Video Archives • Your Pura Vida

What is the cost of living in Costa Rica? [Updated for 2024]

In this episode, Aaron Bailey and Patrick Jagger discuss the cost of living in Costa Rica in 2024. They emphasize that Costa Rica is not a cheap country to live in and debunk the misconception that it is a mecca of cheap living. They explain that the cost of living is subjective and can vary depending on one’s lifestyle. They discuss the factors that drive up prices in Costa Rica, such as imported goods and transportation costs. They also compare the cost of food, housing, transportation, and healthcare in Costa Rica to the United States. They highlight the importance of considering the quality of life and contributing to the country when deciding to move to Costa Rica.

Takeaways
– Costa Rica is not a cheap country to live in.
– The cost of living in Costa Rica is subjective and can vary depending on one’s lifestyle.
– Factors that drive up prices in Costa Rica include imported goods and transportation costs.
– The cost of food, housing, transportation, and healthcare in Costa Rica can be comparable to the United States.
– When considering a move to Costa Rica, it is important to prioritize the quality of life and how you will contribute to the country.

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/scouting?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description

Keywords: cost of living, Costa Rica, cheap living, lifestyle, imported goods, transportation costs, food, housing, transportation, healthcare, quality of life, contributing to society

Answering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: August 2024 Edition

In this episode, Aaron and Patrick answer questions from you about living in Costa Rica. They cover topics such as visa requirements, comparing Costa Rica to other countries, selling art in Costa Rica, border runs, finding groomers for pets, and choosing a walkable city in the Central Valley. They emphasize the importance of doing research, considering personal preferences and needs, and seeking professional advice when making decisions about living in Costa Rica.

Send your questions for future episodes to hola@yourpuravida.com!

Moving to Costa Rica in 2024: Safety, Work, Schools, Towns, Visas and More!

Discover why Costa Rica consistently ranks as one of the best countries to retire in the world. In this video, we explore the factors that make Costa Rica an attractive destination, from its stable political environment and unmatched biodiversity to its Pura Vida lifestyle. Learn about safety in Costa Rica, the healthcare system, visa requirements, and how to start a business in this Central American gem. Whether you’re considering a move or just curious about life in Costa Rica, this guide has everything you need to know.

Topics discussed:
Is Costa Rica Safe?
Working and Starting a Business in Costa Rica
Understanding Costa Rica’s Education System
Costa Rica’s Healthcare: What You Need to Know
Where to Move in Costa Rica
Visa Requirements and More

Answering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: July 2024 Edition

In this episode, we answer:

❓ Please do a episode on retiring in Costa Rica. My family will be visiting Tamarindo during my daughter’s college break to scope out the area for retirement.

We’ve released the retirement video here: https://youtu.be/V4hCi-AqQDI

❓ If you live like a local, it will be less expensive than living like a USA expat. It’s just that simple.

❓ Always love your videos. I’d love for in the future you two possibly do a video on upcoming places in Costa Rica’s that you two can see getting bigger and more tourist heavy.

❓ Costa Rica is NOT a 3rd world country. There’s a place between 1st and 3rd, 2nd. Costa Rica is certainly not a developed country, nor an underdeveloped country. It’s a developing country.

❓ Can you guys shed some light on having people come to work at your home as a maid, nanny or lawn care worker? I hear all kinds of chatter regarding having to pay these people’s Cajas or having trouble ending the service when it is no longer needed.

❓ I think it’s important for people that are considering moving to Costa Rica to ask themselves if Costa Rica has enough of what they need to sustain them in their day-to-day lives.

❓ Other than being able to access CAJA, are there any advantages to obtaining residency?

❓ If I recall correctly from previous videos, you were able to buy homes and a car without being a resident. I’m struggling to see the advantages. Second, have either of you experienced a football (soccer) match there? If so, how was the experience?

❓ Do you guys still vote in the US? If so, how? I plan to fly back in November to vote because I don’t know of a more efficient way to do so. If you know of a cheaper way for me to vote, I’d appreciate the advice.

❓ Oddball: “we are excited to move – love the beach – deathly afraid of bugs and don’t like heat. Can’t wait to meet you!”

Send your questions for future episodes to hola@yourpuravida.com!

Top 8 Essentials for Retiring in Costa Rica: Cost, Residency, Healthcare & More for 2024

Retiring in Costa Rica can be an incredible adventure, but it’s important to plan carefully to ensure a smooth transition and a fulfilling retirement. In

Moving to Costa Rica: How to Handle Unexpected Challenges

Relocating to Costa Rica with your family is an exciting adventure, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether it’s a flat tire, a plumbing leak, an electricity outage, or just not feeling safe, unexpected hurdles are bound to happen. In this video, Aaron and Patrick share their personal experiences with these common issues during their move to Costa Rica. They provide practical advice on how to handle these situations and recover smoothly. Join us as we navigate the ups and downs of moving to Costa Rica and learn how to turn potential setbacks into stepping stones for a successful relocation.

Answering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: June 2024 Edition

In this episode, we answer:

❓ Can you take advantage of Healthcare in Costa Rica if you live in Panama?
❓ When might you do a Cartago video?
❓ You guys should add something more about cost of living: not only CR, on average, is lot more expensive than Panama; but also, some areas of CR (Guanacaste) are up to 3 times more expensive than the rest of CR – we are talking California and NY level of prices. 90% of potential expats flat out will not be able to afford it.
❓ Can you guys talk more about life of retirement for people and especially couples in their 60s wanting to have accessible resources, infrastructure and amenities, and related to the various political, social and economic difficulties faced in Costa Rica?
❓ I heard there’s a new law that was approved this year which will allow foreigners to bring up to two cars without import tax. Is that correct?
❓ The fact that it doesn’t have a standing army, does not negate the need to protect oneself. Burglaries and robberies happen. Rape happens. Murder happens. What would you do if a few people broke into your home? They’d probably have guns. Would you really just sit there and let them have their way with you?
❓ Where in San Jose are you doing the $150 all day health medical check up with scans and all of that?
❓ Does costa rica tax income from your home country? I get military disability that my budget would be relying on. It won’t work out if the Costa Rican government takes a cut before i spend it
❓ What is the worst place you’ve had a bug bite?

Send your questions for future episodes to hola@yourpuravida.com!

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

Can you escape politics and move to Costa Rica? Yes, but that’s NOT the right reason to move here!

With the election year in the US in full swing, election results in the EU showing a greater divide and political tension happening around the world, many people are considering a move to Costa Rica. Could you leave the drama behind and move to Costa Rica for a politically free blissful life?

Yes, but if that’s your primary reason for moving here, you won’t be successful in Costa Rica in the long-term. This video explains why.

12 Qualities to Consider When Moving Abroad: Have you considered them in moving to Costa Rica?

We recently a viewer sent us an article “12 Key Qualities of Countries to Consider When Moving Abroad” by psychologist Dr. Tamara Goldsby (link below) and we thought it’d be interesting to discuss these qualities and how we think about them in moving outside the US and moving to Costa Rica.

Article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/less-stress-more-peace/202405/12-key-qualities-of-countries-to-consider-when-moving-abroad

Meet the Team: Aaron Bailey, Co-Founder of Your Pura Vida

As our community grows, we’re showcasing our team members, starting with our co-founders. Learn more about Aaron’s life in San José and how his business development expertise drives our mission forward. Don’t miss out on getting to know the people behind Your Pura Vida and how we’re dedicated to making your Costa Rican dreams come true. Want to work with Aaron and the team? Email him at hola@yourpuravida.com.

Meet the Team: Patrick Jager, Co-Founder of Your Pura Vida

As our community grows, we’ll be showcasing all our team members, starting with our co-founders. Discover Patrick’s journey and background in media, and learn how his (and our team’s) experience can help turn your dream of living in Costa Rica into reality! Don’t miss out on getting to know the people behind Your Pura Vida and how we’re dedicated to making your Costa Rican dreams come true. Want to work with Patrick and the team? Email him at hola@yourpuravida.com.

Answering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: May 2024 Edition

In this episode, we answer:

1. We clarify some questions about moving your pets to Costa Rica.
2. For retired folks wanting to be near good healthcare services, is San José the only realistic location?
3. Is health insurance in Costa Rica difficult to obtain over 65?
4. Is most of Escazú composed of hilly streets ? How is Escazú for older retired to folks? Is there a lot of noise, honking etc. in the residential area?
5. Is a $500/month studio in Escazú realistic?
6. Does everyone have car insurance like in the states? What about AAA or some kind of roadside assistance?
7. A commenter rants about Tico time and punctuality in Costa Rica.

Send your questions for future episodes to hola@yourpuravida.com!

Aaron went shopping for groceries at Mas x Menos in Costa Rica. What should he buy next? #expatlife

How to navigate Costa Rica’s school system: a conversation with our new education specialist Andrea.

We’re welcoming a new member to the Your Pura Vida team! Meet Andrea Lasso de la Vega Moreno, an educator and expert in Costa Rica’s school system. Andrea will help our families moving to Costa Rica navigate the education system here, learning the needs of children and parents and working to match those needs with public and private schools.

In this video, we speak with Andrea about her background, why it’s important to find the right school for your kids in Costa Rica, if Costa Rica schools are competitive internationally, some factors to consider in choosing the right school, and how Your Pura Vida can help you in the process. If you’d like to work with Andrea, please email us at hola@yourpuravida.com and we’ll start the conversation!

RANT: Don’t buy real estate in Costa Rica until you consider the life you want to live here first.

If you want a vacation home in Costa Rica, sure, call a real estate agent first. But if you truly want to build a life here, don’t start your search with real estate. In this video, Patrick and Aaron explain why so many people start their move to Costa Rica with a real estate search, and why that’s a bad idea.

Dominical, Costa Rica: Our thoughts on expat living in the Southern Pacific region

Dominical Costa Rica serves as the entrance to the Southern Puntarenas region of Costa Rica. This area was relatively underdeveloped until 2010, as there was no highway access, causing it to lag behind the more popular northern beach communities. However, the town has gained recognition as a surf destination, with its incredible waves and pristine Playa Dominical beach, attracting surf tourists, expats, and digital nomads who prefer a laid-back, eco-friendly lifestyle.

Moving Your Family to Costa Rica? Here Are 8 Things to Consider.

As a single person or couple moving to Costa Rica, there are a number of factors to consider: where and how to live. But when kids are coming with you, the move becomes far more complicated: the needs of the kids, school choices, activities, and healthcare are just a number of factors to consider.

In this video, we discuss what you should think through when moving your family to Costa Rica.

Moving to Costa Rica vs: Colombia: We compare the two popular expat destinations in 2024.

Many Americans, Canadians and Europeans looking at moving out of their countries consider moving to Costa Rica and Colombia. For us, we chose Costa Rica, but in this video, we compare and contrast the two popular expat havens, talk about why we chose Costa Rica and why you might chose Colombia over Costa Rica.

Did you decide to move to Colombia — perhaps Bogota, Medellin or Cartagena — and not Costa Rica? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Video

Are you ready to thrive in paradise?

We'd love to talk!