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Writer's pictureSarah Celeste

How to Live in Costa Rica for Cheap: 5 tips for relocating on a budget.

Updated: Jun 23

Costa Rica is not a cheap place to live in, but that doesn't mean it's out of reach for those of us on a tight budget. With some strategic planning and research, you can easily make the move to this stunning tropical paradise without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to how to plan wisely, and live in Costa Rica for cheap.


  1. MAKE A BUDGET

Making a budget before moving to Costa Rica is not just important—it is absolutely crucial. If you underestimate the cost of living in a new country can quickly lead to financial stress. Create a detailed budget so you can plan for all expenses: housing, transportation, groceries, healthcare, and entertainment.


This will allow you to set realistic expectations for your lifestyle in Costa Rica and make informed decisions about your finances. Before making the move, take the time to research costs in your desired location, track your current spending habits, and identify areas where you can take a more humble approach to your lifestyle .


2. THE POWER OF PERIPHERY

Real estate and rental prices might be seem shockingly high when researching places to stay in Costa Rica. There is a simple way around this: avoid towns and cities known to be tourist destinations.

When researching your desired location; zoom in on your map, and check out the neighborhoods on the outskirts of the main town. These neighborhoods have schools, wifi, mini-grocery stores, and are usually about a 20 minuet drive away from town.


20 minutes off of any main road you will be able to find unfurnished rentals around for $150 per month. Politely ask the neighbors for the owners numberif its not posted. (go the their fence and hoot until they come outside)

Furnished locations in the periphery can go for $450 + you can often bargain with a small secluded Airbnb in-person to work out longer term rates in low/ rainy season. (locals only furnish housing for tourism, so the prices are much higher than unfurnished)


3. LOWER YOUR STANDARDS

You think you can handle a rough life because your apartment complex sucks but out here there is a completely different standard of living. It might seem more primitive or rustic to someone from the outside world, but its normal and healthy here, so if you want to take advantage of cheap price that's one thing everyone needs to adapt to.


Cheap housing is move-in ready by local standards. Landlords may work out special rates if you're willing to invest in fixing up the place. It may not be freshly painted, or it may have an open air kitchen, maybe you’ve never seen that kind of flooring before; find gratitude in the abundance of nature in your surroundings. Enjoy the birds in the mornings, the quiet days, and the frogs under the moon.

4. COOK LOCAL FOODS

Legumes, rice, cabbage, potatoes, spinach, choyote, pumpkin, yucca... the list goes on and on, but the point remains the same: you might need to modify some of your favorite recipes. There isn't the same access to variety, and if you do find any pink salt, kale or quinoa, its going to be very expensive.


Try to buy for the week and cut back on travel costs. Find out when your town has their farmers market, and do your shopping in town on that day. Most neighborhoods have produce trucks driving by a couple times a week announcing deals on a loud speaker. Keep your ears open to help supplement produce during the week. If you eat out: the Sodas are a cheap alternativs to restaurants with local home cooked style food for any meal.



5. GET IT MADE

Household stores here are expensive , and second hand furniture usually calls for hefty transportation costs. Gollo, Monge, Econo and the like aren’t regular furniture stores: they are more like those rent-to-own business that hook people in with low payments instead of low prices. So, instead of buying from a store, simply get it made.


Need a bed frame? Get it made.

Kitchen table? Get it made.

Desk? Chairs? Couch? Get them made.


Your local wood processor will sell you materials cut to size if you show them a picture. Assemble it yourself IKEA -style, or have a neighbor help you hire a local handyman.


The same applies to buying property. You’ll save a lot of money buy building your own small house than purchasing an existing building that will definitely need to be renovated.

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