Contemplative life consisteth in perfect love and charity, felt inwardly by spiritual virtues; and in a true and certain sight and knowledge of God and spiritual matters. This life belongs to them especially who for the love of God forsake all worldly riches, honours, worships and outward businesses, and wholly give themselves soul and body (according to all the knowledge and ability that is in them) to the service of God, by exercises of the soul. (John Climacus)

John was writing specifically for the monastic. Can the contemplative life exist outside the monastery?

It can to the extent we give ourselves soul and body to the service of God... according to all the knowledge and ability that is in us.

To fully know God requires or results in (I am not sure of the sequence) forsaking worldly riches, honors, and other superficial distractions.

To fully know God may require some - in accordance with their particular knowledge and ability - to be largely separate from the world.

But others will have the knowledge and ability to grow more intimate with God because of their engagement in the world.

I am not sure of the Greek John uses for contemplate, but in his treatment of contemplation Plato is fond of σκοπέω or skopeo which is to look at, observe, be attentive to. Plato uses skopeo or skopos as both the process of contemplation and the target of contemplation.

In seeking God, by exercises of the soul and through the blessing of divine grace, we can know God.