Just a quick flight away from the United States and Canada many foreigners choose Costa Rica to retire, the reasons are many, from great weather and amazing scenarios to peace and stability, but one of the main reasons is also the fact that living in Costa Rica is still considerably cheaper than the United States.

Once again, International Living has included Costa Rica, in a report that highlights seven towns around the world “where expats can live a rich man’s lifestyle on $30,000 a year or less”.

“In the States today, it’s a tiny percentage of the population that can afford luxuries like a housekeeper, a gardener, or a country-club membership,” says Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor, International Living. “A retirement with an ocean view? Most folks assume that sort of lifestyle is way above their pay grade.”

“But that’s not necessarily the case. In the right spots abroad, a high-end lifestyle (with perks like a housekeeper or gardener) costs way, way less than it would at home. The truth is: In the right spots, you don’t have to be a millionaire to live well. You can do it in the Caribbean and in Europe, in fact”, states the report.

The list includes destinations like Volterra, Italy and Akumal, Mexico. In Costa Rica, the town included is Puerto Viejo, Limón:
“White-sand beaches, clear turquoise water filled with tropical fish, palm trees swaying in the breeze, a laidback vibe—Costa Rica’s little-known Caribbean coast is the ultimate tropical paradise.

The Caribbean coast’s heart is the little town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca—a great place for retirees looking for a slow-paced life in a beautiful setting.

The year-round warm weather on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast lends itself to outdoor activities like snorkeling, surfing, and more.
Puerto Viejo offers a low cost of living thanks to lower rent, property taxes, food costs (especially if expats stick with locally grown products), and the availability of a low-cost public healthcare system.

“That said, cost of living is very dependent on lifestyle,” says Jason Holland, IL Roving Latin America Editor.

“Thanks to the influence of tourism, there are plenty of opportunities to dine at Italian and Argentinian restaurants, as well as French cafes that cost considerably more than local options. And local supermarkets stock plenty of imported items.”

“Still, a couple can live the good life in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on $2,025 a month, or $24,300 a year”, concludes the report.