Costa Rica

Posted on by Jason Leavitt

By now you probably know I moved to Costa Rica. It’s not forever, so I’m calling it temporarily permanent. Many people have emailed me about my move and the country etc, so this post is to get everyone up to speed. Then I’ll answer any questions, assuming I know the answers.

Why did I move to Costa Rica?
Honestly, I moved for the fun of it. There really is no other answer. I can work from anywhere in the world as long as I have good internet access. We considered lots of places but decided to stick with a US time zone, so my schedule wouldn’t change. Costa Rica was our top choice; Panama, Ecaudor and Peru were also considered.
What will I be doing here?
I’ll be working as I’ve been doing for many years…from home, over the internet. My wife got a teaching position at one of the international schools. My kids (ages 4, 4, 1) will be enrolled in school/day care.
During the week, our lives won’t be much different than they were in the States (other than my wife working and my 12 month old being in day care). The kids will make friends, ride their bikes/scooters, go to parks, go for walks, etc. On weekends we plan on exploring the country: both coasts, national parks, the rainforests, some touristy spots, etc.
Life will be simplified because we won’t have access to all the things we had access to in Colorado, but that’s ok. I don’t think we need lots of stuff or access to lots of stuff to be happy.
What are we hoping to get out of this?
Me: I personally want to learn Spanish and learn something “local.” That might mean farming (I currently live on a small organic farm (picture below)) or cooking (I’m pretty handy in the kitchen, and I’d love to learn to make many Latin American dishes).
My kids: I’m hoping they learn Spanish, or at least have a pretty good grasp of it.
Wife: She’s looking for mostly a cultural experience which entails doing all our shopping at local farmer’s markets and ma an pop stores, and anything that involves cooking, she’d be up for. She also wants to explore every inch of the country.
Will we save money, etc being here?
vI’ll answer this in general terms, not as it specifically applies to us.
Health care is much less expensive in Costa Rica.
Housing could be more or less expensive depending on one’s individual situation. If you pay a lot for housing in the States, you can certainly save money here, but you can also save money moving within the US.
Other bills? Internet and cable are comparable to the US; other expenses (power, water) are much less. Most living quaters don’t even have an HVAC system, so no central heat or AD. Where I live, it’s not needed.
Food is hit or miss. Generally speaking, fruits and veggies which are grown here are cheap, but anything brought in is expensive (bananas cost 10 cents each, but a small watermellon cost me 9 bucks at the farmer’s market).
Most everything else is more expensive because the government puts a tax/tariff/surcharge on imports. A cheap box fan bought at Walgreens in the States for $15 cost me $36 here. A high chair at Babies-r-Us in the States that might be $75 cost $200 here. It’s shocking how expenisve things are.
Transportation/Cabs? Cheap.
School? In the States, school is free once the kids get to kindergarden. Here, we’d be paying, so this would be a significant expense.
Overall, you could potentially save money here by living cheap and below your means etc, but you can do that in the States too.
Whatever money we save with housing and healthcare will probably be spent travelling throughout the country, so for us it’s a wash.
When will we return?
My wife is commmited to teaching for 18 months. After that we’ll decide if we want to move back, stay another year or possibly move somewhere else, like Panama. If we like it and the kids like it, maybe we’ll stay. If we miss the rock climbing and skiing in Colorado, we’ll come back. If the kids are on their way to learning Spanish but would greatly benefit from being here one more year, we’ll stay. Who knows. We’re not planning that far in the future. For now we’re just getting settled in.
The organic farm…

Jason Leavitt

72 thoughts on “Costa Rica”

  1. thanks for sharing, Jason. Sounds like a real adventure for the whole family. What about crime and health care facilities? I know this is a very locally dependent but any thoughts so far?
    Gerry

    2. Hey Gerry…petty theft is prevalent here, so my wife can’t leave her backpack laying around at a park while the kids play, but major crimes are rare. Overall it’s very safe. I’ve heard health care facilities don’t look encouraging from the outside but care is very good. As far as location goes, things get worse as you get farther from San Jose…worst health care or no hospitals at all, worse roads, worse internet, etc. And then you get to the touristy spots on the coasts and things get better.

  2. Jason, good luck in your new temporary home , i give you credit for stepping out of the BOX. , farm looks great wonder if you can grow asparagus , i too have been looking at other locations out of n.j. ,such as belize,,chile,,uraguay , i read that kathleen piccard overseas newsletter , so i get motivated , but getting back to you , also heard gasoline is cheaper in costa rica , good luck and have fun with the family , bob curran , also keep up the blog, good work here , another good site i use is http://www.dshort.com.

  3. Jason, good luck in your new temporary home , i give you credit for stepping out of the BOX. , farm looks great wonder if you can grow asparagus , i too have been looking at other locations out of n.j. ,such as belize,,chile,,uraguay , i read that kathleen piccard overseas newsletter , so i get motivated , but getting back to you , also heard gasoline is cheaper in costa rica , good luck and have fun with the family , bob curran , also keep up the blog, good work here , another good site i use is http://www.dshort.com.

    1. I hope so. The years blend together when you stay in one place, but when you do something crazy, you remember. As far as the snow goes, yeah I know it wasn’t great when we left two weeks ago, but my sister says you’ve gotten some snow recently.

  5. Way to go Jason! I’d love to do something like you’re doing, but my wife would never go for it. Personally, I think you’re kids will get a huge benefit and tremendous experience. Sure can’t hurt to be more worldly.
    I guess the only thing you didn’t answer is how the security situation feels. But if you took you’re kids there, I assume that’s an answer in and of itself!

    1. Hi Patrick. Costa Rica is very safe. Petty theft is prevalent (pick-pocketing), but major crimes are rare. I’m not overly concerned. Americans are very welcomed here. They want our tourist dollars. 🙂

  6. FASCINATING, I’M ENVIOUS OF YOUR BRAVADO! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR EFFORT, I LOOK
    FORWARD TO OTHER NOTES.
    I ALSO SHOULD MENTION THAT I FIND YOUR WORK QUITE INTERESTING.

  9. tks for the post.. good luck and enjoy the adventure. I know some folks who have retired to Costa Rica. Are you finding many other Americans who are there for similar reasons as you or who have moved there in retirement?

    1. C…the only Americans we’ve met teach at the same school as my wife. Otherwise we are surrounded by Ticos (this is what Costa Ricans call themselves). But we here there are lots of ex-pats here…I guess just not where we live (Heredia-San Pablo).

  10. Just curious, you buy the prop and are u becoming a CR citizen or stay on a VISA?
    Wish you all the best. Have several friends that moved there too. Wanted to continue to play internet poker for real $$$ so they moved.
    Best always,
    Jack
    PS. How did you do the “leg work” to find where you wanted to live…etc…?

    1. Hi Jack…we have no plans on becoming CR citizens. My wife got a teaching job at an international school, so she’s here on a work VISA. The rest of us – at least my kids – are here with her without any issues. Me getting a VISA is a little harder but through her school it won’t be too bad. Worst case scenario is I’d have to leave the country for a couple days and then return.
      We’re living close to where my wife’s school is. In fact the school owns the farm we are living on, so we didn’t have to do anything other than show up and tax a cab to the school. We were then escorted to our living quarters.

    1. C…whatever gets taken out of my wife’s pay check gets taken out. I have no idea. I will not be paying any Costa Rica taxes, but I will be paying US federal taxes as if I still lived in the US. Since 100% of the work I do is over the internet, and all the money I makes is made in the US (that’s where all my brokers are headquartered), the fact that I’m here is irrelevant.

    1. Ron I’m not sure what the tax advantages are, if there are any for someone like me who makes 100% of his money in the US. I’m not sure if I have to pay Colorado state taxes, but I definitely plan on paying US federal taxes as if I was still living in the US.

  13. Hello Jason,
    I am delighted to see you moving to a nice country like Costa Rica. It’s the right choice compare to Panama , Ecuador and Peru.
    I grew up and study in Panama for high school and college although I was not born there . I know a lot about the neighboring countries but Costa Rica is the Switzerland of Central America. I recommend that you visit “La Frontera ”
    of Panama with Costa Rica and a town called David in the state of Chiriqui. . A lot of retired Americas live in the surrounding areas such a Boquete.
    Costa RIca also has a lot of Americans living there .They moved down there when they were not listed in the draft of War World II and they set up food companies. I am sure you will experience a unique culture with a lot of peace full and well educated people.
    Best of luck.
    Tom Kutmus

  15. Good for you. My first thought was, he moved to beat the rising taxes (health care and income). In 2011 there were about 1800 ex-pats that moved to Central America, but I know that’s not who you are. Post some pictures of your house. Is it hurricane-proof?

    1. I’ll post some pictures. Is my current house hurricane proof? I doubt it, but I don’t think a storm has rolled through here in a very long time, and I’m a couple hours from the Caribbean coast so I’m not too worried. Plus I’m up in the hills. The entire country would have to flood for me to get hit.

  16. Awesome, Jason! Exciting times ahead for you and your family. It is great to have the flexibility to experience different cultures. Life is short, so good luck to you and your family in your ventures.

      1. Jason,
        My brother-in-law, Warren Becker, lives on the road north from Heredia. Been there for years and loves it.
        Visited him a couple years back and had a great time.
        Buena surte y bon viaje,
        c

  18. Great for you! You must be thrilled. Many more Americans will be joining you in the next few years. Hope it all works out very well for you and your family.

  19. I have definitely thought about doing this, but I am retired. Having small children makes the entire experience very different. Looking forward to updates on “life in Costa Rica” I have gotten weary of the constant emails from International Living trying to get me to spend more money to learn how to retire to Ecuador, Panama or Costa Rica.

  21. Cool farm, which is great for people who are into cooking.
    Told my bride i want to live in nyc for 6 mo’s.–vegas for 3 mo’s–and a foreign country
    for 3 mo’s.–could be done as one could trade from anywhere–she turned me down–Know aomeone who lives 6 mo’s. CR and 6 mo’s Puerto Rico–would never come back.
    Good luck to you !

  22. I have been in Costa Rica twice as a tourist. Food offered seemed to be “beef or chicken” Perhaps you can raise chickens and export them to Buffalo Wild Wings. Little late for all
    the SuperBall parties this weekend but perhaps you could be ready for 2014 SuperBall Party.
    I live 90 miles north of Chicago. Yesterday it was 60 degrees, today we had 4″ of snow and
    tomorrow down to 13 degrees – wind chill – 25 degrees. You will be safe from all of these
    variations in temperatures. No mittens, no boots, no caps, no heavy coats for the kids.
    You may never get your wife back to the states.

  25. Be careful of the local cheese, they seem to forget to pasteurize the milk. You going to find some great coffees. I hope you are not on the Pacific coast–you might as well be in the states. Have a great time–the people are great, including the doctors!

  27. I am a couple years behind you, My son will graduate high school in Peachtree City Ga. in 2015. After that, I’m moving to Costa Rica. My reason are; I have no faith in our government, I see it becoming so controlled and our freedoms are almost gone. I will be near Jaco or just North of there when I move, How was it getting your personal items to Costa Rica? Mike

    1. Hi Mike…since we weren’t moving here permanently, we only brought what we took on the plane…5 checked bags, 2 carry-ons and 5 personal bags (backpacks). We only brought the necessities and left everything else behind. The best site I know of for getting info about Costa Rica is: http://www.therealcostarica.com/. Good luck. I have no idea if I’ll still be here when you arrive, but definitely keep in touch.

  28. Way to go Jason. My wife and I have lived overseas most of our adult lives – currently in Australia but previously in Europe, Africa & Asia. I think we’re done moving, but certainly not done travelling. Our kids are now early teens & have had great experiences. Current timezone isn’t conducive to active daytrading so my style there has changed but that’s ok. We’ve known many “foreign families” who have chosen similar expat lifestyles, but few Americans – Yanks always ask about costs, taxes etc – it always seems to be about the money for them. That’s too bad but I think its often an excuse to never pull the trigger themselves. Life ain’t about money.
    Best of luck to your family – once you get the bug its much easier to continue and find another place after CR.

  29. If you make to Tamarindo, go to a surf shop named Kelly’s Surf Shop, tell him Brad sent you. He is an ex-Torontonian and ex-Calgarian (Canadian) and has been living in CR for 5-6 years. He will set you up surfing.
    BP

  30. Mike: My understanding (may be very outdated) is that a lot of the benefits CR offered to Americans moving down are long gone, such as being able to import your stuff and some other tax and work issues. Still, it will be a good move.
    If Spanish isn’t an issue I’d probably consider other countries. Eventually you will want to get as far away from tourists as possible, and the associated gringo pricing. Heredia is good in this regard. Hmmm… I can live on Gallo Pinto alone (black beans and rice, served with almost every meal).
    Jason: Don’t tell your wife that San Jose is the sex tourism capital of Central America. Do not EVER utter the words Del Rey Hotel, Blue Marlin Bar, or Key Largo Bar. LOL. Used to be strictly Ticas but then the word got out to the Colombianas and Nica girls that they can charge the gringos triple. Ruined everything!

  31. Will be an awesome experience. I know several people who go there regularly – several times a year and some even own property there – one fellow owns a farm there. Never heard anyone say a bad thing about the country. Enjoy your stay.

  32. Congratulations Jason. Looks great. We have a great organic open market in Old Town Alexandria if you want to ship out any surplus. Given your report on the cost of goods down there you might consider starting an import/export business. With the trend-demand for organic food here you could probably barter for a Walmart franchise and capitalize on another revenue source. Given some of the feedback I’ve recieved from others down there you might want to consider importing a diesel generator as a power back-up for your pipe. You don’t want to leave your Leavitteers hangin! Be careful and we wish you the best. Adios, JR.

    1. John…the reason why imports are so expensive is because the gov’t taxes everything, and there’s no way around. I can’t just buy stuff in the US and ship it here. If that was possible, I’m sure someone would have figured out how by now. It would be cheaper for me to order a laptop and have it shipped to a friend in the US and then pay for that friend to fly here and deliver it than it would be to just buy a laptop here. Crazy.

  34. Hola Jason,
    espero que lo pases bien en la “cosa rica” porque lo has hecho muy bien salir de tu pais. Asi no pagas impuestos a un gobieron federal y estatal que envenena y trata mal a sus propios ciudadanos, fijate como trata a los extranjeros. Planta tus porpios comidas en tu jardin asi tienes plantas que son 100 % “GMO Free” y no uses semillas de “Monsanto” “agent orange vietnam war” te acuerdas ? Vuestro gobrierno no puede seguir viviendo a coste de todo el planeta porque the USD is worthless paper nothing more and nothing less. If you like to see the real situation in the US read naturalnews.com del health ranger so for that reason Jason it was an exellent choice you made. And don,t use the CIA hub “Facebook” for you communications because you have a right to privacy. I hope i could inspire you a little bit with this outrageous conspiracy theories, but in my opinion the actual monetary system is in intensive care and has short time to live. Inflate or die federal private reserve bank but unfortunately they inflate the whole world since Bretton Woods.

    1. Thanks for your comments Steve. I don’t know if I’ll the chance to have my own garden here, but I certainly would like to learn for when I return to the States…which as of now I definitely plan on doing.

      1. by the way Monsanto was thrown out of costa rica with their “GMO shit” because they want to grow that stuff there as well an contaminate the soil their as well. And after that sue the farmers there for patent infringement, am common practice of the company. But costarricenses knew very good what GMO means (infertility, cancer and other nice stuff big pharma has to gain money desperately), so they are one of the leading companies for the new world order. This means 90 % of population reduction worldwide, based on their global aims.
        Best wishes for all radical US citizens (latin term radix means root to go to the root of the problem)
        Steve (abolish the criminal federal reserve system)

  36. Jason,
    Congrats! You are living my dream and that of many. My parents immigrated from Costa Rica separately in the early 1960’s and made their way to California and eventually met and married.
    We have visited the county as children by air and road and now my wife and kids visit at least once a year. My father eventually moved to Heredia/San Pablo, very near the Church. It’s a beautiful small town. Go visit “El Castillo” if you haven’t yet, it is near by and a good weekend get away for the family.
    Its a great place to live and raise children. Enjoy and have fun! Pura Vida!
    If you have any issues or questions, we are well connected over there and can help you with anything you may encounter.
    Peace,
    =cv

    1. Thanks Carlos. It’s a small world. So many people have written about having been to CR, lived in CR, wanting to go to CR etc. We are in Heredia-San Pablo. My wife is teaching at The European School, and we definitely plan on exploring on the weekends. We’ll check out “El Castillo” when we head towards the volcano. Stay in touch, and let me know if you’re here to visit.
      Jason

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