City metrics
Financial
Lifestyle
What it's actually like here
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Featured neighbourhoods
Neighbourhood guides coming soon for San Jose.
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Similar cities to consider
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in San Jose as a digital nomad?+
As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of San Jose averages around $650 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Costa Rica sits at 68 (USA=100) — sourced from World Bank ICP. City-level detail is coming as we gather it; for now this is a national figure. Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.
Is San Jose safe for digital nomads?+
San Jose scores 60/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most central neighbourhoods are fine with normal big-city awareness.
How fast is the internet in San Jose?+
Internet in San Jose is generally workable for remote work in nomad-friendly neighbourhoods. Coworking spaces are the most reliable bet for video calls and large uploads.
Help future nomads with what you actually paid for rent, coworking, internet, healthcare or visa fees. Submissions are aggregated anonymously.
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