Moving to Costa Rica

"ESCAZU!!! Even our local Tico friends (who were all educated in the states) and have lived all over CR would agree. CR is booming right now, at least for professionals in law, medicine, computer science/network administration, & architecture/engineering. Our best friend here has to hire software engineers from India because CR workers are so expensive and doing so well here. This is just our opinion of course. For example, one of our son's opinions when he visits us in Escazu is disgust. He thinks why leave the states to just live in an expensive, English speaking, mini-California suburb. He leaves as quickly as he can to stay in the rural & beach areas (he luckily speaks fluent Spanish) to escape our lifestyle. He could never afford to live in Escazu as a musician/artist. Final note and a plug for Outlier Legal and the founder attorney Rafael Valverde who went to law school in the states. Do not make the move without reading his website articles at the very least & he and his team provided enormous support (and still do) in dealing with the puzzling and very unpredictable bureaucracy that is CR," remarked one expat in Escazu, Costa Rica.

"Costa Rica is a small but incredibly beautiful country with a thriving expat community. Expats should be aware of the tropical climate and prepared to experience hurricane season from May to December. Before moving to Costa Rica, expats should take into consideration the unique health care system, with the majority of citizens having universal coverage. It is also important for expats to have a basic knowledge of the culture and the Spanish language in order to more easily navigate the country. Additionally, the cost of living in Costa Rica can be high, especially in the larger cities, and it is advised to investigate all potential sources of income and job openings prior to making the move," said one expat in Costa Rica.

"Decide if you like the country or the city, what size housing you prefer, what you like to do, what type of climate you prefer, there are 11 different micro climates within a short distance. Most expats I help want to get residency or citizenship, buy a house and start a business. besides enjoying the beaches, the mountains, the rain forest, etc," remarked one expat who made the move to San Jose.

"Very safe Condominium complexes are everywhere so you have many options that have surrounding walls and 24 hour security. Some have restaurants, pools and gyms. Many are furnished and I recommend reading the contract thoroughly. I also recommend taking a very detailed video showing condition of the unit including close ups of any damage to existing furnishings. Carefully read the fine print and if the furnishings are not adequate stipulate all changes in the contract before signing. If it's a long term lease consider hiring an attorney. It might be worth it," explained one expat living in Santa Ana, Costa Rica.

"Personally, I would advise people to rent for an extended time to make sure the area is what they need it to be, then purchase an existing home, where they can see it finished, the price won't suddenly escalate or leave them with a list of uncompleted tasks, that you will be responsible for," said one expat in Costa Rica.

"It's cheaper to live a little ways outside the city so location was influenced by that. There is also less crime outside the city. I found my apartment by asking around and doing some walking. There won't always be a sign up so, if it looks available, ask," said one expat in San Marcos, Tarrazú.

"We live in Samara on the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s a really wonderful little beach town. Lots of good restaurants. Mostly CR population but also quite a lot of expats. Super nice beach. Near large town of Nicoya for convenience. Good roads - important! Our landlord has a new construction house available 2 BR/ 1 BA for $1,000/month. We are three miles from town and the beach. We seriously love the area and our landlord is wonderful," said one expat who made the move to Costa Rica.

"Costa Rica is a great place to live and there are many options for finding a suitable location to call home. A good first step is to research the areas of the country you may be interested in and determine what type of lifestyle and accommodations suit you best. You can research online using resources such as TripAdvisor, Airbnb, and Craigslist to get an idea of what is available in each region. Additionally, there are a variety of real estate agencies located throughout Costa Rica that can help you find a suitable living space. Ask around for recommendations and make sure to select a reputable agency. Finally, you can reach out to the expat community for advice, as they are generally well informed about housing options," explained one expat living in Costa Rica.

"I was basically told in what area to live. Most expats live in Escazu, Santa Ana or Rohrmoser. Then I went with several agents to look at possible apartments. After that you start haggling!!! (Hagglig is essential. I have seen houses come down from 4500 USD a month to 2500.)," said one in San Jose.

"Yes, finding the right location to live in, can be more important that finding the right home. Many expats want to live at the beach...especially from the snowy north...until they find that the heat just doesn't work for them. So, if they have purchased a home there, they could be stuck with it. So, suggest you rent for an extended time period so that you truly check out the different neighbourhoods, learn where the bus routes are, where the roosters start the earliest and the karaoke bars are located... It is said by many, that it is very easy to buy, but often very hard to sell. Many say that between 50-60% of the expats, return home within 3-4 years. Often broke. Costa Rica is no longer a cheap place to live. However, it can be a great place to live, if you can afford it," explained one expat who made the move to Costa Rica.

"Most expats live in condos or houses with small gardens and enormous fences with barbered wire," remarked one expat in San Jose, Costa Rica.

"I live in a luxury home minutes from the beach, ferry, and a multitude of activities and shopping and dining. This is a typical expat home and lifestyle on an upper scale," said one expat in Paquera.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Costa Rica is usually quite modern with modern amenities such as air conditioning, cable or satellite television and fast internet access. Costa Rica also offers a wide range of accommodation to suit a range of budgets – from luxury condos and villas to more affordable apartments and family homes. Many properties come with terraces or balconies that provide sweeping views of nature, and most are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation like banana trees, mango trees and palms. Depending on the location, some expats also benefit from on-site amenities such as swimming pools, gymnasiums and patios," remarked one expat who made the move to Costa Rica.

"Much much lower both in terms of cost of buying and maintenance (e.g. electricity, internet much cheaper, water, etc.). Also housekeeper, for example is only 3,000 colones an hour ($4.67)! Ridiculous! We doubled her "salary" from the start. And monthly condominium fee are only $ 400/month vs. $800-1200/month in CA. Wow," commented one expat who made the move to Escazu.

"Lower, the average costs varies according to your lifestyle, so between $1500 to $3500 a month," remarked one expat in San Jose, Costa Rica.

"Housing costs are about the same as The States however, the taxes and expenses related are less except luxury taxes. VAT taxes are high but you can easily avoid them if you choose to manage your lifestyle," said one expat in Paquera.

"Much, much lower. I wouldn't pay more than $300 per month in rent for a house in this area," remarked one expat who made the move to San Marcos, Tarrazú.

"The cost of housing in Costa Rica can vary significantly depending on the size and location of the property. Generally, the average cost of a single-family home in Costa Rica can range from around $100,000 to well over $1 million for luxury homes, with smaller homes and apartments located in desirable areas costing approximately between $50,000 and $150,000. Living costs and rental prices tend to be higher in major cities such as San Jose, while the coastal areas and smaller towns offer more affordable opportunities," explained one expat living in Costa Rica.

"I rent because I do not want to be tied down to a piece of property. Also property is expensive. My rental agreement was easy to understand, only about 4 pages (2 of them inventory of furnishings). I negotiated the terms from 12 months to 6 and the rent amount. It was not difficult at all," said one expat in San Jose.

"Buying a home in Costa Rica can be a great investment. It can provide you with a steady source of income through renting or reselling, while at the same time providing you with a beautiful tropical paradise to call your own. Renting, on the other hand, gives you the flexibility to move after a few months or years without having to worry about reselling or waiting for the real estate market to improve. Ultimately, it all depends on what your individual needs and preferences are. If you want the security of owning a home, then purchasing may be the best option for you. However, if you prefer the freedom to move around, then renting might be a better solution," said one expat who made the move to Costa Rica.

"I always bring to Costa Rica 1; Irish spring soap 2; electronic gadjets 3; Cherries," said one expat in San Jose.

"I wish I had brought my small appliances like bread maker, ice cream maker and deep fryer. I wish I had left my books, formal dresses and jacket at home," said one expat who made the move to Paquera.

"It is important to avoid touching someone's head or using certain nicknames as both are considered offensive in Costa Rica. Additionally, be sure to dress conservatively in public and avoid public displays of affection, as they are seen as disrespectful.Beyond that, it is important to be respectful when discussing religion, particularly since the majority of Costa Ricans are Catholic. Disrespecting local customs and religious ceremonies should also be avoided. Finally, it’s important to be mindful of how much you are drinking in public, as public drunkenness is considered inappropriate," remarked one expat who made the move to Costa Rica.

"On one occasion we had traveled to San Jose to see our attorney and were lost. When we spoke to the doorman of what we thought was his office building we could see that whoever he was speaking to on the phone he was describing us as being dressed very trashy, as we were not wearing business attire. We were dressed in jeans and t-shirts. Most people dress in business attire in the city," explained one expat living in Samara, Costa Rica.

"Costa Rica is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and relaxed atmosphere, making it an attractive destination for expats. One key draw is the fact that it is an incredibly safe place to live, with one of the lowest crime rates in Latin America. Its strong healthcare system, quality of life and exceptional climate are other great reasons that expats are being attracted to the country. Another bonus is that it is also one of the most affordable countries in Central America, with a low cost of living, good infrastructure and friendly locals. Costa Rica is also well-known for its ecotourism, and a wealth of activities and places to explore, making it an enticing place for expats from all over the world," replied one expat when asked about moving to Costa Rica.

"Costa Rica has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of services to its citizens and foreign residents. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Costa Rica can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats can also opt for private healthcare, which is more expensive but offers more comprehensive coverage," replied one expat when asked about moving to Costa Rica.

"My recommendation is to enroll in the public health system, but it is also VERY IMPORTANT to have private health insurance, since that would avoid worries about the immediate availability of the services that are required," stated one expat who made the move to Santa Ana.

"National health care may not provide a sufficient safety net - it may require a long wait for medical procedures. Private health care is recommended, but coverage for "pre-existing conditions" is generally not available except through national health care," remarked one expat in Tamarindo.

"Costa Rica offers a wide range of medical services, including both public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is free for all citizens and legal residents, and is generally of a high quality. Private healthcare is also available, and is often more modern and efficient than the public system. Costa Rica is home to a number of world-class hospitals and clinics, offering a range of treatments and services. Many of these facilities are staffed by highly trained and experienced medical professionals, and offer the latest in medical technology. Costa Rica is also home to a number of specialized medical centers, offering treatments for specific conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders," offered one expat living in Costa Rica.

"I moved here in the middle of a 5 year treatment plan. I retired early, and had no medical insurance. To stay on my treatment, I was able to buy the medication OTC for $60 a month," wrote one expat living in Florencia.