×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Cost of Living

4 months ago
I think the total cost of living comfortably in CR is exaggerated. While I still believe it's almost 20% cheaper to live in CR rather than the US, the bills that you need to carry over from the US must still be in your budget. Below is what my budget is going in on a tourist visa.
My monthly bill total below is $5,218
I would still need to bring in an extra $2,061 into my CR budget just to break even. If I can get rid of the alimony, I'd only need to bring in an additional $800 per month from my 401K which I don't want to indefinitely keep on doing. That's why I'm looking for 5 different types of jobs for me to pick up the slack.
With alimony, which I'm actively pursuing to get rid of through an attorney right now because I'm unemployed, I've submitted over 600 resumes, she makes more money than i do now, she has an income; I don't, she's not paying a mortgage, I'm paying high rent. Many factors that the lawyer said I will definitely get some kind of reduction.
Can someone give opinions on what my budget looks like below living by myself in the Central Valley in a 2-bedroom furnished apartment? Are any of the amounts off? Can I get rid of anything? Any insight would be helpful.

Pet Insurance $50
Vet OOP $25
Utilities $45
Water $20
Rent $1,600
Internet $50
Amazon Prime $15
Cable TV $44
NetFlix $23
Tolls $10
Auto Insurance $42
Wireless $45
YouTube Music $11
Grooming $16
Gas $150
Car Maintenance $20
Clothes $25
Sharewell $10
Mens Group $29
CR INS Private Health Plan $408
Dental & Vision $47
Medicare $175
Social Security for Caja $0
Groceries $250
Duolingo $10
AFA $30
Alimony $1,300
Entertainment $650
Samsung Galaxy $28
Maid $60
Non Rx medications, cosmetics, toilitries, sundries $30

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Living in Costa Rica GuideLiving in Costa Rica Guide

Our Living in Costa Rica Guide is a primer on everything about living in Costa Rica: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Costa Rica Forum Costa Rica Forum
Join our Costa Rica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Costa Rica.

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

If you're dreaming about living in Costa Rica, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica in 2023.

Healthcare in Costa RicaHealthcare in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems. When you become a resident, you must enroll in the public healthcare system (CAJA). Many expats use the public system for routine healthcare and have private expat health insurance for specialists, surgeries and emergencies.

Cost of Living in Costa RicaCost of Living in Costa Rica

If you're moving to Costa Rica, you'll want to understand the cost of living in Costa Rica. Lifestyle, location and health insurance are part of the formula.

Moving to Costa RicaMoving to Costa Rica Guide

Moving to Costa Rica has become more popular among expats. Making this choice requires a lot of research to ensure the expat experience you hope for will be realized.

Real Estate in Costa RicaReal Estate in Costa Rica

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Costa Rica.

Pros Cons of Living in Costa RicaPros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Costa Rica.

Retiring in Costa RicaRetiring in Costa Rica

Advice for people retiring in Costa Rica.

Visa and Residency Costa RicaCosta Rica Visa & Residency Guide

Applying for residency in Costa Rica can be a daunting process. Which type of residency is right for me? Do I need an attorney? Do I have to leave the country every 90 days? What is a cedula? This article answers these and many other questions.

10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica

If you've recently arrived in Costa Rica, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Costa Rica.

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help others in Costa Rica by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides