Living in Costa Rica

Times have definitely changed and unlike before, retirement is now considered as that point of life where the way one lives can be reviewed and revamped. Retirement holds before people unlimited opportunities to live life to the fullest. The cost of living of foreigners in Costa Rica is purely determined by lifestyle requirements. People accustomed to living lavishly will have to spend considerably while living in Costa Rica, while others with a less opulent lifestyle will find it easier to maintain themselves. But both ways Costa Rica is a great option and a relatively inexpensive one at that.

Visiting San Jose will tell you why Costa Rica is placed high in the list of affordable places. The cost of goods and services in this city is one of the lowest in the world and according to Corporate Resource Consulting is next only to Quito in Ecuador in the Americas. On a worldwide scale Costa Rica may not be as cheap but it is definitely a steal for people who want to shift base after retirement.

The reason why numerous pensioners like to settle in Costa Rica after retirement is really very simple. Cost of housing in middle class neighborhoods is a lot less expensive than in the rest of the United States. Common amenities like electricity, water and telephone services cost 30% of what they do in North America. When in Costa Rica you need not opt for heating in the winter months since the climate is warm and remains so throughout the year. Cost of transportation is so low in Costa Rica that it seems like a dream come true. San Jose and the surrounding regions occupy minimum area of land and hence bus travel is the best means of traveling in and around the place.  It costs no more than $10 to travel to the furthest part of the country.

There are many people staying in Costa Rica who prefer not to use public transportation. This is because used cars are widely on sale in the city and since cost of gasoline is much lower here than in other parts of America, maintenance of a personal automobile is not very difficult. Though in general people feel biased against used cars, if you are in Costa Rica investment in a used vehicle is just as good because resale values are good and cost of maintenance minimal. Even other necessities like food, education and entertainment are surprisingly affordable and the pricing of these items are made especially keeping in mind individual needs.

Everyone who has lived in Costa Rica for a while would know that after spending sometime there getting acquainted with people and places, you are likely to be in a better position to manage your finances. This means you will get to know about the less expensive housing options and eating out options. When all the above mentioned costs are taken into account living alone in Costa Rica means shelling out $900 to $1200 on an individual basis. For a couple $1200 a month would be enough but if it is luxury they are looking for they will have to part with about $2000. It is best that one who wishes to move to Costa Rica after retirement does not depend on what various sources have to say about standard of living being lower in neighbouring Honduras or Nicaragua. The truth is no other place can beat Costa Rica when it comes to costs and the corresponding standard of living.