Living costs in Costa Rica will vary for individuals depending upon your choice of comfort, as a general rule you can live on considerably less in Costa Rica than in the United States, however it is not as reasonable to live today as some would have you believe. Food and utility costs along with other items have increased within the past few years. There are some sites who indicate you can live on Social Security, you may, but it could take an additional income to live comfortably. For a couple to live in Costa Rica today, it will cost in the neighborhood of $20,000 unless you are very frugal and then perhaps you would be able to live on a bit less. If you live in a moderate climate in Costa Rica such as the one we are in, there is no heat or air conditioning required which is a definite savings, also property taxes are very low in Costa Rica, generally under a few hundred dollars per year. If you eat a Costa Rican diet and shop at the local market, your food costs will be much less, meals in restaurants (sodas) will be less than the United States generally under $20 for dinner for a couple, oftentime we eat in the local soda for $8 to $10 for a Costa Rican style dinner. If you take advantage of the bus system there will be a considerable savings over owning a vehicle which is very expensive here. If you are fortunate to have a retirement income of $30,000 or more per year, then you can live very comfortably in Costa Rica.

High speed internet and TV in town is inexpensive at about $25 per month each, but in the rural areas, DISH Network is about $50 per month with wireless internet available in many locations for about $60 per month. Vehicles are much more expensive than the U.S. and gasoline prices are a bit over $4.00 per gallon with diesel a little less. Appliances are considerably more expensive, but good quality furniture is a bargain. There is a national tax on all goods, food in restaurants, etc which runs 13%. There are no income or local taxes imposed. Duty on goods such as vehicles, furniture, appliances, etc is quite high so most elect to purchase them in country if they are making a permanent move to Costa Rica. Many including ourselves. bring their personal items such as computers, tools, small appliances, etc with them when the fly back and forth to the U.S. You are allowed to bring in $500 of newly purchased goods each time, however the regulations are not strict at airport customs and they seldom inspect things brought in.

Most Costa Rican diets consist of chicken in one form or another, rice, plantain, and beans, which is a healthful diet. Many Costa Ricans only have beef or pork once or twice per week because of the expense. There are many different vegetables in Costa Rica and these are made different ways. Fruits are inexpensive with pineapple less than $1.00 each, mangos around 50 cents each, bananas and plantain about 10 cents each. There are weekend markets in every town in Costa Rica where most purchase their weekly vegetables, fruits, and other foods very inexpensively. Costa Rican coffee which is perhaps some of the best in the world, costs in the neighborhood of $3.00 per pound.