Costa Rica´s Best Guide Online Magazine

COST OF LIVING IN COSTA RICA

There are many reasons that make moving to Costa Rica a very attractive proposition and one of the most often asked questions is what the Cost of Living is. This is a very good question because no matter how attractive a country is, before you take the big step to move there it is very important to know that you can afford the lifestyle you are dreaming of. Naturally Costa Rica is one of the most desired destinations for retirees, and for other still young singles and families looking for a new and better place to call home. Costa Rica continually tops the lists of “Best Places to Retire” and “Best Places for Expats.” As well as the Happiest Countries results and for good reasons! The great weather, plus awesome natural scenery, a variety of unforgettable natural attractions and the generally good Pura Vida vibes that are found here. When you add

in the excellent health care that is available (ranked just below Canada and above the USA according to WHO), the absence of an army, the stable democratic government for the last 74 years, the usually reliable power grid, the potable water throughout the country, the ample availability of healthy food, the nearness to the USA and so many more reasons, make the appeal of moving here extremely enticing. If we add to that the heightened effects of climate change in the Northern Latitudes and the fact that you are immediately allowed to own real estate or own a business as a foreigner, then it makes a lot of sense to consider moving to Costa Rica. So, returning to the question of what the Cost of Living in Costa Rica is, that is a question with a myriad of answers. I believe the question really asks and means many things. It is more

like what is the Cost of Living in Costa Rica that will let me live the dream lifestyle I desire but for some on a limited monthly income such as a SSA retirement pension it is more of a question of being affordable within that set monthly amount being received. You can live a modest but adequate lifestyle in Costa Rica if you have a US$1000 per month income but depending on your lifestyle requirements you could easily be spending as much as US$8,000 per month. It all comes down to your personal choices and expectations and your monthly income or savings. If we examine in more detail what a monthly budget of US$1000 will get you then the first key consideration is location. You cannot realistically expect to live next to the ocean and do it on such a limited budget in most cases, but if you choose an inland location where you will find more Ticos ....