Utilities, Internet and Other Costs
in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

Utilities, internet, and other monthly costs in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica are the line items that most people underestimate in their initial budget planning — not because they are dramatic, but because several of them have Caribbean-specific characteristics that differ from what you are used to. The A/C electricity bill. The internet variability by property. What is and is not included in the rent. This guide covers every utility cost with real numbers so your budget has no surprises. ⚡

Electricity — The Variable One

Electricity in Costa Rica is provided by ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad) and billed monthly. The rate structure is tiered — lower rates for lower consumption, higher rates as usage increases. The base cost for a household without air conditioning: $35–$60/month. A household using one A/C unit moderately (4–6 hours/day): $80–$130/month. A household running A/C aggressively on the humid Caribbean coast (8+ hours/day): $150–$220/month. ⚡

This is the biggest utility cost variable in Puerto Viejo and the one that most commonly surprises people who move from drier climates where A/C is less necessary or cheaper to operate. The Caribbean is genuinely humid — unlike the Pacific coast, evening temperatures stay warm and humid, making A/C more tempting than in places with cooler nights. A well-ventilated property with ceiling fans can make living without A/C comfortable and eliminate this cost almost entirely. When evaluating rentals, ask specifically about average monthly electricity bills and whether A/C is included in the utility cost structure or metered separately.

Water — Inexpensive and Generally Good

Water in Puerto Viejo is provided by AyA (Acueductos y Alcantarillados) and costs $8–$18/month for typical household consumption. Water quality is generally good for showering and cooking — many long-term residents drink tap water without issue, though a filter is a reasonable addition for those with concerns. Water is the utility least likely to cause budget surprises in Puerto Viejo. 💧

Internet — What to Expect and How to Verify

Home internet in Puerto Viejo, when on fibre (Kolbi fibre service), costs $35–$55/month as a standalone subscription. Speeds of 30–100 Mbps are typical on fibre. Cable internet connections — available at some older or more remote properties — run $25–$40/month but with lower and more variable speeds. ADSL connections are the oldest and slowest option and increasingly rare in the main residential areas. 📡

The critical practice: verify actual current internet speed at any specific property before committing. Not the plan speed — the actual measured speed on the property's specific connection and router. Request a screenshot of speedtest.net at the time of your property viewing. Landlords who maintain their properties well welcome this request. The mobile backup strategy (Kolbi SIM with data plan, $12–$15/month) covers the gap during outages. For the complete internet guide, see internet speed and power outages.

Phone and Data

A local SIM card and data plan costs $12–$20/month for a prepaid package with 15–30GB of data (Kolbi or Movistar). This covers calls and data for daily use plus backup internet connectivity. Keeping your home country number on an eSIM or secondary device costs $5–$15/month depending on your provider's international plan. Total phone and data: $15–$35/month for a complete setup. 📱

What Is Usually Included in Furnished Rentals

There is no universal standard — it varies by landlord. The most common inclusions in Puerto Viejo furnished long-term rentals: internet (most common), water (common), basic electricity up to a monthly cap (common), propane gas for cooking (often included). Less commonly included: A/C electricity above a base amount, phone service, cable TV. Always get a specific written list of what is included in the monthly rent before signing. Assumptions in either direction lead to unpleasant surprises. 📋

Other Regular Monthly Costs

Household supplies and cleaning products: $20–$35/month. Personal care (shampoo, soap, pharmacy basics): $20–$40/month. Laundry — most furnished rentals have washer access or nearby laundry services: $15–$30/month. Streaming subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify): your existing accounts typically work in Costa Rica. Miscellaneous buffer for small unexpected costs: $50–$100/month. Total non-utility, non-food, non-transport monthly costs: approximately $100–$200/month. For the full picture, see the monthly budget breakdown and 💰 cost of living hub.