Hello
Strange subject header, I know. And apologies for the long post.
I was hoping for some advice. I've spent days browsing the forum and have learned a lot, but I've now got 'analysis paralysis' and have totally confused myself, so thought I'd just ask. It basically comes down to finances and social life
I'm a 46yr old single English guy whose kind of reached one of those 'life crossroads', and have been thinking about semi-retiring to Costa Rica for the last few months. I've only been there twice, though - two fortnight-long holidays, but I totally felt at home. I spent 20yrs working in the oil industry (currently on a career break) and am used to accepting cultural differences. E.g. 'Tico time' sounds very much like 'Thai time'. I can budget for about $3250/month.
So, my question is, what sort of life I could expect to lead with just over $3k/month. I know that in the UK, I'd be constantly strapped for cash if I tried to survive on that. I've read many posts about this on the forum which suggest $2k/month is enough, but they seem to be overwhelmingly geared towards the retired.
I don't mean any offence towards the retired, but I guess the simple fact is that when you get older, you tend to spend less. At the moment, I like to eat out a lot, go to the pub 3 or 4 times per week, socialise a lot, etc. I don't need fancy western food or imported beers, happy with local produce, but I'm unlikely to stay home for five or six nights a week. Could I still do that in CR on $3k/m?
I currently live in North Norfolk, UK, which is basically where the Brits go to retire. I really just came here because the history is so rich and I'm passionate about metal detecting (the county has been heavily populated since the Bronze Age). Consequently, almost all of my friends are in their 60's and 70's, and while I love chatting to the older folk, I think I'll be single for the rest of my life if I stay here.
So, my second question is, as a mid-forties bloke, can I expect much of a social life? I'm not a city-lover, much preferring small towns. I prefer beach to jungle/mountains. Don't speak a single word of Spanish, although keen to learn. Way too old for clubbing and late nights, but I do like to find myself a friendly local pub! Also, I don't need luxuries or huge apartments, but somewhere clean and safe and with enough room for a study.
Thanks for any advice. All a bit vague, sorry about that.
Jon