Part-Time Living in Grecia, Costa Rica for $1,400 a Month

Part-Time Living in Grecia
Costa Rica is welcoming, affordable, and easy to reach, with direct flights from the US and Canada.|©iStock/Wirestock

For Mike Huard, enduring long, dark Canadian winters in Ottawa used to mean suffering from seasonal affective disorder. But then, one day, Mike discovered a remedy: six months of Pura Vida living in Costa Rica.

Mike was looking for a change… a way to enjoy more sunshine and outdoor living. That's how Costa Rica appeared on his radar. And compared to his spending in Canada, Mike's monthly budget is less while living in paradise.

Mike is unwilling to lose his Canadian national health insurance benefits. Therefore, he won't stay out of his country for longer than six months. But Costa Rica makes the perfect part-time escape.

With sunlight, blue skies, and warm temperatures, Mike has found the boost he needs to feel more energized. He shares, "Being in Costa Rica is very therapeutic. I feel truly happy most of the time."

I met Mike on my recent editorial trip to Grecia, Costa Rica. As I wandered into Los Jardines Vivero y Café, a kaleidoscope of colors welcomed me—flowers in every shade, vintage VWs adding charm, captivating art, and a Koi Pond. The place was a labor of love.

Mike Huard

And amidst it all, the Nuevos Amigos Group in Grecia weekly gathering was in full swing. Although expats started the group, it's a place where anyone interested in building new relationships can join on Wednesdays at 12 p.m.

I quickly started chatting with Mike, who was ecstatic to share details about his affordable life in the sunshine. With his monthly budget at just under $1,385 for the six months he is here, Mike feels he made the right choice.

This northerner has adapted well over his five years visiting Costa Rica. "2023/2024 is my fifth year down here. For the first two years, I rented an Airbnb for 10 days. Then I skipped a year because of Covid. Next, I came for three months and then five months the following year. This year, I am staying for six months (from the beginning of November to the end of April), and I will continue this plan next year."

For Mike, coming to Costa Rica was love at first sight. "As soon as I stepped foot in this beautiful country, the lush green hills provided a sense of peace and greatly improved my mood. The simple joys of everyday life, such as strolling through the park to appreciate the abundance of trees and birds chirping, remind me of why I love it here."

Renting a room in downtown Grecia, Mike can easily walk to most places. "I found my current rental when I asked a friend for recommendations. My landlord is my friend's parents' neighbor. It's the nicest place I've been to so far. I have my private bathroom with a shower, and I get to use the kitchen. The owner is nice; I enjoy her company. And since she lived in Miami for 25 years, she also speaks English."

It's not just the scenery and fabulous climate that captured Mike's heart; it's also the warmth of the Tico (local Costa Rican) culture. Getting comfortable in Costa Rica is about making connections and getting involved with the local community by putting yourself out there and meeting people.

The Nuevos Amigos Group in Grecia meets weekly, offering expats a great way to connect.
The Nuevos Amigos Group in Grecia meets weekly, offering expats a great way to connect.|©Bekah Bottone

Even though Mike still feels like he is struggling with Spanish, he continues to take classes at the local library for $6 a class and accepts that it is a process. Luckily, many services, such as the bank, offer assistance in English and Spanish.

Mike loves sharing his monthly budget so others can see what is possible.

Here is a breakdown of Mike's monthly expenses while living in Costa Rica for six months:

  • $290 to rent a room

  • $240 at the feria (market) for fresh, local fruit and vegetables

  • $150 for kitchen staples

  • $160 for private health insurance (it's about $950 in all)

  • $150 entertainment and eating out

  • $75 vacation expenses (paid $450 for a week in Cahuita, Costa Rica)

  • $180 for a roundtrip airline ticket ($1,090 divided by six months)

  • $140 for a 5-foot by 10-foot storage space in Canada

Total: $1,385

Mike's hacks for keeping his budget low include eating a whole-food, plant-based diet and walking almost everywhere. He loves how walking helps him stay healthy and the positive effects of the endorphin release on his mood. He relies on rides from friends and buses when not going on foot. He finds Airbnbs to have the best deals when traveling.

Mike's five top tips for safe and easy living in Costa Rica:

  • Transfer money to a Costa Rican bank account using Wise. He typically pays $20 to transfer $1,000.

  • Having private healthcare is a smart choice. Residents can use the Caja (Costa Rica's socialized health care), but unless you have an emergency, you often must wait a long time for an appointment. Right now, Mike has a policy with Medipac in Canada.

  • Bus service is reliable in Costa Rica. Mike recommends using the website Yoviajo to find out the bus schedules.

  • Avoid going to the beach during the Christmas and Easter holidays and the first half of July because they are very crowded. These are the most popular Tico vacation times.

  • Pay attention to posted rip current signs at beaches. Be careful, as many beaches don't have lifeguards.

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