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Living in Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . ... . Download pdf of Frequently Asked Questions
• What is the local climate like?
• What type of communication services are available in Costa Rica?
• What is the status of the Costa Rican economy and political stability?
• What is the quality of the health care system? What health care is available near Palm Springs?
• What is the quality of the food and water in the local area?
• What is the cost of living?
• Is Costa Rica a good place for families or retirees?
The cost of living in Costa Rica is less than most cities in the United States and Europe. Despite having one of the highest standards of living and being one of the most expensive countries in Latin America, purchasing power is greater in Costa Rica than in the United States or Canada.
Housing in middle-class Costa Rican neighborhoods is substantially cheaper than in the US. Hired help with a full-time maid costs approximately a couple hundred dollars per month. Utilities-telephone service, electricity, and water cost about 30% of what they are in North America. Bills for heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer are low because you never need to heat your home due Costa Rica's warm climate.
An author on retirement in Costa Rica explains a couple can live well on $1,200 per month, and live in luxury for $2,000. Couples with husband and wife both receiving good pensions can live even better. In general you will enjoy a higher standard of living in Costa Rica and get more for your money. Consider that the average Costa Rican earns only $300-$450 a month. Costa Ricans earning under $500 monthly are considered to be lower class; those earning from $500 to $2000 are part of the middle class with anyone making more than $2,000 being upper class. Therefore foreigners with a decent income can have a comfortable lifestyle if they so desire.