Published: Monday, 21th October 2024
The cost of living in Nicaragua is 1.51 times more expensive as compared to Costa Rica.
On this page, you will find side-by-side cost comparison between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. We have created 172 cost-of-living indicators. We average the prices of all those indicators and take a mathematically calculated approach to determine which country is more expensive to live in between Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
We always try to give you the latest data, but sometimes mistakes might occur. If you think some content on our site is not updated, please let us know by emailing us at: info.comparedoo@gmail.com
 Indicators  | Nicaragua  | Costa Rica  |
|---|---|---|
1 BHK Apartment in City Center  | 12,500 NIO (337.50 USD) | 350,000 CRC (630 USD) |
2 BHK Apartment in City Center  | 17,500 NIO (472.50 USD) | 600,000 CRC (1,080 USD) |
3 BHK Apartment in City Center  | 22,750 NIO (614.25 USD) | 900,000 CRC (1,620 USD) |
1 BHK Apartment outside City Center  | 8,750 NIO (236.25 USD) | 250,000 CRC (450 USD) |
2 BHK Apartment outside City Center  | 12,500 NIO (337.50 USD) | 450,000 CRC (810 USD) |
3 BHK Apartment outside City Center  | 15,750 NIO (425.25 USD) | 650,000 CRC (1,170 USD) |
Mortgage Rates Per Month  | 3 % | 5 % |
Realtor Commission  | 5 % | 7 % |
Property Taxes  | Yet to Update | 0.25 % |
The average housing cost in Nicaragua is 2.31 times less expensive than Costa Rica.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Basic Home Furnishing  | 140,000 NIO (3,780 USD) | 150,000 CRC (270 USD) |
Electricity Cost Per Month  | 2,800 NIO (75.60 USD) | 30,000 CRC (54 USD) |
Heating Cost Per Month  | 1,750 NIO (47.25 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
Cooling Cost Per Month  | 2,100 NIO (56.70 USD) | 12,000 CRC (21.60 USD) |
Water Supply Cost Per Month  | 1,050 NIO (28.35 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
If you lived in Nicaragua, instead of Costa Rica, you would have to pay 897.97% more for Utilities.
The basic home furnishing in Nicaragua costs 14.00 times more compared to Costa Rica.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Standard Wifi Cost Per Month  | 1,750 NIO (47.25 USD) | 25,000 CRC (45 USD) |
Mobile Phone Basic Plan Cost Per Month  | 1,050 NIO (28.35 USD) | 10,000 CRC (18 USD) |
Landline Basic Plan Cost Per Month  | 525 NIO (14.18 USD) | 7,000 CRC (12.60 USD) |
Cable TV Basic Plan Cost Per Month  | 700 NIO (18.90 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
The internet and communication costs 5.92% more in Nicaragua compared to Costa Rica.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Long Grain Rice (1 KG)  | 70 NIO (1.89 USD) | 1,500 CRC (2.70 USD) |
Milk (1 Liter)  | 35 NIO (0.94 USD) | 1,000 CRC (1.80 USD) |
Water (1 Liter)  | 17.50 NIO (0.47 USD) | 300 CRC (0.54 USD) |
Bread (500 gm)  | 52 NIO (1.40 USD) | 800 CRC (1.44 USD) |
Eggs (1 Dozen)  | 87 NIO (2.35 USD) | 2,000 CRC (3.60 USD) |
Cheese (1 KG)  | 175 NIO (4.72 USD) | 3,000 CRC (5.40 USD) |
Chicken Breast (1 KG)  | 245 NIO (6.62 USD) | 3,500 CRC (6.30 USD) |
In Nicaragua, the cost of 1 Liter Water and 1 Liter Milk is 1.65 times less expensive than the cost in Costa Rica.
If you lived in Nicaragua, instead of Costa Rica, you would have to pay 15.52% less for Groceries.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Apples (1 KG)  | 87 NIO (2.35 USD) | 2,500 CRC (4.50 USD) |
Bananas (1 KG)  | 52 NIO (1.40 USD) | 600 CRC (1.08 USD) |
Oranges (1 KG)  | 70 NIO (1.89 USD) | 1,000 CRC (1.80 USD) |
Tomatoes (1 KG)  | 52 NIO (1.40 USD) | 1,000 CRC (1.80 USD) |
Potatoes (1 KG)  | 35 NIO (0.94 USD) | 800 CRC (1.44 USD) |
Lemons (1 KG)  | 70 NIO (1.89 USD) | 1,500 CRC (2.70 USD) |
Onions (1 KG)  | 52 NIO (1.40 USD) | 1,000 CRC (1.80 USD) |
Lentils (1 KG)  | 87 NIO (2.35 USD) | 1,800 CRC (3.24 USD) |
If you lived in Nicaragua, instead of Costa Rica, you would have to pay 1.35 times less for Fruits and Vegetables.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Meal at a Resonable Restaurant  | 280 NIO (7.56 USD) | 8,000 CRC (14.40 USD) |
Three-Course Meal for Two  | 700 NIO (18.90 USD) | 25,000 CRC (45 USD) |
Fast Food Combo Meal  | 140 NIO (3.78 USD) | 4,000 CRC (7.20 USD) |
Normal Coffee  | 70 NIO (1.89 USD) | 800 CRC (1.44 USD) |
Soft Drink  | 35 NIO (0.94 USD) | 500 CRC (0.90 USD) |
Pizza for One  | 280 NIO (7.56 USD) | 6,000 CRC (10.80 USD) |
Take-Out Delivery Meal  | 280 NIO (7.56 USD) | 5,000 CRC (9 USD) |
Cigarette Pack of 20  | 175 NIO (4.72 USD) | 1,200 CRC (2.16 USD) |
Dining-Out costs 41.78% less in Nicaragua compared to Costa Rica.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Wine Mid-Range Bottle  | 280 NIO (7.56 USD) | 4,500 CRC (8.10 USD) |
Glass of Wine  | 175 NIO (4.72 USD) | 1,500 CRC (2.70 USD) |
Domestic Beer Half Liter  | 52 NIO (1.40 USD) | 700 CRC (1.26 USD) |
Imported Beer Half Liter  | 70 NIO (1.89 USD) | 1,000 CRC (1.80 USD) |
Domestic Alcohol 1 Liter  | 245 NIO (6.62 USD) | 3,500 CRC (6.30 USD) |
Branded Alcohol 1 Liter  | 525 NIO (14.18 USD) | 6,000 CRC (10.80 USD) |
If you lived in Nicaragua, instead of Costa Rica, you would have to pay 1.17 times more for usual hard drinks.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Monthly Public Transportation Pass  | 1,050 NIO (28.35 USD) | 20,000 CRC (36 USD) |
Single Public Transportation Ticket  | 35 NIO (0.94 USD) | 400 CRC (0.72 USD) |
Single Train Ticket  | Yet to Update () | Yet to Update () |
Domestic Airplane Ticket  | 4,200 NIO (113.40 USD) | 150,000 CRC (270 USD) |
Taxi Start Fare  | 70 NIO (1.89 USD) | 700 CRC (1.26 USD) |
Taxi Rate Per Kilometer  | 35 NIO (0.94 USD) | 500 CRC (0.90 USD) |
Car Rental Per Day  | 1,050 NIO (28.35 USD) | 30,000 CRC (54 USD) |
Parking Fees in City Center Per Hour  | 35 NIO (0.94 USD) | 1,000 CRC (1.80 USD) |
Parking Fees outside City Center Per Hour  | 17.50 NIO (0.47 USD) | 500 CRC (0.90 USD) |
If you lived in Nicaragua, instead of Costa Rica, you would have to pay 2.09 times less for transportation.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Reasonable Vehicle Purchase Cost  | 525,000 NIO (14,175 USD) | 6,000,000 CRC (10,800 USD) |
Vehicle Registration Cost  | 14,000 NIO (378 USD) | 100,000 CRC (180 USD) |
Driving License Fees  | 1,400 NIO (37.80 USD) | 25,000 CRC (45 USD) |
Car Insurance Cost  | 1,750 NIO (47.25 USD) | 150,000 CRC (270 USD) |
Car Maintenance Cost  | 1,050 NIO (28.35 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
Car Loan Interest Rates  | 10 % | 7 % |
Fuel Per Liter  | 35 NIO (0.94 USD) | 900 CRC (1.62 USD) |
Fuel Per Gallon  | 133 NIO (3.59 USD) | 3,400 CRC (6.12 USD) |
Average Toll Fees  | Yet to Update | Yet to Update |
You would have to pay 1.29 times more for Vehicle purchase, daily operation and maintenance in Nicaragua compared to that of Costa Rica.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Doctor Visit  | 1,050 NIO (28.35 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
Specialist Visit  | 2,100 NIO (56.70 USD) | 30,000 CRC (54 USD) |
Dentist Visit  | 1,400 NIO (37.80 USD) | 20,000 CRC (36 USD) |
Eye Exam  | 700 NIO (18.90 USD) | 10,000 CRC (18 USD) |
Mental Health Counseling  | 1,400 NIO (37.80 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
Preventive Health Screening  | 700 NIO (18.90 USD) | Yet to Update () |
Physical Therapy  | 1,050 NIO (28.35 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
Emergency Room Visit  | 10,500 NIO (283.50 USD) | 25,000 CRC (45 USD) |
Hospital Stay Per Night  | 4,200 NIO (113.40 USD) | 80,000 CRC (144 USD) |
Vaccinations  | 525 NIO (14.18 USD) | 2,000 CRC (3.60 USD) |
Prescription Medication  | 350 NIO (9.45 USD) | 2,500 CRC (4.50 USD) |
Over the Counter Medication  | 175 NIO (4.72 USD) | 1,500 CRC (2.70 USD) |
Health Insurance Premiums  | 7,000 NIO (189 USD) | 40,000 CRC (72 USD) |
Health Insurance Deductibles  | 2,100 NIO (56.70 USD) | Yet to Update () |
If you lived in Nicaragua, instead of Costa Rica, you would have to pay 1.95 times more for Health and Medical Treatment.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Cosmetic Procedures  | 2,800 NIO (75.60 USD) | Yet to Update () |
Spa Treatment  | 1,400 NIO (37.80 USD) | Yet to Update () |
Manicure Pedicure Cost  | 525 NIO (14.18 USD) | 5,000 CRC (9 USD) |
Optical Glasses Cost  | 1,050 NIO (28.35 USD) | 10,000 CRC (18 USD) |
Contact Lenses Cost  | 700 NIO (18.90 USD) | 5,000 CRC (9 USD) |
Haircuts  | 350 NIO (9.45 USD) | 5,000 CRC (9 USD) |
Hair Coloring  | 700 NIO (18.90 USD) | 10,000 CRC (18 USD) |
Shampoo Price  | 70 NIO (1.89 USD) | 500 CRC (0.90 USD) |
Toothpaste Price  | 35 NIO (0.94 USD) | 250 CRC (0.45 USD) |
If you lived in Nicaragua, instead of Costa Rica, you would have to pay 3.20 times more for Personal Care Items and Treatment.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Pair of Nike Running Shoes  | 5,600 NIO (151.20 USD) | 45,000 CRC (81 USD) |
Men's Shirt  | 1,750 NIO (47.25 USD) | 7,000 CRC (12.60 USD) |
Women's Dress  | 2,800 NIO (75.60 USD) | 20,000 CRC (36 USD) |
Summer Dress  | 2,100 NIO (56.70 USD) | 12,000 CRC (21.60 USD) |
Men's Suit  | 8,400 NIO (226.80 USD) | 100,000 CRC (180 USD) |
Men's Jeans  | 2,100 NIO (56.70 USD) | 12,000 CRC (21.60 USD) |
Women's Jeans  | 2,100 NIO (56.70 USD) | 12,000 CRC (21.60 USD) |
Men's Formal Shoes  | 4,200 NIO (113.40 USD) | 20,000 CRC (36 USD) |
Women's Formal Shoes  | 4,200 NIO (113.40 USD) | 20,000 CRC (36 USD) |
Men's Casual Shoes  | 2,800 NIO (75.60 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
Women's Casual Shoes  | 2,800 NIO (75.60 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
Underwear For Men  | 350 NIO (9.45 USD) | 1,000 CRC (1.80 USD) |
Underwear For Women  | 490 NIO (13.23 USD) | 1,000 CRC (1.80 USD) |
Socks For Men  | 140 NIO (3.78 USD) | 500 CRC (0.90 USD) |
Socks For Women  | 140 NIO (3.78 USD) | 500 CRC (0.90 USD) |
Wintercoat for Adults  | 3,500 NIO (94.50 USD) | 20,000 CRC (36 USD) |
Sportswear  | 2,100 NIO (56.70 USD) | 10,000 CRC (18 USD) |
If you lived in Nicaragua, instead of Costa Rica, you would have to pay 2.20 times more for Clothing and Footwear for Adults.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Children's Jeans  | 1,050 NIO (28.35 USD) | 8,000 CRC (14.40 USD) |
Children's Normal Sneakers  | 1,750 NIO (47.25 USD) | 10,000 CRC (18 USD) |
Children's Winter Coat  | 2,100 NIO (56.70 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
Daycare for Infant  | 10,500 NIO (283.50 USD) | 50,000 CRC (90 USD) |
Daycare for Toddler  | 8,400 NIO (226.80 USD) | 45,000 CRC (81 USD) |
Childcare for Sick Days  | 1,400 NIO (37.80 USD) | 8,000 CRC (14.40 USD) |
Early Childhood Education Programs  | 14,000 NIO (378 USD) | 40,000 CRC (72 USD) |
Extra Curricular Activities  | 3,500 NIO (94.50 USD) | 20,000 CRC (36 USD) |
Summer Camp for Kids  | 14,000 NIO (378 USD) | 30,000 CRC (54 USD) |
If you lived in Nicaragua, instead of Costa Rica, you would have to pay 3.76 times more for Childcare and kids clothing.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
PreSchool Fees  | 17,500 NIO (472.50 USD) | 60,000 CRC (108 USD) |
Primary School Fees  | 35,000 NIO (945 USD) | 80,000 CRC (144 USD) |
Secondary School Fees  | 42,000 NIO (1,134 USD) | 100,000 CRC (180 USD) |
Private School Fees  | 56,000 NIO (1,512 USD) | 150,000 CRC (270 USD) |
University Tuition Fees  | 105,000 NIO (2,835 USD) | 500,000 CRC (900 USD) |
University Private Tuition Fees  | 140,000 NIO (3,780 USD) | 1,000,000 CRC (1,800 USD) |
After School Activities  | 3,500 NIO (94.50 USD) | 10,000 CRC (18 USD) |
Special Education Services  | 28,000 NIO (756 USD) | 25,000 CRC (45 USD) |
Tutoring  | 1,750 NIO (47.25 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
Textbooks Cost  | 7,000 NIO (189 USD) | 10,000 CRC (18 USD) |
School Supplies  | 2,100 NIO (56.70 USD) | 5,000 CRC (9 USD) |
If you lived in Nicaragua, instead of Costa Rica, you would have to pay 3.36 times more for school and education.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Movie Ticket (Single)  | 175 NIO (4.72 USD) | 4,000 CRC (7.20 USD) |
Theater Ticket (Single)  | 350 NIO (9.45 USD) | 5,000 CRC (9 USD) |
Concert Ticket (Single)  | 525 NIO (14.18 USD) | 6,000 CRC (10.80 USD) |
Sports Event Ticket (Single)  | 350 NIO (9.45 USD) | 8,000 CRC (14.40 USD) |
Gym Membership  | 700 NIO (18.90 USD) | 25,000 CRC (45 USD) |
Swimming Pool Access  | 350 NIO (9.45 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
Museum Entry Ticket  | 175 NIO (4.72 USD) | 1,500 CRC (2.70 USD) |
Zoo Entry Ticket  | 350 NIO (9.45 USD) | 2,500 CRC (4.50 USD) |
Amusement Park Entry Ticket  | 525 NIO (14.18 USD) | 3,000 CRC (5.40 USD) |
Bowling  | 175 NIO (4.72 USD) | 2,500 CRC (4.50 USD) |
Mini Golf  | 175 NIO (4.72 USD) | 2,000 CRC (3.60 USD) |
Video Games  | 1,050 NIO (28.35 USD) | 8,000 CRC (14.40 USD) |
Streaming Services  | 350 NIO (9.45 USD) | 5,000 CRC (9 USD) |
Outdoor Equipment Rental  | 350 NIO (9.45 USD) | 3,000 CRC (5.40 USD) |
Theme Park Annual Pass  | 7,000 NIO (189 USD) | 30,000 CRC (54 USD) |
If you lived in Nicaragua, instead of Costa Rica, you would have to pay 1.57 times more for entertainment, recreation and fun activities.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Language Classes  | 21,000 NIO (567 USD) | 15,000 CRC (27 USD) |
Parenting Classes  | 4,200 NIO (113.40 USD) | 18,000 CRC (32.40 USD) |
Art Classes  | 525 NIO (14.18 USD) | 3,000 CRC (5.40 USD) |
Fitness Classes  | 350 NIO (9.45 USD) | 1,500 CRC (2.70 USD) |
Music Lessons  | 700 NIO (18.90 USD) | 5,000 CRC (9 USD) |
Dance Lessons  | 700 NIO (18.90 USD) | 5,000 CRC (9 USD) |
Reading Materials for Classes  | 175 NIO (4.72 USD) | 1,000 CRC (1.80 USD) |
Educational Software  | 5,600 NIO (151.20 USD) | 5,000 CRC (9 USD) |
If you lived in Nicaragua, instead of Costa Rica, you would have to pay 9.32 times more for Private Classes.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Average Gross Monthly Salary  | 28,000 NIO (756 USD) | 600,000 CRC (1,080 USD) |
Average Net Monthly Salary  | 21,000 NIO (567 USD) | 400,000 CRC (720 USD) |
Minimum Wages  | 350 NIO per hour (9.45 USD) | 6,666.67 CRC per hour (12 USD) |
Average Bonus  | 10,500 NIO (283.50 USD) | 50,000 CRC (90 USD) |
Income Tax Rate  | 0 to 15 % | 0 to 13 % |
Social Security Contributions  | 10 % | 10 % |
Pension Contributions  | 5 % | 10 % |
Cost of Living Index  | 35 | 40 |
Median Household Income  | 70,000 NIO (1,890 USD) | 1,200,000 CRC (2,160 USD) |
If you lived in Nicaragua, you would earn 1.16 times less salary as compared to Costa Rica.
Indicators | Nicaragua | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
Legal Consultation Per Hour Rate  | 1,050 NIO (28.35 USD) | 50,000 CRC (90 USD) |
Accounting Services Per Hour Rate  | 1,400 NIO (37.80 USD) | 30,000 CRC (54 USD) |
IT Support Services Per Hour Rate  | 1,400 NIO (37.80 USD) | 40,000 CRC (72 USD) |
Technician Services Per Hour Rate  | 1,400 NIO (37.80 USD) | 25,000 CRC (45 USD) |
Professional Services cost 1.84 times less in Nicaragua, as compared to Costa Rica.
We hope you enjoyed the detailed guide on the cost of living comparsion between Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
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