Cost of Living

[JASON HOLLAND- COUNTRY EXPERT]

How much money do you need to live in Costa Rica?

The cost of living in Costa Rica is quite low compared to the United States… especially if you live more like a local and adopt more of a Costa Rican style diet, for instance.

That doesn’t mean sacrificing or eating rice and beans every day. It simply means changing your diet to more fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as locally-sourced meat and fish. Forgo expensive imported foods, except for your must-haves.

For other cost of living tips for Costa Rica, just ask your question below and I’ll get back to you with a response.

[VADA HOPKINS]

What about utilities? We think maybe the central valley how are the rentals priced as want to check out before buying. Can we get English TV? What is the cost of internet? What about driving costs gas, insurance upkeep? Do you have any ideas about bringing personal items and car? Would you be better off selling car and buying new one there? We were in Panama and they drive like there is no traffic laws at all how is the driving in Costa Rica? Am I asking too many questions?

[JASON HOLLAND- COUNTRY EXPERT]

Hi Vada,

You can find plenty of cheap rentals in the Central Valley – starting at $300 for apartments in medium-sized towns like Grecia or San Ramon. Homes – 2-3 bedroom – start at $500. That’s all furnished. You can look for rental through Craigslist Costa Rica, as well as real estate, property management company, and vacation rental websites for the area you’re interested in. There is always room to bargain – so don’t accept the list price.

Cable and satellite TV is widely available with some channels and shows in English. Highspeed Internet is also widely available, starting at $16.

Driving in Costa Rica is quite a bit different than the U.S. Drivers can be more aggressive, for one. It takes some getting used to but most expats are able to adjust.

Gas prices are high – more than $5 a gallon. Upkeep on cars tends to be cheaper than in the U.S. Insurance costs can be higher than the U.S.

As far as bringing personal items and a car from the U.S. versus buying new stuff in Costa Rica… it’s really on a case-by-case basis. You have to figure out what works best in your situation when you start planning a move.

You will have to pay significant customs duties on importing household goods and a car. On the flip side, cars are very expensive in Costa Rica, in some cases double what they would cost in the U.S. And often you can’t find the type or quality of furniture or appliances in Costa Rica as you would in the U.S. My advice would be to contact a shipper in Costa Rica who can help you estimate your shipping and customs costs. Do not work with a mover in the U.S. – they don’t know the process well enough in Costa Rica even if they say they do.

Jason

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