Mal Pais, Costa Rica
Last updated on Apr 22, 2023
Summary: People describe Mal Pais, Costa Rica as a laid-back beach town with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Expats love the small-town feel, the friendly locals, the abundance of outdoor activities, and the easy access to the beach. The weather in Mal Pais is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is typically around $500 to $700 per month, while a two bedroom apartment can range from $700 to $1,000 per month. The approximate population of Mal Pais is around 1,500 people.
What are the pros and cons of living in Mal Pais?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Mal Pais responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Mal Pais enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the stunning natural beauty of the area. They appreciate the friendly locals and the abundance of outdoor activities, such as surfing, hiking, and swimming. They also enjoy the affordable cost of living and the easy access to amenities such as grocery stores and restaurants. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of reliable internet access and the limited nightlife to be drawbacks," explained one expat living in Mal Pais.
"It's true that Mal Pais is growing but it still is a tiny fishing village and somewhat remote. One road, one grocery store and two restaurants. The beaches are beautiful and you see or experience something new almost everyday. One day a calf snuck up to my husband on the beach and licked the back of his arm. He was so surprised at the roughness of it's tongue. He said hello and then it's mother moo's and he ran back to mom. Once in a while we see whales and this causes quite a stir on the beach. We watch the fishing boats come in from their day of fishing, knowing they will be selling fresh fish just a short walk away. There are many men who kayak early each morning to catch fish as well. One I know smokes his fish and sells it to the local market. It's a simple life. People bake, make crafts, paint and give lessons for means of income. We don't need much to be happy here," said one expat in living in Mal Pais, Costa Rica.
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Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
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What type of social life can someone expect in Mal Pais?
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Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Mal Pais?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Mal Pais?
- What is the average cost of housing in Mal Pais?
- How do I meet people in Mal Pais?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Mal Pais?
- What should I pack when moving to Mal Pais?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Mal Pais?
- Will I be able to find a job in Mal Pais?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Mal Pais?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Mal Pais?
- What is the social scene like in Mal Pais?
- What advice to expats in Mal Pais have about housing?
- What are medical services in Mal Pais like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Mal Pais?
- Is the cost of living in Mal Pais high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Mal Pais?
- Why do people move to Mal Pais?