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What it's actually like here
Living here as a digital nomad is genuinely attainable on a budget. You can snag a 1-bedroom in the city center for around $700, or $500 if you're okay being a bit further out. Groceries run about $320 monthly, and a decent meal out is only $18. This makes it a solid option for budget-conscious nomads or those just starting their journey. Internet is reliable with 55 Mbps, and there's a good selection of 12 coworking spaces. English is moderately spoken, so getting by isn't too tough, and visas are easy to come by. The climate is great, and healthcare is decent. However, while safety is moderate (score of 55), it's not the safest big city, so you'll want to be mindful of your surroundings. Overall, it’s a strong contender for an affordable, pleasant, and well-connected nomad base.
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Who this suits
Featured neighbourhoods
Neighbourhood guides coming soon for San Jose.
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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 $700 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Costa Rica sits at 64 (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 55/100 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?+
Headline average internet speed in San Jose is around 55 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.
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