cost of living
Admittedly, Costa Rica is considered one of the most expensive countries in both Central and South America! However, if you compare the cost of living with those in the USA or Europe, you can certainly live a lot cheaper here! With around USD 1,500 you can live quietly and comfortably, with around USD 2,500 you can even live quite luxuriously. It should also not be forgotten that Costa Rica offers rich nature, lush landscapes, fertile volcanic soils and a stable economic system, factors that add quality to life in this country.
The costs for medical care are comparatively low and this usually also applies to other insurance policies. However, the costs for motor vehicles and their insurance are relatively high. But you save a lot by using the very cheap public transport and taxis.
Some examples:
Monthly budget for two people (in US$) approx.: | ||
Have to go | from | until |
Source: Living & Making Money in Costa Rica and blogs
Of course, there is one thing to keep in mind: the more the lifestyle and consumption habits are adapted to Costa Rican customs, the lower the cost of living will be!
Locally produced goods are significantly cheaper than in Europe, while imported goods such as cars, cameras, electronic products or even foreign food are very expensive due to the high import tariffs in Costa Rica. Eating and drinking in local restaurants is also very cheap by European standards. A full meal in a simple restaurant only costs around USD 3 and for around USD 15 you can usually get dinner including drinks in a good, local restaurant!
Prices in Costa Rica have risen sharply in recent years, but housing costs in Costa Rica are still lower than in Germany, for example. Although house prices have risen significantly in recent years, they are still well below European levels. A three-bedroom house in a reasonable area costs between USD 50,000 and 100,000. In an upscale residential area, USD 150,000 to 300,000 have to be put on the table for a house with a garden. Rents are also still significantly below European levels. A two-bedroom apartment costs USD 300 to 400 per month, but in exclusive areas it costs USD 500 to 1,500. The additional costs are comparatively cheap, especially since neither air conditioning nor heating is required in the Central Valley.
Examples of everyday goods (in USD)
Bread | 2,00 |
See also:
http://www.xpatulator.com/outside.cfm?lid=57
http://www.infocostarica.com/retirement/costtolive.html
http://www.costarica.com/blog/costa-rica-living/2010/06/costa-rica-cost-of-living/
cost of living
Admittedly, Costa Rica is considered one of the most expensive countries in both Central and South America! However, if you compare the cost of living with those in the USA or Europe, you can certainly live a lot cheaper here! With around USD 1,500 you can live quietly and comfortably, with around USD 2,500 you can even live quite luxuriously. It should also not be forgotten that Costa Rica offers rich nature, lush landscapes, fertile volcanic soils and a stable economic system, factors that add quality to life in this country.
The costs for medical care are comparatively low and this usually also applies to other insurance policies. However, the costs for motor vehicles and their insurance are relatively high. But you save a lot by using the very cheap public transport and taxis.
Some examples:
Monthly budget for two people (in US$) approx.: | ||
Have to go | from | until |
Source: Living & Making Money in Costa Rica and blogs
Of course, there is one thing to keep in mind: the more the lifestyle and consumption habits are adapted to Costa Rican customs, the lower the cost of living will be!
Locally produced goods are significantly cheaper than in Europe, while imported goods such as cars, cameras, electronic products or even foreign food are very expensive due to the high import tariffs in Costa Rica. Eating and drinking in local restaurants is also very cheap by European standards. A full meal in a simple restaurant only costs around USD 3 and for around USD 15 you can usually get dinner including drinks in a good, local restaurant!
Prices in Costa Rica have risen sharply in recent years, but housing costs in Costa Rica are still lower than in Germany, for example. Although house prices have risen significantly in recent years, they are still well below European levels. A three-bedroom house in a reasonable area costs between USD 50,000 and 100,000. In an upscale residential area, USD 150,000 to 300,000 have to be put on the table for a house with a garden. Rents are also still significantly below European levels. A two-bedroom apartment costs USD 300 to 400 per month, but in exclusive areas it costs USD 500 to 1,500. The additional costs are comparatively cheap, especially since neither air conditioning nor heating is required in the Central Valley.
Examples of everyday goods (in USD)
Bread | 2,00 |
See also:
http://www.xpatulator.com/outside.cfm?lid=57
http://www.infocostarica.com/retirement/costtolive.html
http://www.costarica.com/blog/costa-rica-living/2010/06/costa-rica-cost-of-living/
