San Isidro, SJ, Costa Rica
A growing town in the Zona de los Santos coffee region, surrounded by cloud forests and coffee farms.
Below Average vs Costa Rica Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
San Isidro vs Costa Rica Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 25.0%
- VAT: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₡7,500,000
- Unemployment: 10.0%
- Population: 80,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 80°F
- Winter Low: 62°F
Housing
- Median Home: ₡60,000,000
- 1BR Rent: ₡200000/mo
Cost of Living
San Isidro's cost of living index is 90 (Costa Rica average = 100).
| Category | San Isidro | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
| Housing | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
Data source: INEC / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₡60,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₡200000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₡250,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₡40,000 |
Data source: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in San Isidro:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₡12000 | Based on ~300 kWh/month typical Costa Rican household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₡5000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₡8000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | ₡3000 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | ₡28000 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ARESEP, ICE, AyA 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown San Isidro
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: ₡240,000/mo.
San Isidro Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: ₡220,000/mo.
East San Isidro
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: ₡180,000/mo.
West San Isidro
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: ₡190,000/mo.
Remote Work Score
San Isidro scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
San Isidro has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82°F | 62°F | 2.5" |
| April | 65°F | 77°F | 2.8" |
| July | 80°F | 55°F | 1.5" |
| October | 60°F | 80°F | 2.2" |
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 10.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in San Isidro 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
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 San Isidro, SJ, Costa Rica?
The cost of living index in San Isidro is 90, which is Lower the Costa Rica national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in San Isidro?
The median home price in San Isidro is ₡60,000,000. The housing index is 95.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Isidro is approximately ₡200000/mo.
Does San Isidro, SJ have income tax?
San Isidro is in SJ, which has an income tax rate of 25%.
What is the climate like in San Isidro?
San Isidro enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 62°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.