Is San Rafael Expensive?

San José (CR), Costa Rica

-18% vs San José (CR) avg

Living in San Rafael, San José (CR)

San Rafael is a relatively affordable area in San José (CR), with a cost of living index of 25.6 — that is -18% compared to the San José (CR) average. At #13 of 18, it is below the city average in cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around ₡228,217/month, compared to a range of ₡200,386 in Desamparados to ₡356,241 in Escazú.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of San Rafael, housing takes up roughly 23% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 20%, while transportation costs around 11%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately ₡9,128,675 before tax.

Typical Salaries in San Rafael

Salaries in San Rafael reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 25.6:

After tax and deductions of 10.7% in Costa Rica, take-home pay for someone earning ₡9,128,675 would be roughly ₡8,151,907/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

25.6
COLI Index
0.82x
vs City Avg
₡228,217
Est. 1BR Rent
#13
of 18 Areas
10.7%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in San Rafael

Estimated annual deductions on a ₡9,715,663 salary in San Rafael, San José (CR) (local employee).

Income Tax
0%
CCSS + Worker Risks
10.7%
Total Deductions: 10.7%
Est. Take-Home: ₡8,679,001/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in San Rafael would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $19,200
London GBP £16,523
Dubai AED AED 96,073

Other Neighborhoods in San José (CR)

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Escazú 39.9 1.28x +28%
Santa Ana 38.1 1.22x +22%
Rohrmoser 34.9 1.12x +12%
Barrio Escalante 34.3 1.10x +10%
Los Yoses 33.7 1.08x +8%

View all 18 neighborhoods in San José (CR) →

Convert Your Salary

See exactly what you need to earn in San Rafael, San José (CR) to maintain your lifestyle.

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Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to San Rafael:

Paranhos, Porto Cruz de Humilladero, Málaga Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur Mandaluyong, Manila Kman, Split

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Rafael expensive in San José (CR)?

San Rafael is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in San José (CR). It costs about -18% less than the city average, ranking #13 out of 18 neighborhoods.

How does San Rafael compare to the San José (CR) average?

The cost of living in San Rafael is below the San José (CR) average. With a multiplier of 0.82x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are -18% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.