Job Discussion Forums

[OleLarssen]

I'm not going to put out a huge analysis, but based on my own experience:

I earn between 400 and 450 dollars a month. It's possible to live on it, but don't expect champagne, women and all-night parties. I, personally, found it hard to maintain that budget and have frequently pulled off my savings, landing me on about 500-550 a month. I pay 180 bucks in rent, all included. I have friends who manage on 450 a month, though, with about the same rent.

I don't smoke at all nor do I drink much (no drugs either), so I'm relatively low-budget in my own humble opinion.

What really broke my budget was getting a girlfriend. :P

So, is it possible to live off a job paying 4-5 dollars an hour, working 25-30 hours a week? Yes, it is. You won't be rich, but you'll manage just fine if you're a bit careful. Use your savings to travel instead.

[OleLarssen]

More information from other people on the board:


"Sure you can "survive" on 450 USD in Costa Rica. After all, there are people here who "survive" on much less. But that's all you're going to be doing, surviving and worrying about money all the time."
-cocinero


"You can do it [survive on 450USD/month] but it won't be fun (...)...you will be just surviving and having to watch every penny and not be able to travel much.....People do, it especially the ticos, but they have a whole different system...you won't have that advantage...I would suggest getting work ASAP....Costa Rica is not a place where you can save money teaching English..."
-jprimm

Jprimm, if you would please explain more about the Tico system? I think I know what you're referring to, but I'd like to have it in writing in this thread.

[jprimm]

What I mean by the Tico System is that I have found from my former Tica girlfriend is that there are ofter two prices....one for Gringos and a lower one for Ticos. ....also the Ticos know where to shop locally, for instance the Pali for food and not A.M. pm...I don't mean this in the spirit of ill will or resentment...the same is true for Locals in Hawaii..with the Kaimiana discount....