Job Discussion Forums

spandex123 · Joined: 17 Mar 2005 Posts: 3

I've just been offered a job with Institute Britanico in San Jose. The pay kinda sucks but I'm not too worried- all I want to know is, is San Jose really that expensive? How expensive are apartments etc? I've got a fairly minimalist lifestyle and am used to budget travelling around the world..... any teachers found they couldn't survive on Costa Rican salaries?

ThePeatMan · Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 5:58 pm Post subject:

if you're a minimalist person, you should have no problems on an Instituto salary. actually, you'll probably be pretty comfortable.

p_town_green · Joined: 24 May 2005 Posts: 5 Location: Portland, Oregon

I taught at Instituto Britanico for a year and got by. SJ isnt cheap, but after traveling in Central America I'm convinced that CR isn't a lot more expensive than other countries, despite what many people say. Rent is pricey, though you can find furnished places in the $200-$300 range. That's about 1/3 up to 1/2 your salary, but the other living costs are manageable. Good, cheap food ($2-$3 for a huge plate of grub), one of the better cheap beers I've ever encounterd ($1 for a bottle of Imperial), and cheap transport (city bus=$.25, bus to nearest beaches, 2-4 hours away, $5). I dipped into the savings a bit in the first few months cause I'm bad at budgeting and love to drink, but you should be able to get by. good luck

Munchen · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 76

You mentioned furnished apts. in San Jose running around $300 monthly.
Could you elaborate a bit more on any neighborhoods? Also concern about safety. Are these places in what could be considered reputable neighborhoods?
Would be interested and can check further with other sources.
Thanks.

p_town_green · Joined: 24 May 2005 Posts: 5 Location: Portland, Oregon

Cheza · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 4:58 pm Post subject:

I know you didn`t ask but... If I were you I would look into getting a job outside of the Central Valley. It`s harder to find a job because of the lack of advertising, but if you speak Spanish that shouldn`t be a problem; as things pass very quickly by word-of-mouth here.
It is much more safe here. Ive never felt in any kind of danger, and never heard of any stories of anybody getting mugged or robbed, and Ive been living here for almost a year. The cost of living is cheaper too, I pay about $70 per month rent for a private apartment in a decent neighborhood, with a yard and plenty of storage area. However the pay is significantly lower here (I make only about $3-4 per hour depending on the job).