Affordable living remains one of the top reasons to relocate to Costa Rica.
However, that is not the only reason.
Check out all the pros and cons of living in Costa Rica.
Contents
- Pros of Living in Costa Rica
- 1. Affordable Healthcare
- 2. Cheap Flights
- 3. Local Business Opportunities
- 4. Retiree Immigration Program
- 5. Proximity to The United States
- 6. Drinkable Tap Water
- 7. Plenty of Beaches
- 8. Healthy Political Climate
- 8. Health Lifestyle Encouraged
- 9. Diverse Wildlife
- Cons of Living in Costa Rica
- 1. Undeveloped Roads
- 2. Dangerous Local Driving
- 3. Long Health and Government Wait Lines
- 4. Rainy Season
- 5. Slow Business Service (ex: Plumbers showing up late)
- 6. Slow Shipping
- 7. Earthquakes
- 8. Slow Public Transportation
- 9. Extreme Heat On Some Days
- Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica – Summary Table
- Costa Rica Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to be in Costa Rica?
- Which areas of Costa Rica are warmer?
- When is the worst time to be in Costa Rica?
- Is Costa Rica a cheap place to live?
- Is Costa Rica safe?
Pros of Living in Costa Rica
1. Affordable Healthcare
Costa Rica does not have free healthcare, but they have made it affordable.
It usually ranges from about $60-$250 USD per month, depending on age, gender, personal condition, and other factors.
Some of the costs may be covered by the country’s National Insurance Institute (INS).
INS insurance, by the way, covers about 80% of the cost.
Keep in mind, however, that the INS role has changed since 2008.
2. Cheap Flights
Depending on where you relocate from to live in Costa Rica, you can find cheap flights to and from a multitude of major cities.
This option is usually available to U.S. travelers, ex-pats, and individuals desiring to establish a residence in Costa Rica.
3. Local Business Opportunities
You may have the possibility of securing a place in Costa Rica if you invest in a local business.
Stocks, real estate, and commercial property (bars, restaurants, farms, etc.) are some of your options.
4. Retiree Immigration Program
If you are a retiree who has at least $1,000 USD of monthly income, you may qualify for temporary residency in Costa Rica.
Forms of monies that count include military pensions, work pensions, annuities, and securities.
If you meet the criteria, you can do this at any age.
5. Proximity to The United States
It is much closer than, for instance, trying to travel back and forth halfway across the world.
It is more feasible to make it home to the family during the holidays if you are originally from somewhere in the U.S.
It is especially possible for people living in southern states.
6. Drinkable Tap Water
Unlike in Mexico, you can drink tap water in most Costa Rican locations.
It is recommended, however, that you use bottled water whenever you can, especially in some remote, rural areas.
You do not have to worry if you do not have any bottled water though.
Most of the time you can drink it, but you should check out water quality reports of the areas where you plan to visit.
7. Plenty of Beaches
You’ll never run out of beach space to relax in Costa Rica.
Check out the Playa Conchal, Playa Manzanillo or Costa Ballena, for instance.
Activities in select spaces besides swimming include kayaking, viewing the palm rainforests, snorkeling, and whale watching.
If you are not sure where to start, research these seven beach spots.
8. Healthy Political Climate
Costa Rica is known for its longstanding democratically stable political environment.
The government also does its best to address indigenous discrimination, land disputes, and scandals.
In addition, they have a free electoral system that allows everyone (all adults) to vote.
8. Health Lifestyle Encouraged
Costa Rica sets precedence for healthy lifestyle choices.
For instance, they eat a healthy breakfast, which usually consists of rice and beans, a basket of tortillas, and coffee.
They also get plenty of exercise and eat an abundant supply of fruits and vegetables.
The average life expectancy of people from Costa Rica is about 90 years old, as opposed to the 71-72 years old expectancy in other places.
9. Diverse Wildlife
Because of the tropical forests and rainy seasons, it brings way more varieties of animals and plants than you would experience in other locations.
This area would suit you if you like to bird-watch, for example.
Costa Rica has six species of toucans, and one of the most colorful is the keel-billed toucan.
Other animals you might spot include the Ocelot (spotted wildcat), or perhaps you will notice some whales while you swim or snorkel.
One plant species that you might find fascinating is the Heliconia, which produces red, yellow, or orange flowers.
You might also enjoy the sight of the Guaria Morada, which is Costa Rica’s national plant.
It is an orchid that has purple pedals and a light-colored inner portion.
Cons of Living in Costa Rica
1. Undeveloped Roads
Many of the roads in Costa Rica do not have signs, lights, or guardrails.
They also may not have safety signs, such as ones that tell you where animals or pedestrians would cross.
Many of the roads are not paved, and the low, 40-mile-an-hour speed limit sometimes causes congested traffic.
(Highways only usually allow speeds of up to 55mph.)
Make sure you have GPS and a map when traveling by car and check ahead of time for road condition reports.
The roads to and from the international airports, however, are usually fine.
You have more of a problem when you enter areas off the main route, such as the path driven on the Arenal Volcano National Park Peninsula.
The best way there is probably from San Jose.
2. Dangerous Local Driving
Some of the local driving dangers occur because of the poor road conditions.
However, you also need to watch out because motorists will not always look out for you.
What’s more, they sometimes don’t yield to other traffic.
All in all, brace yourself, especially if you are a passenger.
It is ranked four out of 60 places as one of the fourth most dangerous places to drive.
3. Long Health and Government Wait Lines
Sometimes, you have to wait months to receive specialty care, such as surgery.
Waiting times for a general physical vary.
Make sure you schedule all appointments in advance if you want to receive a checkup or treatment before your problem worsens.
4. Rainy Season
In September and October, you might experience all-day rainfall in Costa Rica and 17 days of rain total on average during those months.
The average number of inches during this time is about 13-17 inches and 100 inches per year overall.
5. Slow Business Service (ex: Plumbers showing up late)
Costa Ricans do not seem to care as much about punctuality as people in America might.
For instance, you might have a plumbing accident right before a party.
However, your plumber might not show up until well after your guests have arrived – too late to avoid embarrassment to you and discomfort to your guests.
6. Slow Shipping
Possible causes of poor shipment systems in Costa Rica include customs cyber attacks, poor road conditions, and relaxed culture.
The country also does not seem to rely on national postal services like other places in the world do.
Even when not compromised, the customs situation can still be a hassle for people and businesses wanting to transport goods in and out of the country.
7. Earthquakes
More than 190 people since 1950 have lost their lives through activities directly involving earthquakes.
They have also caused tsunamis in the area.
They sometimes experience about 12 earthquakes per day in different locations, and they have had more than 10,000 per year.
Not all of them cause major damage though.
Still, take caution.
8. Slow Public Transportation
They do have plenty of ways to travel.
However, the quantity of them may not always provide the level of service that some ex-pats (foreign Costa Rica residents) hope for.
Bus routes are often long and uncomfortable, and you will only find a handful of existing commuter trains.
At least the buses provide enough routes for people to make it to most locations, and taxis are fairly inexpensive.
9. Extreme Heat On Some Days
Temperatures have reached as high as about 109°F (42.8°C), and this was in February.
It is not uncommon to experience scorching heat at 90-100 degrees for several days in a row.
Prepare yourself with hydration, sun protection, and cooling sources.
Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Costa Rica | Cons of Living in Costa Rica |
|---|---|
| 1. Affordable Healthcare | 1. Undeveloped Roads |
| 2. Cheap Flights | 2. Dangerous Local Driving |
| 3. Local Business Opportunities | 3. Long Health and Government Wait Lines |
| 4. Retiree Immigration Program | 4. Rainy Season |
| 5. Proximity to The United States | 5. Slow Business Service (ex: Plumbers showing up late) |
| 6. Drinkable Tap Water | 6. Slow Shipping |
| 7. Plenty of Beaches | 7. Earthquakes |
| 8. Healthy Political Climate | 8. Slow Public Transportation |
| 9. Diverse Wildlife | 9. Extreme Heat On Some Days |
Costa Rica Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Costa Rica Safety Review
Safety Index:
64
- OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK : LOW
- SCAMS RISK : HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to be in Costa Rica?
If you want to spend your time there during the dry season, show up between January and Mid-April. It may depend on your preferred location though. In the northwest, you could show up as early as December the previous year and stay until April. Otherwise, arrive in January in the Southwest.
Which areas of Costa Rica are warmer?
The Pacific coast is usually warmer than the Caribbean, and it gets about eight hours of sunshine per day in the summer. The eastern coast seems to see more cloudy days and rain throughout the year than the rest.
When is the worst time to be in Costa Rica?
If you have to live there most of the time and cannot get away, you do not have a choice. However, if you do, prepare yourself for the humidity and rain occurring between May and November. Most of the rain, however, would happen in September and October. You can sometimes receive discounts on accommodation during rainy times though.
Is Costa Rica a cheap place to live?
Accommodation prices will vary, depending on the season. Sometimes, if you arrive during the cold and rainy seasons, it may not cost you as much for your temporary stay as if you were to come during dry seasons. Of course, living there permanently could change things. Plan accordingly, depending on whether you intend to relocate year-round or just live here part of the year.
Is Costa Rica safe?
You will experience crime in some of the bigger cities. Places to avoid include San Jose parks at night and the “El Infiernillo,” sector (Santa Rita de Alajuela). La Cieneguita in Limón City, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos and Puntarenas City, Puntarenas are other places to stay away from unless you have to be there. Watch out when you first arrive too. There are plenty of theft occurrences near airports and bus or train stations. The safest places to be – and you might want to consider settling in these locations – are Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, and Drake Bay.
Additional Resources
- 10 Best Flea Markets in Costa Rica
- 10 Safest Cities in Costa Rica
- 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Costa Rica
- 16 Pros and Cons of Living in Panama
- 10 Best Zoos And Aquariums In Costa Rica
- 16 Pros and Cons of Living in Port Charlotte, FL
FAQs
What are the pros and cons of living in Costa Rica? ›
| Pros of Living in Costa Rica | Cons of Living in Costa Rica |
|---|---|
| 1. Affordable Healthcare | 1. Undeveloped Roads |
| 2. Cheap Flights | 2. Dangerous Local Driving |
| 3. Local Business Opportunities | 3. Long Health and Government Wait Lines |
| 4. Retiree Immigration Program | 4. Rainy Season |
Many expats say they feel 20 years younger while living in Costa Rica, thanks to the active, carefree lifestyle. Costa Rica is just a plane ride away from most major airports in North America. In a handful of hours you can leave behind the cold weather and find yourself in a tropical paradise.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Costa Rica? ›Cost of Living in Costa Rica: $1,100 to $4,000
This averages living costs across many months—you may spend more getting set up. An expat can average $1,100 per month on a tight budget, but even the most budget-conscious retirees and digital nomads will do best with a $2,000+ a month budget for a couple.
The country has been welcoming retirees and other expats for over 30 years. In fact, Costa Rica is one of the best countries at offering low costs for a high quality of living. And over time, the government has built an excellent infrastructure and environment for tourists and expats.
Where do most US citizens live in Costa Rica? ›There are many American expat communities in Costa Rica. All of the popular and safe expatriate locations in Costa Rica, such as Heredia, Atenas, Arenal, Tamarindo and even some parts of the capital city San Jose are home to many American expats.
Is it easy for Americans to live in Costa Rica? ›For starters, its healthcare system is one of the best in the world, surpassing even the nearby US. The cost of living is also low, and foreigners will not face any restrictions when trying to rent or buy a home. Where expats may face hardships, however, is in finding a job with a Costa Rican company.
How much does an average house cost in Costa Rica? ›| United States v/s Costa Rica | United States Average ($) | Costa Rica Average ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (comparable 3 bedroom, 2 bath) | $1000-3000 | $500-1200 |
| Gasoline (per gallon of regular) | $3.00 | $5.00 |
| ADSL Internet monthly (1024/512 kb/sec) | $34.95 | $28.25 |
| Home Phone Service (basic monthly fee) | $29.95 | $7.00 |
What's the average rent in Costa Rica? Rent is very affordable in Costa Rica compared to the U.S. Numbeo reports that the average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center is just $485. The average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment outside of a city is $332.
How much monthly income do I need to retire in Costa Rica? ›Average Cost to Retire in Costa Rica
According to March 2022 data from Numbeo, the average cost of living in Costa Rica, minus rent, totals around $600 per month or $7,200 a year for an individual retiree. So if you and your spouse want to retire together, you can easily do so for about $1,200 a month pre-rent.
For purposes of tourism, you may visit Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa. Please see the website for the Costa Rican Embassy in the U.S. for information regarding visa and entry requirements.
Is Costa Rica safe for Americans to move to? ›
The crime rate is low. Costa Rica is especially safe for solo female expats, although a standard amount of caution is always advised. Costa Rica is one of the best countries in which to retire abroad. This is thanks to its various visas, that allow foreigners to remain in the country without a steady job.
Can I collect Social Security if I move to Costa Rica? ›If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them. However, there are certain countries to which we are not allowed to send payments.
Can I collect Social Security in Costa Rica? ›Receiving U.S. federal benefits via direct deposit is mandated by U.S. law. Social Security Beneficiaries in Costa Rica have several options for receiving benefits via direct deposit: Direct Deposit to a U.S. Bank Account – You will need to supply the U.S. account information to the Federal Benefits Unit.
Can you live in Costa Rica on your Social Security? ›So, the answer to the question is yes; a person can retire on social security in Costa Rica. But unless they are financially “comfortable,” they may need to be prepared to change their lifestyle. Maybe a lot.
Do U.S. citizens living in Costa Rica pay taxes? ›All Americans living in Costa Rica must pay taxes on any income they receive from a Costa Rican source. This applies to both residents and non-residents. However, neither category will be taxed on income from a non-Costa Rican source, such as US-source income.
Can I own a gun in Costa Rica? ›Costa Rica Gun Laws: Only citizens and permanent residents of Costa Rica are allowed to possess firearms: handguns (up to three), rifles (up to three for sporting use; hunting is illegal in Costa Rica), and semi-automatic weapons between the calibers of 5.6 to 18.5 millimeters.
How much is an apartment in Costa Rica? ›| Accommodation type | Average monthly cost in Costa Rica |
|---|---|
| 1 bed apartment - city centre | 501.33 USD |
| 3 bed apartment - city centre | 839.93 USD |
| 1 bed apartment - outside city centre | 353.82 USD |
| 3 bed apartment - outside city centre | 630.65 USD |
Can Foreigners Buy and Own Property in Costa Rica ? The good news is, yes! The great part about Costa Rica is that foreigners and locals have the same ownership rights when it comes to buying property.
How much American money do I need to retire in Costa Rica? ›Cost to Retire in Costa Rica
The average retiree can expect to spend around $1,500 per month or $18,000 a year. Couples can live well on $2,000 a month. We've developed a cost breakdown for a couple to be able to retire in Costa Rica.
Typically, buyers in Costa Rica leverage a home equity loan + down payment savings to pay in full, as cash buyers, for their Costa Rican property.
How much is gas in Costa Rica in dollars? ›
Gas Prices in Costa Rica
Lately, the cost of gas in Costa Rica is around 800 colones per liter which is about ~$5.12 USD per gallon for regular. Diesel is cheaper in Costa Rica than the US and diesel is found at every gas station.
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Prices for one bedroom apartments for rent in Costa Rica range from $800 to $1,500. Costa Rica REALTORS® are one phone call away and ready to provide you with the most relevant information about the hottest rental properties in Costa Rica and the status of the real estate market.
Our average monthly budget for groceries in Costa Rica is around $600 USD for 2 people and 4 large dogs. Dog food and dog supplies are expensive in Costa Rica unless you get the very cheap, not good quality stuff. Prices are always quoted in Costa Rican colones at the supermarket. These are average prices in 2022.
What is minimum wage in Costa Rica? ›The minimum monthly wage for workers in Costa Rica is 352,000 CRC (US$625) for unskilled occupations, 452,000 CRC (US$803) for specialized, 626,000 CRC (US$1,112) for a university bachelor's degree and ¢752,000 (US$1,336) for a university graduate, according to the list established by the Ministry of Labor for the ...
How much do utilities cost in Costa Rica? ›Cost of utilities
Basic utilities rarely cost more than $70 per month. The cost of electricity is around $50 per month while the average monthly cost of water is $10. International investors living in Costa Rica pay around $100 per month for fast Wi-Fi and cable, and their cell phone plan doesn't cost more than $20.
You cannot use your US health insurance in Costa Rica unless your policy is valid for international travel. However, even in that case, the insurance plans usually cover only basic medical needs.
Where do most Americans retire in Costa Rica? ›Costa Rica's cost of living can feel very affordable to retirees relocating from the U.S. This country has been a popular place to retire overseas for more than 40 years. Consider these retirement spots in Costa Rica: Montezuma. Santa Teresa and Mal País.
Can you live on $3000 a month in retirement? ›If you have a low living cost and can supplement your income with a part-time job or a generous pension, then retiring on $3,000 a month is certainly possible.
Can you be a dual citizen in the US and Costa Rica? ›Dual Citizenship
Persons may have dual nationality by automatic operation of different laws rather than by choice. For example, a child born in a foreign country to U.S. citizen parents may be both a U.S. citizen and a citizen of the country of birth.
If you enter the United States on a visa waiver, your stay is limited to 90 days. A B-2 tourist visa, on the other hand, allows you to remain for up to six months. With a B-2 visa, you can apply to extend your stay longer.
Do you have to give up your US citizenship to live in Costa Rica? ›
Costa Rica recognizes dual citizenship. You are not required to renounce your previous citizenship to win citizenship in Costa Rica. However, before you apply for citizenship in Costa Rica, you must make sure your own country of citizenship allows dual citizenship.
What is the downside to living in Costa Rica? ›Though many aspects of Costa Rican living are decidedly first-world, the roads are not among them. Potholes, dips and cracks mark the roads so severely that cars can be damaged driving over them. Locals drive quickly and dangerously, passing where it is not safe to do so and not respecting the right of way.
How safe is Costa Rica 2023? ›As far as safety goes, the global peace index rated Costa Rica as one of the top 4 safest destinations in Latin America for tourism in 2022. The U.S. State Department has Costa Rica set to a “Level 2” travel advisory level for 2023.
Is Costa Rica safer than Mexico? ›When it comes to safety, Costa Rica wins hands down as it is one of the safest countries to travel to. It is also common knowledge that Mexico has a higher crime rate however, personally speaking, as long as you stay away from any drug related activities, you should be fine.
Which side of Costa Rica is better to live on? ›It's a little more developed
The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is more developed than the Caribbean coast, so dozens of fantastic beach towns line the way, including Samara, Tamarindo, Montezuma, Nosara, Dominical, Santa Teresa, Uvita, Quepos and Drake Bay.
The Best Places on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast. Most travelers visiting Costa Rica think the Pacific side of the country is the better coast to visit. The remote Osa Peninsula, the monkey-filled area of Manuel Antonio, the surfing near Santa Theres, and the touristy Nicoya coast make it the superior choice.
Can I live in Costa Rica on $2000 a month? ›The low cost of living
With housing costs and consumer prices much lower than in the U.S., it's easy to stretch your dollars and live like a king in Costa Rica. In fact, most people should be able to live relatively well on just $2,000 a month in Costa Rica.
The average cost of living in Costa Rica is around 30% lower than in the United States. This means that you'll be able to stretch your budget much further in Costa Rica than in the U.S. and enjoy a higher quality of life for a much lower cost.
How long can I stay in Costa Rica as an American? ›Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica? For purposes of tourism, you may visit Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa. Please see the website for the Costa Rican Embassy in the U.S. for information regarding visa and entry requirements.
What should I be careful about in Costa Rica? ›- Leave valuables unattended.
- Go to the beach at night.
- Buy drugs.
- Speed.
- Swim in front of a surf break.
- Take a dip in the river.
- Think you can get a base tan.
- Skip out on mosquito repellent.
Where do most expats live in Costa Rica? ›
Many expats live around Playa Flamingo, Playa del Coco, Playa Tamarindo, and the Papagayo Peninsula. Each town here is as beautiful as the last. They have a small-town feel, but tourism is booming. Just to the west, you will find many national parks and nature reserves, and also the Arenal Volcano!
How much does an American need to retire in Costa Rica? ›Cost to Retire in Costa Rica
The average retiree can expect to spend around $1,500 per month or $18,000 a year. Couples can live well on $2,000 a month. We've developed a cost breakdown for a couple to be able to retire in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica does have free public healthcare, but only for Costa Rican citizens who are most financially in need. This means that residents with a job and expats will have to pay for use of the public healthcare system (expats must provide proof of sufficient financial means in order to live in Costa Rica).