Household Expenses

Household expenses can range from very cheap to relatively expensive, and are generally equivalent to what many pay in the United States. In Costa Rica, the key to the household budget is whether a home operates under American or Costa Rican standards – American luxuries come at a considerable premium.

Generally, a traditional Costa Rican-style home does not have a central water heater (most have hot water in the shower only), hangs laundry to dry, washes dishes by hand and is not air-conditioned. On the other hand, many of the newly-constructed American-style homes may offer the ultimate in luxury, including hot water in all faucets, top-of-the-line appliances, air conditioning in warmer climates, and may also subscribe to premium cable television and high-speed Internet service.

Water:

Cost:Water is relatively inexpensive in Costa Rica, and most monthly water bills amount to no more than $10 or $15. Low per-unit costs are not the only reason for cheap bills – many Costa Rican-style appliances are geared toward water conservation: Semi-automatic washing machines consume very little water, low-flow, on-demand showers save additional water and most dishes are washed by hand.

Approximately 84% of Costa Rica enjoys potable water – unless otherwise and specifically stated, you can drink the water in Costa Rica.

Electricity:

Average cost per KWh: $0.08+ (depends on consumption)
More than 75% of Costa Rican electricity is produced via hydropower or wind power. These environmentally-friendly methods provide not only guilt-free power, but fair electricity prices. To make prices even more accessible, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE, pronounced ee-say) prices electricity on a sliding scale – the more you consume, the higher your per-KWh rate. Rates are also determined by time of day.

To keep consumption down, Costa Ricans and budget-conscious expats use on-demand water heaters, electric shower heads and low-consumption appliances. In addition, neither heat nor air conditioning is necessary in the Central Valley, which greatly helps to reduce electricity consumption.

Like in the United States and Canada, Costa Rican electricity operates at 110 volts. Most older homes and hotels have two-prong outlets, which require an adapter for three-pronged appliances.

Home and Cell Phones:

Home Phone Basic Monthly Rate:  $3.80 (Read more...)
Cell Phone Basic Monthly Rate:$5.30 (Read more...)

Both home phones and cellular phones work differently in Costa Rica than in North America. Instead of buying minute-based or unlimited-use plans, customers pay for their consumption only. Under this system, you pay for the calls you make, not those you receive. Cell phones are more expensive to call. Currently, tourists and non-residents may not buy a cell phone line in Costa Rica. However, in 2008, ICE, the state telecommunications giant, announced plans to offer prepaid SIM cards in the near future.

Cable TV:

Amnet:
Amnet is one of two cable television companies in Costa Rica, and is very popular in the Central Valley’s more populated towns and cities.

Amnet basic cable offers everything from local channels to your favorite U.S. channels, including ABC, NBC, HGTV, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel and more. Movie channels such as HBO and Cinemax are also included in Amnet’s basic service. Premium digital cable gives access to premium movie channels, high definition television, DVR service and more.

Amnet Basic Cable: Approximately $30/month
Amnet Digital Cable: $5/month additional
Amnet Premium Digital Cable: $29.95 additional

CableTica:
CableTica enjoys a strong presence throughout the country, though is most common in rural areas. Basic cable is available in many small towns, with premium cable service focused mostly in larger towns and cities in the Central Valley.

CableTica’s basic service offers a wide range of channels, from local Costa Rican television and Latin American favorites to U.S. broadcast stations and dedicated movie channels such as HBO. Premium digital cable offers high definition channels, extended movie channels, DVR service and many music channels. Call ahead to determine services available in your area.

CableTica Basic Cable: Approximately $30/month
CableTica Digital Cable: $5/month additional + $3-10/month (converter box)
CableTica Premium Movie City HD: $5/month additional
CableTica Premium HBO: $8/month additional

Satellite Television:

SKY:
Though SKY television is based out of Mexico, many U.S. channels and English-language programming are available. This service offers reliable satellite television, though reception varies with the weather.

SKY is available throughout Costa Rica, wherever there is line-of-sight access to the satellite. For those living in rural areas, this is the only premium television provider.

SKY Basic Satellite: Approximately $38/month
SKY Movie City: Approximately $50/month
SKY HBO/Max: Approximately $55/month
SKY Universe: Approximately $65/month

Household Help:

Household help in Costa Rica is considerably less expensive than in the United States or Europe. A part-time housekeeper (empleada) or gardener will charge less than $2 per hour. A full-time, live-in housekeeper costs $200 per month, plus food and lodging. Other occasional helpers -- handymen, painters, etc. -- charge similarly low rates, usually less than 10% of their American or European equivalent.

See more: Internet Service, Home Phones and a Sample Grocery Bill.