Cost of living in Costa Rica? Anyone know the cost of living in Costa Rica?

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ticosland2008

For products produced in Costa Rica, the cost is 50% to 75% cheaper. Anything that is imported is bound to be almost double what it would be in the United States. For example, a pineapple in Costa Rica can cost $1 or less. Try getting a pineapple in the US at that cost. However, I saw a laptop PC advertised in Circuit City in California for $550. A laptop with the same specs was advertised this weekend in one of the so called wholesalers for $950.
For any other information about Costa Rica, try the TicosLand.com directory.

golflover4ever

well its true that u would make a 1/4 of what u would make in the US but the quality of life is better and if u invest wisely, you could live off very little money for a very long time. My brother in law made a house there for $25,000 and bought the land(1/4 acre) for $10,000, he then bought a new 4x4 truck for $16,000 and put the rest of his money in high interest savings. not only is everything he owns paid off, but he lives monthly on the interest from the bank. Also, compared to working 60 hour weeks here in the US, he has retired at 32 years old and loves life better than he ever did here. that is why we are thinking about moving there too...hope that helps!!

ElenaB

there is a free source i found with up to date world costs, including costa rica....http://www.WikiCostofLiving.org

March77

U can get a nice apartment at around 150 000 colones, that's like $300 a month, of course it depends if u want a more luxurious apartment but that price it's for an average apartment. Then let me see, u can expend around $200 a month or less in groceries, if u live by yourself, and that's including extra things like ice cream or things like that not only the basics (salt, rice, etc). If u go out u can expend anywhere from $15 to $30 a night, it depends on how much u drink of course and where u go, it's including the taxi ride back home. A beer over here costs you like $2. A taxi cab it's less than $1 per kilometer. Hope this info helps you a lil' bit

River

I have been living here in Costa Rica for more than 3 years now. There are tourist prices and local prices..Below i have outlined a few.
1. Labor--$2 hour unskilled--$3 hour skilled
2. Live in Nanny-- $180 per month
3. Local food at local restaurants--$4 per plate
4. American Owned restaurants-$14 per plate.
5. Cost to Build average-- $60 SQ FT
6. Cost to build, nice finishings--$110 SQ FT
7. Americain cars--2.5 times more than the USA
8. Import tax--roughly 28% except cars/boats
Many things depend on the area--North Pacific is ideally located with all ammeneties but it is expensive with condos of 1000SQ FT averaging $150,000
Weather is great in the North

tico times directory

In general, you can figure anywhere between 1/2 to 2/3s cheaper in Costa Rica than in the US.

Luxury items, like boats, fishing equipment, TVs, DVD players, computers parts (hard drives and programs) will cost you 1/2 to 2/3s more than in the States.

Medical costs are 1/2 to 2/3s cheaper and Costa Rica has some of the best doctors in the World with many getting their education in the US.

Clothing is about 2/3-3/4s cheaper. A good quality t-shirt, $2; Jeans, $5.

Public transportation is one of the things Costa Rica boosts they have the best of. You can go just about anywhere for a few dollars. A 20-25k cab ride, $20.

Common foods, salt, fruits, coffee, sugar, flour are almost embarrassing cheap compare to the US. A mango for example will go for $2 each in the US where in Costa Rica, a few cents. A huge bunch of bananas, 50 cents. Pound of coffee, $1.

You can live very comfortable for 1500-$2000/month. A very nice 3/br 2bath home with a ocean view sells for around $60,000. A nice apartment on a golf course will rent for $600 a month.

However, a round of golf, about the same in the US ... if not more.

Because of good health care and cheap living expenses, many baby boomers are retiring in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica cost of living expense had always been around 2% a year, however, in the last few years (due to the increase in fuel costs) that cost has increase. Regardless, still cheaper than in the US.

Barb

Well over there people make like $2 per hour, and everything is expensive...thats what my friends tell me. And gas prices have doubled

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