We Slashed Our Living Expenses in Beautiful, Beachside Jacó

My wife, Brenda, and I love our second home in Jacó, Costa Rica. With the beach a block away, and all the amenities we need within walking distance, it is a wonderful place to enjoy the beautiful weather, the exotic tropical plants, and the engaging and vibrant people of Costa Rica.

Of course, scarlet macaws in the tree next to our patio and toucans whistling overhead don't hurt either.

Our life is much simpler here, and we spend less than at home. We don't need a car, so our transportation expenses are very low. It costs us less than $5 to take the bus into Costa Rica's bustling capital city, San José, and/or to the airport (50 miles), and the return trip is about $9 (involving two buses).

A short taxi ride within Jacó costs about $1.85. A day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park using two buses (one-and-a-half to two hours) costs about $7.

We also have bikes which have the double benefit of giving us a nice breeze as we pedal our way to our destination.

Sometimes, we take a local bus (for about 50 cents) to a nearby community to hit the fully equipped North American-style grocery store. But if we shop in the local grocery stores and buy local products, prices are considerably lower than back home in the States.

Meat costs a little over $3 per pound for pork or beef and $2 per pound for chicken. A loaf of whole wheat bread costs $1.80, eggs are $1.63 per dozen, and Betty Crocker chocolate fudge cake mix is just $1.26.

We load up with fresh fruits and vegetables at the Friday morning farmers' market for less than $20. That includes several large pineapples for $1.63 each.

Paul and Brenda share their patio with macaws like this in Jacó.|©iStock/Ondrej Prosicky

Our housing expenses are low since we own our condo. Our monthly costs include utilities, maintenance, internet, and cable. For those who rent in Jacó, costs vary, depending on the size and style of the condo, house, or apartment. Proximity to the ocean will also influence the monthly rent. Many expats live in condos that come with some utilities provided, and there is almost always a pool and sometimes a gym.

I recently found a range of rentals in Jacó—from small, two-bedroom apartments for $400 to luxury condos for $2,500 a month and up, and every price range in between. Private homes are also available for rent, or they can be purchased in the $75,000 to $300,000 range, depending on your needs and desires.

For entertainment, there is surfing, walking or jogging on the beach, civic activities, and lots of great restaurants at every price range. You can also take in a recently released movie at the local cinema for $5.

Costa Rican restaurant food is delicious, simple, and affordable. A local soda (simple restaurant serving local dishes) will offer an ample meal of meat (chicken, beef, or pork), rice, beans, salad (various choices), and vegetables for $4.50. Without meat, it will run $3.60. Sometimes they will throw in platano maduro, a baked plantain that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

I can walk six blocks and see an English-speaking doctor for $25 to $50 cash. For those who need prescription medications, common ones can easily be found here at one of several pharmacies with no prescription needed for many. For common ailments, it is handy to be able to walk into the pharmacy, ask the resident doctor to take a look, and then purchase the recommended medication and be on your way.

As retirement approaches, it feels good to know that we can live comfortably in this beautiful beach setting, enjoy the beloved Pura Vida lifestyle, and still have the resources to travel and spend time with family back home.