Grecia is often considered one of the cleanest cities in Costa Rica and is recognized for its unique central church building made of… iron!
What's New?
The canton of Alajuela is like a visiting card of the province and a mandatory crossing point for those coming or leaving Costa Rica. It is home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, ...
in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
The Costa Rican tax system is based on the principle of territoriality, one of the most favorable for people who earn income from outside the country....
For years, Costa Rica was seen as a corner of paradise where you could retire, grow orchids, and eat papaya while counting your pills. Then ...
What's New?
Grecia is often considered one of the cleanest cities in Costa Rica and is recognized for its unique central church building made of… iron!
The canton of Alajuela is like a visiting card of the province and a mandatory crossing point for those coming or leaving Costa Rica. It is home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, ...
in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
The Costa Rican tax system is based on the principle of territoriality, one of the most favorable for people who earn income from outside the country....
For years, Costa Rica was seen as a corner of paradise where you could retire, grow orchids, and eat papaya while counting your pills. Then ...
What's New?
Grecia is often considered one of the cleanest cities in Costa Rica and is recognized for its unique central church building made of… iron!
The canton of Alajuela is like a visiting card of the province and a mandatory crossing point for those coming or leaving Costa Rica. It is home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, ...
in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
The Costa Rican tax system is based on the principle of territoriality, one of the most favorable for people who earn income from outside the country....
For years, Costa Rica was seen as a corner of paradise where you could retire, grow orchids, and eat papaya while counting your pills. Then ...
Costa Rica Country Guide
Area: 51.179 km² / Population: 5.106.000
How to move to Costa Rica
"Moving to Costa Rica - Tropical Dream or Reality
Who is writing this guide?
I am Iulia. I’ve been living in Costa Rica for over 20 years, with my husband, a German Shepherd puppy and a cat who thinks she’s the boss of the house. I didn’t come with the wave of digital nomads, but on my own, with trial and error.
This guide is not made for likes. It’s made for normal people, who want to know: what papers you really need, what taxes you pay (and why you don’t get out of them), where it’s worth living based on what you’re looking for, how safe it is, how expensive it is, and how much you can keep your sanity if you don’t learn Spanish
Thinking of moving to Costa Rica? Okay.
Has anyone ever told you that it’s “the Switzerland of Latin America”, that “everyone lives happily here” and that “for $1000 a month you get a swimming pool, parrots and peace and quiet”?
Great. Maybe you even read a blog where a family of 4 lives on 800 USD, eats organic avocados, and has time to spiritually re-center themselves in the jungle.
Well… close that tab.
Here you’ll find real, verified information, without all the candy pink, glitter, clickbait palm tree stuff.
What you will NOT find:
- Vague tips from people who spent 3 weeks in Santa Teresa
- Successful real estate agency “sponsored” real estate projects
- Tips about how easy it is to emigrate without papers
What you'll find:
- Up-to-date information with clear sources and explanations
- Comparisons between Costa Rica and other countries (Europe, USA, Mexico, etc. )
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Lots of honesty and a few jokes, so you don’t get a headache
This guide will be gradually completed
If you have any questions, concerns or ideas for topics you’d like us to cover, leave a comment (or a message if you’re shy). All real-life experiences are welcome – and yes, even the ones where you fell flat on your back when you saw how much a paracetamol pill costs at the pharmacy.
We continue...
Costa Rica Country Guide
Costa Rica is a beautiful country, with long stretches of deserted, undeveloped beaches… dense jungles teeming with exotic wildlife… towering volcanoes, lush, green valleys, and hundreds of crystal-clear lakes and rivers…
Costa Rica consistently ranks high in the world’s top retirement destinations. In 2025, it ranked 3rd in the annual Global Retirement Destinations Index and 11th for other expats, according to International Living.
And honestly, it’s no surprise.
Not only that, but the country offers excellent year-round climate, a friendly neighborhood atmosphere, hassle-free residency programs, excellent healthcare, a stable democracy, and safety. It doesn’t hurt that many retired couples report living well on $2,000 a month—and that includes all their expenses.
For these reasons, as well as the welcoming locals, who are warm and friendly to new neighbors even if they are foreigners, Costa Rica has been an expat paradise for more than 30 years.
The country’s natural beauty, stable democracy, peaceful political scene, friendly people (who affectionately call themselves “Ticos”), and easy access to airports with direct flights to the US and Europe make Costa Rica a magnet for those looking to move their lives to a warmer place — literally and figuratively.
The country’s name, “Rich Coast,” is not just a translation from Spanish, but a promise.
The relaxed atmosphere of pura vida gives you a chance to slow down, take a deep breath and finally start living. For many who settle here, the good life means more time spent outdoors, nature walks, sipping coffee with locals and real connections in communities where strangers aren’t ‘strangers’ for too long.
The biodiversity is incredible – Costa Rica is home to almost 6% of the planet’s biodiversity, despite being about the size of West Virginia.
Add to that: safe drinking water, stable internet (yes, it works fine in most areas), world-class surfing, deep-sea fishing, lively beaches and fairytale rainforests… and you begin to understand why more and more are flocking to this little gem of Central America.
you're the "tropical with flip-flops" type, or more like "hot tea and sweater in the morning"
Why move to Costa Rica?
Mild climate, relaxed culture and affordable cost of living
The mild climate, relaxed culture and affordable cost of living make Costa Rica an increasingly attractive destination for people from all over the world. The high quality of life and pura vida lifestyle attract not only retirees but also families, freelancers and dreamers of all ages.
This country has a special talent for subtly telling you, “come on, slow down a bit”.
Costa Rica has a surprising variety of microclimates. So before you pack your bags, ask yourself: are you more of a “tropical with flip-flops” type, or a “hot tea and sweater in the morning” type? If you love the heat and humidity, the coastal areas are for you. But if you prefer milder temperatures, then the Central Valley or the Lake Arenal area, located at higher altitudes, offer a pleasant climate all year round — without air conditioning and without radiators.
Ticos (as the locals call themselves) are known for their hospitality, simplicity and common sense. They smile at you on the street, help you without asking, and place great value on family, neighbors and community. It’s no wonder that some expats say that here they have rediscovered “the simple, kind and straightforward man”.
Cost of living? Well, it’s relative — and it depends on how you live. In the mountain areas or small towns you can live a decent life on 1,000-1,200 USD/month. On the other hand, a family living on the coast can easily reach $4,000 per month (or more), especially if they rely on imported goods and services. The important thing is to find your rhythm, the right area, and experiment directly before jumping to conclusions.
So… if you’ve ever thought “what if?”, maybe it’s time to test it out. Costa Rica doesn’t promise perfection, but it does offer a chance to breathe differently.
Think practical but keep your enthusiasm
Steps for moving to Costa Rica
Moving to another country is not like taking a spontaneous city break. You don’t rely on “let’s see where it’s at”. In Costa Rica, each area — whether we’re talking about mountains, coast or quiet jungles — comes with its own atmosphere, infrastructure and lifestyle. So… documentation is your best friend.
The bottom line: a vacation in Costa Rica and everyday life here are two completely different stories. It’s one thing to wake up to parrot music 7 days a year, and another to run around for a notary, permits, internet and… casseroles for the fridge.
To make your transition easier, here’s a list of things worth digging into ahead of time:
Internet services
not all the country is equally “fiber-optic”. If you work remote, put this at the top of your list
Good lawyer & accountant
yes, you need both. Ideally before, not after you sign something important
Events & local communities
expat groups can be an excellent source of info… and long coffees
Clothing & household
consider the climate and the lack of certain brands. Or their prices
Medical, dental & veterinary services
many are great, but check out what’s close to your future home
Education for children
from private schools to alternative options, the choice is varied
Year-round climate
Rainy or dry season when you want to move? It matters. Much
Banks & accounts
some have an appetite for paper like they collect it. Check ahead of time which ones are more open to expats
Extracurricular activities
yoga in the woods? Surfing? Volunteering? You’re guaranteed to find something you like
Buying a car
importing costs, and the local market is a world apart. Start reading want ads and asking locals
Postal and courier services
address is a relative thing in Costa Rica. Be psychologically prepared to find the yellow boulder 50 meters from the red house instead of a street and a number
Food & household shopping
not everything you know from the supermarket in Spain, Germany or the USA can be found here. And yes, mozzarella can cost as much as a whole pizza
Mobile phone & international calls
are good and cheap options, but should be tested in your area
So… open a document, make a folder, save links. Think practical, but keep the enthusiasm. You’re in for an experience as beautiful as it is real.
international airports with daily flights
Get your Papers Ready
No matter where you land – in Liberia or in San José – you have two international airports with daily flights from North America and Europe.
You are allowed to stay legally in the country as a tourist for 180 days, and many people start their Costa Rican adventure exactly like that: with a one-way ticket and a suitcase full of hopes (and documents, ideally).
Costa Rica has been attracting retirees from all over the world for years, but times have changed – many no longer wait for retirement to take the big step. Whether you come for retirement, business or adventure, you have the option to apply for temporary residency. After 3 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
⚠️ A small but important detail:
- Permanent residents have the right to legally work in the country.
- Temporary residents can own or run a business, but are not allowed to actually work (i.e., they must hire local staff for operations).
Regardless of status, everyone contributes to CAJA (CCSS) – Costa Rica’s public health system. And if you want free prescriptions from CCSS pharmacies, you have to be registered and up to date with your payments.
In private pharmacies, on the other hand, if you have money, you have no problem – they don’t ask if you’re affiliated.
residence categories
Application for Residence in Costa Rica
If you are thinking of settling down in Costa Rica more seriously, you have a few temporary residency options, each with its own requirements (more or less friendly):
- Pensioners
If you have a monthly pension of at least 1,000 USD (either from the public or private system), you can apply as a pensioner. You will need official proof of this recurring income. - Rentista
Here you must deposit 60,000 USD in a bank (local or foreign), then show that you can transfer 2,500 USD monthly to a Costa Rican account, for two years. Then, if you want to continue, you deposit the amount again and start over. - Investor
If you invest at least $150,000 in real estate, businesses, stocks, or bonds, you qualify for residency as an investor. - Married to a Costa Rican
Simple: if you are legally married to a Costa Rican citizen, you can apply for temporary residency as a spouse. - Parent of a Costa Rican
If you have a child born in Costa Rica (so an automatic citizen), you can directly apply for permanent residency – it’s called “residencia permanente por vínculo.
- Digital Nomad
Costa Rica offers a special visa for remote work. You must show that you have earned at least $3,000/month (or $4,000 if you are with a partner or family) in the last 12 months.
This residency visa:
- is valid for one year
- can be extended for another year, if you spend at least 180 days in the country
- exempts you from local taxes and the contribution to the health system (CAJA). Instead, they must have a health insurance policy that covers both the applicant and their dependents.
There are other categories of special residency (religious, diplomatic, sports, volunteer, business, etc.), but these are the most used and important.
We will come back and develop an entire section dedicated exclusively to types of residency, with clear and updated information for each case.
Learning a language opens doors for you.
Language barriers in Costa Rica
You don’t have to be fluent in Spanish to get by in Costa Rica – especially if you’re settling in tourist areas.
For example, on the beaches of Guanacaste you live in a real “English bubble”, where English is almost the second official language, due to the large number of tourists and expats. On the other hand, if you choose to live in the Central Valley or in less touristy cities, you will hear (and need) a lot more Spanish.
The good part? Spanish is a warm and friendly language, and learning resources are everywhere – from apps and online courses, to patient local teachers. If you want something more structured, you can try Warren Hardy’s online course or the We Speak Spanish schools, which offer face-to-face lessons in popular expat areas: Santa Ana, Atenas, Sabana, Ciudad Colón, and San Ramón.
Spoiler: learning the language opens doors for you. Some doors lead to people’s souls, you better understand jokes, traditions, cultural subtleties, and… why everyone smiles while saying “tranquilo.” It will be easier for you to make local friends, avoid bureaucratic confusion, and – yes – get the local price at the market, not the “for tourists in slippers.”
How much does it cost to live in Costa Rica?
Finances and Cost of Living
How much does it cost to live in Costa Rica? The honest answer is: it depends. It depends on your lifestyle, the area you choose to live in, and how “local” you’re willing to become.
If you’re dreaming of a beach villa with ocean breezes and organic smoothies, prepare a budget accordingly. Tourist areas like Tamarindo, Nosara, or Manuel Antonio are gorgeous, but they come with prices that are close to European or North American.
In contrast, cities in the Central Valley – such as Grecia, Atenas, or San Ramón – offer a better balance between comfort and budget.
For families with children, private schools can range from $200 to $1,000 per month, depending on location and level. Many retirees choose Costa Rica precisely because their pensions last longer here, and public healthcare services covered by CAJA are decent and affordable.
💡 Did you know?
Imported goods (especially cars) are expensive due to high customs duties. But! There is a legal loophole. Law 9996, valid until 2030, offers tax breaks for those who apply for residency by investment (minimum 150,000 USD). With this law you can bring furniture and two vehicles without VAT and customs duties. Not bad, right?
In conclusion: there’s room for all budgets – it’s important to know your priorities. You can live simply and beautifully, or you can recreate the luxury of “home”… for a fee.
Concrete examples
Atenas
Approximately $2,000/month: rent (3 bedrooms), CAJA, utilities, food, gas, car maintenance, small trips, and some fun.
Grecia
$1,400/month can cover everything: rent (2 bedrooms), food (including restaurants), public transportation, taxis, and occasional outings.
If you own a home
If you own a home and adapt to the local lifestyle, expenses can drop between 600 and 1,200 USD/month, without feeling cut off from the world.
Don't rush to sign a contract.
Housing, Rent and Where to Put Your Suitcase
📌 Common sense advice
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you talk to people who already live there, the faster you’ll learn what to avoid and where to look.
Many expats choose to rent an Airbnb for a few weeks in areas that appeal to them. That way you get a feel for the climate, the neighbors, the roosters crowing at 4am, and how far the grocery store is. If you like the area, you’re already there and can start looking for a longer-term rental – straight from the source, without unnecessary commissions.
When it comes to finding a place to live in Costa Rica, Facebook is your best friend. Join local groups, especially those dedicated to the areas that interest you – whether it’s Greece, Atenas, Tamarindo or Dominical. You’ll find not only listings there, but also life stories, recommendations, warnings and sometimes even future neighbors.
Bottom line: Don’t rush into signing a one-year contract just because it “looks nice in the pictures”. Explore, ask, test – the right home is not just a roof, it’s the place where you’ll feel “at home” in a new country.
health doesn't cost a fortune
Healthcare in Costa Rica
One of the great advantages of living here: healthcare doesn’t cost a fortune. Costa Rica has a solid medical system, with two options for expatriates:
– CAJA (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) – the public system, accessible after obtaining residency, where the monthly contribution depends on the declared income. Once enrolled, you have access to consultations, treatments, tests and surgeries.
– The private system – fast, efficient, constantly modernized. Many private clinics offer excellent services, and most doctors speak English. For expatriates who are not yet residents, the private system is the starting solution.
– The best hospitals and clinics are found in the Central Valley, in cities like San José, Escazú or Heredia. But in many tourist areas or provincial cities you can find well-equipped private clinics.
– Costs? A general consultation is around 50 USD. A visit to a specialist – between 80 and 100 USD. For those who go to the doctor frequently, there are subscriptions such as Medismart, which offer discounts on consultations and tests.
A little important reminder:
Make a medical emergency plan. Prepare a folder with your medical history, allergies, medications, and insurance details. Leave it in a safe place and tell someone you trust where it is. In private clinics, payment is required before any intervention, so… it’s better to be safe than sorry.
want to work legally in Costa Rica?
Work Permits in Costa Rica
If you want to work legally in Costa Rica, you must either be a citizen or have permanent residency. And to get there, the general rule is simple: three years of temporary residency before you can take the next step; of course, there are exceptions.
Many choose a “nomadic” lifestyle – staying 3-6 months, then moving on. Costa Rica’s attractive climate and atmosphere, spectacular scenery, stunning biodiversity and relaxed lifestyle make it easy to understand why so many fall in love with the country and start looking for a way to stay long-term, so not a few people eventually choose to apply for residency.
Digital nomads
I can get a special one-year visa (with the option to extend), but beware: this type of visa does not allow for paid work for Costa Rican employers. You can only work remotely for companies or clients outside the country. If you choose to get involved in local activities, they must be voluntary, unpaid.
For example, you can help with a community garden, but you cannot be paid as a gardener.
For example, you can help with a community garden, but you cannot be paid as a gardener.
Entrepreneurs
You can own or run a business in your own name, but you cannot be employed by Costa Rican companies. You are the owner, not an employee, and you are required to hire locals for operational work.
Permanent residents
They have the same rights as citizens in terms of employment and the right to work.
⚠️ Beware of scams!
There are websites and companies (including those from Europa) that promise mediation for obtaining a work visa in Costa Rica. In most cases, these are scams. Costa Rica does not offer standard work visas for foreigners. The only real options are those mentioned above (permanent residency, digital nomad visa, entrepreneurship or residency through family ties). If someone asks you for money for a guaranteed “work visa”, it is a clear alarm signal.
(no nervous breakdowns at the airport)
How to Bring Your Pets to Costa Rica
If you have dogs or cats and want to bring them with you to Costa Rica, the good news is that you can. The not-so-good news: it takes a bit of organization and patience.
Not all airlines accept pets, and not all year round (due to high temperatures).
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Lufthansa are currently among those that carry pets as checked or cabin baggage, depending on size and routes.
It’s safest to call the airline directly and find out the exact conditions – each has its own rules and weight/size limits.
What documents and preparations are needed:
✓ Internal and external deworming – done a maximum of 15 days before the flight
✓ Multiple vaccine – (Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospira, Hepatitis)
✓ Rabies vaccine – valid, administered at least 30 days before departure (and the animal must be at least 3 months old)
✓ Complete clinical examination – the animal must be healthy, free of infectious diseases
✓ Export health certificate – issued by the authorized veterinarian and certified by the sanitary-veterinary authority in the country of origin.
Once you have all this, your vet completes the official certificate, which is attached to your travel documents. Depending on the country you’re leaving, you may also need legalization from a higher veterinary authority.
a tropical beach, a quiet mountain village or a bustling city
Popular Locations for Expats in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers plenty of relocation options, depending on your lifestyle – whether you dream of a tropical beach, a quiet mountain village or a bustling city.
Coastal areas
Guanacaste is known for its sunny beaches and drier climate. The most popular towns among expats are Tamarindo, Brasilito, Flamingo, Playas del Coco and Avellanas.
Further south, on the Nicoya Peninsula, beach towns like Nosara and Sámara are becoming increasingly attractive to those looking for a laid-back vibe with a small international community.
Santa Teresa and Mal País, at the southern end of the peninsula, attract surfers, digital nomads, and lovers of isolation and nature.
Metropolitan area - Central Valley
In the heart of the country are the provinces of Alajuela, Heredia, San José and Cartago, with easy access to airports, modern hospitals and a variety of services. Favorite cities for expats include:
Athenas and Grecia – known for their mild year-round climate.
Escazú and Santa Ana – modern suburbs of the capital, with restaurants, shopping malls and international schools.
Tres Ríos, Pavas and Cartago – good options for those looking for a balance between urban and tranquility.
Lake Arenal area
The region around Lake Arenal is beloved for its natural beauty, more affordable prices and quiet lifestyle.
Nuevo Arenal is green and humid, with plenty of vegetation but also more rain.
Tronadora, on the other side of the lake, is windier but with less rainfall.
La Fortuna and nearby villages such as Chachagua have a warmer, drier climate, and are perfect for those who want to be close to hot springs, jungle and active tourist life.
☀️ Bonus: use the weather to your advantage
In September and October, when it rains in abundance in Guanacaste, you can visit the areas around Arenal or the Caribbean coast (Limón), where it’s the dry season.
advice straight from those who have already taken the plunge
Things I wish I had known before I moved
There’s nothing more valuable than advice directly from those who have already made the leap and are living in Costa Rica for better or worse.
– Foot a credit card with no external fees. Check out options like Charles Schwab or Capital One. Look for cards that offer cash back, miles or points – they can be great for free airfare or other perks.– Climate varies widely from area to area. It’s essential to know what the year looks like where you’re looking to move. Microclimates are everywhere. For example, just three hours away from the beaches of Guanacaste is Monteverde, at an altitude of over 1,300m, where it’s much cooler. And the Caribbean coast is completely different – flatter and wetter.
– Costa Rican banks test your zen. A simple deposit can take an hour or two. I recommend taking your laptop or a book with you.
Some banks allow you to open an account even without residency, with a passport, a valid visa and a letter of recommendation from a local with whom you have a business relationship (such as the landlord of a rented house).
But each bank has its own rules. In some cases, you can only open an account through a corporation.
– Tropical fruits and vegetables – in abundance! Explore them, don’t be afraid. Look for local cooking classes or ask neighbors how to use them. Shop at ferias (weekly markets), where you directly support local producers and it’s cheaper. Ever tasted a momón chino? Or drunk a cas?
An ending that is, in fact, a new beginning
Final Conclusions on Moving to Costa Rica
Do what fulfills you. For many people, Costa Rica is the place where they find balance, peace and joy in life.
If you dream of a more relaxed lifestyle, warm year-round climate, access to nature, a solid medical system and a reasonable cost of living (with a little planning), then this might be “home” for you.
Inform yourself, ask questions, and realistically consider what moving to a different culture and system will mean. When you’re ready, take the step without fear – but with your eyes wide open.
