Most costarican shop for their fruits and vegetables at the weekend farmer’s markets which are held all over the country.

I recently met a single gentleman who lives on a little over $1,000 in Costa Rica. He told me it is tough but he manages to do it. He rents a small apartment in a Costa Rican neighborhood for $250 per month. He shops at the weekend farmers markets, occasionally eats at sodas (small Costa Rican restaurant and uses public transportation all of which are both affordable. Once in a while he will splurge by going to a good restaurant or one of the local watering holes in downtown San José.

He tried living in David Panama but didn’t like it because of the heat and quality of life. It must be pointed out that there are retired Americans living in David because in some ways it is more affordable than Costa Rica. However, as this person found out you really “get what you pay for.” He says it is worthwhile for him to make a few sacrifices so that he can continue to live in Costa Rica on his meager pension. He could never afford to retire any place in the U.S. on what he does here and have the same level of comfort.