The Real Cost of Living in Costa Rica

Part 2

In part one of this series I made it clear that how much you spend in Costa Rica really depends on one’s lifestyle. I went on to include the cost of items based on recent data found at number.com, which has the approximate cost of living in most countries around the world.

Here are some factors that can affect your budget:

Food

For cost conscious expats there are a variety of options. The country has hundreds of different types of restaurants that offer a variety of international dishes: Asian, Mexican, Indian, health foods, typical Costa Rica fare, seafood, vegan, chicken roasted over coffee branches, Italian food, Lebanese cuisine, American style burgers and a whole lot more. Unfortunately, we also have almost every fast food chain here. However, dinning out can be expense, especially when you add a bottle of wine to the meal. If you eat at restaurants that cater to tourists you will end up paying U.S. prices. However, once you learn the ropes you will learn where the most affordable eateries are located.

Speaking of affordable places to eat, the country has small traditional establishments that are usually family run, called sodas. They resemble food stands, have a simple menu and food at a low cost. Many Costa Ricans eat breakfast and lunch at sodas. If you see the locals eating there you know the food is cheap and good. Most sodas feature a plate of the day or plato del día for a few dollars. It usually consists of meat, chicken or fish accompanied by rice, beans, a plantain and small salad. Those who want to dine a rock-bottom prices should frequent the country’s many sodas. The ambience isn’t the best but the food is generally good and cheap.

The other day I took a group of clients on my monthly relocation tour (see www.liveincostarica.com) to San José’s large Central Market. There are about 25 sodas or more offering everything from traditional dishes to seafood at bargain prices. My guests were really amazed at the quantity of food for what one pays.

Now that I discussed where to eat I will explain where to buy affordable food to prepare at home.

Where to buy food

The bottom line here is that if you want to, save money on food then do as the locals do by “going native.” Cost really depends on where you shop. Most Costa Ricans have a diet consisting of rice, beans, vegetables, fruits, meat, and a lot of chicken. The latter is the most affordable type of meat. Fish is popular but is expensive and beyond many Costa Rican’s budgets.

Most basic staples are cheap because the government regulates the prices to keep basic foods like rice, beans and eggs affordable for the masses. Fruits and vegetables are a steal, especially at the weekend ferías de agricultor, or outdoor farmers markets. In some towns the ferias extend for blocks and have several isles. Half the fun of going to the feria is to watch the different people with the shopping carts and bags stuffed full of fresh fruit, vegetables and other items that are sold there. For affordable meats, poultry, shop at any fería or at traditional a central market .

For all of the goodies from home and other products you will have to shop at a supermarket. Costa Rica has a whole range of supermarkets including huge warehouse-style ones like those in the States or Canada. Walmart has large mega stores all ove the metropolitan area. Pricesmart is another chain the closely resembling Costco and requires a yearly membership. Those who venture inside of one of these monstrosities would sware they are in Sam’s Club or Costco with all of the pallets stacked a mile high.

A few of the large supermarket chains are: Periféricos, Más por Menos, Palí and Maxipalí. Automercado is the crème de la crème offering hundreds of imported products from the United States and Europe. At Thanksgiving time you can even find all of the fixings to prepare a turkey and side dishes. Beware: NOTE: This store is very expensive since many products are imported.

In fact, anything from the U.S. like Lays potato chips, etc. is costly. Don’t worry! Costa Rica has many local brands at much more reasonable prices.

When I moved to Costa Rica almost 40 years ago the selection of food was very limited when compared to the abundance and variety of products that are available now.

Where you live

The country has a rentals at affordable prices. Renting has a big advantage over buying when you first move here. You can check out an area and if you do not like it, you can always move. On the other hand, if you buy and discover the place you chose is not for you, then you will have to sell your home before you can look for another place to live. So, renting gives you more flexibility. It is always smart to “Test before you invest” in Costa Rica.

There is a whole section that deals with renting and buying property in Costa Rica in my popular guidebook, “Christopher Howard’s Guide to Costa Rican Real Estate.” it is available through amazon.com.

Ways to live cheaply and reduce costs

1. Do not buy an automobile. Cars are expensive here because of import duties. Gasoline and full-coverage insurance are also pricy. Public transportation is dirt cheap and there are buses going to almost every part of the country.
2. Learning Spanish can also help you save money and open the door to a world of interesting and rewarding experiences.
3. Become a resident and use the country’s low cost healthcare system.
4. Go native when purchasing food as I alluded to above.
5. There are a lot of cultural activities and events that are free. Take advantage of them.
6. Cell phone service is affordable and you can obtain a plan based on your average consumption. I spend about $14.00 per month and that’s using the latest iPhone.
7. Once you move here, get settled and learn the ins and outs and dos and don’t, you will be able to live very affordably, if you choose to do so.

The third part of this series will be published soon.