What does it cost to live in Costa Rica? Many North Americans and Europeans ask this question before they make the move. They dream of a better life in paradise but often wonder if they can afford it. Well, I have great news! According to data on numbeo.com, the average cost of living in Costa Rica (including food, utilities, health care, and transportation) is 32% lower than in the United States. Rent is...

In 2007, I made the final decision to make the move to Costa Rica full time. One of the many reasons was the high taxes I was paying in the US. Between federal, state, and local income tax, and then property tax on top of that, over 47% of my salary at the time was going to taxes. Now, I am not a tax evader and I believe in paying taxes, but nearly 50% of my salary sounded insane to me. Here in Costa Rica,...

You might not realize it, but you’ve been dreaming of the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, meaning the pure and simple life. It’s full of sunny days, spectacular beaches, wild and adventurous mountain treks and, of course, the beautiful rainforest.  If you’re considering moving to Costa Rica, you’re probably wondering things like what to bring with you, whether you should ship it here or not, and what...