Complete Guide to Moving to Costa Rica in 2026

Costa Rica is the country that makes you wonder why anywhere else is even in the conversation. A nation with no military that chose to invest in education and healthcare instead. A sliver of land between two oceans that contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity in just 0.03% of its land area. A place where “Pura Vida” — pure life — is not a tourism slogan but an actual operating philosophy.

For Americans, Canadians, and Europeans considering relocation, Costa Rica has been a top-tier destination for decades. The reasons are concrete: a territorial tax system that does not touch your foreign income, a public healthcare system that produces better outcomes than many wealthy nations, multiple visa pathways with reasonable income thresholds, and a cost of living that lets you live well on $1,500 to $2,000 per month in most of the country.

But Costa Rica is not a budget destination in the way that Southeast Asia or parts of Mexico are. Groceries are expensive by Latin American standards due to import duties. Beach town rents have climbed significantly as remote workers have discovered Nosara and Tamarindo. And the rainy season — May through November — is genuinely rainy, not a light afternoon drizzle.

This guide covers the real Costa Rica: the visa options, the costs, the healthcare system, the tax advantages, and the honest trade-offs. At WhereNext, we score every country across seven data-driven dimensions. You can explore the full Costa Rica country profile for real-time data, or keep reading for the complete breakdown.

See how Costa Rica compares in our best countries to retire abroad rankings, or explore options for digital nomads.

Why Costa Rica? The Data Behind the Appeal

Costa Rica punches above its weight across nearly every quality-of-life metric. Here is how it scores on the dimensions that matter most to people considering relocation.

The pattern is clear: Costa Rica excels in lifestyle, climate, healthcare, and safety — the dimensions that matter most to retirees and remote workers. It scores lower on career opportunities and infrastructure, which reflects reality. This is not a country you move to for a corporate job. It is a country you move to because you have already figured out income and want to optimize for how you live.

Visa & Residency Options

Costa Rica offers several residency pathways, and the right one depends entirely on your income source, age, and financial situation. Here is a detailed breakdown of every major option for 2026.

Tourist Stay (90 Days)

Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, UK, and most Western countries can enter Costa Rica visa-free for 90 days. Many expats start with a tourist stay to test the waters before committing to residency. The 90-day period is extendable, and some long-term expats do “border runs” to Panama or Nicaragua to reset the clock — though immigration authorities have been cracking down on this practice. It is not a sustainable long-term strategy.

Pensionado Visa (Retiree Visa)

The Pensionado is Costa Rica’s flagship retiree visa and one of the most accessible retirement visas in the world. The requirement: $1,000 per month in guaranteed pension income from a government or private pension plan. Social Security, military pensions, and corporate pensions all qualify.

The visa grants temporary residency for two years, renewable indefinitely. After three years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency. Pensionado holders cannot work for Costa Rican employers but can own businesses and earn income from investments.

Rentista Visa (Fixed Income Visa)

The Rentista is designed for non-retirees who have stable income from investments, remote work, or other non-employment sources. The requirement: $2,500 per month in provable income for at least two years, or a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank (released in monthly installments of $2,500).

Like the Pensionado, the Rentista grants two-year temporary residency with a path to permanent residency after three years. This is the most common visa for younger expats and remote workers who do not qualify for the digital nomad visa or prefer a residency pathway.

Digital Nomad Visa

Introduced in 2022, Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa is a two-year non-resident permit for remote workers employed by companies outside Costa Rica. Requirements: $3,000 per month in income or $60,000 in savings, plus proof of health insurance and remote employment.

The digital nomad visa exempts you from Costa Rican income tax on your foreign earnings — a significant advantage over the Rentista, which requires you to become a tax resident. The trade-off: it does not count toward permanent residency. After two years, you need to either leave or transition to a different visa type.

Inversionista Visa (Investor Visa)

The Inversionista requires a minimum $150,000 investment in Costa Rican real estate, business, or qualifying assets. This is the most straightforward path for people with capital who want to buy property and establish residency simultaneously. It grants the same two-year temporary residency with a path to permanent residency after three years.

Path to Citizenship

After seven years of legal residency (reduced to five years for citizens of certain Spanish-speaking countries), you can apply for Costa Rican citizenship. Costa Rica allows dual citizenship, so Americans and Canadians do not need to renounce their original nationality. Citizenship requires a basic Spanish language test and knowledge of Costa Rican history and culture.

Cost of Living — Region by Region

Costa Rica’s cost of living varies dramatically by region. The Central Valley around San José is the most affordable area with full urban amenities. Beach towns on the Pacific coast command a premium, driven by expat demand and tourism. Here is a realistic breakdown for a single person living comfortably.

San José & Central Valley

The greater San José metropolitan area — including nearby cities like Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago — is where most Ticos (Costa Ricans) live and where costs are lowest. A one-bedroom apartment runs $400–$700 per month, with modern two-bedroom apartments in good neighborhoods available for $600–$1,000. Groceries cost $200–$350 per month, dining out is cheap at local sodas (family-run restaurants) where a casado (traditional plate) costs $4–$6, and public bus transport costs under $1 per ride.

Total monthly budget for a single person in the Central Valley: $1,000–$1,500. For a couple, $1,400–$2,000 is realistic. The Central Valley also has the best hospitals, the coolest climate (spring-like year-round at 1,100 meters elevation), and the most developed infrastructure.

Escazú & Santa Ana

These upscale suburbs west of San José are the heart of the established expat community. Modern malls, international restaurants, bilingual schools, and gated communities define the area. A one-bedroom apartment costs $600–$1,000, and a two-bedroom house in a gated community runs $1,000–$1,500. Everything from groceries to entertainment is 15–25% more expensive than central San José.

Total monthly budget for a single person in Escazú: $1,400–$2,000. This is where you find the international schools, the English-speaking doctors, and the expat social scene. It is comfortable, convenient, and the closest Costa Rica gets to a North American suburban lifestyle.

Pacific Beach Towns (Tamarindo, Nosara, Manuel Antonio)

Beach towns are where Costa Rica gets expensive. Tamarindo and Nosara in Guanacaste, and Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast, have been transformed by expat and digital nomad demand. A one-bedroom apartment near the beach runs $800–$1,500, and houses start at $1,200–$2,500. Restaurants cater to tourists, so meals run $10–$25 rather than the $4–$6 you would pay at a Central Valley soda. Groceries are imported and marked up.

Total monthly budget for a single person at the beach: $1,500–$2,500. The premium buys you surf breaks, stunning sunsets, yoga studios, wellness culture, and a built-in community of like-minded expats. Whether that premium is worth it depends entirely on your priorities.

A note on groceries: Costa Rica’s import duties make many staples surprisingly expensive. Cheese, wine, electronics, and imported packaged foods cost as much as or more than in the US. Local produce — tropical fruit, rice, beans, vegetables — is affordable. The weekly feria (farmers’ market) is where savvy expats shop: a week’s worth of fruit and vegetables for $10–$15.

Healthcare System

Costa Rica’s healthcare system is one of its most compelling features for expats, and it consistently surprises newcomers with its quality. The country spends a smaller percentage of GDP on healthcare than the US but achieves better outcomes across most metrics, including life expectancy (80+ years, higher than the US average).

CAJA: Universal Public Healthcare

The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CAJA) is Costa Rica’s universal public healthcare system. All legal residents are required to enroll and contribute — typically 7–11% of declared income for self-employed residents, or a fixed monthly amount for retirees (around $80–$100 per month). In return, you receive full medical coverage: doctor visits, specialists, hospitalization, surgery, prescriptions, and even dental care.

The CAJA system works well for primary care and emergencies. General practitioners are accessible, emergency rooms are competent, and the system handles routine health needs efficiently. The weakness is specialist wait times — non-urgent appointments with specialists can take weeks to months. Elective surgeries may involve wait lists of several months.

Private Healthcare

This is why most expats maintain private health insurance alongside the CAJA. Private insurance from providers like the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros), BlueCross BlueShield Costa Rica, or international plans costs $80–$200 per month depending on age and coverage level. Private hospitals like CIMA, Clínica Bíblica, and Hospital Metropolitano in San José offer world-class care with English-speaking doctors, short wait times, and modern facilities.

A specialist consultation at a private hospital runs $60–$100. An MRI costs $300–$500. A routine dental cleaning is $40–$60. For Americans accustomed to paying thousands for these services, the savings are transformative. Costa Rica is also a major medical tourism destination, particularly for dental work, cosmetic surgery, and orthopedic procedures.

Pharmacies and Prescriptions

Pharmacies (farmacias) are everywhere, and many medications that require a prescription in the US are available over the counter in Costa Rica. Common medications cost a fraction of US prices. It is one of the small daily benefits that adds up to significant annual savings.

Taxes for Expats

Costa Rica’s tax system is one of its biggest draws for international expats, and understanding it properly can save you tens of thousands of dollars per year.

The Territorial Tax System

Costa Rica operates on a territorial tax system, which means only income sourced within Costa Rica is subject to Costa Rican income tax. This is the critical distinction that makes Costa Rica so attractive to retirees and remote workers:

• Foreign pensions: Not taxed. Your US Social Security, military pension, or private pension is exempt from Costa Rican income tax.
• Foreign investment income: Not taxed. Dividends, capital gains, and interest from investments outside Costa Rica are exempt.
• Remote work for foreign employers: Generally not taxed if the income is sourced from and paid by an entity outside Costa Rica. The digital nomad visa explicitly provides this tax exemption.
• Costa Rica-sourced income: Taxed at progressive rates from 0% to 25% for residents. This includes income from a Costa Rican business, local employment, or rental income from Costa Rican property.

For most expats living on foreign pensions, remote salaries, or investment income, the effective Costa Rican income tax rate is zero. This is not a loophole — it is the explicit design of the system.

Property Tax

Costa Rica’s property tax rate is just 0.25% of the registered value annually — one of the lowest in the world. A $200,000 property costs $500 per year in property tax. There is also a luxury home tax (Impuesto Solidario) on properties valued above approximately $240,000, which adds a small surcharge on the value above that threshold.

Note for Americans

US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live. However, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows you to exclude over $120,000 of foreign-earned income, and Costa Rica’s territorial system means you are unlikely to owe significant Costa Rican taxes that would generate foreign tax credits. Consult an international tax advisor — the interaction between US and Costa Rican tax law is favorable but requires proper structuring.

Safety & Quality of Life

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America and a genuine outlier in the region. The country abolished its military in 1948 and redirected that budget to education, healthcare, and environmental protection. The result, nearly eight decades later, is a society that feels fundamentally different from its Central American neighbors.

Violent crime exists — primarily drug-related and concentrated in specific areas of San José and port cities like Limón — but it overwhelmingly does not affect expats. The crimes that do affect foreigners are petty theft and property crime: car break-ins, home burglaries in unguarded properties, and phone snatching in tourist areas. Basic precautions (do not leave valuables visible in cars, use a safe at home, be aware in crowded areas) effectively mitigate these risks.

Outside of San José’s rougher neighborhoods, daily life in Costa Rica feels remarkably safe. Beach towns, mountain communities, and the Central Valley suburbs have the kind of relaxed, doors-unlocked atmosphere that has largely disappeared in the US. Women traveling solo report feeling safe, and the established expat communities provide a strong social safety net.

The Pura Vida philosophy is not a bumper sticker — it genuinely permeates daily interactions. Ticos are among the friendliest, most welcoming people you will encounter anywhere. The pace of life is slower, the stress level is lower, and the emphasis on relationships over transactions is real. It takes adjustment if you are coming from a fast-paced North American lifestyle, but most expats describe it as one of the best things about living in Costa Rica.

For more on safety across countries, see our safest countries to move to guide.

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

Choosing the right location in Costa Rica is as important as choosing the country itself. A retiree seeking affordable healthcare will have a very different optimal location than a surfer-digital-nomad. Here is a detailed breakdown of the most popular areas.

Central Valley & San José

The Central Valley — a highland plateau at 1,000–1,200 meters elevation encompassing San José, Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago — is home to roughly 60% of Costa Rica’s population and the majority of its infrastructure. The climate is the standout feature: spring-like year-round at 20–28°C (68–82°F), with no need for air conditioning or heating. Rain falls primarily in the afternoon during the green season, with mornings almost always sunny.

San José itself is not a beautiful city — it is congested, noisy, and architecturally unremarkable. But it is functional. The best hospitals (CIMA, Clínica Bíblica), the international airport (SJO), major shopping, government offices, and a growing restaurant and cultural scene are all here. Most expats live in the suburbs rather than central San José, enjoying the city’s amenities without its downsides. Budget: $1,000–$1,500/month for comfortable living.

Escazú & Santa Ana

Located just 15–20 minutes west of San José, Escazú and Santa Ana are the premier expat suburbs. These areas have evolved into self-contained communities with world-class shopping (Multiplaza mall), international restaurants, bilingual private schools (Country Day School, Lincoln School), and modern medical facilities. Gated communities and condominiums line the hillsides with valley views.

The expat community here is large, established, and largely English-speaking. You can live your entire life in Escazú without speaking much Spanish, though that is not recommended. This is the area for families with children, retirees who want convenience, and anyone who prioritizes infrastructure and community over beachfront views. Budget: $1,400–$2,000/month.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a bustling Pacific coast beach town in Guanacaste province that has become Costa Rica’s most developed beach destination. It has the most restaurants, nightlife, and amenities of any coastal town. The surf is consistent and beginner-friendly. The dry season (December–April) is genuinely dry and hot. The town has a large expat population, particularly families and surfers, and English is widely spoken.

The downsides: Tamarindo has become somewhat overdeveloped and touristy. Traffic can be bad in high season. Costs are the highest of any beach town. The nearest major hospital is in Liberia, about an hour’s drive. But for beach living with full amenities, it remains the top choice. Budget: $1,500–$2,500/month.

Nosara

Nosara is Costa Rica’s wellness and yoga capital. Located on the Guanacaste coast about two hours south of Liberia airport, Nosara has deliberately resisted the kind of development that transformed Tamarindo. There are no high-rises, no chain restaurants, and no traffic lights. Instead, there are yoga studios, organic restaurants, surf breaks (Playa Guiones is world-class), and a deeply health-conscious international community.

Nosara is more expensive than Tamarindo in some ways — housing supply is limited and demand is high. The roads are famously terrible (though slowly improving). The nearest hospital is far. But for people who prioritize wellness, nature, and a tight-knit community of like-minded expats, Nosara is in a class by itself. Budget: $1,800–$2,800/month.

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, on the Central Pacific coast, combines one of Costa Rica’s best national parks with a developed tourism town. The national park is home to monkeys, sloths, toucans, and pristine beaches. The surrounding town of Quepos has good infrastructure, a local hospital, and a mix of local and expat-oriented businesses.

Manuel Antonio is more humid and greener than Guanacaste — it rains more, but the landscape is more lush. The expat community is smaller and more retirement-oriented than Tamarindo or Nosara. Real estate in the hills above Manuel Antonio offers stunning ocean views at prices that are lower than Guanacaste beach towns. Budget: $1,300–$2,000/month.

Arenal & La Fortuna

The area around Arenal Volcano in the northern highlands is Costa Rica’s adventure and nature tourism hub. Hot springs, waterfalls, hiking, zip-lining, and Lake Arenal define the lifestyle. A small but growing expat community has established itself around the lake, attracted by the cooler mountain climate, dramatic scenery, and lower costs than the coast. The town of La Fortuna has basic amenities, but major shopping and hospitals require a two-hour drive to San José. Budget: $1,000–$1,500/month.

Caribbean Coast

Costa Rica’s Caribbean side — particularly the area around Puerto Viejo and Cahuita — offers a completely different experience from the Pacific coast. The culture is Afro-Caribbean, the food is rice-and-beans with coconut milk, the vibe is reggae and calypso, and the pace is even slower than the rest of the country. The beaches are stunning and less crowded. Costs are lower than Pacific beach towns.

The Caribbean coast gets significantly more rain (there is no true dry season, though February–March and September–October are drier). Infrastructure is less developed, the roads can be rough, and the nearest hospital of any size is in Limón, which has safety concerns. But for people who want authentic, off-the-beaten-path Caribbean living at a fraction of island prices, this coast delivers. Budget: $900–$1,400/month.

Nature & Outdoor Lifestyle

Costa Rica is, without exaggeration, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The country contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity in just 0.03% of its land area. Over 25% of the country is protected in national parks, biological reserves, and wildlife refuges — 28 national parks in total. No other country of this size comes close.

Daily life in Costa Rica involves nature in a way that is difficult to appreciate until you live it. Toucans and parrots in your garden. Howler monkeys in the trees outside your window. Sea turtles nesting on nearby beaches. Whales breaching offshore. Volcanoes steaming on the horizon. This is not wilderness you have to drive hours to reach — it is interwoven into the fabric of daily life.

For active expats, the outdoor activities are endless: surfing on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, hiking through cloud forests and volcanic landscapes, white-water rafting on the Pacuare River (rated among the top rafting rivers in the world), scuba diving off the Osa Peninsula and Cocos Island, sport fishing in some of the richest waters in the Americas, and birdwatching with over 900 species recorded.

Costa Rica has also pioneered renewable energy, running on over 98% renewable electricity (primarily hydroelectric, with wind and geothermal) for several consecutive years. The country has set ambitious carbon neutrality goals and takes environmental protection seriously at a policy level. For environmentally conscious expats, this alignment between personal values and national policy is a meaningful draw.

Cultural Integration

Moving to Costa Rica is not just a change of address — it is a change of pace, expectations, and cultural operating system. The sooner you internalize this, the happier you will be.

Pura Vida Is Real

Pura Vida functions as a greeting, a farewell, an expression of gratitude, a response to “how are you,” and a philosophical framework all at once. It reflects a genuine cultural preference for being present over being productive. Things take longer in Costa Rica — appointments, repairs, government processes, construction projects. This is not inefficiency; it is a different relationship with time. Expats who thrive here learn to release their attachment to schedules and deadlines. Those who cannot adjust tend to leave within a year.

Spanish Is Essential

In tourist areas and the Escazú expat bubble, you can get by without Spanish. Everywhere else, you cannot. More importantly, learning Spanish is the single most important thing you can do to integrate. Ticos are warm and welcoming, but the door to genuine friendship opens much wider when you speak their language. Even imperfect, accented Spanish earns respect and opens conversations.

Language schools are abundant and affordable — $200–$400 per month for intensive courses. Private tutors charge $10–$20 per hour. Immersion is the best teacher: shop at the feria, eat at sodas, chat with neighbors, and resist the temptation to retreat into English-speaking expat enclaves.

Making Friends and Community

Costa Rica has one of the largest and most established expat communities in Latin America. Facebook groups, expat meetups, church communities, volunteer organizations, and sports clubs all provide entry points. The surf community in Guanacaste, the yoga community in Nosara, the birding community in the Central Valley — finding your tribe is not difficult if you participate.

Forming friendships with Ticos takes more effort and usually requires Spanish. Costa Rican social life is family-centered, and invitations to family gatherings are a sign of deep friendship. Be patient, be genuine, and show up consistently. The relationships you build will be the most rewarding part of your Costa Rican life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy property in Costa Rica as a foreigner?

Yes. Foreigners have the same property rights as citizens in Costa Rica and can own property outright in their own name. The exception is the maritime zone — the first 200 meters from the high-tide line on most beaches is public or concession land and cannot be privately owned by foreigners. Always use a reputable local attorney for real estate transactions and verify the property title through the National Registry.

Do I need a car in Costa Rica?

In the Central Valley, you can get by with buses and ride-sharing apps (Uber and DiDi both operate). In beach towns and rural areas, a car is essentially mandatory. Public transport outside the Central Valley is limited and unreliable. A reliable used SUV (4x4 recommended for unpaved roads) costs $15,000–$25,000. New cars are expensive due to import duties — typically 30–50% more than US prices.

What is the internet quality like?

Internet quality has improved dramatically. In the Central Valley, Escazú, and major towns, fiber connections deliver 50–200 Mbps reliably. Beach towns have good coverage in developed areas (Tamarindo and Nosara both have fiber in the center) but can be spotty on the outskirts. Starlink is increasingly popular in rural and coastal areas. For remote work, the internet is adequate in most expat-popular areas, but always test before committing to a lease.

Is Costa Rica safe for families with children?

Yes. Costa Rica is widely considered the safest country in Central America for families. The culture is family-oriented, children are welcomed everywhere, and the education options include excellent bilingual private schools in the Central Valley and Guanacaste. Public schools are free but instruction is entirely in Spanish, which can be an advantage for bilingual education. The biggest concern for families is road safety — driving standards and road conditions are significantly worse than North America.

How long does residency processing take?

Plan for 6–12 months from initial application to receiving your residency card (cédula de residencia). The process involves gathering documents in your home country (apostilled and translated), filing through a Costa Rican immigration attorney, biometrics and fingerprinting, and waiting for approval. Using an experienced immigration attorney is strongly recommended and costs $1,500–$3,000 for the full process.

What about bringing pets to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is pet-friendly. Dogs and cats need a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian (issued within 14 days of travel), proof of rabies vaccination, and a USDA endorsement. There is no quarantine period. Most airlines fly pets into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR). The country has excellent veterinary care at much lower prices than the US.

Is Costa Rica Right for You?

Costa Rica is an exceptional destination, but it is not for everyone. Here is an honest assessment.

Costa Rica is ideal for:

• Retirees with pension income who want warm weather, excellent healthcare, and zero tax on foreign income
• Remote workers and digital nomads earning in USD who want tropical living with reliable internet
• Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who want biodiversity and adventure woven into daily life
• Families seeking safety, bilingual education, and a family-oriented culture
• People who genuinely want to slow down and embrace a less productivity-obsessed lifestyle

Costa Rica may not be ideal for:

• Budget-conscious expats seeking the lowest possible cost of living — Mexico, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries are significantly cheaper
• People who need reliable infrastructure everywhere (roads, public transport, and utilities outside the Central Valley can be frustrating)
• Career-focused professionals seeking local employment (the local job market for expats is very limited)
• Those who thrive on fast-paced urban energy — Costa Rica does not have a world-class city, and even San José is mid-sized
• People who cannot adapt to a slower pace and more flexible relationship with time

Your Next Steps

Costa Rica has earned its reputation as one of the best relocation destinations in the Americas. The combination of a territorial tax system, universal healthcare, extraordinary nature, and a culture that genuinely prioritizes well-being creates something rare: a country where the lifestyle actually delivers on the brochure.

The best approach is data first, then experience:

• Explore Costa Rica’s country profile — real-time data on cost, safety, healthcare, visas, and more.
• Compare Costa Rica head-to-head — put Costa Rica against Mexico, Panama, Portugal, or any other destination on the metrics that matter to you.
• Take the WhereNext quiz — 2 minutes to get a personalized country ranking based on your priorities.
• Do a trial run — spend 1–3 months in Costa Rica on a tourist visa before committing to residency. Live in different areas, eat at sodas, attend a feria, and see if Pura Vida resonates with how you want to live.

Explore our guides for retiring abroad and digital nomad destinations to see how Costa Rica stacks up against the full global field.