Additional Coverage:
- A retired boomer who moved from the US to Costa Rica said it’s ‘horribly incorrect’ to assume life in Central America is much cheaper (newsbreak.com)
Gary Keenan chose to retire to the scenic outskirts of San José, Costa Rica, seeking tranquility away from his previous life in New Mexico. However, the anticipated lower living costs proved to be a myth as he encountered unexpectedly high expenses.
After relocating from New Mexico where he sold his business and went through a divorce, 71-year-old Keenan discovered that the cost of living in Costa Rica, especially for transportation and groceries, greatly exceeded his expectations from nine years ago. Despite the allure of Costa Rica’s serene environment and natural beauty that initially attracted him after a lifetime in Albuquerque, Keenan found the financial reality challenging. The expenses, from a car that’s twice as expensive as it would be in the U.S., to groceries and rent prices that have surged, especially in popular tourist destinations, have taken him by surprise.
Keenan’s critique challenges the narrative often promoted in various articles about the affordability of retiring in Latin America. Rather, his experience aligns with a more complex picture, where expatriates like him face significantly higher costs for a peaceful life abroad.
Keenan’s journey to Costa Rica was motivated by a desire for a change after decades in the insurance business and law practice. The charm of the country first caught his eye during a retreat and a wedding he attended, sparking the idea of retirement there. Despite initial plans to eventually move to France and learn French, a new relationship and the challenges of learning Spanish have kept him in Costa Rica.
Adjusting to life in Costa Rica also presented language barriers and cultural adjustments, from navigating daily tasks with limited Spanish to understanding the fast pace and colloquial speech of locals.
His housing journey in Costa Rica moved him from the outskirts of San José to Santa Ana, and eventually to Cariari, each move dictated by personal preferences and the quest for comfort amidst the country’s diverse climate and social landscape.
Financially, Costa Rica’s inflation and import duties on U.S. items have made Keenan’s expatriate life more expensive than anticipated, with even food prices and car expenses far exceeding his U.S. benchmarks. Despite finding a relatively good deal on his current apartment, the overall cost of living remains high, propelled by increased demand in touristy areas and the need for security.
If you’ve experienced moving abroad from the United States and have a story to share, you’re encouraged to reach out via email at [email protected].
To read the detailed account, visit Business Insider.