Real numbers, no fantasy
What it costs to live here
Monthly numbers for a beach town in Guanacaste, from my own life and the expats around me. Updated as prices move.
The monthly ledger
A couple, living comfortably but not extravagantly, in or near Playas del Coco.
Rent 2BR condo, walkable to the beach, pool in the complex
$1,400
Utilities Electric (with AC), water, internet, phones
$350
Groceries Mix of feria, Auto Mercado, and the occasional imported splurge
$600
Eating out Sodas a few times a week, one nicer dinner, beach beers
$400
Healthcare Caja contributions plus a private visit here and there
$200
Car & gas Fuel, maintenance, marchamo spread over the year
$250
Fun Tours with visitors, weekend trips, surf and fishing money
$300
Total, give or take
$3,500
Want it against your own numbers? Compare my city puts what you pay now beside this ledger, line by line.
Cheaper than the States
Property taxes, healthcare, fresh produce at the feria, domestic help, eating at sodas, dentistry, and not needing a heating bill, a snow shovel, or most of your old wardrobe.
More expensive here
Cars (roughly 1.5x US prices), electronics, imported groceries, electricity if you love your AC, and anything with the word "gringo" silently attached to the price tag.
Want a budget for your situation?
Family of four? Solo on a pension? Book a call and we'll run your real numbers together.
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