Retiring in Costa Rica ? Why You Should Consider It

Posted by Nick Niesen on November 8th, 2010

Many people are now seeking to retire in Costa Rica - often called the ?Jewel of Central America?, and its popularity is growing.

So, why are more people than ever looking to retire in Costa Rica? The major reasons for retiring to Costa Rica are:

. Close proximity to the US

. Climate

. Natural beauty

. Culture

. High standard of living for a very low cost

Quite simply, social security checks go a lot further in Costa Rica than they do in the US.

Geographical Location

For many people retiring to Costa Rica, one of the major advantages is its geographical proximity to the US.

Costa Rica is only a few hours flying distance to the southern U.S. mainland. Flights from Costa Rica to the US and Europe are frequent - making traveling easy. In addition, the time difference between Costa Rica and most US cities is just a couple of hours.

Cost of Living

Another reason for retiring in Costa Rica is that the cost of living is so much less than in the US.

For example, dining out will cost you around $12, and a maid will cost you just $150 a month. General household items are about 60% cheaper than in the US, and utility bills are also far cheaper.

In fact, you can quite easy live comfortably on a couple of thousand dollars a month.

Tax Status

When retiring to Costa Rica, one of the major advantages for Americans is its tax haven status - Americans retiring in Costa Rica do not pay income taxes on social security received from the U.S.

Cost of Real Estate

When you retire in Costa Rica, you?ll enjoy affordable housing - houses of an equivalent standard to those in the U.S. are available at a far cheaper cost.

While real estate has risen in price over the last few years, you can find small, basic homes from around $80,000 ? with a choice of homes to suit your pocket and your lifestyle.

Costa Rican law and its constitution protect private ownership of land - and foreign nationals get the same rights as citizens. Costa Rica has a history of stability and democratic government.

The comfort of a stable political environment - as opposed to other Latin American countries, means retiring in Costa Rica gives you peace of mind, due to your legal rights.

Of course, if you buy a house when retiring in Costa Rica you become part of the real estate boom, that has seen houses bought for $30,000 15 years ago, rise to around $700,000 today.

Healthcare

For many years, Costa Rica has provided healthcare services to visitors from around the world - where they?ve been able to get world class healthcare at a fraction of the cost of that available in the US and Europe.

When retiring in Costa Rica, most people take out the medical insurance offered by the government?s insurance company - this offers cover at just $900 per year for an adult male, aged between 45 and 50 - and this covers 80% of medical costs!

In fact, the United Nations consistently ranks Costa Rica?s health services the best in Latin America - and in the top 20 worldwide.

When retiring in Costa Rica, it?s nice to know that as you get older, you can enjoy some of the best healthcare around - at a fraction of the cost of the US or Europe.

The Country

Costa Rica is a very small country of around 32,000 square miles - and a population of only 4 million.

Many people retire to Costa Rica for the slower pace of life - and because it?s one of the safest countries in the world. In addition, the infrastructure is first class.

Costa Rica is also a beautiful country with diverse scenery. With stunning sandy beaches, mountains, rolling hills, beautiful lakes and huge volcanoes - Costa Rica is truly a country of beauty and wonder.

Another attraction for many retiring to Costa Rica is the climate. For example, if you want the heat of the beach you can have it. However, if you like a cooler, less humid climate - then you may prefer the "Eternal Spring" of the Central Valley and San José. Here the average year round temperature is in the 80?s during the day ? falling to the 60?s or 70?s in the evening.

You Deserve It!

Retiring in Costa Rica offers people a different, less stressful way of life, in a beautiful country - and at a cost that will allow you to get much more for your money.

When you retire, you deserve a quality lifestyle - and that?s what Costa Rica can offer you.

Discover Costa Rica today!