Costa Rica
Cost of Living in Santa Barbara
Monthly Total
$1,411
$24,693
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$396
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$34
Based on a typical lifestyle for international residents: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 3/31/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$396
$6,930
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$132
$2,310
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$192
$3,360
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$132
$2,310
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$240
$4,200
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$191
$3,343
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$80
$1,400
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$48
$840
Monthly Total
$1,411
$24,693
Don't skip health insurance
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
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Living in Santa Barbara
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