Where does an American citizen go in Costa Rica to find very affordable place to live?

Costa Rica is a wonderful country compared to many other Latin American countries. They are the most literate and most respected Latin American countries. They are developing opposed to being third world. They have a relatively stable government. Safety is rarely a problem in Costa Rica. Common thefts in Costa Rica is very similar to what you might see in the USA. Do not compare Costa Rica with Nicaragua, Panama, or Mexico. It is completely unique and different. A good tourist town is Jaco Beach. It is a beach town, so it might be pricey. A decent place to live would cost around $800 a month rent. If you wished to purchase property, it is about 25-40% cheaper than in the United States. I suggest Jaco because you will be around a lot of Americans, most people speak English, and it is relatively nice. Jaco; however, has become known as a drug town...but is becoming controlled more. There are no laws stating foreigners may not own property. I can't tell you specifically where to live, but I can tell you that you would love Costa Rica. You would need to meet with a property agent in Costa Rica.

I recommend Costa Rica for several reasons. If you have not visited Costa Rica before, I suggest you do before making a decision. When you travel and depending on the time of stay, you go trough three stages. The first is enchantment, the second is an affair and the third is reality. The first is a week, the second between 2 and 8 weeks, and the third is after 8 weeks. According to this theory, I suggest that you don´t buy property until you are in the reality stage. And better if you go back home to the States and come back to see if your idyll is still going strong. Costa Rica´s main product is diversity. So with regards to your question of "where" it depends on what attracts to you. Beach, sun, countryside friendliness, caribbean, laid back pacific, the woods, city, or whatever it may be that you like and likewise how affordable it will be. So, come visit, enjoy your stay. You will find a friendly foreigner or local to show you around. Saludos! Roberto

Almost any small coastal town should be fairly cheap to live in. Find a large town you'd like to be near, then look at the small towns near it. You'll easily be able to find a good priced home.

Hi Mark. The PI is ok but not as nice as Costa Rica. "Affordable housing" is a relative term. Generally housing is higher in the city and lower the farther outside the city. 15 years ago it was a GREAT deal to live there. Its still pretty good but the more foreigners move there the higher the prices go. Its usually easy to find Americans anywhere in Costa Rica. The govt there is so stable they have no standing army. Police, yes...army..no. Costa Rica west coast is world class fishing. Good luck.

For a comprehensive answer I would suggest you join this discussion board: http://forums.arcr.net/ the owner is a Canadian, married to a Tica and lives in CR. On this board you will find almost all answers to your questions, plus a few good tips, pros and cons for living in various locations. And here is another site by Tim, with lots of really good info: http://www.therealcostarica.com/ and watch out for scammers - many are country-men of yours who try to take advantage of being a "buddy". remember, "If it sounds too good to be true ... it probably is." Good luck and pura vida!

near beaches in the north is where you will find more retires living or also americans!!! go to playa hermosa, guanacaste, liberia

In the province of Costa Rica you could rent a house for $150 a month