Is Costa Rica a cheap place to live and is there problems to live there?

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Fulanito

Costa Rica has its good and bad. It is a beautiful green country, but it is no different than the rest of Central American countries. There is poverty, there is unemployment, there is crime. Also, contrary to popular belief, Costa Rica is not the safest country in Central America. As for the "no army" thing, they might not have an official army but their security is armed with machine guns, this is not rare to see throughout the country.

Nonetheless Costa Rica is an overall good place to live, just stay out of downtown San Jose. Costa Rica is the second most expensive country in Central America so don't expect die hard low prices (compared to other Central American countries/compared to the U.S. it is affordable).

If you're looking to buy land or property don't expect good prices on beach front homes, the prices have rising like crazy over the past 5 years. Also, power outages are now becoming more common.

Seryan

It is not that cheap if you live by your present standards. If you live like a native, and eat what they eat it is cheaper. The food is not that good. The fresh fruit is, but you can't live on that.

As for problems: The roads are bad, the power goes out a lot and the worst thing is that you will be a target for crime.

There is high crime all over the country and especially in San Jose.

poroxx

prices were easonable..but if you are used to living in US...get used to power outages..and a lot less choice of food than a supermaket here

jennyferkrysty

I lived in costa rica and for me it was pretty cheap. The cost of living is higher, but i found it to be pretty safe. I live in Chicago, the southside, and honestly, its much more crime here than in CR. I walked around by myself at night and felt safe all the time. In Chicago, I would never walk around alone lol. But i mean, crime happens everywhere, but I found it to be very safe and peaceful, and cheap when I lived there.

lazioarte

I lived in Costa Rica for a year and a half... for me, it's not cheap at all. From all the central american countries, Costa Rica is the more expensive. But, indeed it's a quite good place to live, there's peace, and what is surprising: The country doesn't have an army...! And people is nice.

Good luck!

DRC

I think it is affordable to live there, I lived there and lived like a local. You eat healthy foods, go to the markets and buy veggies and fruits. Yes you can live off of fruits. Rent can be cheap if you have someone to share expenses and if you dont just ask a local to help you find a place. I have rented a small place for 200 a month, nothing special but I lived on the beach. No problmes, but everyone is different. Oh and yeah stay out of downt town San Jose.

Tico86

Avoid San Jose downtown. I know people in the Arenal and Monteverde areas who rent for $200 - 300 US/month and these areas are very safe. I am not sure what rent prices on the beach are.

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