Moving abroad - Cost of living in Costa Rica

The cost of living differs a lot between the countries in Central America. There are more economic 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 Rica’s 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.

An additional plus is the weather as the Central Valley has an average year-round temperature of 74 °F (23 °C).

But let's get back to the core of this piece of writing, 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 opt between several, mostly US owned, supermarket chains. In addition the typical pulperias present an alternative way to buy some supplies. Pulperias also serve as social centers where people chat with friends and neighbors. Prices are somewhat 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