Skyline of Quesada
Cost of Living: 88 60,000

Quesada, AL, Costa Rica

The commercial center of the San Carlos region, an agricultural hub known for dairy and cattle farming.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 88

Below Average vs Costa Rica Avg (100)

Housing Index 92

Affordable

Median Income ₡7,000,000

Household income

Unemployment 10.5%

Job market health

Quesada vs Costa Rica Average

Cost of Living
Quesada: 88
Costa Rica Avg: 100
Housing Index
Quesada: 92
Costa Rica Avg: 100
Income Tax
Quesada: 25%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 25.0%
  • VAT: 13.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: ₡7,000,000
  • Unemployment: 10.5%
  • Population: 60,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 190/year
  • Summer High: 82°F
  • Winter Low: 64°F

Housing

  • Median Home: ₡55,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: ₡180000/mo

Cost of Living

Quesada's cost of living index is 88 (Costa Rica average = 100).

CategoryQuesadaNational AverageDifference
Overall88100-12.0%
Housing92100-8.0%

Data source: INEC / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price₡55,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)₡180000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)₡225,000/mo
Price per Sq Ft₡36,666

Data source: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

%
$90,000 down
%
%

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Quesada:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity₡12000Based on ~300 kWh/month typical Costa Rican household usage
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water₡5000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)₡8000Broadband average
Garbage / Trash₡3000Private service
Total Utilities₡28000Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: ARESEP, ICE, AyA 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Quesada

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: ₡216,000/mo.

Quesada Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: ₡198,000/mo.

East Quesada

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: ₡162,000/mo.

West Quesada

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: ₡171,000/mo.

Remote Work Score

Quesada scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
88
Rent
₡180000
Sunny Days
190
Tax
25%
Unemployment
10.5%
Climate
82°F / 64°F

Climate

Quesada has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January84°F64°F2.5"
April67°F79°F2.8"
July82°F57°F1.5"
October62°F82°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 25%
  • VAT: 13%
  • Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 10.5%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Quesada per 100,000 residents:

80.0
Violent Crime
400.0
Property Crime
11.5
Homicide

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

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 Quesada, AL, Costa Rica?

The cost of living index in Quesada is 88, which is Lower the Costa Rica national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Quesada?

The median home price in Quesada is ₡55,000,000. The housing index is 92.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Quesada is approximately ₡180000/mo.

Does Quesada, AL have income tax?

Quesada is in AL, which has an income tax rate of 25%.

What is the climate like in Quesada?

Quesada enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 64°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: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.