Author's posts
Mar 07 2019
Healthcare Bang-for-Your-Buck
I found the health-efficiency index cited in Bloomberg’s article, “These Are the Economies With the Most (and Least) Efficient Health Care,” to be one of the more interesting ones I’ve seen in the last several years regarding healthcare in America versus the rest of the world. Put simply, it’s a survey which measures bang-for-the-buck, and in …
Permanent link to this article: https://retireforlessincostarica.com/healthcare-bang-for-your-buck/
Feb 25 2018
Paul’s Monthly Tip to Live for Less in Costa Rica: Rent a Post Office Box
(Updated with 2020 prices) A great way to save hundreds of dollars a year is to have a post office box in Costa Rica, versus using a delivery service like Aerocasillas. I would say Aerocasillas is more efficient, and certainly faster than the post office, but you pay for that service. Our P.O. Box, #187, …
Permanent link to this article: https://retireforlessincostarica.com/paul%e2%80%99s-monthly-tip-to-live-for-less-in-costa-rica-rent-a-post-office-box/
Sep 06 2016
Our Costa Rica Food Budget Breakdown
Updated 9/6/2016 Since we recently published our 2015 Cost of Living Summary, it’s time to update our Costa Rica food budget breakdown. Following are our monthly averages for the last several years: 2015 groceries monthly average: $351.97 2014 groceries monthly average: $301.00 2013 groceries monthly average: $379.81 (a 10% increase over the previous year) 2012 groceries monthly average: $345.96 (an …
Permanent link to this article: https://retireforlessincostarica.com/our-costa-rica-food-budget-breakdown/
Jun 08 2016
So What Would It Cost ME to Live in Costa Rica?
Updated 06/08/2016 So, what would it cost YOU to live in Costa Rica? Well, the realistic and safe answer is, “it all depends on you, on your lifestyle and how you want to live.” People have asked us the question, “Can we live on $3,000-$4,000 per month?” In response, Gloria and I look at each other, …
Permanent link to this article: https://retireforlessincostarica.com/so-what-would-it-cost-me-to-live-in-costa-rica/
Feb 23 2016
A Single Woman’s Budget in Costa Rica: How She Lives on $1260 USD
Debbie Rudd is a facebook friend and author of the new book, Costa Rica Where the Ordinary is Extraordinary: Loving the people and culture of Costa Rica. (Stay tuned for my review of her book in an upcoming newsletter.) I admire Debbie Rudd. She is a good example of the possibilities of what life can be …
Permanent link to this article: https://retireforlessincostarica.com/single-womans-budget-in-costa-rica/
Dec 16 2014
“And That’s the High”
My mother had a saying that’s oh so true, and one this thwarted weatherman took to heart many years ago. Every day, when I write down the high and low temps, I think of my mother. I can plainly hear her voice, reminding me, “And that’s the high,” or “And that’s the low.” Our exchange …
Permanent link to this article: https://retireforlessincostarica.com/and-thats-the-high/
Sep 26 2014
Costa Rica’s Caja: How it Works
Many people ask us about the Caja because we know it so well. We know it well because we use it extensively. Gloria had surgery in the Caja, and I’ve had a multitude of procedures done within the Caja. Additionally, we use our local clinic (EBAIS) for our basic, everyday health concerns. Consequently, we know …
Permanent link to this article: https://retireforlessincostarica.com/costa-ricas-caja-how-it-works/
Jul 12 2014
Were Costa Ricans Always Pura Vida? — Where History Meets the Movies
Literally, the expression “pura vida” means “pure life.” It describes a peaceful, tranquil and free-from-impurities existence. For the Costa Ricans, the phrase “pura vida” means much more: It has become the popular but unofficial national motto. This motto is associated with all Costa Ricans world-wide. Where did the phrase “pura vida” come from? Costa Ricans started using the expression “pura …
Permanent link to this article: https://retireforlessincostarica.com/were-costa-ricans-always-pura-vida-where-history-meets-the-movies/
Jun 02 2014
Integration 102 – Speaking Up at the Hospital
Today I went to the hospital in San Ramon to make an appointment for an ultrasound. I just had a urology appointment the other day and the doctor wants to see me again. I had to wait 30 minutes to schedule the appointment. There were about 8 other people waiting with me to schedule appointments. …
Permanent link to this article: https://retireforlessincostarica.com/integration-102-speaking-up-at-the-hospital/
Jan 02 2014
Finding Inspiration in Costa Rica
It’s the beginning of a new year and I’m feeling inspired! Sometimes I think of what gives me inspiration – inspiration to pick up a pen and write, inspiration to carry on with life, or inspiration just to be happy. The vistas and landscapes in Costa Rica are inspiring, it’s true, but that’s not it …
Permanent link to this article: https://retireforlessincostarica.com/finding-inspiration-in-costa-rica/
Recent Comments