Thanks to modern medicine, we are living longer than ever before. With the rise in our life expectancy we see the growing importance of cost of living as well.

Costa Rica has long been on the location radar for a more affordable retirement option but once expats arrive it is easy to get caught up in vacation bliss. These few tips may help ground your monthly budget and help to save that hard earned egg nest:

1. Shop like a local! Take advantage of the local farmers market and the local cuisine. Costa Rica is in the tropics so spend some of your extra time on a little garden. Plant an avocado, mango, or papaya tree. When you go to the store, leave the imported goodies on the shelf. You can eat blueberries and your favorite brand of ice-cream when you visit your hometown.



2. Take advantage of the inexpensive/free social and entertainment options. Sunsets are my favorite. Throw in a loved one and a beautiful beach and you are describing my little piece of heaven here on earth. Instead of taking your friends out to dinner at a nice resort, think like a local.

   

   Find Costa Rican recipes and surprise yourself or friends by making finger licking good food at a fraction of the cost. Or have a local lady cook for you. A lot of times they will go to the store, buy everything, bring you the receipt and then charge a few extra dollars an hour to cook and clean.

   Costa Rican food is healthy and inexpensive and you’ll have a great cultural experience as well.

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3. If you are a part time resident, plan your Costa Rica visits in the green season and rent your property in the high season. In the more popular rental areas like Jaco Beach and the surrounding areas you can make the yearly property expenses in the peak and high season. The rainy season is beautiful, a little cooler and greener!



4. Buy a bike or take the local bus. Now you are traveling like a local! The Costa Rica bus system is great and surprisingly inexpensive. As an example, to get from the city of San Jose to the Pacific Coast will cost a whopping $5 per person, if that.

   When you are traveling around locally you can use a bike and get some exercise at the same time. Alternatively, a taxi can get you between short distances very affordably.

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5. Purchase a dream house with some rental potential. Overall, rent is on the rise there is no reason for you to throw so much money away each month. With a little bit of investment you should be able to find a property that will work for you.

Here is a perfect example of a two bedroom apartment with three studios attached. Located in Jaco’s prized down town, bustling with people of all ages and interests especially for those that are active.

The seller is asking US$295,000. The property has an assumable loan with month mortgage payments equaling US$1160. Each of the studio apartments rent for minimum $350/month (plus utilities).

The larger apartment would easily rent for $650-700/month (plus utilities). With a little investment and marketing effort (perhaps on this popular website) you could do a great job at make paradise a little more affordable!

For more information about condos, homes and land for sale in the beach town of Jaco and surrounding areas please contact our Recommended Realtors in Jaco Shawn Fletcher and his wife Hannah Fletcher
 using the simple form below: 

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.