There are many reasons why a person should consider Costa Rica. Below is a summary of some of those reasons.

Costa Rica has one of the highest standards of living in Latin America and the purchasing power is greater in Costa Rica than in the United States or Canada. Costa Rica’s capital city is San Jose (pop. 3.1 million) and is one of the least expensive cost of living cities in the world. By comparison, it cost 14% more to live in Panama City than San Jose.

Residential Services
As residents move away from the city it is even more affordable. For example, to have a full time maid, lawn care attendant, and other services will only cost you a few hundred dollars a month – not per week. On average utilities including phone, water, electricity, heating and air-conditioning cost 30% less than in North American. Because of the warm climate heating is not used in Costa Rica and most stoves are electric or propane, not natural gas and most electricity is generated through hydroelectric plants keeping electrical costs to a minimum.

Health care Savings
One of the biggest advantages of living and/or visiting Costa Rica is the affordable cost of health care. Patients save between 30% and 70% on health care and dental costs compared to the United States and Canada. In fact, 14% of all foreign visitors choose to have some medical procedure performed while in the country. The quality of care is also excellent as most doctors have been trained overseas and are often fluent in several languages. Costa Rica boasts a literacy rate above 95% and just passed a law requiring all children k-12 to learn both English and Spanish.

Banking
Costa Rica offers several large banking institutions and wiring money to/from around the world can be done quite easily.

Live in Luxury for less!
Not including a mortgage, a couple can live in Costa Rica for around $1,500 a month. A couple can live in luxury for about $2,500 a month (in Costa Rica a person making over $2,000 a month is considered upper class).

Depending on where you look to buy real estate, prices can vary. It is possible to own a 2,500 sq ft home with a pool for under $300,000 with stunning views. Homes on ½ acre of land, ten minutes from the beach are available for as little as $180,000!

Much like most markets you can find what you want and the price associated with that may vary. The north pacific region of Costa Rica (province of Guanacaste) tends to be more expensive than both the central valley and the southern zone (Osa Peninsula). Guanacaste’s higher prices are due to a more developed market in Guanacaste with large multi-national hotels and developments. It is strongly suggested that a person takes the time to visit the different areas and decide how their life style would fit in.

Costa Rica - Live in Paradise!
Costa Rica has many unique advantages than most other countries of the world:
• Pleasant year around weather
• Potential rental incomes based on Costa Rica’s strong tourism industry
• Low crime rate (less than that of Omaha, NE)
• Political stability (100+ year democracy – current President Dr. Oscar Arias has already won the Nobel Peace Prize)
• Foreigners have the same property ownership rights as citizens
• Low property taxes (one-quarter of 1%).

All of these things make Costa Rica a very appealing market for Retirement, Investment and Vacation homes.