For five years, I embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, primarily based in Costa Rica, and discovered a way to live and travel for less than my expenses in the US. By avoiding car ownership and utilizing work exchanges, I drastically reduced my fixed costs. My rent in Costa Rica ranged from $300 to $600, significantly lower than the $1,000 to $1,700 I now pay in Portland, Oregon. I practiced "slow travel," staying in each location for at least a month, allowing me to negotiate better rental rates. Additionally, I found joy in free activities and the novelty of exploring new cultures, which kept my entertainment expenses low. Work exchanges also helped offset costs in pricier areas, providing free accommodation in exchange for part-time work. This mindset shift allowed me to appreciate simple pleasures and experiences, making travel more fulfilling and affordable, a contrast to the consumer-driven lifestyle I experienced back in the US.
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