Monthly Budget Overview for Quepos
Quepos sits in Costa Rica's Central Pacific, where the cost of living is higher than the Central Valley but comes with beach/nature lifestyle perks. Here's what to expect in 2026.
Housing Costs
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Furnished 1-2 BR apartment | $500–$1,200/mo |
| 3+ BR house | Starting ~$1,200/mo |
| Property purchase range | $120,000–$400,000 |
| Annual property tax | 0.25% of registered value |
Monthly Expenses Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $500 | $1,200/mo |
| Groceries | $250 | $500 |
| Utilities + Internet | $80 | $200 |
| Dining out | $100 | $300 |
| Healthcare (Caja) | $120 | $250 |
| Transportation | $100 | $250 |
| Entertainment | $100 | $300 |
💡 Pro tip: Shop at the local feria (farmers' market) for fresh produce at a fraction of supermarket prices. A couple can fill their fridge for $40–50/week. Eat at sodas (local restaurants) where a casado meal costs just $5–8.
Key Cost Factors
- A/C costs: Essential in this area, adding $70–240/month to your electricity bill
- Internet: Fiber available in most developed areas, $30–50/month for 100+ Mbps
- Domestic help: A maid once per week costs $60–100/month; gardener $60–100/month
- Exchange rate: ~520 CRC per USD (February 2026)
Buying vs. Renting in Quepos
With properties starting at $120,000 and annual property tax of just 0.25%, buying can make sense for long-term residents. SIXPERCENT helps both buyers (free AI matching) and sellers ($995 flat fee) navigate the Costa Rica market without paying the traditional 6% commission.