Costa Rica's Cost of Living - can I really live on $700 a month?!
A reoccurring question about Costa Rica from those considering moving, retiring or buying a second/vacation home in the area is, "What is the Costa Rica cost of living?"
Yes you can still live in Costa Rica for $700 a month ... but it's up to you!
Below are two monthly budgets shared by native U.S. citizens that now live in Costa Rica. These budgets where posted online via contributions to the Costa Rica Living discussion group. As you will see, there is a wide divide between what each contributor considers a comfortable lifestyle ... which of course, greatly effects the final 'cost of living'.
This is a budget for two people, living in 3 bedroom house in a mostly-safe San José neighborhood, enjoying a very nice, middle-class lifestyle. We shop at the feria (farmer's market) and have a housekeeper come in once weekly for 5 hours." -Erin (as posted 07/22/08 on Costa Rica Living)
FYI: The following costs were given in the Costa
Rica currency of the colon. Exchange rate on date of posting: ¢546
colónes = $1 USD
Rent: ¢185.000*
Water: ¢7.000
Electricity: ¢21.000 [revised]
Internet [high-speed]: ¢20.000
Cable TV: ¢15.000
Phone: ¢4.000
Cell Phones (2 lines): ¢12.000
Groceries: ¢55.000
Bus: ¢10.000
Pharmacy: ¢8.000
House Cleaning: ¢20.000
Entertainment & Restaurants: ¢75.000
[Miscellaneous]: ¢50.000
Sub-total using public transportation: ¢482.000 (approximately $883.00/month)
Another Costa Rica Living contributor added that Health Insurance available through the Costa Rica "CAJA" medical system runs ¢28.000 for 2 people over 55 (CAJA medical insurance features; No Exclusions due to Pre-existing Conditions, No Deductibles, No Co-pays, No Out-of-Pocket Expenses and most Prescribed Medications at No Additional Costs).
Sub-total using public transportation with full medical coverage: ¢510.000 (approx. $934.00/month)
Owning a car substantially increases your cost of living,
for just the
gas alone. Fixed costs for a 2 year old vehicle with full coverage car insurance
were reported at ¢330.000 colónes for 6 months + the annual "marchamo" registration
of ¢308.000 colónes.
Current gas costs for light local driving is approximated at ¢50.000 monthly
and oil changes every 3,000 miles go for about ¢16.000 colónes.
Grand Total - Costa Rica "Comfortable" Cost of Living with automobile
& healthcare: ¢646.000 (approx.
$1,183.00/month)
"How about ... the upper middle end of middle class in Costa Rica? ... The budget below is for two people living in a 3 bed 3.5 bath home with a pool and Jacuzzi. I have not included entertainment outside the home ... I have however included "Legal expenses" in my budget. It is a fact that if you own anything in Costa Rica you are going to need a lawyer for everything... " -The Consul (as posted 07/22/08 on Costa Rica Living)
House Mortgage: $1,400.00*
Condo [Association] Fee: $190.00
Auto Insurance:
$125.00
Private Health Insurance:
$125.00
INS Insurance:
$28.00
Health Maintenance:
$150.00
Auto Fuel:
$400.00
Auto Maintenance:
$75.00
House Keeper [full time]:
$293.58
Groceries:
$513.77
Gardener:
$40.00
House phone:
$31.00
Cell Phone: $15.00
Legal:
$500.00
Grand Total - Costa Rica "Upper Middle Suburb" Cost of Living: ¢2.118.060,75 (approx. $3,886.35/month)
So there you have it ... some are Costa Rica "middle-class" at $935/month and some "upper middle end of middle class" at $1,000/week.
My own experience in Costa Rica closely resembles the $1,200.00/month example for two people with an automobile and CAJA health insurance. My costs include private bilingual primary school for my son but exclude major purchases that are likely one-time or limited in reoccurrence such as household items, automobiles, etc.
When you consider most native Costa Rica households 'comfortably' exist on $700 or less in total monthly income, you know those that are able to spend greater than $1,000/month are doing O.K.
Bottom Line: Costs of living continue to rise world wide, but there is no greater origin of the final costs than a person's individual lifestyle. Happiness is choices and the ability to pay for them in the place that you want to live ;o)
¡Pura Vida!
*Many ex-pats own their homes and automobiles outright having paid cash at the time of purchase by various means (ie: equity from previous or existing U.S. homes, investment accounts, etc.). Leaving many retirees or relocated persons with no monthly house or car payments. If this were the case in both of the above examples, the costs of living assuming each have car expenses would be $844/month & $2,500/month respectively.
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So...one person should cut that in half?
My problem is finding where to live with modern conveniences (lights, internet access, clean water) with temps running 50 degrees to about 75. I'm a tree hugging, Birkenstock wearing, walk every where, coffee drinking, curious about people and culture type of gal.
Learning Spanish (at least enough for now to stay out of major trouble) and looking at making the leap. Any suggestions? Nope, not going to 'visit first', that would ruin the adventure
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Hola Gina,
I see the smile you left on your comment wondering if a single person would have half the expenses of two ... as you seem all to aware, it rarely seems to work out this way for some reason ;o)
Trust me, even after visiting Costa Rica for 7 years ... moving here was an adventure all to itself. You won't ruin anything if you visit first ... but if diving off the high board is your cup-o-joe, Go For It!
The description of your preferred Costa Rica is at about 5,000-8,000 feet in the mountains. This is where the coffee grows, the temperatures are mild to "frio" (according to the natives) and Spanish is still the only spoken language - meaning you will learn it much quicker.
I live in one of these places, with a great view of the Central Valley. So civilization (aka: organized chaos) is just a short ride down the hill.
For some pictures of my similar surroundings, goto: http://BienvenidosCostaRica.dotphoto.com
Click the pictures in the "Coronado y Las Nubes de Coronado" album.
Of course this location is but one of hundreds or even thousands with similar attributes. Part of your adventure may be finding YOUR perfect location in Costa Rica :o)
-Bill
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Hello Bill,
I am planning to relocate to Costa Rica somewhere in the middle of 2009.
But since I am not bound to any specific area, I'd like to get your advise reg. Coronado: I've been there once and I liked the place: fresh air, no polution, friendly people, close to San Jose, etc.
How much may 1-bedroom apartment cost there, if I want to buy? Are there gated communities there (I did not see any, but may be they are under construction..)?
I also like Guanacaste, but as far as I know, there are no decent hospitals there. Only in San Jose.
Another question: can a non-resident buy medical insurance in Costa Rica? If yes, how much can it cost, and what will it cover?
Thanking you in advance,
Stan.
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This is great information. Thanks for sharing.
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Just to add to your "database"
Two of us rent a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment in downtown Alajuela. No car. Go out to eat 1 to 2 meals per day. Spend just less than $1500/month.
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As the belts are tightened in the United States and elsewhere, more eyes turn to Costa Rica as a cheap place to live.
The first question usually is what is the cost of living there. And there is no easy answer.
Retirees range from the person squeaking by on $700 a month in U.S. Social Security to someone who can write a check for a $450,000 oceanside condo.
But those short on funds usually want to know how low can you go.
Because Costa Rica is a socialist country, great attention is paid to the costs of public services. In simple terms, they are a steal. And they will continue to be.
Want a cell phone? The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad will charge you a base rate of 3,375 colons or about $8.10 a month. A land line will cost 3,220 colons or $5.88 a month.
Basic Internet hookup can be had for 8,350 colons a month or $28.25. But then there also is the charge for using the telephone to connect to a server. The alternative, a cable hookup, can cost about $18 for basic service which usually is sufficient for one household. And there is an obligatory purchase of cable television. The price also depends on which company has the service contract for the specific geographical area.
Columnist Jo Stuart frequently mentions prices in her Friday column. She also is an astute shopper at the various weekend ferias where vegetables and other agricultural products are sold far below supermarket prices.
Even in the supermarket, some products are price controlled. Milk is 1,430 colons a gallon or $2.61.
Those who simply have to have imported U.S. goods will pay handsomely. They shop at Pricesmart.
Jo Stuart also notes that the best seats in the Teatro Nacional for a major orchestra performance can be just 8,000 colons or about $14.60. But she usually goes a little higher in the building for a whole lot less. The cheap seats are 3,000 colons ($5.50) and all tickets are subject to a 10 percent discount for senior citizens.
The ciudadano de oro card is accepted universally and can mean deep discounts. To get one, an expat has to have a pensionado, rentista, inversionist or residencia cédula.
The government has decided to dispense with the bus coupons for the elderly. They were subject to resale and caused a lot of woe. So shortly seniors will simply have to show an identification specifying their age, including the ciudadano de oro card, to get a discount.
The bus fares are a steal to begin with. The fare from San José to Tamarindo on the far Pacific coast is 3,055 colons or $6.23. That's nearly an all-day ride. And in the city few routes are more than 250 colons (about 45 cents).
Taxis also are a deal, although recent increases have Costa Ricans unhappy. The first kilometer of a taxi ride is 420 colons or about 77 cents. Additional kilometers in the city are still 380 colons (69 cents). Those are definitely not New York City prices.
There are the apartments. Even after paying the informal tax levied on those who do not speak Spanish well, a decent two-bedroom, secure unit can be had for $450 a month. An A.M. Costa Rica reporter just vacated a one-bedroom with loft where the rent was $275 a month. And this was no slum.
Electrical and water bills are designed for the low-end user. The Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz rates favor low use. The current rate is 43 colons (8 cents) for each kilowatt for the first 200 kilowatts of use. Each of the next 100 kilowatts is 66 colons (12 cents). Larger consumers pay more per unit.
The government water company just got a 25 percent overall raise but the actual rates have not been set yet. Company officials promise to favor low users.
Then there is free. Like nearly all the country's beaches from high water to 50 meters inland. And the parks. And frequent entertainment.
Again, prices and use of utilities depend a lot on where the expat lives. Air conditioning can add a lot of an electric bill. So can alcohol or cigarettes. Remember, socialist countries like to control your bad habits.
Beer is about 800 colons a can, about $1.45. Local beer is cheaper by the two-liter bottle, but still it is no bargain.
On the other hand, a glass of decent Chilean or Italian wine in a four-star hotel restaurant will cost between 3,100 and 3,500 colons (from $5.66 to $6.39). Better to buy by the bottle (4,000 to 6,000 colons or $7.30 to $10.95) except for infrequent sprees.
Bars that cater to expats will reflect that in their beer prices where 1,200 colon beer means nearly $2.20 a bottle.
The big ticket items here are automobiles because the government levies a gigantic tax. So an expat can figure paying twice for what a vehicle costs in the States. But the insurance is very reasonable, again based on coverage and type of vehicle. But $100 a year is possible.
A lot has been said about the Costa Rican health system. And one must accept the fact that most U.S. medical benefits do not extend outside the States. An exception is the health plan for retired military and some federal employees.
Patients in the government system probably do not have their own assigned physician. And the waits are legendary.
However, older patients of the ciudadano de oro category usually get to go to the head of the line. Expats find they can obtain very reasonable health insurance from the only provider, the Instituto Nacional de Seguros. Some group plans reduce the cost even more.
Costa Rican employees are covered because the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social takes 10 percent of their gross pay as a salary deduction. Employees add to the total.
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I dont' think its possible to live on 700. I live meagerly and am over 1500 a month.
Hi, I'm new to the blogosphere, and just saying hello to fellow Costa Rica bloggers.
hope to see you on my blog and develop a blogger friendship
marina
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I am going to Costa Rica for 4 1/2 months. On a personal work exchange program. Do I need to get a visa? ?
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Entering Costa Rica with a valid passport grants you 90 days to remain in-country as a tourist.
Tourist status does NOT allow you to work and Costa Rica Migracion strictly enforces this policy.
The company or program you are working through should have all necessary paperwork lined-up prior to your departure.
For more information goto: Costa Rica Immigration (Migracion) web site at http://migracion.go.cr
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Hello Bill,
I have been reading your blogg with great interest. My name is Sanita. For past 14 years I lived in Orlando, FL. In mid December we ( me and my 19 year old daughter ) are planning to go to Costa Rica and hoping that we would love it there we will stay for 3- 6 month. I am writing to you because you seam to be very comfortable in CR and know your ways around it.
I am having a hard time finding rental houses or apartments for longer period of time. Everything I can find is for short vocations , mostly on the beach and expensive . Since we have never been in CR before, it is hard for me to figure out where to start my search. I would like to find a place near by San Jose. Have to be safe area. Since we will have no car in the beginning, place have to be near by markets or stores. I do not know the language. Planning to learn. My daughter knows high school level Spanish.
I would appreciate any suggestions.
Best Regards,
Sanita
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Sanita,
Congratulations on your sense of adventure ... you and your daughter should have fun exploring Costa Rica!
In regard to your housing question, I have several requests similar to yours for more information on long-term rentals in the San Jose/Central Valley area.
Please let me know your minimum requirements so that I can get you the best answers:
• Amenities: ie: 2 bedroom, furnished, cable, Internet, etc.
• Area – if known
Also, I understand you seek ‘affordable’ housing … but this definition varies widely, even when you compare similar amenities and location. It would be very helpful if you can provide a target rental cost range to narrow down your options.
Once I hear back from you I will try to get you good answers.
-Bill
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Hello -
I am writing because I saw Sanita's post (and Bill's reply) and we are in a similar situation with similar questions.
My husband and I (with our two children 12 and 14) are planning a 6-month visit to Costa Rica (San Jose area) from Jan-June 2009. Our children will be attending the Lincoln School.
We are looking for a furnished 3BR house or condo for this period - but we mostly find weekly vacation rentals or places that require a 1-2 year lease.
We are hoping to live not too far from the Lincoln School - so our children will not have a long trip to/from school each day. We will probably not have a car (will use Lincoln School transportation) - so we need to be within walking distance of some services and near good bus service/taxi access. We require high-speed internet for our work. Safety for our children is a key concern. We don't have a preference for being in a "Gringo" area - but our Spanish is limited (I am working hard on brushing up). We can afford around $1200/month for rent.
We would appreciate any suggestions you or your readers may have about neighborhoods/areas that would be a good fit for us - and/or rental agencies that could help us locate a 6-month rental.
Thank you so much!
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Hi Bill,
Thank for posting your website on Craiglists. Your blog is great! It has given me a lot of answers to questions I’ve had about relocating to Costa Rica. I did have a question, which I hoping you might be able to help me with. My husband and I are looking to relocate, but we are wondering how hard is it for foreigners to find employment in Costa Rica. We are a young couple, he’s in his late 20’s and I’m in my mid 20’s. I’m majoring in Business Admin/Accounting and would finish school online if I relocate. I am from Hispanic parents and would love to relocate to Borden my knowledge on my Hispanic culture and language (Plus the adventure). However, my main difficulty has been trying to find a way to support myself if I relocate. I’ve searched for websites similar to CareerBuilder’s and even on craigslist, but I haven’t been able to find anything work wise. If I were to relocate what are my chances of finding employment? Do you know of any websites that might be able to help me. Also, as a foreigner working in Costa Rica would the pay be good enough to support my living expenses. I see from this blog the cost of living can range anywhere between $1,000- $3,500. Your help and feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
Thank you for your help and this great website!
Mariah
P.S.
I've worked has a Executive Administrative Assistant/ Full Charge Bookkeeper/ Executive Personal Assistant (All on one Position) for the past seven years.
(I do not know if this my be of any help to you when it comes to answering my question)
(Plus my husband is an Entrepreneur)
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Mariah,
Unfortunately I don't have good news for you based on your desire to move to Costa Rica while seeking employment.
With tourism being its largest industry, Costa Rica actively encourages foreigners to visit and enjoy this beautiful country. Entering Costa Rica with a valid passport grants you 90 days to remain in-country as a tourist. Tourist status does NOT allow you to work and Costa Rica Migracion strictly enforces this policy.
Costa Rica laws also allow foreigners to purchase real estate, invest in industry and even gain residency status if it can be proven they have independent sustainable income (ie: pension, social security, etc.).
However, Costa Rica does not encourage foreigners to come looking for employment. The steadfast view is that no foreigner should take a job that can be performed by a Costa Rica citizen. With Costa Rica having a highly educated, bilingual work force - this does not leave many jobs that can qualify for a foreign worker exemption.
That said, there are quite a few U.S companies that have operations here in Costa Rica that you may be able to seek employment with:
There are also many work abroad opportunities in various industries such as tourism and travel that may allow you an extended, income earning stay here in Costa Rica so you can determine if this is a permanent move you will want to make.
The company or program you are working through should have all necessary paperwork lined-up prior to your departure.
Resources your may want to review:
I hope you find this information helpful!
-Bill
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Its an awesome post. Its really nice to know about the Costa Rica's cost of living. Since most of the people love to live their life in Costa Rica, this information would be very helpful to them.
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Bill, glad to find your blog. My construction business is in the tank here in Pensacola FL and my plan to sell and retire here doesn't look too feasible. My wife and I are both 67. We would have some cash and $2800 a month from SS plus Medicare. We love living in a city with cultural activities, we also like being near water. We both play golf. We would want to rent. Is such a lifestyle possible in Costa Rica? Is there an English speaking enclave? Our Spanish not too bueno! We would also want to return to the US at least twice a year to visit kids and grandkids. Look forward to hearing from you.
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Hi Bill,
Short answer: Yes
Such a lifestyle is possible on your budget here in Costa Rica, but like anywhere else it all depends on you.
As a quick example, you can rent in a "Gringo" enclave like Escazu, Rohrmosher or Santa Ana for $1,800/month or in a more 'tipico' area for $250/month ... both being just a short distance from all the same amenities. Location for status costs!
The Central Valley does have the advantage of being closer to San Jose', stores, chain restaurants, excellent heathcare, airports, etc.
Outside of the Central Valley things can change quickly in even short distances and there are advantages and disadvantages to every area. Elevation often times determines your temperature and weather. For example the coastal areas will be very hot and humid unless you live up above them. The mountainous areas, including those that surround the Central Valley may be much cooler - even cold at night.
I formerly lived in "Las Nubes de Coronado" which translates to 'The Clouds of Coronado' and am happy that I no longer live there because of the constant rainfall, humidity, mold, etc. I now live about 10 minutes and some 1,500 feet lower in elevation where the weather is much more agreeable to my likes - year round mild temperatures, lots of sunshine, great view of the surrounding mountains and of San Jose down below.
My location is one hour from anywhere in the greater Central Valley area. I can get to the center of downtown San Jose in as little as 20 minutes. I get to the Juan Santamaria International Airport in 30 minutes or 1 hour depending on traffic ... yet my housing cost for a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath newer condo in a gated complex with full-time security guard is $250/month vs. Escazu's much higher costs (+ I can see Escazu directly across the valley if I must dream ;o)
There are maps of rainfall and sunshine you can check out for the various parts of the country to assist in targeting your desired areas.
Personally I lived here one full year in temporary housing prior to making a decision as to where I wanted to live longer-term. This allowed me to make an informed decision as to lifestyle, security and budget. I obviously advocate a similar approach to all considering Costa Rica - both from a location and a cultural perspecitve.
Also recommend is the book "Culture Shock: Costa Rica". It's part of a series so there's one for almost every country you may consider moving to. CULTURAL differences are hard for some to adjust to. And things like bad roads, bugs, and a lot of rain may also be factors that can make people run back to the U.S. or elsewhere.
As for your limited Spanish, I too suffer from this same afliction. Fortunatly, or unfortunately depending on your perspective ... many Costa Rican's speak basic English. However, if you really want to enjoy Costa Rica I suggest making a real effort at learning Spanish via formal instruction. Life is always better when you can understand, interact and communicate with all your neighbors.
The bottom line is it depends on what YOU want - Costa Rica has it all within most budgets.
P.S.: Be sure to check my online picture albums for some visuals of what Costa Rica has to offer: Costa Rica Pictures
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I'm so glad I found your blog!
Hope you can help with some info: Do you know of any bilingual schools on the Caribbean side (Cahuita/Manzanillo)?
Thank you so much!
Judy
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Judy,
Thank you for the kind words regarding Costa Rica Blogger ! Feedback like yours makes the time spent here worth it
I personally have no knowledge of Costa Rica Caribbean bilingual schools ... perhaps you might benefit from posting the question on Costa Rica Living Yahoo! discussion group.
For a better answer, I recommend being a bit more specific in asking the question. Such as what age student is you are needing to place? Etc..
Best of luck and keep checking back here for our unique updates.
-Bill
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