Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: Flat tire repair $1.50
Repairs on cars are very cheap in Costa Rica. They would rather replace, repaint, and refurbish than purchase a brand new vehicle. Often the repair shops are right in your neighborhood in someone’s garage. With little overhead, they pass on the savings to you.
And while you wait their dog will inspect your undercarriage. (That’s after siesta time is over)
Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: Full health insurance coverage, no deductible, no copay, no pre-existing condition, in a country whose health care quality is ranked higher than the United States by the World Health Organization- $50/month (and it comes with a pension)
One of the first questions people ask me is about the health care system in Costa Rica. Here, everyone pitches in and pays for a socialized health care plan. They believe that everyone has the right to see a doctor without the fear of going bankrupt. I’ve met plenty of people who have used the health care services and are very impressed with the outcome.
Somehow they accomplished all this without death panels or anyone trying to put a contract out on grandma.
Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: Rent for 2 bedroom 2 bath house on 2 acres with a view in a 500 acre reserve including several waterfalls- $450/month
Costa Rica is a country well known for its unique wildlife. One great place to visit is a sloth sanctuary where abandoned and injured sloths are nursed back to health. This is a perfect place to visit while driving south along the Caribbean highway. It is run by a husband and wife; two great people making a difference.
Change Pace at the Sloth Sanctuary of C.R. / Travel / Weekend / Costa Rica Newspaper, The Tico Times.
The Happy Planet Index rated Costa Rica as one of the happiest places in live. I know this is true because I’ve been living here over three years and found that my life is infinitely better than living in the United States.
Moving here was not as hard as everyone thought it would be. Costa Ricans are known for their friendliness and have shown me nothing but kindness.
This has been the best experience and there is no doubt I am happier than a billionaire.
The past few days we’ve been busy unpacking and enjoying the tranquility. Not being disturbed by car horns, leaf blowers, and radios is sending me into sensory detox. I am actually experiencing a much anticipated lifestyle withdrawal. This withdrawal is accompanied by a less than anticipated loss of electricity. Sometimes it flickers on and off, while other times it just stays off for eight hours. The realtor didn’t tell us that the higher you go on the mountain, the more likely you will have trouble with your electrical lines.
Upon further investigation, Rob discovers the wires in the house are not grounded properly. During a thunderstorm, all the outlets pop, making us run around unplugging everything. The thunder also makes the phone ring, which is nice since it gives the illusion I have lots of friends calling me. Even though we have these electrical issues, the good news is we don’t have a suicide shower. I can shave my legs without electrocuting myself, something I am sure I will write in all my Christmas cards this year:
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Finklestone,
Costa Rica is enchanting. I wash my hair by candlelight and have yet to be struck with several hundred volts of electricity.
God Bless Every One (more…)