Insider guide to the REAL costs of living in Costa Rica. Spoiler alert- it's higher than you think.

[@bohotamarindo8444]

As a french expat living and working in Tamarindo my wife and I fully adhere to everything you said . keep going very good job Jo&Greg

[@dawnacahill]

Very helpful. We'll spoken. Love your chatty style. Easy to listen to. VERY informative! Learned a lot. Many thanks!!!

[@catcharnell]

Good to know your truth about CostaRica! We’ll be hopefully going for a vacation in April while our place is renovated.😜 So probably about 6-8 weeks. We eat mostly plant based so we’re looking forward to the abundance of fruit and vegetables.

[@mmills006]

As someone who has been going down to Guanacaste for the last 20 years, I think your content is great and informative and should be very useful for viewers considering traveling or moving to CR.

[@cbtamarindo]

Thanks for that!

[@elisalyles1466]

Still making videos? Update on costs?

[@Steveford-ut5bi]

Love your videos rich, very honest, can trust a fellow brit. I live in Spain but looking to visit your area in July for 6 weeks

[@tanyapoulin8342]

Your amazing Richard, our trip there has been cancelled 2x in the past 27 months.. we are determined to get there and will. Cannot wait to meet you and have you as our Realtor. Thank you for doing and sharing everything you know...

[@greent2512]

Thanks Tanya

[@Lou.B]

Very helpful - AND appealing!!!

[@gregreynolds3287]

Thanks for these video's you are doing. This is great information that is needed for us to understand before travelling to Costa Rica.

[@themiddleclasshippie5178]

These videos are great. We are coming to Tamarindo this December and to Las Catalinas to see if we want to buy a place here. You’re professional and straight forward. Love it.

[@cbtamarindo]

Thanks! Hope you find something you like. See www coldwellbankertamarindo.com

[@nld0947]

Hi Richard, YT algorithm pulls your channel after I googgled about vacationing in Costa Rica 😉. The information you provided is very informative and I enjoy watching it. My family and I are planning to go there for a vacation (US-GA). I am currently planning to do short-term rental condo in FL but I will add Costa Rica as another option. Do you have a video about short-term rental in Costa Rica?

[@claudehache3160]

Glad I discovered your channel. My wife and I have now been researching for a few months and have visited twice with the intention of settling down in the Guanacaste region. We loved Sámara and Carrillo area and will be exploring other similar beach towns. You’re information matches and adds to what I’ve already discovered so I subscribed. :) Cheers from Canada!

[@chrisnolan8382]

Your right on! I’ve been visiting CA the past 4 years and have found the same things.

[@trudithomas5792]

Great info! Thanks Richard.

[@maverik15j]

Thank you for the updates. Hope to be an owner down there someday. Please post a video about rental management companies, etc.

[@waynejohnson9380]

Great information just what we need to consider our move We hope to visit with intention to relocate A video on employment opportunities or business opportunities?

[@ProductPatrol]

thanks for the videos, , here in Canada planning trip , thanks for honest tips

[@cbtamarindo]

Look me up when you get here. [e-mail]. If you need a vacation rental visit www.viptamarindo.com

[@ricardotsai6692]

May I add another info. If you are renting for long term, the law states you need to pay a safety deposit which is equal to one month rent and pay the month in advanced. Meaning, if you want to rent a $1,000 place you would need to have $2,000 to put upfront. The contracts are annual and by law a 5% increase. However, most landlords since you are paying in USD and you are a very good resident, always pay on time, usually you can bargain in the last month to not have that 5% increase on your rent. They fear to lose a good resident rather to risk it to have someone that trash their property. With the Safety Deposit, by law, the landlord has to give it back when the contract expires. However, any damages or job required to restore the property after your use, the cost of that will be discounted from the safety deposit. Suffice to say that it is entirely up to your landlord how much of it will be returned. Read the contract before signing up. The law pretty much protects the resident, however, try not to count on having the safety deposit back at full. Hope that helps.

[@cbtamarindo]

Good advice

[@LarryLaird-eb8rp]

Very honest about your life in Costa Rica. I doubt that I would ever come there, as Mexico is much closer and cheaper than Costa Rica. 😊

[@corinnamakeup]

Thanks! You are covering all our initial questions about visiting and potentially buying in Costa Rica.

[@cbtamarindo]

no problem, contact me [e-mail] for a consultation when you are ready to get serious about buying

[@danieldehaan]

This is great, I was getting confused with other videos posting costs going anywhere from 800-5000 per month. What about the ugly hidden costs, VAT, wealth tax, property tax, property insurance, capital gains, dividend tax, luxury home tax, income tax, schooling fees, and so on?

[@TheNobleMarriage]

Love this video. Very helpful

[@DM-rk7hp]

Good job on the video and infor, I have been to CR 3 times, plan on more. One thing I wasn't sure if you mentioned was that property tax is super cheap. .025 of property value. And most property are bought under an incorporation, for ease. Cheers bud, hope to see ya in CR.

[@paulsonhanel6369]

I really like this

[@RachelleRobinettSupernatural]

So helpful. Thank you!

[@puravida5683]

You are right on point, I live in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste. I would just add two more points. One, CR has a new 13% VAT tax. Two, screen and do extensive vetting of your property manager. Many are incompetent and lackadaisical.

[@cbtamarindo]

I did a video on property managers and yes I agree. The 13% sales tax has been in place for all the 25 years that I have lived here. iI is nothing new, the a few years ago they expanded it to cover professional services such as legal fees too.

[@intrigantina]

Very useful thank you

[@cbtamarindo]

You are welcome

[@intrigantina]

@@cbtamarindo I trust you and appreciate your videos any reference for kitchen Planner/design? I am in Potrero

[@MnMGpa]

I’m on a daily medication, might you know how one gets them refilled? If they can’t be refilled in CR do you know what kind of hassle I’d go through to get them from America?

[@anthonylafayette4385]

What's the medication? You can buy a lot more medicine over the counter here in C.R. than you can in the USA.

[@RobertWilliams-mb9jb]

A car brought from the US may cost more in the long run. Cars (same make and model) from the US are built by different standards than those sold new in Costa Rica. So one may be ordering their parts from the US.

[@handaferguson]

Great Job! Thank You... :-)

[@Dtansing1]

Great upfront information. Much appreciated 👍

[@Steveford-ut5bi]

Hi Richard, any tips for finding a 6 week rental? Local agents or direct as apposed to Airbnb?? Leaving Spain for a change of scenery 👍

[@brazah4987]

Your info is golden! Thanks soo much, i just have a question?? With the latest import laws would it make sense to drive my 4runner in from Mexico City .... 🤠

[@MrKmichaelw]

Thank you Rich

[@cbtamarindo]

you are welcome Michael

[@RobertWilliams-mb9jb]

His name says it all. I wouldn't live in Tamarindo for all the tea in China. I have lived in the central valley for 13 years

[@anthonylafayette4385]

I lived in the Central Valley for 23 years. Barrio Escalante , Barrio Amon and now Barrio Chino (Catedral District). I would not live in the beach areas.

[@nogarlicplease]

How is the rental market ?

[@victorcosta9590]

I'VE BEEN LIVING 18 YEARS IN COSTA RICA. IF YOU LIVE A MODEST LIFESTYLE WICH MEANS EATING IN A RESTURANTS ONCE A WEEK, SPENDING U.S.$300.00. PER MONTH ON RENT, AND A MODEST CAR OR MOTORCYCLE FOR TRANSPORT, YOU NEED AT LEAST U.S.$1,500.00. PER MONTH. IN NICARAGUA YOU CAN GET THE SAME QUALITY OF LIVING FOR HALF THAT PRICE AND IN PANAMA, U.S.$1,000.00. PER MONTH WILL DO IT.

[@stephanielau7334]

Great info - are you a property manager? It sounds like that is a good way to make a living in CR.

[@DarleneCharise]

How much for rent, 1 or 2 bd? Did I miss that part?

[@jcar469]

If u have a n. american pension, will u be charged an extra income tax if relocating in C.Rica?

[@Normalman50]

Our monthly utilities are $150 per month, electric, water, Internet. Whatsapp phone is free. Groceries $100 pre week. Yearly taxes $90. Health care $50. So, One thousand a month is more than enough for a couple.

[@patriciam.3363]

In what town do you live?

[@Normalman50]

@@patriciam.3363 Close to Quepos.

[@tbourroux]

I really like your youtube channel, we are big fan of Palya conchal. . What're your thoughts about Reserval conchal? How can I contact you?

[@cbtamarindo]

You can send me An email any time! At: [e-mail] Hope to hear from you and thank you for watching!

[@greent2512]

YEs I like reserva Conchal. My email is [e-mail]

[@pauljeffrey8503]

Hi Richard, thank you for this, it was very informative and gave a nice feel to your experiences. I'm highly interested in Tamarindo (to rent as a starter). Would you have any links to reliable/up-to-date rental sites? -Also, I am curious about the wifi quality there as a remote worker, any input from you or this thread is appreciated! I never had any issues in the city or central coast but was curious! Thanks all :)

[@cbtamarindo]

Hi! Unfortunately there are no agencies in Tamarindo that handle long term rentals. If you're interesting in buying a property, my ISA Julia Henkel would be more than happy to assist and answer any of your questions. You can contact her on [e-mail]

[@intrigantina]

Good reference about plastic surgeons? Thank you

[@cbtamarindo]

Doctor Alfaro is excellent. [phone]. Speaks perfect English. Tell him I recommended you.

[@intrigantina]

@@cbtamarindo thank you 🙏

[@intrigantina]

@@cbtamarindo I will do 💪🙃

[@AaronHuie]

Hey man thanks so much for posting Wisconsin. It’s super helpful, question. Does one need a negative Covid test in addition to the vaccination status proof In order to enter the country? I was under the impression it’s only proof of vaccination needed. But I’m getting some conflicting information

[@cbtamarindo]

From next month all restrictions are being lifted i hear

[@jaime8317]

Pura vida mae ✌

[@robertpetersen2905]

Yes ; Retireing and not deep pockets; you talk as most expats live there part time then return @ home for ??? I was jazzed on Costa Rica for retirement now it sounds like I have no where close to $$ needed to live there. Things were much less expensive in 2017 when I talked with a legit Lawer and realtor!!! What is reality- I googled prices- Millions seem the norm? Let me know if there is any way I could buy a nice ocean front place in a not popular tourist area! Thanks Rob

[@johngarbarzyk5549]

Try in the Southern Pacific region. Zancudo Beach is still inexpensive.

[@danielstone454]

Are your listed costs in pounds?

[@joelmadrid2193]

"PANAMA RELOCATION TOURS! WITH JACKIE! 🙋😊 👍❤ 👈"

[@maryfreedom5]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@akbartanha9940]

Hey men I watch your clips. I live to move in. But my begget is. 1200. Can you help me. With lower please. ❤❤❤ Cuse I don't know no one. Be friends 💕💕😁🤣😁😁🤣😁

[@anthonylafayette4385]

You are not going anywhere in Costa Rica on $1200.00 a month, assuming it's $1200.00 a month and not a week.

[@Dtansing1]

I would appreciate it if you can inform me regarding purchasing a home/property via being an Australian via a trust!!!

[@Dtansing1]

When you talk about dollars, do you mean local dollars or American dollars please? I'm aware from your last video about local money plus taxes to 23%

[@samuelshadrack4366]

Very helpful...thank you