Americans Seek Affordable and Exotic Retirement Living
Today, much of America's present and past workforce is looking to Costa Rica for retirement living. The exotic country is gaining attention for its natural beauty, low cost of living and high quality of life. If desired, American retirees can even start a new career during their time in Costa Rica.

Many of America's retirees are spending their nonworking days in Costa Rica. Initially drawn by the country's magnificent landscape and weather, retirees often remain in the country for many other reasons.

Cost of living and property are reasonable. The tropical climate eliminates the need for air conditioning and heat and the natives are welcoming to American retirees.

Cost of living in neighboring countries Honduras and Nicaragua is slightly less than Costa Rica, but so is the quality of life. In Costa Rica, a monthly income of only us$900 to us$1200 affords a middle-class American standard of living. Retirees with over us$2,000 per month can typically live a rather luxurious lifestyle.

Much of this is due to the strength of Costa Rica's currency and the dollars purchasing power.

A full-time maid costs less than us$300 each month. Costa Rican utilities, such as electricity and water, are one-third the price of North American utilities. Traveling across the entire country using public transportation is no more than us$10. The country's capital (San José) has some of the least expensive goods and services in the world.

Retired persons can also begin second careers in Costa Rica.

The development of new small businesses is welcomed and encouraged. In general, cafés and retail stores that sell fresh fruit are among the most popular options that afford long-term financial stability and feasibility.

As a result, Costa Rica real estate is gaining increased attention from American retirees and other individuals looking to purchase real estate in a foreign country. This has caused Costa Rica property prices to go up in recent years. However, Costa Rica has not adjusted to property values, and the cost of living remains much lower than America, Europe or Canada.