By Carol Stanley
Contributing writer to Latinworld.com
Writing about places like Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico and Panama puts me in a day dreaming zone. I can actually feel the warm ocean breezes and see the clear blue sky. I feel my entire body just calm down and enjoy the feeling of having no place to go. However, I live on the Oregon coast and rain, wind and cold are my daily companions.
We know that we are living in a rather precarious financial time now. Escaping to a quiet, beautiful, and inexpensive place sounds good to many of us. It is time to retire, and the dollars are dwindling on a daily basis is not a good combination. Where can we retire on limited funds?
The big question here is “what are you looking for”? If you are a big city person, needing to be on the go all the time you may have to give some careful consideration before moving to Latin countries. However, there are many residential projects in San Jose, Costa Rica with clubhouses full of activities and parties. We know when in Costa Rica it is time to party. Can you leave your friends, ever changing technology, fast food restaurants and melt into a peaceful serene tropical life?
When making a decision about leaving the U.S. be prepared to make many life changes. The availability of all the things you are used to may not exist. You will have a totally different daily agenda and it may take some getting used to. Running to big cities for fancy restaurants and fabulous shopping may not be at your finger tips.
Let’s talk budget. Yes it is true you can live a lot cheaper in Costa Rica than in the states. Some of the latest figures reveal a couple can live for between $1200 and$1500 per month in a modest but very comfortable dwelling. This estimate can escalate for more luxurious living if your budget allows. Utilities are about 30% less money, and hopping on a local bus would cost around fifty cents. Heating one’s home is practically non existent with the temperate climate. Gas for cars is considerably less than in the states. One huge benefit in Costa Rica is that you can have your house cleaned, garden tended to for few dollars. Salaries in general are quite a bit lower than the United States. Health care costs are minimal, and that alone can be a huge drawing card for economy minded people. The banks pay extremely high percentages on your money.
Food, a very important factor in our lives is abundant. You can purchase local produce, enjoy small cafes for sociability and good food at low prices. The Costa Ricans are friendly, welcoming and helpful. Another big benefit is that they have a very low crime rate.
San Jose real estate costs have risen over the past years due to continued popularity. However, during this time of global crisis, many good bargains can be found.
Summing up …Life can be fun, inexpensive and promote a healthy life style. It is up to you how you want to spend your retirement days. You will make many new friends, as Americans alone are moving there in large numbers, and all looking to get acquainted. Before making a decision about where you plan to spend your retirement years, make a trip there, rent a place for at least a month, and talk to people. Find out how you would fit into this tropical paradise.
Featured Blog Contributor:
Carol Stanley is a well known speaker and author. She writes frequently on baby boomer and retirement topics. Her latest book, For Kids 59.99 & Over can be found at all online bookstores. www.babyboomerpower.com, www.boomercarol.com
Very interesting article that seems to be looking over my shoulder at my expected retirement budget! Getting a small military pension at the moment and then SS retirement in a year and a half.
If you had a wife who was concerned about inordinately large bugs, what part of Costa Rica would you choose?
Mike -
Definitely a good choice in considering Costa Rica. As for the bugs, their presence can range from normal (southern U.S. normal) to extreme, depending on where you are. Basically, the higher the elevation, the fewer (and smaller) the bugs: places like San Jose, heredia, carago, all the way up to monteverde are pretty good with the insect problem. that said, friends living in san jose complain about small ants in the house – much like in florida or texas.
if she doesnt like bugs, then the rainforest isnt for her, at least not living in or around it. bugs are a part of hourly life there.
the beaches on the nicoya peninsula are a bit more buggy than the higher altitudes, but nothing too extreme – mosquitoes, ants, sandflies and the like. some spiders, but rarely any big ones. the caribbean coast is more humid, thus more bugs.
this is the tropics, so insects are unavoidable..even in higher altitudes big bugs turn up sometimes. but unless you are living in/near the thick rainforest, the 1 pound beetles and grasshoppers wont be around too much.
I have lived in costa rica for the last 10n years
where have you been? gas cheaper than states yah right gas costs triple what it costs in u.s up to 6.oo a gallon
my electric has risen over 300 percent in the last two years.
CRIME ? I LIVE IN ONE OF THE NICER SECTIONS OF THE COUNTRY IF I DONT LEAVE SOMEONE TO WATCH MY HOUSE WHEN I LEAVE MORE THAN LIKELY
I WILL BE ROBBED THE CAPITAL CITY IS OVER RAN WITH COLUMBIANS THAT WILL SHOOT AND KILL YOU FFOR 20 U.S. STOP WRITEING BULLSHIT PLEEEEESE . DESPITE THIS I LOVE LIVING THERE IT IS A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR MANY REASONS I AM HIGH LITEING THE NEGATIVES CUZ WHAT YOU WROTE WAS TOTAL BULLSHIT
What an incredible amount of bullshit. Kris tells the unvarnished truth. Costa Rica continues to raise prices, especially on expats who often are charged double the tariff at farmacias, many retail shops and even ice cream parlors (geladerias). After living in Heredia for a little over a year prices for groceries have almost doubled, utilities are through the roof. Electricity recently doubled in April. Ticos generally do not care for expats, particularly Americans. This is truly the land where bullshit reigns. Crime is rampant all over Costa Rica. More expats need to tell the real truth and stop reading blog-sites by tour directors and other enterprising business people who lie about Costa Rica through their teeth. There is corruption all over. Try dealing with Cable Tica, getting a Retive for your car and dealing with ICE. What a costly joke the living situation is. Many of us are leaving this godforsaken place. Pura vida!
Cy Bolinger
Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies for changing states. Ask if moving is covered and arrange for insurance for your new home.