For people who want to retire in Costa Rica on a shoestring it is important to be aware of how little money most Costa Ricans scrape by on. The majority of Americans and Canadians wouldn’t be content with the average Costa Rican lifestyle. We are just use to too many goodies and would find it difficult to live like most ticos. However, there are some Americans who move here and due to different circumstances are forced to live like Costa Ricans on far less than $1000 per month. Under the new residency law you need to have at least $1000 per month to qualify for residency status which you need to live here legally.

Let’s take a look at how the ticos survive on little money.

1. Most them buy their clothes at second-hand stores. Most of these establishments called “Ropa Americana,” and sell used clothing from the States which is very good condition. I have friend who spends her time searching for bargains at these stores and has found brand name clothing like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Louise Vuitton handbags and a lot more. Most of said items cost less than $10 dollars. I have been to these “bargain basements” and am amazed at the quality of what is available for almost nothing.
2. Ticos buy their vegetables and fruits at the weekend farmers markets called ferias. At any of these markets you’ll see hundreds of Costa Ricans carrying large bags and/or pushing small carts full of the fruits and vegetables that have purchased at incredibly low prices.
3. Many unmarried adult children live at home and contribute money to their household.
4. Other adult family members do the same thing.
5. Public buses are the cheapest form of transportation and used by the majority of the people who can’t afford cars. You can go anyplace in the country for under $10.
6. Instead of eating at expensive restaurants, thrifty ticos eat breakfast at small family-style establishments called sodas. Most meals only cost a couple of dollars.
7. Ticos on a budget will do their grocery shopping at Pali which is a grocery store with rock-bottom prices.
8. Costa Ricans buy odds and ends like cups, plates, home decorations at discount department stores like Importadora Elizabeth. Most everything is from China and very inexpensive.
9. For medical care ticos depend on the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social which provides universal cradle-to-grave health care for as little as $20 per month. This socialized medical system meets the average person’s health care needs.
10. Ticos also shops at small stores for beauty supplies, some clothing and shoes instead of the expensive American-style malls.
11. Public education is virtually free as are the state-run public universities. So, education is a bargain compared to the U.S. Or Canada.

The bottom line is that if you are a retiree on a budget and want to live inexpensively copy the locals and “When in Rome do as the Romans.”