Retiring - Cost of living in Costa Rica
Morten Sonntag
The cost of living differs a lot between the countries in Central America. There are cheaper places to retire in Central America, but Costa Rica has a lot to offer. It is a very stable country and for over half a century Costa Ricas presidents have come to office through honest elections.
The constitution from 1949 guarantees all citizens and foreigners equality before the law, the right to own property and freedom of speech.
Costa Rica has no army, guerrillas or political prisoners.
One more bonus is the climate as the Central Valley has an average year-round temperature of 74 ﾰF (23 ﾰC).
But let's get back to the core of this article, the cost of living in Costa Rica. To be able to crunch numbers and compare the cost of living with other countries I have created a list of groceries and prices. Clientele can select between several, mostly US owned, supermarket chains. In addition the typical pulperias offer an alternative way to buy several goods. Pulperias also serve as social centers where people chat with friends and neighbors. Prices are a little higher in pulperias.
Fruits and vegetables can also be bought to some extent cheaper and fresher at the local farmers' markets.
Price List: The exchange rate is: 1$ = 549.14 Colones (October 1, 2008)
1 liter Milk (Dos Pinos): Perimercados supermarket: 396 Colones Pali supermarket: 392 Colones
Sugar: Perimercados supermarket: 1kg Dona Mari: 484 Colones Pali supermarket: 1kg Victoria: 501 Colones
1kg Tomatoes: Perimercados supermarket: 1865 Colones Pali supermarket: 900 Colones
1kg Pork beefsteak: Perimercados supermarket: 3868 Colones Pali supermarket: 3944 Colones
1kg Chicken breasts: Perimercados supermarket: 2500 Colones Pali supermarket: 2440 Colones
115g Butter (Dos Pinos): Perimercados supermarket: 526 Colones Pali supermarket: 506 Colones
75ml Toothpaste Colgate Total: Perimercados supermarket: 1000 Colones Pali supermarket: 1330
1kg Rice: Perimercados supermarket: 1kg Luisiana 1235 Colones Pali supermarket: 2 kg Luisiana 1712
1kg Potatoes: Perimercados supermarket: 710 Colones Pali supermarket: 520 Colones
1kg Eggs: Perimercados supermarket: La Yema Dorada: 1510 Colones Pali supermarket: Nutri Huevo: 1495 Colones
1 Can (350ml) Imperial beer: Perimercados supermarket: 467 Colones Pali supermarket: 442 Colones
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