Moving to Costa Rica

Last updated on Mar 09, 2024

Summary: Many expats and digital nomads move to Costa Rica for its beautiful scenery, warm climate, and low cost of living. Additionally, Costa Rica is known for its friendly people and its commitment to sustainability. People looking for a place to live in Costa Rica can find a variety of options, from renting an apartment to buying a house. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in Costa Rica are San Jose, Tamarindo, and Puerto Viejo. These cities offer a variety of amenities, from restaurants and nightlife to beaches and outdoor activities.

What do I need to know before moving to Costa Rica?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Costa Rica, they said:

"It is a good idea to rent before you buy. Talk to the neighbors. There are little pockets of problems that you could avoid by asking folks for their opinion. The neighbors may also know where there is a great house available that you missed in your search. Last piece of advice, get up and move," said one expat in San Marcos, Tarrazú.

"Demand that your company arranges everything! Costa Rica is a highly bureacratic country so you will not want to get involved in any of that. Your company should give you some alternatives and you should do nothing more than approving their selection. Trying to do things on your own will only give you stomach ulcer," remarked one expat who made the move to San Jose.

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How do I find a place to live in Costa Rica?

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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.