San José Central Market

12 Best Places to Retire Around the World

"This Central American country, where "pura vida" (pure life) is a greeting and description of the culture, stretches from the Caribbean to the Pacific, with rain forests, jungles, and beaches. Costs vary as widely as environments, but, in general, the cost of living in Costa Rica is reasonable. For example, in the city of San José, the cost of housing is about 79 percent lower than in New York City, and consumer prices are around 44 percent lower. A few ways to become a resident include the Pensionado Program, which requires a monthly income of at least $1,000. Those funds must be transferred to a Costa Rican bank to be withdrawn for expenses. The Rentista Program, for those without a monthly pension, requires a minimum of $60,000 or a monthly income of $2,500 for at least two years. Health care is available through public and private systems. For residents, the national medical program (with no co-pays or exclusions) is available, along with the option of private care with out-of-pocket costs that can be self-insured or paid through a private insurance policy." - Travel + Leisure Editors