COST OF LIVING IN COSTA RICA

I too am very interested in what people will have to say about this.  As you have indicated living expenses comes down to how well or frugal you want to live.  What can one expect and in what areas of the nation affects this?  Some places are more economical then others.  How do you want to live?  Do you want to be near the beach?  Higher where it is cooler?  Near farmlands where food is more organic and fresh?  Near where essential medical care is?  Do you want to be a hermit or do you need to be highly sociable?  Do you plan to travel and use Costa Rica as your home base or the opposite?

Alvpackman poses great questions.  I am also thinking about a possible move to CR for less than 90 days initially and all of this is so new to me.  I've never lived outside of the U.S.  For me, being near good medical facilities is very important as well.  I thank everyone who can jump on this posting and teach us.