Auto Mercado is Costa Rica’s high-end market that carries most brand name products from the United States and Canada.

Last night I had a small dinner party for another couple and my son and his girlfriend. In all there were six of us. We had Rainbow Trout Lasagna as a main course. Yes, you heard right.  Fresh trout and salmon are available in some Costa Rican supermarkets. We also had salad and garlic bread. For dessert we had passion fruit low- cal mousse.

Earlier in the day my girlfriend  and I went to the supermarket where we purchased all of the ingredients for our feast. We shopped at the Auto Mercado which is Costa Rica’s high-end market that carries most brand name products from the United States and Canada. We bought a little over two pounds of Rainbow Trout, fresh vegetables, fruit and canned goods. The bill was a little over $30.  For that amount, we received  was more than enough food to feed six people. In fact, there was enough left over for lunch and dinner the following day.

My point here is that you can entertain friends and family for very little in Costa Rica even if you go to the most expensive supermarket.  Imagine what you can save by going to one of the weekend farmers market and less expensive supermarkets where most Costa Ricans do their shopping. This is an example of how affordable Costa Rica is for foreigners, especially retirees. I always go great lengths to explain the affordability of the country to potential residents who take my monthly retirement tours and at seminars where I speak.