Cost of Living in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Jul 6

Nestled on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo is a charming town just a three-hour drive from the capital, San José (SJO). Known for its slower pace of life and vibrant culture, this small town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, local experiences, and modern amenities, making it a sought-after destination for travelers and expatriates alike.

The Lifestyle

Puerto Viejo is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle. While the town can get busy during the peak season, it remains a place where time seems to slow down, allowing residents and visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tropical surroundings. However, it's important to note that living here can be more expensive compared to other parts of Costa Rica.

Housing

Finding a place to live in Puerto Viejo offers a range of options, from budget-friendly rooms to more luxurious accommodations.

Here's a breakdown of rental costs:

Rooms: $350+/month
Studio to 1-bedroom apartments: $500+/month
2-bedroom or larger homes: $750+/month

Typical housing features an open-air concept with ceiling fans instead of air conditioning, and kitchens often lack ovens. While it's possible to find modern homes with all the amenities, expect to pay a premium for these luxuries.

Areas to Consider:

Puerto Viejo (town)
Cocles
Playa Negra
Playa Chiquita
Punta Uva
Hone Creek
Cahuita

Education and Childcare

For families, Puerto Viejo offers various options for education and childcare:

Babysitting services: ₡5,000 per hour
Daycare: $200+/month
Private school (Las Semillas)

Food/Groceries

Groceries cost approximately $100 weekly, with several stores available for your shopping needs:

Super Negro (Cocles & Hone Creek)
Super Cocles (Cocles)
Super SK (Playa Negra)
Old Harbor (Puerto Viejo)
Diamante (Puerto Viejo)
Mega Super (Puerto Viejo)

Don't miss the Saturday morning market in town at 8am for fresh produce and local goods, the Limon Market in the city of Limon (transportation by bus available) for additional shopping, or local fruit stands including the Mercadito across from Banco Nacional at the start of town.

Dining out varies, with meals starting at ₡3,000 ($6 usd) at local sodas and ₡6,000 ($12 usd) at most restaurants.

Transportation

Bicycle rental: $25 USD/week, ₡45,000 ($90usd) to buy
Motorbike rental: $25/day, $500/month ($2,000 to buy)
Tuktuk (Negra-town): ₡3,000 ($6 usd)
Bus to San José: ₡6,000 ($12 usd)

Healthcare

Safety Wing insurance: $45/month

Utilities

Water, WiFi, electricity, and gardening are typically included in rent, but it's wise to confirm with your landlord. Ensure the WiFi speed meets your needs if you require a specific bandwidth.

Entertainment and Activities

Puerto Viejo offers a wealth of entertainment options:

Beach outings
Community meet-ups
Pop-up farmers markets
ATV rentals: $70/day
Waterfalls (Bri Bri indigenous reserve)
Two national parks (Manzanillo, Cahuita)
Dance studio: $80/month
Yoga membership: $100/month
Muay Thai classes: ₡10,000 for group sessions
Selina's coworking space: $150/month

Additional Resources

What’s App group links:

Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the natural parks, or engage in community activities, Puerto Viejo has something for everyone.

Nami Hewitt