Cartago, Costa Rica
Costa Rica's former capital, a historic city with the famous Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and nearby volcanic landscapes.
Overview
Cartago is a city in CA with a population of 200,000. Costa Rica’s former capital, a historic city with the famous Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and nearby volcanic landscapes. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively high. The population skews young, with a median age of 34.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Costa Rica Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Cartago vs Costa Rica Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 25.0%
- Sales Tax: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₡9,000,000
- Unemployment: 9.5%
- Population: 200,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 190/year
- Summer High: 74°F
- Winter Low: 58°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: ₡80,000,000
- 1BR Rent: ₡250000/mo
Cost of Living
Cartago's cost of living index is 95 (Costa Rica average = 100).
| Category | Cartago | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
| Housing | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
Data source: INEC / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₡80,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₡250000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₡312,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₡53,333 |
Data source: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cartago:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₡30000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | ₡76 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₡8000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₡15000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | ₡53076 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ARESEP, ICE, AyA 2025
Remote Work Score
Cartago scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cartago has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 78°F | 58°F | 2.5" |
| April | 59°F | 73°F | 2.8" |
| July | 74°F | 49°F | 1.5" |
| October | 54°F | 76°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Cartago faces the following natural hazards:
Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.
Active volcanic chain across the country.
Pacific coast vulnerable to tsunamis.
Significant hurricane risk.
Tropical storm floods.
Mountainous terrain with rain-induced landslides.
Extreme summer heat.
Wildfires in dry season.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 25%
- Sales Tax: 13%
- Property Tax: ~0.25% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 9.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Cartago per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Many schools operate in morning shifts.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Cartago is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: INEC Census (2011)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cartago, Costa Rica?
The cost of living index in Cartago is 95, which is Lower the Costa Rica national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Cartago?
The median home price in Cartago is ₡80,000,000. The housing index is 105.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cartago is approximately ₡250000/mo.
Does Cartago, CA have income tax?
Cartago is in CA, which has an income tax rate of 25%.
What is the climate like in Cartago?
Cartago enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 74°F, while winter lows can drop to around 58°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: INEC / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: INEC Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities ARESEP, ICE, AyA 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.