Costa Rica Cost of Living for Foreigners and Expats

Find out what the cost of living is in Costa Rica and categories of expenses to include in your living abroad budget.  In this episode, Kristin details her exact cost of living in Costa Rica and shares what other foreigners are spending to live there (singles, couples, and families). 

Find out the cost of internet, various rent prices around the country, and other factors that could impact your cost of living there. 

You'll also hear the results of a survey Kristin took of 300 people living in Costa Rica that shows the wide variety in living costs and lifestyles! 

Special Offers: 

• Apply for Ready to Relocate
• Fill out the podcast listener survey
• Kristin’s Living in Costa Rica Guide
• 20% off Organifi Superfood Blends and Travel Packs 🌱

EPISODE 157 TOPICS DISCUSSED/WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Housing in Costa Rica: San Jose housing prices and beach rental prices.
• Utilities: How to save money on utilities + the question you should always ask your landlord.
• Internet and Phone: Affordable internet plans, phone and internet packages, and prepaid sim cards.
• Transportation: Cars vs. public transit, sparse Ubers, and expensive taxis.
• Local Flights: Recommended airlines (spoiler: they’re not cheap!).
• Buying/Renting a Car or Motorbike: Gas, maintenance, and best brands to buy.
• Food/Groceries: From Costa Rican supermarket chains to local weekend markets with organic produce.
• Eating out and Drinking: Cost of meals, local coffee, cheapest alcohol, and sales tax/service charges to be aware of.
• Entertainment: Saving money with service-based businesses, tours, and Costa Rica’s famous casinos.
• Healthcare costs in Costa Rica, best health insurance policies, and gym memberships.
• The average monthly cost of living in Costa Rica and Kristin’s average cost of living.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

• If I move to Costa Rica, should I get an international travel medical insurance policy?
• What’s the best and cheapest way to travel around Costa Rica?
• Is it cheaper to live in Costa Rica than the United States?
• Is it cheaper to buy or rent a car in Costa Rica?
• What are the most common phone and internet companies in Costa Rica?
• And more!

RESOURCES

Related Podcasts:

• The Dark Side of Costa Rica - Why Expats Leave
• Living in Costa Rica Since 1999 with the Founder of CRSurf.com
• The Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
• The Best Way To Learn a Foreign Language (Fast)
• Living in Spain with Chase Warrington
• Working Remotely with Liam Martin
  • Check out the Running Remote conference in Montreal, Canada

Related Videos:

• 8 Reasons Why Americans LEAVE Costa Rica [Why I Left]
• Best Places for Expats To Live in Costa Rica
• Cost of Living in Costa Rica
• Costa Rica YouTube Video Playlist

Costa Rica Travel Resources:

• Internet and Phone: Cabletica and Kolbi
• Local Airlines: Sansa and Nature Air
• Grocery stores/Food markets: Palí, Maspormenos, Auto Mercado
• World Gym
• Health Insurance: SafetyWing, INS, and Sagicor