Living in Costa Rica: What it REALLY Costs (2025 Retirement Budget)

Are you thinking about moving to Costa Rica? 🤔 This video dives into the real cost of living in Costa Rica in 2025, going beyond the common misconception that it's a cheap tropical paradise. Based on my recent trip and conversations with locals in Costa Rica, I'm sharing my actual expenses to give you an honest and up-to-date look at the financial realities of living there.

Whether you're a digital nomad, a slow traveler, or considering retiring in Costa Rica, this video will provide valuable insights into budgeting and the true cost of everyday items. I'll walk you through what I spent on groceries while giving specific examples like coffee creamer, cheese, and bread.

While my experience is based on a short-term stay in an apartment in Heredia while attending a local language institute, the information shared will give you a solid foundation for understanding the general cost of living. Keep in mind that your individual expenses may vary based on your lifestyle and location within Costa Rica.

Stay tuned for future videos where I'll share resources to help you calculate your own personalized budget and explore rental costs in different areas. Don't get caught off guard by the cost of living in Costa Rica – watch this video to get the facts!

Chapters
00:00 - Is Costa Rica really a cheap place to live?
01:26 - My budget
02:05 - Groceries
05:58 - Why I'll NEVER buy peanut butter in Costa Rica
07:21 - Dining out
11:16 - Finding affordable housing AND internet
14:50 - Owning a car
15:51 - Ride Share and public transportation
16:17 - Saving money on cell phone service

DISCLAIMER: This video contains information about international relocation and does not constitute legal advice. Please do your own due diligence before visiting a foreign country or moving abroad. This may include seeking legal counsel.


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