Harry Krause wrote:
On 1/10/2007 3:12 PM, Tim wrote:
Harry Krause wrote:
For around $150,000, you can buy a nice, modern, small house on acreage
in Costa Rica, farm coffee (or lease the land out), and be within
spitting distance of fabulous fishing, and without spending a fortune on
a boat. I have a retired friend down there who did that three years ago.

What would you say his cost of living is, Harry?

I mean, fuel, groceries etc, maybe property tax, ect?


"Fancy" real estate is quite expensive, but a new modestly sized house
with full amenities is not. You can rent a decent three bedroom house
for under $500 a month. Purchase of a car is expensive. Food is cheap.
I believe he told me he and his wife have national health insurance.

The last time we spoke about this, maybe a year or so ago, he told me he
and his wife lived "very well" on "her Social Security check," which was
about $1200 a month, and that they banked his and his other retirement
income.

They bought a 15-acre coffee "planation" with a modern house and a barn
for around $125,000. They lease out the coffee bushes or trees or whatever.

I've got a work related friend who's in-laws live in Costa Rica, and
they are living very well on their modest retirement income.