Costa Rica
About Costa Rica▾
Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica, is a country in Central America. It borders Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, sharing a maritime border with Ecuador to the south of Cocos Island.
Wikipedia excerpt
Out of 100 on default weights.
Data Sources
4/6 live · 1 estimated · Last checked: Feb 2026 · Source data: 2025Quick Decision Summary
Verdict
Worth exploring
Score 50/100 · #45 globally
Biggest Strength
Affordability
Score: 79/100
Key Risk
career
Score: 50/100
Why Costa Rica Matches You
Based on your default priorities, Costa Rica emerges as a highly competitive option. It is pushed to the top of your list primarily by its highly favorable Affordability, Lifestyle, and Healthcare.
What you might give up:You should be aware of significant tradeoffs in Career, Infrastructure, and Education. This assumes a standard global baseline, but personal tolerance may vary.
Personalize Priorities
Adjust weights to see real-time impact on Match Score.
Baseline Score
50
Rank
#46
Your Match Score
50
Key Statistics
$18,587
GDP per Capita
PPP: $31,107
5.1M
Population
80.8 years
Life Expectancy
6.8%
Unemployment
17.7/100K
Homicide Rate
Stable
Political Stability
Index: 0.98
85%
Internet Access
Broadband: 22.5/100
Strong
Purchasing Power
PPP ratio: 1.67x
Score Overview
Strengths
79 Affordability
77 healthcare
Watch Out
50 career
51 infrastructure
The Verdict
Data vintage: 2025Affordability
Derived from normalized relative GDP, PPP ratio, and real-estate proxy anchors.
Safety
Derived from homicide rate, political stability, and life expectancy.
Healthcare
UHC coverage, physician density, and life expectancy.
Career Opportunity
Driven by economic velocity and local workforce participation rates.
Why Costa Rica Excels
- • Territorial tax system benefits remote workers
- • Incredible biodiversity and natural beauty
- • Stable democracy with no military
- • Affordable, accessible healthcare
The Trade-offs
- • Poor road infrastructure outside the Central Valley
- • High cost of living relative to neighboring countries
- • Rainy season (May-November) is intense
Quick Compare
Relocation Readiness Score
ExclusiveComplete your profile to get a personalized readiness assessment for Costa Rica.
Take the QuizYour money goes roughly 145% further in Costa Rica compared to the US — significant purchasing power advantage.
Monthly Reality
Est. monthly costs based on your lifestyle in Costa Rica.
Cost Breakdown
Avg: 49/100 — ModerateHigher values = more affordable. Indices normalized 0-100 for Costa Rica. Source: Numbeo cost-of-living surveys, 2026.
Cost Breakdown
Sub-index affordability scores for Costa Rica — higher = more affordable
112% more affordable than US average
155% more affordable than US average
141% more affordable than US average
74% more affordable than US average
36% more affordable than US average
Source: Numbeo cost-of-living surveys, 2026. Higher values indicate greater affordability.
Monthly Budget Calculator
Estimates are approximations based on cost indices and PPP data. Actual costs vary by city, lifestyle, and personal choices.
Lifestyle Cost Planner
InteractiveHow much would your lifestyle cost in Costa Rica?
Remote worker, shared or studio apartment, eating out often
- Coworking membership included
- Mix of eating out & cooking
- Basic health insurance
Purchasing Power Calculator
InteractiveWhat does your money actually buy in Costa Rica?
Based on typical spending basket compared to US equivalent prices
Life Simulator
ExclusiveProject your finances 5 years into the future — stay home vs. relocate to Costa Rica
Assumptions: 3% annual salary growth, 3% home inflation, 2.5% destination inflation, 6% annual investment returns. Tax rates from OECD/KPMG. Expenses scaled from Numbeo cost-of-living data. For informational purposes only — consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
Note: Costa Rica offers special tax regimes that may reduce your rate further: Territorial tax system
FIRE Calculator
When can you retire if you move to Costa Rica? Compare your FIRE timeline at home vs. abroad.
Assumptions: 7% nominal return, 3% home inflation, 2.5% destination inflation, 4% safe withdrawal rate. Cost of living scaled using Numbeo cost index (US = 100, Costa Rica = 56). For informational purposes only — consult a financial advisor.
Dual-Life Optimizer
ExclusiveFind your optimal split between home and Costa Rica — balancing cost, tax residency, and lifestyle
12 months in Costa Rica + 0 months at home minimizes your annual total to $38,160, saving $25,680/year vs staying home full-time.
Tax Comparison
Compare your tax burden: United States vs Costa Rica
Tax calculations use simplified progressive bracket models for informational purposes only. Actual obligations depend on residency status, tax treaties, deductions, and individual circumstances. US citizens owe US taxes worldwide but can use FEIE ($126K exclusion) and Foreign Tax Credits. Consult a qualified international tax advisor before making relocation decisions.
Seasonal Strategy
ExclusiveWhen to visit Costa Rica for the best balance of weather, cost, and crowds
spring in Costa Rica
Mar – May
Best weather — ideal temperatures, blooming
spring (Mar – May) offers the best value in Costa Rica — 90/100 comfort at $1950/mo.
Financial Arbitrage
Compare your true net savings moving to Costa Rica
Current Home City
Costa Rica Estimate
Home Net Savings
$2,000/mo
Taxes: -$2,000
Living: -$4,000
Costa Rica Net Savings
$4,789/mo
Taxes: -$1,600
Living: -$1,611
+2,789
Extra monthly savings
Purchasing Power Simulator
See how far your money goes in Costa Rica compared to the US, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP).
Equivalent Buying Power in Costa Rica
Based on World Bank PPP conversion factor (GDP PPP / GDP nominal ratio: 1.67x). Individual costs may vary.
Currency Converter
Your USD 5,000/mo salary converts to approximately CRC —/mo in Costa Rica. Exchange rates from Open Exchange Rates API; actual bank rates may differ.
Tax Overview
Maximum marginal rate on highest income bracket
Standard rate on goods and services
Standard corporate income tax rate
Only local-source income is taxed.
Estimates are simplified and for informational purposes only. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Job Market Insights
Show 7 more professions
Salary estimates are approximate medians for mid-level professionals. Actual compensation varies by company, experience, and negotiation.
🇨🇷 Real Estate Investment
Same property rights as citizens; maritime zone (first 200m from coast) restricted
Generally unregulated; tourism areas highly profitable seasonally
- Maritime zone (50-200m from high tide line) requires concession — foreigners need a partner
- Squatter rights (precarismo) are real — never leave property vacant without a caretaker
- Sociedad Anonima (SA) corporate structure is common for holding property
- Property tax is only 0.25% — one of the lowest rates in the Americas
Retirement Readiness
Retirement Visa
AvailablePensionado Visa
Monthly Cost of Retirement
Healthcare Access
Retiree Lifestyle
Activities: Nature, birdwatching, hot springs, surfing, yoga retreats
Tax Benefits
Tips for Retiring in Costa Rica
- •Pensionado visa only requires $1,000/month pension — one of the lowest thresholds
- •CAJA (public healthcare) is mandatory and affordable for residents
- •The Central Valley offers spring-like weather year-round
- •Atenas and Grecia are nicknamed the best retirement towns in the world
- •No capital gains tax on primary residence
Retirement data reflects general conditions and may change. Consult a local immigration attorney and tax advisor for personalized guidance.
Financial Disclaimer
Tax rates, cost-of-living figures, and financial data shown are estimates based on public institutional sources. They do not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor familiar with cross-border regulations before making financial decisions.
Taxation & Fiscal Anchors
Income Tax Band
0% - 25%
Corporate Rate
30%
Sales Tax / VAT
13% (IVA)
Wealth & Crypto
Territorial tax system: only Costa Rica-sourced income is taxed. Foreign-sourced remote work income and crypto gains from abroad are generally not taxed.
Cultural & Structural Nuances
LGBTQ+ Rights & Safety
Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2020, making Costa Rica the first Central American country to legalize it. San Jose is tolerant; rural areas are more conservative.
Walkability & Transit
San Jose has a basic bus system but limited walkability. Outside the capital, a car is almost mandatory. Uber operates widely and is affordable.
Healthcare Structure
All legal residents and workers must enroll in the CCSS (Caja). Contributions are ~10% of income. Many expats supplement with affordable private insurance for faster access.
Driving & Licensing
Drives on the right. Foreign licenses and IDPs are valid for the duration of your tourist visa (90 days). Road conditions vary wildly; a 4x4 is essential outside cities.
Health, Safety & Education
Healthcare System
Data from WHO Global Health Observatory. Quality varies by city and facility.
Health Insurance services for Costa Rica
SafetyWing
Popular with nomadsTravel medical insurance for nomads
Monthly subscription health insurance designed for remote workers and digital nomads. Covers 180+ countries with no commitment.
Cigna Global
International health insurance plans
Comprehensive global health plans covering inpatient, outpatient, dental, and vision. Accepted by hospitals worldwide.
These are curated tools — we may earn a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
Safety Breakdown
Safety scores are approximations based on available crime statistics and institutional data. Conditions vary significantly by city and neighborhood.
Education System
Detailed education system data not yet available for Costa Rica.
LGBTQ+ Safety & Rights— Costa Rica
- •Costa Rica legalized same-sex marriage in 2020, the first Central American country to do so
- •Manuel Antonio is a popular LGBTQ+ beach destination
- •The country has anti-discrimination protections in its labor code
- •Social attitudes are mixed; younger generations are more accepting
This information is for general guidance only. Laws and social attitudes change. Always research current conditions before traveling.
Daily Life & Culture
Cultural Compatibility
Based on Hofstede cultural dimensions model. Individual experiences vary significantly.
Language & Communication
'Pura vida' is both greeting and philosophy. More English than most Latin American countries.
Lifestyle Guide
Environment & Climate
12-Month Climate Projection
Annual Average Baseline
Historically robust mean base temperature.
Total Precipitation
Sum volume over trailing 12 months.
Avg Temperature
20.5°C
Near ideal (22°C)
Rainfall
2621mm
Humid/Wet
Weather & Lifestyle Activities
Practical Living
Digital Nomad Readiness
Costa Rica is an excellent base for remote work with strong infrastructure and community.
Readiness score combines connectivity, cost, visa access, community, timezone, and livability. Data reflects typical conditions for remote workers.
Remote Work Timezone Compatibility
Can you work remotely from Costa Rica? See overlap with major business hubs.
Costa Rica has excellent timezone coverage. You can work standard hours (9-5) and still overlap with New York and most other hubs. No schedule adjustments needed.
Internet & Connectivity
Good in central valley. Beach towns variable. Starlink changing rural access.
Pet Relocation Guide
Import Requirements
Pet Friendliness
Limited formal parks; nature and beaches are accessible
Good - many landlords accept pets, especially in expat areas
Good in Central Valley; limited in remote areas
Very limited
Small pets sometimes tolerated on buses; not officially allowed
Practical Tips
- •Costa Rica's import process is straightforward - the SENASA inspection at the airport is quick.
- •Tick-borne diseases like ehrlichiosis are common - use tick prevention year-round.
- •Many expat communities are very pet-friendly; Escazu and Santa Ana have good vet infrastructure.
- •Beach communities are dog-friendly but keep pets away from crocodile-inhabited river mouths.
Pet import regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Daily Integration
Wellbeing Strategy
Universal public healthcare (CCSS/Caja) is available to all residents. Quality is decent but wait times are long. Private clinics are affordable and efficient.
School Networks
Public education is free and literacy rates are high (97%+). Expats typically choose private bilingual or international schools.
Signature Tradeoffs
Mapping Costa Rica's Value Frontier (Cost vs. Safety)
Demographics & Stability
"A growing hub balancing local authenticity with emerging remote-work infrastructure."
Standard rental laws apply. Direct landlord negotiations are common, with 1-2 months deposit standard.
Ridesharing apps (Uber/Bolt/Local equivalent) are highly recommended outside the walkable core.
"A growing hub balancing local authenticity with emerging remote-work infrastructure."
Standard rental laws apply. Direct landlord negotiations are common, with 1-2 months deposit standard.
Ridesharing apps (Uber/Bolt/Local equivalent) are highly recommended outside the walkable core.
"A growing hub balancing local authenticity with emerging remote-work infrastructure."
Standard rental laws apply. Direct landlord negotiations are common, with 1-2 months deposit standard.
Ridesharing apps (Uber/Bolt/Local equivalent) are highly recommended outside the walkable core.
"A growing hub balancing local authenticity with emerging remote-work infrastructure."
Standard rental laws apply. Direct landlord negotiations are common, with 1-2 months deposit standard.
Ridesharing apps (Uber/Bolt/Local equivalent) are highly recommended outside the walkable core.
City-Level Drilldown
Compare major hubs because national averages can obscure local realities.
City | Cost Index | Safety |
|---|---|---|
San Jose | 62 | 70 |
Escazu | 58 | 74 |
Heredia | 53 | 75 |
Alajuela | 50 | 76 |
How Costa Rica Compares in Central America
| Country | Afford | Safety | Health | Edu | Career | Life | Infra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 21 | 69 | 77 | 57 | 50 | 73 | 51 |
| 🇨🇱 Chile | 61 | 72 | 74 | 73 | 69 | 71 | 71 |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 82 | 58 | 68 | 80 | 92 | 69 | 87 |
| 🇺🇾 Uruguay | 65 | 72 | 78 | 75 | 66 | 74 | 70 |
Scores out of 100. Higher is better for all dimensions. Green (70+), amber (45-69), red (<45).
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Immigration Disclaimer
Visa requirements and immigration rules change frequently. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.
Can I Move Here?
Visa and residency pathways for Costa Rica
Digital Nomad Visa
1-year renewable visa for remote workers earning at least $3,000/month.
Rentista Visa
Temporary residency for those with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $2,500.
Pensionado Visa
Retirement visa requiring at least $1,000/month in pension income.
Visa Application Timeline
Rentista (Income) VisaPrepare proof of $2,500+/month stable income from sources outside Costa Rica for at least 2 years.
- Income certification letter (from employer, pension, or investment)
- Bank statements (12 months)
- Letter from CPA or financial institution certifying income
- Income source documentation (pension statement, investment returns, etc.)
Have all documents apostilled (if from Hague Convention country) or authenticated through the Costa Rican consulate chain.
- Apostilled criminal background check
- Apostilled birth certificate
- Apostilled marriage certificate (if applicable)
- All documents translated to Spanish by official translator
Submit the complete application at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) in San José or through a lawyer.
- Completed application form
- All authenticated documents with Spanish translations
- Passport copies (all pages)
- Consular registration
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of Costa Rican address
DGME reviews the application. Processing times vary but the legal deadline is 90 days.
Upon approval, obtain your DIMEX (foreign ID card) and register with the Caja (CCSS) for mandatory public healthcare.
- DGME approval letter
- DIMEX card application
- CCSS registration form
- Proof of address
- •Income proof not clearly demonstrating $2,500/month guaranteed for 2+ years.
- •Documents not properly apostilled or translated, causing DGME to reject the application.
- •Not enrolling in CCSS (public healthcare), which is a legal requirement for residents.
- •Expecting fast processing — Costa Rican bureaucracy typically runs slower than published timelines.
Visa requirements and timelines change frequently. This is a general guide for Costa Rica — always verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or a licensed immigration attorney before starting your application.
Visa & Immigration services for Costa Rica
VisaGuide.World
Check visa requirements for 200+ countries
Free visa eligibility checker and application guides. Find which visas you qualify for based on your nationality and purpose.
Relocate.me
For tech workersTech relocation with visa sponsorship
Job board for international tech jobs that include visa sponsorship and relocation packages. Covers EU, UK, Canada, and more.
These are curated tools — we may earn a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
Actionable Move Plan
A generalized blueprint for executing a successful relocation to Costa Rica.
- Valid Passport (6+ months remaining before expiration)
- Birth Certificate (Apostilled/Translated if required)
- Marriage Certificate (if applying with spouse)
- Proof of Income / Remote Employment Contract
- Comprehensive Health Insurance Policy covering repatriation
- Local Tax Identification Number application formulation
International Banking services for Costa Rica
Wise (TransferWise)
Editor's pickMulti-currency account with real exchange rates
Hold and convert 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate. Get local bank details in USD, EUR, GBP, and more. Low-fee international transfers.
Revolut
Global banking app for expats
Multi-currency spending, no-fee ATM withdrawals (limits apply), budgeting tools, and crypto. Available in 35+ countries.
These are curated tools — we may earn a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
Relocation Roadmap — Costa Rica
0/16 tasksMoving to Costa Rica?
0/8 completeRelocation Checklist — Costa Rica
Checklist is for guidance only. Requirements may vary based on nationality, visa type, and personal circumstances. Consult an immigration professional.
Compare Costa Rica
Run Costa Rica against other top destinations in our multidimensional radar analysis engine.
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Costa Rica
WhereNext Relocation Score
Match Score
of 95
QoL
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costa Rica a good country to move to?
What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?
Is Costa Rica safe to live in?
How is healthcare in Costa Rica?
Do I need a visa to move to Costa Rica?
Data & Methodology
Live Sourcing: Data is actively fetched and cached daily from official institutional APIs. This ensures metrics like Cost of Living and Climate reflect objective trends, not outdated anecdotes.
Normalization (0-100): Disparate metrics (like GDP, Temperature, and PM2.5 levels) are harmonized to a standard 0 to 100 benchmark. We normalize directionally so that a score closer to 100 always indicates a "better" outcome according to standard quality-of-life frameworks.
User-Weighted Determinism: The final ranking dynamically shifts using the math of weighted averages based on the priorities you assign via the Find page.
Limitations: Local variations within Costa Rica can be severe. This report serves as a macro-level prioritization indicator, not financial or immigration advice.