5 Differences Between Expat vs Tourist Living in Costa Rica

Best Guanacaste Beaches

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: A six-foot yellow coconut tree—$12

I’m often asked for advice on how to travel like a local as opposed to a tourist. (It’s as if the word “tourist” is a vulgarity, one which summons up images of guys wearing sandals with socks or rocking undersized Speedos on the beach). I’m always eager to help but this is a tough question.

The answer is not cut and dry since it all depends on how long you’ll be here and what areas of the country you’ll be visiting. If you are only visiting for two weeks, it may be more difficult to accomplish the goal of living like a local. But if you are settling in for 6 months or more, you begin to understand the ins and outs of living in the areas you will be visiting.

Grecia Costa RicaOne of the biggest factors in cost is whether you are living in or visiting a tourist area. I live outside Tamarindo and it costs 25% – 30% more than when I lived in the mountainous town of Grecia. And if you’ll be shopping inside of Tamarindo itself, it’s safe to say things will be even more expensive. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still cut corners, only that you will have 25%-30% more corners to cut. Ultimately, it may even mean giving up more things that you were used to when living in your native country. But not to fret, you can still succeed in saving money by adopting a number of principles that I’ve learned over the years.

1. Grocery Stores

Let’s use the grocery store for example. As in the Unites States, there are less and more expensive stores throughout my area. I remember going to Whole Foods in New Jersey with my sister and leaving with two small grocery bags totaling a whopping $70. I had sticker shock, which wasn’t new to me since I’m constantly shocked by some sort of surprise every time I go home. It’s like bumping into a friend from high school and being puzzled by how old he looks. I like to believe my face is as preserved as a jar of pickles, and has remarkably escaped the passage of time. But eventually I see a picture of myself and conclude that my friend actually looks better than I do. I haven’t preserved anything, I’m a fermenting cucumber just like everyone else.

I believe Whole Foods is a perfect example: An average shopping trip in Whole Foods is not the definitive cost of living in the United States. You don’t have to shop there if you don’t want to.

Automercado in Costa Rica is the cost equivalent to Whole Foods in the United States. It carries many imported items you can’t find anywhere else, thus being more expensive. But what a delightful store it is, an FAO Schwartz for the beleaguered gringo: air-conditioned aisles, plentiful junk food sections, and relaxing music piped in from above. My friend and I actually once marveled over a $12 package of fresh asparagus in the produce section. We were each secretly hoping the other would buy it, but alas, we both walked away empty handed.

There are other less expensive grocery stores in my area to shop at and many of them have pretty good sale days. One has meat and poultry for half price on Sundays, while others will have sales for produce on Saturday. This is one way you can get around paying those higher prices.

Farmers Market Costa RicaOne step better, frequent a farmers’ market and you will find even bigger discounts. If you are like me when I was living in the States, you might be so busy that one stop shopping is all you have the energy for. But since moving to Costa Rica—and having more time on my hands—I don’t mind following these rules when trying to save a buck. I didn’t come here to recreate my life, I wanted to be open to new experiences and new ways of doing things, even if that meant waving a tearful goodbye to asparagus.

Of course trying to figure out sale days or finding the least expensive farmers’ markets during a week’s stay at the Marriott could prove difficult for the average tourist. Many leave Costa Rica with the impression that things are much more expensive than they really are. And even some expats find it hard to resist the more expensive stores that offer such rich delicacies and polished aisles. If you’ve read my books, you’ll remember the story of my parents visiting me in Costa Rica and having a heated argument over buying a $5 carton of half and half. My mother wanted it, my father said it was too expensive, and I walked away pretending not to know either of them. In the end, my mother won.

What I love about this place is that a large part of an expat’s budget is up to the expat. Clearly living in a quaint mountain town will put you in a different expense bracket than if you reside in a touristy enclave, run your A/C all day, and shop at fancy stores.

2. Gasoline

Another major part of a Costa Rican budget is gas: it is expensive here guys, REALLY expensive. It can easily be over $5 a gallon so you will find many expats carpooling or trying to accomplish all of their errands in the same day. Whenever one of us is out and about, we usually call our neighbors and ask if they need us to pick up something for them. I don’t recall ever doing this back in the United States.

“Hey Jackie, I’m in the supermarket. How are you on toilet paper?” are words that never left my mouth while living in Pennsylvania.

In most areas Costa Rica offers very inexpensive and excellent public transportation. Locals usually do not drive more than they have to. Many will use motorcycles for just about everything including transporting those fifteen foot strips of rebar they’ll need to start building a new casita. As a visitor, it is unlikely you’ll be delivering any construction materials, but renting a scooter could be a less expensive alternative when compared to renting a car.

(This is, of course, my husband’s idea of saving money by using our scooter)

3. Eating Out

I recently wrote a blog post about enjoying a $5 lunch at Soda Brasilito. I was surprised by the reaction I received from many tourist and expats alike. It was as if sodas (small Tico -style restaurants) do not even exist here. Eating out can be costly, but not if you frequent these small mom-and-pop restaurants. They are not fancy and sometimes not much to look at, but trust me, I’ve had some of the best meals there. Tourists have a tendency to skip over these establishments because of their simple appearance.

Soda Restaurant in Costa RicaIf you have the luxury of being in one place for a while, you will find that the good ones usually fill up everyday at lunch or dinner time. While there may not be a swanky chandelier overhead or a huge endless pool in front of you, the food is usually fresh and delicious. This being said eating out is, and has always been, a luxury for me so it is an easy thing to partially cut out of my budget. Rob and I eat home as often as we can.

Same goes for heavy drinking. If that is part of your daily lifestyle, be prepared for a heavy bill at the end of the night. Closing time now means closing out your bank account.

4. Housing

Housing is much more expensive at the beach, but it’s also where we found a caretaking gig in exchange for very low rent. I know people who house sit and don’t pay any rent. Can you get these positions? Perhaps, but it becomes more likely if you’ve already lived here for a few years and have residency. Without a house sitting position, rents can range from $400 a month for one bedroom to upwards of $3000 a month for an ocean-view 5 bedroom, 5 bath home. I’ve never lived in a house that big, but I know for certain my husband would use every one of those rooms. He has a knack for getting as many things dirty in a 24 hour period as humanly possible.

“I like the air in this master suite, I shall sleep here tonight,” I imagine him saying. “However, I’ll use the downstairs bathroom, but with the guest room’s fluffy towels.”

Happy Living

 

When considering housing costs and comparing it to towns around the United States, it is important to compare apples to apples. Three thousand a month sounds very expensive in terms of Central America until you realize the home is in a community with 9 restaurants, swim up bars, a helipad, golf course, and it’s sitting right on a Blue Flag Beach with a spectacular ocean view. I’m not sure if these places even exist in the States. I suspect they do but I have never been able to get myself through their front gates.

5. The Good Life

While trying to decipher all of the ways you can save on your budget, one thing is profoundly true about living in Costa Rica: The best things in life are free. Listening to howler monkeys every morning, taking a dip in the ocean, and watching some of the most spectacular sunsets doesn’t cost me a thing.

Flamingo Beach Costa RicaThere is tremendous value in living my life like this: a life that is a bit slower, but also much fuller than ever before. For some reason, expats never include these amenities in their long list of gripes about living here. Getting to see coatis scamper in my neighborhood, or an anteater roaming right outside my door makes me feel incredibly wealthy. This never gets old, at least not for Rob and I. We continue to marvel at the natural wealth that this country so graciously lends to us. In a way, we’ve never stopped being tourists.

Maybe it is best to live like a local when it comes to your budget, but maintain the awe and curiosity that tourists possess when visiting a country for the first time. For me this is the perfect balance for a happy expat life. And I can do it all without my husband ever having to squeeze into a Speedo.

(If you want more tips on moving to or visiting Costa Rica, please check out my latest book, 2016 edition of The Costa Rica Escape Manual)

By | 2018-04-15T18:19:16-04:00 June 27th, 2015|Categories: Cost of Living, Tourism|Tags: , , , , , |48 Comments

About the Author:

Nadine is the author of the best-selling series, Happier Than A Billionaire. Join her as she navigates living as an expat in the sometimes confusing, always beautiful, country of Costa Rica.

48 Comments

  1. Scott H. October 11, 2016 at 11:02 am - Reply

    As a 19 year expat resident of Costa Rica, I can relate to most of your comments and experiences you write about. One of the most important things to remember when deciding to move to paradise is that things move slower here. You will either adapt and learn patience or will end up mad and want to leave. If you decide to build something instead of buying an existing home, BEWARE. It will be a slow and straining process. Not to toot my own horn but you should use someone like me to build it as I can relate to you in your terms and explain why things are more costly or take longer. I can also show how to save or at least not waste money. If you take the lowest bid, it will be the most expensive or possibly not be completed because it is done by someone that hasn’t taken all things into consideration. If you eat real, whole foods, cooking at home, do you drinking at home for the most part and avoid tourist areas you can live here at very low cost. After your housing and vehicle are purchased you should have no problem living on $1k per person, per month or less.

  2. Ricky November 20, 2015 at 9:15 am - Reply

    Just have to say after reading a couple of your books, I love your sence of humor. My wife and I are moving down next month after purchasing a very small home in the Puerto Viejo-Limon area and looking forward to becoming more minimalists. Just curios how your Spanish is coming along and have you guys taking any lessons?

    • Nadine Hays Pisani December 7, 2015 at 8:27 am - Reply

      My Spanish is improving. Rob’s is doing great, he is much better at it than I am. I’ve taken classes, but just immersing yourself helps the most.

  3. Vegas408 August 28, 2015 at 1:21 pm - Reply

    Well, we just got back from our two weeks in Costa Rica and thoroughly loved it. We stayed in Tamarindo, Flamingo/Potrero, Arenal & Manuel Antonio. We really enjoyed Flamingo/Potrero because of it’s beauty and proximity to Tamarindo without being in the middle of it. We are already planning our return trip in 11 months and will be checking out Matapalo and Coco area. Your books have been an inspiration and now that we’ve actually been there and experienced it, we’re not shy about moving forward with our plans of moving there permanently within the next four years. Thanks for all the continued information and we look forward to seeing your B&B project as it progresses.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani September 2, 2015 at 10:15 am - Reply

      Wow, what a trip. You saw a lot of the country and I’m sure, plenty of animals. Thanks for following my journey. This B and B is quite the project, but feeling optimistic!

  4. DAvid August 26, 2015 at 3:35 pm - Reply

    As always… a great blog, Nadine! My wife and I returned from our second trip to Costa Rica back in July. We’re excited to report that we put a first/last month rent on a place in Langosta/Tamarindo and will be moving next July! Despite the higher prices, we could not imagine living away from the beach. Eager to learn more about the ins/outs of saving money in “Tamagringo” while enjoying the waves and sunsets along the Pacific. Keep writing!

    • Nadine Hays Pisani August 28, 2015 at 12:59 pm - Reply

      I am so excited for you. There are plenty ways to live here on all sorts of budgets. Sometimes it just takes some time to find the cheaper alternatives to products.

      You are in for such an adventure!

  5. […] Read the full article here: 5 differences between expats vs tourists […]

  6. Marisa July 25, 2015 at 4:18 pm - Reply

    Hi, Nadine! I actually feel as if I know you (you probably get that a lot). We are almost done with your first book and have the second book and the manual queued up on my kindle. I’ve been been reading out loud to my husband and kids when they are around. There are times I laugh so hard it is impossible to read. Thank you for the laughs. Your book has shed a light on Costa Rica that is real and we appreciate that. So much of what we read online is almost too good to be true and probably is. Our goal is to unload everything we have (house, cars, pizza shop) and move to CR. the sooner, the better. One question for you since you and Rob don’t have kids, are you familiar with any expat bloggers with kids? Thanks again for sharing your adventures! Marisa

  7. Amigail July 15, 2015 at 5:16 am - Reply

    Hi,
    I am the Blog Manager of myinternationaladventure.com. Out of many expat blogs, yours was the most exceptional. Thank you for your amazing incite and knowledge. Your posts entice your readers (including me) to travel and see the world.

    I wanted to reach out to you to tell you about a new book called, “Adventurers Abroad: The New American Expat Generation.” The book tells stories from around the world and explains why more Americans are moving abroad than ever before. I thought that this might be a good read for you, being an expat yourself. If this does interest you, it would be wonderful if you can mention the book in one of your posts!

    The author is Robert Nelson, the cofounder of myinternationaladventure.com. If you would like specific quotes or an interview with Robert, feel free to e-mail me!

    The book is available on amazon.com and amazon.com UK and Europe in both paperback and Kindle versions.

    Looking forward to your next posts!

    Take care,
    Amigail

    Amigail I. Vallarta
    Blog Manager
    MyInternationalAdventure LLC
    http://www.MyInternationalAdventure.com
    https://www.facebook.com/MyInternationalAdventure
    https://twitter.com/MYIAdventure

  8. Stuart July 8, 2015 at 5:57 pm - Reply

    Nadine – I have to ask as most American’s get a little stir crazy if not working. What do you do to keep you from going stir crazy?

    • Nadine Hays Pisani July 9, 2015 at 8:42 am - Reply

      Hi Stuart, after moving to Costa Rica I realized how crazy that notion of “busy” is. That so many people can’t be still for a moment (including myself when I lived in the US), always believing that busy is better. But it’s the exact opposite. Not being able to live in the moment actually robs you of the moment. “Busy” is a thief, an intruder in your life. If busy manifested happiness, the US would be the happiest place on earth.

      In terms of what I do during the day, I love to work out, eat healthy, write, etc. But those are things I love to do, not something I do to occupy my time.

      Also, I learned after moving here that once I let go of being “busy,” I was busy being grateful and that is, by far, a happier way to live. 🙂

  9. K Blaine July 5, 2015 at 10:14 pm - Reply

    Hello…..long time lurker, first time poster.

    This post has gotten my attention. My wife and I are getting ready for our first visit, but I have lived in Costa Rica vicariously through the internet for a while now…haha.

    My biggest question that I have, which I have had limited success in finding on the internet, is ‘Organic Produce’. We are kinda fanatical about it and with the knowledge that Costa Rica is one of the highest pesticide users in the world, we are concerned about the availability of ‘Organic Foods.

    Any comments on the topic would be much appreciated.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani July 7, 2015 at 10:11 am - Reply

      HI! Thanks for lurking. I’m a lurker too.

      You will find organic produce at farmers’ markets. I’m finding that over the years, there is more and more of it. I’m sure you will come across some during your travels.

  10. Michael GIARAS July 5, 2015 at 5:31 pm - Reply

    I just finished, book 2 and made some notes. First you sound upset in the first part of the book. I was glad you sounded better towards the end. As far as the reviews, the neg. ones, F-them as your, Dad stated they need not get it. Also, My son has a cassette thing, or device with a wire on it that pugs in his phone, for music. He gets, Padora and other things for music in the car. I think you said your car radio needed help. So I have read all three books, thank you for sharing, two hard copy, one e-book. Hard copy for reference guide when I hit the ground, Thanks Michael G.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani July 7, 2015 at 10:10 am - Reply

      Thanks Michael for going on this journey with me. I’m very honest in my writing, and my editor didn’t want those emails in the book. But I had to do it. My dad is hilarious in his seriousness, always ending these very stoic emails with something ridiculous, like how to replace printer ink.

      It’s funny about the cassette thing. I have it and it plugs into your ipod, but the cassette warped from the humidity. Now I get to listen to the Beach Boys in slow motion, which is surprisingly delightful.

  11. Max July 4, 2015 at 1:28 pm - Reply

    I have a “stupid question” the tax to luxury house is 0,25 ? for me that is a 25 % of value…. or is 0,025 % ?

    Other thing about costa rica is … why rent look so expensive? (for the level of
    central America) and more if you see that the salary there is around 500 USD?

    • Nadine Hays Pisani July 5, 2015 at 9:43 am - Reply

      Hi Max. Luxury Tax is a separate tax than regular real estate tax. It is based on a graduated scale, and has a formula in regards to not only the value, but how to include the cost of the land itself. Not all homes is subject to this tax. I wrote about it in great detail in The Escape Manual. It’s a little complicated, but there is a chart there that can help you understand.

      Rent varies throughout the country. Higher in touristy areas, and lower in other places. You can probably find things starting at $300 a month upwards into the thousands for a 5 bedroom, ocean view house. The best thing to do is get your feet on the ground. Prices on Craigslist and other online websites are always higher than if you are living here. Once here, you will find better deals.

  12. Michael Giaras June 29, 2015 at 7:10 pm - Reply

    I read book 1, and am reading book, 3. The farm you and Rob visited before you went to the animal rescue, it sounded amazing and your horse ride, WOW! I have a question, please. You lived in Central Valley and the beach, where is the internet the best, or most dependable? Also you speak about a lot of traveling around the country and it seems you do all of it with, Rob. If you were alone and didn’t have the connections from the books, would you still travel alone or try to find someone to travel with? I am asking, because I feel a bit scared or uncomfortable thinking about touring, CR alone. My Spanish is not good and as I try to walk with you and Rob thur your adventures, I feel that it isn’t the same solo. I lost my wife of 30 years, last year and really want to try out CR as we were always going to do it. I am trying not over think it, and know I am not going to be able to do what you two do. I am just trying to plan it the best I can. I have read your books, the, Seymours, expat website. Do you suggest anything else. Michael G

    • Nadine Hays Pisani June 29, 2015 at 8:12 pm - Reply

      Hi Michael. Very sorry to hear of your loss. I can see why this will be a special trip for you. As for internet, it is good throughout the country. I couldn’t say that 8 yrs ago! They’ve come a long way… a long gigabyte way!

      I understand your travel reservations: whether to do it on your own or perhaps with a tour group. I do believe you can travel the country on your own. I remember the first year Rob and I were here, we immediately got in our car and drove around the entire country. We were so excited, you couldn’t stop us!

      I think what is most important is how you like to travel. Are you someone who enjoys renting a car and just playing it by ear? Or are you one to leave the driving to someone else so you can lean back on cruise control? In the third book, I mention Daniel the private driver. Perhaps that’s just right for you. He can drive you all over this country and you will always be safe and in excellent hands. He is an amazing guy and really enjoys showing off his country.

      Anyway you do it, you will have a wonderful adventure ahead of you. It sounds like you could use one, more specifically, a happy one. 🙂

      • Michael G June 29, 2015 at 9:05 pm - Reply

        Nadine, thank you! I thought about Daniel, but where would he sleep, I guess I will contact him and go from there. Again, thank you. Do I need to setup hotels or places to stay, or can it be a walk-in, is the price much different? As you two did each coast and Central Valley, I will follow your book, done deal. Thanks

  13. Debra June 27, 2015 at 10:01 pm - Reply

    Thank you for all the knowledge & I am slowly reading your book to educate myself for my next visit .

    • Nadine Hays Pisani June 28, 2015 at 9:15 am - Reply

      Thanks Debra! You can always email me with questions. I love sharing the things that I have learned, the good with the bad. But in the end, this is a delightful country to live in and I enjoy my life immensely.

  14. Gordon Bruynson June 27, 2015 at 9:59 pm - Reply

    Hi Nadine:). Read all three of your books and think they are great. Your husband reminds me of a security conscious Cro Magnam bag boy at the supermarket, funny stuff. I live in Edmonton Alberta Canada and get out of here in the winter as often as possible. I have 3 months booked to the Dominican Republic this winter and I wanted to fly over for a couple of weeks to Costa Rica. I was thinking of your area. Any thoughts for an all inclusive or small hotel?

    Fireman Gord

    • Nadine Hays Pisani June 28, 2015 at 9:13 am - Reply

      The Flamingo Beach Resort is all-inclusive, and I believe you have the choice on just breakfast, or all three meals. That hotel is right across Flamingo beach and has an awesome pool. I would recommend that place, but how about a condo? Lots of people do that here, and it may come out cheaper.

      • Gordon Bruynson June 28, 2015 at 12:35 pm - Reply

        Would a condo be available for a two week period? And if so do u have any contacts for that

        • compassionateone June 29, 2015 at 7:31 pm - Reply

          Hi Gordon,
          There are condos through VRBO that are definitely cheaper than hotels, and their minimum stay is usually just 3-4 days, so 2 weeks shouldn’t be a problem. You can check out places on their website and see availability in the different areas of CR. But it is getting late for booking (believe it or not!!), so you’d best get on it :-).

        • Nadine Hays Pisani June 29, 2015 at 8:14 pm - Reply

          You can try Randy Tolz at http://www.adjustyourlatitude.com . If something is available, he can surely help you out.

          • Gordon Bruynson June 30, 2015 at 4:42 pm

            Thanks Nadine I will check it out 🙂

          • Brian Leonard July 1, 2015 at 2:56 am

            Hi Gordon and Debi (and Nadine!). In addition to Randy’s site, we also have a condo in Langosta (near Tamarindo). If the dates and rates are a good match, please drop me a line via VRBO. http://www.vrbo.com/562688

          • Nadine Hays Pisani July 2, 2015 at 10:16 am

            Brian has a great condo! I’ve been there and it’s wonderful!

    • compassionateone June 28, 2015 at 12:33 pm - Reply

      Hi Nadine and Fireman Gord,
      I live in NW Montana (quite close to Alberta), and I am heading down to CR for my third time next February. I have had it with winters here!! And this time I will be staying for a whole month, half of which I will be taking immersion Spanish at WAYRA in Tamarindo. I am renting a VRBO condo, and it is much cheaper than a hotel….
      Have fun!
      Debi

      • Gordon Bruynson June 28, 2015 at 12:38 pm - Reply

        Thank you

  15. Colleen Bagley Haskin June 27, 2015 at 8:37 pm - Reply

    So i have to know, did the eggs make it?

  16. Vegas408 June 27, 2015 at 7:34 pm - Reply

    Nice article! Do they have the Farmer’s Market on certain days or through the week? Particularly the Tamarindo & Playa Flamingo area. I found in the map where the automercado is located in Tamarindo but want to check the Farmer’s Market out.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani June 28, 2015 at 9:11 am - Reply

      I believe Tamarindo is on Saturday, Mar Vista is on Wednesday, Brasilito is on Sunday. But I believe there are more. Once at a farmers’ market, ask a vendor. They do the circuit and have the schedule for all of them in the area.

      When in Automercado, check out the Cascade dishwashing detergent. The price will make you laugh!

      • Vegas408 June 28, 2015 at 4:47 pm - Reply

        Awesome! We can’t wait! A few more weeks and we’ll be there!

    • tam June 28, 2015 at 5:42 pm - Reply

      The Tamarindo Farmers Market Saturday from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. http://tamarindobeachinfo.com/tamarindo-shopping.html

  17. jeff June 27, 2015 at 4:32 pm - Reply

    excellent article from one who has both visited as a tourist and lived there.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani June 28, 2015 at 9:09 am - Reply

      Thanks Jeff. As you know, living in a place and visiting can be two completely different experiences. But regardless, this country is SO much fun!! I’m still enjoying it and I’ve been here close to 8 years.

  18. lisa June 27, 2015 at 2:51 pm - Reply

    Any farmers markets walking distance from playa flamingo? I don’t remember seeing any.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani June 27, 2015 at 3:14 pm - Reply

      There are a few on the outskirts of Flamingo. There is that great produce stand on your way to Surfside. The Mar Vista farmers’ market is on Wednesday at 3 and the Brasilito one is on Sunday.

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