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

These figures are a working estimate while I check them against a full year of my own spending. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote. Want numbers for your situation? Book a call.

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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