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5 Big expenses for Expats

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WeOld
  5/29/2022 10:42 EST

What are 5 Big Expenses for Costa Rican Expats? Clothes, Food, Dining out, vehicles, health care/liquor.
https://ticotimes.net/2022/05/27/what-are-5-big-expenses-for-costa-rica-expats

Johnphd24
  6/1/2022 08:35 EST

Excellent point. Our HOA is $ 363/mo and when we were looking we specifically asked to be only shown condo's with HOA's under $ 400 - not much available (at least not having a pool, jacuzzi, weight room, pool table, BBQ, etc. in a good area)

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William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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shermanwc
  5/31/2022 13:40 EST

I mostly agree with this list, but I would replace "clothing" with "housing". Although we paid cash for our condo, we had a significant monthly HOA fee. (I would include "liquor" with the food category.)

Johnphd24
  5/31/2022 09:50 EST

Health care (and dental) is MUCH cheaper here. Both my wife have had dental implants here at a fraction of what we had previously paid in the states. Ditto for medical care. My has broken both her wrist and hand (separate times) tripping/falling and cost of the ER visit to Hospital CIMA, for ER doc, Ortho doc, x-ray & casting $ 253!
Our grandson came to CR for a Rhinoplasty and daughter for face lift and dirt cheap.

WeOld
  5/30/2022 08:39 EST

Why is the Cost of Living so high in Costa Rica? Government employees, taxes, exchange rate, import taxes, etc.

https://ticotimes.net/2022/05/26/why-is-the-cost-of-living-so-high-in-costa-rica

lindyluvsCR
  5/29/2022 15:27 EST

Yes, food is up. I personally have no interest in eating out. I choose to not have a car which cuts down on my expenses enormously. Minimum taxi fares where |I live went up from 680 to 850, but a spit in the wind compared to car expenses. And I drink no alcohol. All choices that help as prices go up to the sky.

William Russell
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