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What is the REAL Cost of Living in Costa Rica? by Randy Berg
Cost of living in Costa Rica..."how much can
you really save?"
One thing that I have always stressed about Costa Rica has
always been the cost of living. It doesn't always mean a lot if
you can't combine it with all of the other good things but it
has been suggested that I compare an income of $3000 per month
and its commensurate expenditures in the States with the same
amount in Costa Rica. My friend says that he thinks that this
alone will increase my business by 25%...well, I disagree with
that part of the equation but here goes: ( and please keep in
mind that I am really out of touch with expenditures in the
States).
For purposes of simplicity, it is assumed that the budget and
expenditures are for two people living in a home of
approximately 1500 sq. feet ...the couple being of social
security age and retired...the home is paid for, there is no
debt and the state of residence is a median:
1. Utilities: $350
2. Insurance...car and homeowners: $250
3. Food: $400-500
4. Medical insurance: $300
5. Medical costs...doctor and medicine: $500
6. Homeowner taxes: $200
7. State and federal taxes: $100
8. Clothing: $200
9. Entertainment: $200
10. Gasoline and car expenses: $400
11. Misc. : $500
Guess I should have stopped...already well over $3000 per month.
Obviously the above was Stateside costs.
Here is Costa Rica:
1. Utilities: $100 (this is higher than normal but assuming that
gringos will not cut back on many things. Also includes
internet)
2. Insurance: most do not have any insurance but am factoring in
$50
3. Food: $250...this is high but includes virtually unlimited
fruits, vegetables, fish and chicken
4. Medical insurance: $150
5. Medical costs: doctor and medicine $250 ...this includes the
equivalent doctor visits and medication
6. Homeowner taxes: $25
7. State and federal taxes: probably zero
8. Clothing: $100
9. Entertainment: same costs but will go twice as far...$200...a
good meal here will set you back $6-7 a piece
10. Gasoline and car expense: approximately the same but you
will probably not drive as far...mechanics bills are less but
gas is slightly higher. Cars are more expensive but much less to
care for. $400 and this amount will give you enough funds to
explore almost weekly.
11. Misc. $250
Total is under $1800 and there are numerous ways to cut back.
Here is also a list of expenditures that are definitely not
mandatory but probably will be utilized by most gringos:
-Maid service...clean house once weekly for 4-6 hours: $15
-Lawn service/gardener: $18-20 per day...most common tools are
machete, weed whacker and -possibly lawn more.
-Rebuilt starter for car: $5-10 for labor and cost only for
parts (estimated at $25)
-Delivery service from downtown Grecia to house (13-14 minutes
away) : $5
-Taxi service for same: $6
-Bus for same: $.50
-Bus from here to Manual Antonio, pacific side (3 hr. plus
drive...$8)
-Dentist charge for fixing chipped tooth (good as new..)
$15...cavity ...$20
-Dog grooming: $12
-DVD rental: same movies, same quality $2-3 per two nights.
-Coffee, whole bean, you brew...one kilo (2.2 pounds) $4.50
-One pair, mens trifocals (yes, lineless) with exam, top quality
frames... $225. Superb service and quality.
-Many items are the same cost as in the States as they are
imported. A six pack of Dr. Pepper, for example is probably
about the same cost. On the other hand, good quality beef from
-Argentina or local (remember, I said GOOD quality or
equivalent) is about half of the cost IF you know where to shop.
-Vehicles cost more, primarily because of the customs duty and
taxes. Figure the same car as in the States or Canada will cost
a minimum of 50% more.
-Gas is approximately the equivalent of $5 per gallon.
You can have your own furniture designed for a fraction of what
a prefab piece would cost "back home". If you have pictures of a
style you like, bring it with you. The country here is not big
on inventories and virtually everything is custom made.
Favorite things to do that don't cost much...
Sunday drives (or any other day... hey, you are retired) spend
all day driving through five microclimates and topographies that
vary from (as examples) volcanoes, waterfalls, huge canyons and
valleys, cooler mountain weather, cloud forests, and
agricultural land...total distance driven less than 100
miles...cost with lunch for two: less than $35.
Gardening...technically you could spend a fair amount of money
(still probably less than 20% of what you would spend in the
States though) although most that live here make do with
cuttings and "borrowings" from neighbors and maybe a little
"midnight gardening". You can almost watch the plants, flowers
and trees grow daily and the differences from one season to the
next are astounding. We have two trees that (and remember
please, we are in the mountains!) that have grown literally 8-12
feet in nine months...one is a hardwood, the other is unknown.
Drive to the ocean... from here to the beach only 1 ½ hours
through the mountains on one of the most scenic drives in the
country. See crocodiles, macaws, parrots , monkeys... all in an
afternoon. Stop at one or two of the roadside stands and pick up
fresh fruit for a song.
When you explore you will discover places that will become your
favorites and you will keep going back...some of ours are : the
topiary at Zarcero (check out guidebooks or one line for details...
Laguna Hule, which is a lake almost in the middle of
nowhere just outside of Bajos del Toro which is a cloud forest
just a few minutes drive from Sarchi. It is a great drive and
fantastic place to spend an hour or two over coffee or snacks
and enjoy the surroundings...the lake is viewed from above and
boats of any kind are not allowed there. Almost like
Switzerland...the ferry from Puntarenas to either Playa Naranjo
and Pacquera and in between offers literally dozens of small,
white sand beaches which are almost always secluded...find a
boat for rent, go snorkeling or fishing...the area is stunning
and almost deserted. ( you can drive your car onto the ferry and
then drive once you reach the peninsula). You will quickly make
your own favorites and there is literally no way that all of
them can be exhausted.
The farmers' markets (the outdoor ones) usually held on Friday
or Saturday are always jammed as fresh fruits and vegetables
from all over the area are displayed. Sometimes fish, coffee,
meats and other treats are available as well..
Rainy season offers superb opportunities to relax...mainly
because not a lot else gets done outdoors. If you have a metal
roof you may have trouble hearing over the sound! Get used to
it...because it is part of Costa Rica and the culture. When the
rain stops the sounds you hear are the plants and flowers
growing.
If you don't think that you can afford Costa Rica or you think
that you may not be able to adapt...think about your
alternatives. For Rhonda and I , the alternatives to being here
are not acceptable. If you have reservations or if you don't
think you can adapt here...come down and see if you can...or if
you can't. Ask questions, keep studying and reading.
For more information on Costa Rica please visit us at
Pura vida, Randy and all of us at CR Home.
THE LOCATION IS AWESOME BECAUSE...
Surrounding Bella Tierra Development Where Land is for Sale, you will
quickly realize how amazing the natural beauty and how diverse recreational
activities are! For instance, Samara Beach offers perfect surfing
conditions, romantic nightlife, sports fishing, diving, reef snorkeling,
swimming, wind surfing, horseback riding, golfing, as well as awesome
restaurants. So, come and enjoy Costa Rica's irresistible white sand beaches
lined with beautiful tropical coconut trees, and consider building a home in
Samara, Costa Rica. If you are interested, please contact Coldwell Banker
Samara and ask for Angelina (contact information is listed in the footer of
each Webpage).
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