Costa Rica has become quite the topic of conversation. So much so, that last December there were two articles written about retiring to Costa Rica.
The first in The Wall Street Journal recanted the experiences of two retirees as they planned and consequently moved to Costa Rica. Some interesting points were made here. An important point is the need for planning before moving here. However, I think one of the most important steps in planning may have been overlooked by the writer, Vicki Berrong. The process of applying for residency can be started before you even step foot on Costa Rica. If you start before you move this can actually make the process easier. For more information on permanent residency read “How to attain legal status in Costa Rica”
Though initially the article claimed that gas cost near $14 was completely inaccurate (and since corrected), the section on the cost of food I find to be very accurate. The thing is, when it comes to cost of food or living it really comes down to what you want and how you want to live. Certain things we may be used to, like cheddar cheese, are ridiculously expensive but the local cheese at $4.50 per kilo may be enough to satisfy your cheese needs. It really comes down to this: Costa Rica is as expensive as you let it be.
The New York Times article takes a different sort of approach. This is centered on a family who settles down in good ole Guanacaste and builds a home. Most of the article is about the actual building of the home and its architecture. There are great pointers for those who want to build a home here. The area where this family settled is considered prime real estate which is why the land was so expensive but if you look you can definitely find a better fit for your budget. For suggestions on buying land in Costa Rica read “Costa Rica Land: The rules of Engagement”.
Costa Rica is getting a lot of buzz and attention. Have you been thinking about moving? Well move fast before someone else beats you to the punch.
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