costs average $500–$1,200 depending on lifestyle.

3. Healthcare & Insurance

With this budget, you can:

  • Enroll in both public CAJA and premium private insurance

  • Visit top private hospitals and specialists

  • Access world-class dental care

Healthcare remains far cheaper than the U.S.

4. Transportation

You can comfortably afford:

  • A new car

  • Private driver for airport runs

  • Taxis/Uber

  • Fuel

  • Occasional domestic flights

5. Entertainment & Travel

$5,000/month allows:

  • Regular weekend trips to beaches and volcanoes

  • Gym memberships

  • Spas

  • Tours

  • Language classes

  • Flights to the U.S. several times a year

6. Quality of Life

This budget supports:

  • A modern, safe neighborhood

  • High-speed internet

  • Private schools (if needed)

  • House cleaners or gardeners

Bottom Line

Yes — $5,000 a month provides a luxury lifestyle in Costa Rica, even in premium expat regions.

Use CitizenCR to streamline your application.

Download the CitizenCR app for cost-of-living tools, relocation planning, and expert support.

























Next
Next

How Do I Prove My Irish Ancestry?