About four years ago, my partner and I moved to Costa Rica during a moment that felt both exciting and unsettling. We were changing careers, thinking seriously about starting a family, and looking for a place we could stay for more than just a couple of years.
At that point, we had each lived in five different countries and spent more than a decade moving around for work. We loved that life, but we were ready for something that felt a little more grounded. A place where we could stay long enough to build routines, friendships, and a sense of home.
Costa Rica wasn’t the only country we considered. But it was the one that surprised us the most—and the one that made us want to stay.
If you’re at a similar crossroads—burned out, curious, craving a slower pace or a fresh start—I’ll walk you through why Costa Rica might be worth considering, what it’s really like to live here, and how you can make the move if it feels right.
Short on time? Here's the cheat sheet:
💭Moving to Costa Rica is a dream come true for those that love nature and crave a slower pace of life.
🛂Most expats living here are on a digital nomad visa or one the pensionado, rentista, or invertista residency.
🏠While there are so many great places to live in Costa Rica, I'm biased towards Lake Arenal.
🤕Don't rely on luck alone. SafetyWing now offers 2 types of Nomad Insurance coverage options: Essentials for travelers and Complete for expats and digital nomads.
📚Make your transition easier and get a headstart learning the language with Mondly.
☂️While you might need to really practice your patience while here,
☀️Once you do, you'll be rewarded with a stunning country, home to welcoming locals and incredible scenery.
Why Costa Rica?
When we were narrowing down countries in 2021, Costa Rica was up against some strong contenders: Colombia, Panama, Vietnam, Thailand, Ecuador. All places we genuinely liked. Costa Rica ultimately won out for a few reasons that still matter to us every single day.
Nature that’s part of your everyday life.
Costa Rica is beautiful in a way that doesn’t fade after the honeymoon phase. This isn’t “drive two hours to get to nature” beauty—it’s right outside your door.
We have toucans and monkeys passing through our yard regularly. We planted a guava tree two years ago, and it’s already twelve feet tall and producing fruit. That might sound like a small thing, but it changes how your days feel. When work is stressful or the world feels overwhelming, stepping outside into something green, alive, and peaceful genuinely resets you.
Pura vida (and a calmer way of being).
If you’ve never heard the phrase “pura vida,” you will—constantly. It roughly translates to “pure life,” but it’s more of a mindset than a definition. Don’t stress. Enjoy what’s good. Let things be easier when they can be.
Costa Rica is not a confrontational place. I can’t imagine two Costa Ricans ever getting into a bar fight. People are kind, patient, and generally inclined toward peace. It’s not perfect, but it’s a noticeable shift if you’re coming from a faster, more aggressive culture—and it seeps into your own nervous system in the best way.
Time zones that work for real life.
If you work remotely for a U.S. or Canadian company, or you’re building an online business with North American clients, being in similar time zones is huge. No middle-of-the-night calls. No feeling like you’re out of sync with the rest of your life.
Spanish that feels approachable.
After living in countries where the language barrier felt overwhelming (trying to learn Kinyarwanda is…humbling), it was refreshing to be somewhere Spanish-speaking. You don’t need to be fluent to get started, and it’s much easier to slowly integrate, make friends, and feel like part of the community.
Safety and stability.
Among Central American countries, Costa Rica consistently ranks near the top for safety and political stability. The country famously abolished its military in 1948, and that decision still shapes the culture today. As a woman—especially one thinking about long-term life and family—that mattered to me.
Taxes that make remote work easier.
Costa Rica does not tax foreign-sourced income. If you’re earning money from outside the country, that can make a meaningful difference and is one of the reasons Costa Rica is so popular with remote workers.
Close enough to feel connected.
With family on the U.S. East Coast, relatively short, direct flights were a big plus. It’s far enough to feel like a real change—but close enough that visiting home (or welcoming visitors) doesn’t feel overwhelming, especially as life evolves.
Things You Might Not Love
Costa Rica isn’t for everyone. A few realities to keep in mind:
Driving.
Outside of major highways, roads can be narrow, steep, winding, and occasionally… creative. It’s an adjustment.
Efficiency (or lack thereof).
Things move slower here—especially in banks and government offices. I now budget one to two hours for any “quick” errand. Bring patience. And snacks.
Pura Vida = Things Happen When They Happen
Many people move to Costa Rica for the pura vida lifestyle—but living it day to day can take some adjustment. Here, relationships tend to matter more than strict schedules, and “on time” can be flexible. Take this as your invitation to show up extra late to every party.
Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
Central Valley
The Central Valley is home to most of Costa Rica’s population and offers a balance that appeals to many first-time expats: cooler temperatures, excellent healthcare, strong infrastructure, and access to both beaches and mountains.
Popular expat-friendly areas include Escazú, Santa Ana, Lindora/Pozos, and Cariari—generally just outside San José proper. If you want something quieter, towns like Atenas and Grecia offer a small-town feel within easy reach of top hospitals, international schools, and shopping.
Guanacaste
Guanacaste is best known for its beaches, sunshine, and drier climate. It’s also one of the most developed coastal regions in the country.
Tamarindo is the largest town, with Playa Flamingo, Potrero, and Playas del Coco also popular with expats. Liberia’s international airport makes travel surprisingly convenient. The tradeoff: higher prices and a more tourist-heavy feel, especially from December through April.
South Pacific
If you’re craving lush jungle and dramatic coastline, the South Pacific delivers. This region feels wilder and more remote, with rainforest-covered hills meeting quiet beaches.
Towns like Uvita, Dominical, and Ojochal have small but welcoming expat communities. It’s hot and humid near the coast, though moving slightly uphill helps a lot. Pérez Zeledón offers a cooler climate and more space while still being within reach of the coast.
Arenal
This is home for us—and my personal favorite.
Lake Arenal sits in the hills above Guanacaste, offering cooler temperatures, water sports, hot springs, and easy access to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. La Fortuna is nearby and packed with adventure (and tourists). Smaller towns like Nuevo Arenal and Tronadora feel more local and rural.
You get rainforest on one side of the lake, drier and windier weather on the other. It’s about 2.5 hours from San José’s airport and 1.5 hours from Liberia.
Central Pacific
Just 1–1.5 hours from the Central Valley, this region is popular for a reason. You get beaches, restaurants, and social life without being too far from the city.
Jacó is the most well-known town—busy, energetic, with nightlife options. Farther south, Quepos and Manuel Antonio offer incredible beaches, wildlife, and access to one of Costa Rica’s most famous national parks.
Caribbean
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica feels completely different—culturally and visually. Afro-Caribbean influences, reggae rhythms, and jungle beaches define the vibe here.
Puerto Viejo is especially popular with surfers, creatives, and people looking for something more alternative and less polished. Infrastructure can be lighter here, but many people love the strong sense of identity and community.
Visa Options in Costa Rica
Although it is possible to get a work visa, job options are limited. The most common route is by teaching English. For the rest of us, fear not, there are a handful of other ways to legally move to Costa Rica.
The Residency Process
Many people start on a tourist visa. Many nationalities (e.g. USA, Canada, UK) are granted a tourist visa of up to 180 days on arrival, no advance paperwork required.
If you aren’t one of the lucky nationalities that are granted this tourist visa, or if you have longer-term plans in mind, you still have some options: the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year and renewable for up to two years in total. Temporary residency options like the Rentista or Pensionado can eventually lead to permanent residency (after three years) and citizenship (after seven).
While you may not need one of these visas immediately to experience Costa Rica, many people find that getting one changes how it feels to live here. Having legal status removes the mental load of counting days, planning border runs, or feeling temporary when you’re trying to build routines. Emotionally, it’s often the point where Costa Rica stops feeling like a place you’re visiting—and starts feeling like home.
Once you’re ready, here are the main options in detail:
Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers and online business owners who earn income from outside Costa Rica. To qualify, you generally need to show at least $3,000 per month in income (or $4,000 for families).
This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed once, giving you up to two years in the country. It’s a great option if you:
- Want to spend extended time in Costa Rica without committing long-term
- Are testing out life here before pursuing residency
- Don’t need access to the public healthcare system
- Prefer a faster application process (approximately 2.5 months to approval)
Temporary Residencies
Temporary residency is the path most people choose if they see Costa Rica as a longer-term home. These permits are typically valid for two years at a time, renewable, and they lead to permanent residency after three years.
Common categories include:
- Pensionado (Retiree Residency): For those receiving at least $1,000 per month in lifetime pension or retirement income.
- Rentista (Fixed Income Residency): For individuals who can show $2,500 per month in stable income, or who deposit $60,000 to cover two years.
- Inversionista (Investor Residency): For those investing at least $150,000 in Costa Rican real estate or a business.
Temporary residency allows you to enroll in the national healthcare system (CAJA) which is free at the point of receiving care. If you are interested in working toward a longer-term home in Costa Rica, it’s the right route for most people.
Applying for temporary residency usually requires legal support. If you are interested in one of these options, please check out our company startabroad.com. Use code AWAYABROAD for 5% off any relocation service.
Possible Third Option: Permanent Residency through Family Ties
There’s also a more personal route to residency—love and family. If you marry a Costa Rican, you can apply directly for permanent residency, skipping the temporary phase entirely.
And if you’re thinking about starting a family, Costa Rica has another sweet perk: children born here are automatically Costa Rican citizens. That means parents can apply for permanent residency through their child.
Settling into Life in Costa Rica
Language
You don’t need fluent Spanish on day one—but learning it will dramatically improve your experience. Costa Ricans are patient and encouraging, and even basic Spanish goes a long way.
Safety
Costa Rica is widely considered one of the safest countries in Latin America. Violent crime rates are low compared to the region, and most expats—women included—feel comfortable living independently here.
As anywhere, basic precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, avoid flashing valuables, and use common sense. But day-to-day life generally feels safe and stable, even outside major cities.
Culture
Costa Rican culture values calm, politeness, and social harmony. People are friendly but not intrusive, warm without being overwhelming. Community matters here—neighbors greet each other, and relationships develop slowly but genuinely. Personally, I’d say that life here feels less performative and more grounded.
In my experience, building community in Costa Rica tends to happen organically, but not instantly. People are really very friendly and conversations are easy to start. If you’re in a smaller town or a tourist town, you’ll want people to know you’re here for longer than an extended vacation, so they feel more comfortable opening up to you.
Want to Move to Costa Rica?
For many people, Costa Rica offers a rare combination: everyday access to nature, a calmer pace of life, safety and stability, and the ability to build a home while staying connected to work and family abroad. It’s a place that invites you to slow down without asking you to give everything up.
If you’d like help navigating the logistics—from visas to housing and getting set up once you arrive—StartAbroad supports people through the Costa Rica relocation process in a practical, personalized way. Use code AWAYABROAD for 5% off any relocation service.
Pura vida. 🌿
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