How to save money while living in Costa Rica

Without a doubt Costa Rica is more expensive than some of the other so-called retirement/relocation havens in the region. Unfortunately, many equate the cost of living with quality of life. This is not the case in Costa Rica since by living here you really get what you pay for. In the end it’s all about lifestyle.

With that in mind here are some tips for expats on how they can live affordably here:

1. Rent or purchasing property in affordable areas. The bottom line is that where you decide to live has a direct impact on what you will spend here.
2. Look for free or low cost activities and entertainment in the weekend section of the local Spanish newspapers and the on-line editions of English publications.
3. Save money by shopping for groceries at weekend farmers markets (called ferías) where you can find rock bottom prices on vegetables and fruit. Every city and town has some type of fería. Also cities like San José, Heredia, Alajuela, Atenas and San Ramón have central markets under one roof where you can find good prices. You can also look for bargains on discount weekdays at regular supermarkets like Más por Menos and Walmart. In general the Palí grocery chain has the best prices, but not always. Pricesmart has good deals on imported bulk items. . The Automercado chain has many imported products from the United States, Canada and other parts of the world but prices are high to exorbitant. This chain does have a system to accumulate points that can be exchanged for groceries.The bottom line is to shop around for the best prices
4. Use public transportation. Buses are very affordable here.There are buses going to almost every nook and cranny in the country. If you live in the Central Valley try using public buses when going to and from the airport. Taxi prices are lower than in the U.S. but are still high when compared to public transportation. If you need a taxi then try Uber.
5. Do not buy an automobile unless it is absolutely necessary. Cars are very expensive here and when you add annual license fees, expensive gasoline and car repairs to the equation, you will end up spending a lot.
6. Buy generic drugs. Drugstores are a dime a dozen and at times there are price wars between competing businesses. FarmValue and La Bomba seem to have the lowest prices.
7. Don’t shop in malls or upscale shopping centers. Instead look for items in the stores downtown where Costa Ricans shop.
8. Look for sales or promociones as we say here.
9. Use free Wi-Fi and WhatsApp. Most stores and public places like parks have FREE WiFi.
10. Buy your clothes, cosmetics and vitamins in the U.S. all of theses items are more expensive here.
11. Do not go to casinos or bet on sporting events. Remember that the house always ends up winning.
12. Use a prepaid (called prepago here) cell phone plan if you need one.
13. If you marry a Costa Rican do NOT support the person’s whole family. Some Costa Ricans view foreigners as nothing more than ATM machines with unlimited funds. Many a foreigner has been “taken to the cleaners.”
14. Avoid being too generous with the locals. Don’t have “manos sueltas” as we say here.
15. Avoid investing in high interest schemes that seem too good to be true. Over the years many expats have lost their hard-earned money by investing in companies offering high interest payments. The general rule of thumb is to, “test before you invest.”
16. Do not trust people just because they speak English (especially Americans, Canadians, Europeans and some ticos).
17. Avoid expensive and trendy restaurants and eat at sodas. Most have lunch menu consisting of a plato del día that includes meat, fish or chicken with rice, beans, a small salad and a drink (fresco).
18. Be careful when choosing lawyers, doctors, dentists or other professionals. Always ask for recommendations.
19. Share a house or apartment or housesit to cut down on living expenses.
20. Stream programs on your computer instead of Cable TV. You will have cheaper and better programming.