You can find rents in that range, you can also pay less or more. There are lot of issues to discuss including utilities, cable, and internet. Some places include them, some don't. Some places don't include it in the rent, but the owner contracts with the water and electric companies. If you are serious about this, Pops can be a big help. Beyond what you usually think about, he can help you look for rentals, show you the best places to shop for everything from food to household goods, to DYI supplies. And ge can walk you through the other ins and outs of living in Pair-o-dice. You should contact him about the rates.
Being on the ground is essential, but you probably want to look. Here are a couple of sites:
https://www.encuentra24.com/costa-rica-es/clasificadoshttps://www.trovit.co.cr/Look for listings in Carmen
FYI - Costa Rica is divided into Province / Canton / District / Barrio.
Taormina is in the province San Jose, and the canton San Jose, the district Carmen, and barrio Amon. The SL by comparison is in barrio Otoya. Carmen includes Barrio Amón, Barrio Aranjuez, part of Barrio La California, El Carmen, El Empalme, Barrio Escalante and Barrio Otoya.