Living in Costa Rica

"Be ready to live, love and relax. This is a beautiful country and we live in paradise," explained one expat living in Playa Hermosa de Jaco, Costa Rica.

"Come and see for yourself before you make a commitment to moving here. There is a lot of hype about Costa Rica being a paradise, a cheap place to live or retire, and a safe place because it eliminated its army in 1948. The reality is that San Jose has a high crime rate, the iron grates on all of the houses and businesses can be off-putting - as can the security guards with loaded riffles - and it isn't a cheap place to live. Food, utilities and rent in certain areas of the city are quite high especially for a developing nation. Other issues in San Jose: air pollution from cars is pretty bad; noise pollution gets on your nerves after a while; it isn't safe to walk outside in the late evening or night; the streets, sidewalks and highways are in terrible shape; and government monopolies make it near impossible to get a cell phone and makes renting cars super-expensive because of the mandatory insurance. People must visit and spend a few weeks talking to people before deciding to move here," said one expat in San Jose.

"The Costa Rican people in Atenas are kind and welcoming. There is an international group of expats, from Europe, the US, Canada, as well as from various Spanish speaking countries. I appreciate the diversity. During the dry season, the sun is strong. I am outside in the early morning and late afternoon, and inside from 10:00am-2:00pm. I choose to be car free. I am easily able to walk to shops, dentist, and other services. Atenas has a rural feel as is it a coffee growing region of Costa Rica, as well as a region for fruit and vegetables. There is a small town “vibe” with focus on church and local school activities. The pace is slow. These are some of my personal reflections," said one expat who made the move to Atenas.

"Before retiring in Costa Rica, expats should make sure to research residency options, learn about the country's healthcare and education system, and familiarize themselves with Costa Rica's culture and customs. It is important to have a working knowledge of the Spanish language. Knowing the local laws and the best ways to finance and protect assets is also essential for a smooth transition into retirement. Expats should also investigate what kind of activities and attractions are available in the region where they plan to settle. It is also a good idea to look into visa restrictions, as some retirees may need to acquire special documentation to stay in the country. Additionally, expats should be aware of the cost of living in Costa Rica and how much they need to budget for their retirement," explained one expat living in Costa Rica.

"We (US/UK retired couple) are in the process of settling in Escazu. We will be applying for the rentista visa, having ruled out the pensionista because of how the Caja charge is calculated. We have chosen the central location in preference to the coast for reasons of climate (warm days, slightly less warm evenings, need for little, if any a/c). Also, San Jose/Central Valley offers accessibility to the variety of experiences Costa Rica has to offer. Proximity to the airport is also important for us. The downsides experienced so far have been the heavy traffic and the serious sticker shock in the supermarkets and restaurants. Nowhere is perfect and we are happy to adjust our daily routines to these local realities. We will be happy to share our experiences as we go through the retirement process here," mentioned one in Escazu.

"There are many Yahoo! list serves available that help expats get to know where others meet and socialize. Also, Costa Rica AM (www.costaricaam.com) is an English-language e-newspaper that provides a lot of good information," explained one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica.

"If you know how to play an instrument, I recommend volunteering your time with the SINEM children's orchestra, a lot of expats teach in this program all through out Costa Rica," said one expat in Montezuma.

"Expats can join clubs and activities such as language clubs, tennis clubs, and book clubs that focus on topics related to Costa Rica. Expats can also seek out cultural events geared towards local and foreign populations, such as open-air concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions. Expats may also find groups that share hobbies such as surfing, SUP, or yoga. Other popular ways for expats to meet people in Costa Rica are at local festivals, farmer’s markets, English-speaking churches, volunteer organizations, and coworking spaces. Additionally, many expats find work in tourist-facing businesses such as restaurants and hotels, which allows them to socialize with other locals and visitors alike," said one expat who made the move to Costa Rica.

"MONTEZUMA, LIFE DOWNTOWN - After living in Montezuma officially for the last year I look upon it with a deeper understanding, similar to the way one stares at art with new eyes once enlightened by one or two art history classes. When i first moved here it was for six months during the high season so I was able to camp, then as i started to put my roots down i realized the camping lifestyle could only work for the dry season and i would have to move to level two; the house and all the trappings that come with that. Then the job; starting a business downtown and teaching/ studying music, slowly becoming part of the community. Thus bringing me back to seeing more now than i ever did my first month here as a tourist, innocence is lost but the luster still abounds; Montezuma changed my view and approach towards life and how I was leading it, somehow coming face to face with nature so wide, pure, and vivid revitalized me and for that I am forever indebted to this proud little coastal village. What can one say about living here? One of the first things you'll noticed is that this is a "town" in the truest sense, classically so, like the set for a play or Sesame Street or like it was back in the states 100 years ago. This is a positive tight-knit community, where it's easy to know everyone's name in one week, and yet very open and welcoming to new characters on the scene (enter me and my boyfriend, who believes he'll be mayor by the end of the year!) planning on sticking around and becoming part of something great. And then there's the dogs. A great bumper sticker idea: "Costa Rica where every house comes with two dogs" would be a as popular as beanie babies here...because it's true . They usually belong to the cabina owners but dogs here are free so they basically decide where they want to live and with who...[ for more articles on Montezuma please check out our website: paraisopublicidad.com or find us on twitter and facebook for daily updates!]," explained one expat living in Montezuma, Costa Rica.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Costa Rica has a lot of appeal. There is a vibrant culture and a welcoming attitude towards newcomers, making for a supportive and engaging atmosphere. Nature spots are abundant, and the vibrant and diverse landscape provides many opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. Costa Rica's transportation infrastructure is relatively good for a Latin American country, making it easy to travel within and around the country. The cost of living is generally lower than in most first-world countries and there are a variety of international restaurants and grocery stores. A combination of low taxes and tax incentives makes Costa Rica an attractive place to live and work. The combination of warm weather and modern amenities make it a great place to call home for digital nomads and expats alike," said one expat in Costa Rica.

"Family is everything as with all Latin American cultures. Ticos make very good friends and once you are introduced into their families you become part of it. They will go out of their way to help you in every way possible," said one expat who made the move to San Jose.

"Since its transformation to a peaceful democracy, Costa Rica has seen a decline in crime and enjoys a reputation as one of the safest countries in Latin America. In comparison to other countries in the region, the reported levels of crime, gangs, drug trafficking and violence in Costa Rica are much lower. Nonetheless, petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft still occur in some of the large cities and tourist destinations," wrote a member in Costa Rica.

"Yes, Costa Rica is a country with diverse cultures and ethnicities. People from all around the world have come to Costa Rica in search of a better life and personal freedom, making Costa Rica a country dripping with culture, history and vibrant flavors. Despite the diversity, Costa Ricans are generally accepting and respectful of differences. The country has a rich culture that is built upon respect for the individual; each person is celebrated for their unique perspectives, experiences and convictions," explained one expat living in Costa Rica.

"San Jose, as the capital of the country, attracts people from all regions of the nation. So we have many people of African descent from the Caribbean coast, many Nicos (people from Nicaragua), a large Chinese population (especially in the San Pedro suburb) and expats from all over the world. While the main religion is Catholic, there are many Baptist churches, Mormons and other Christian groups. People seem to be very accepting of differences," said one expat in San Jose.

"Folks here are very diverse, you feel like you've found you home once you arrive," said one expat who made the move to Montezuma.

"You have many ex pats from North America, Europe. There are some Costa Ricans. Main religion is Catholic. There is a Catholic Chirch. A Protestant Church has been started close by," explained one expat living in Playa Hermosa de Jaco, Costa Rica.

"This is good academically and fairly high standards. Not good for all students if they need extra help and they can get left behind. They do IB, which is more important all the time for anywhere in the world.Price fairly high now approx $850 a month including the bus," wrote an expat with kids at British School in San Jose .

"This school is small, less than 300 students, but the atmosphere is safe and friendly with a focus on student success. Every teacher I have met is enthusiastic and enjoys his/her job. I would also encourage any parent to be prepared to volunteer their time in support of the school because AIS depends on parent-volunteers to serve on various committees. Overall, I am very satisfied with AIS," commented one expat when asked about American International School in Cariari - Heredia.

"One of the best international and bilingual schools in Costa Rica is the Lincoln School of San José (LSSJ). It is a private, non-profit, college preparatory day school located in the capital city of San José, Costa Rica. Founded in 1962, Lincoln School is the only fully accredited Pre-K through Grade 12 school in all of Central America, offering both a comprehensive curriculum and a comprehensive program in the English language. The school is dedicated to promoting an international understanding of our world, and the school has been established with a rich tradition committed to providing the highest quality international education. The school offers students an opportunity to develop a respect for their cultural identities while studying in a multicultural environment, and the English language program promotes the mastery of the English language, while still preserving the students' native languages. The school has highly qualified faculty and staff who work closely with students to ensure they receive the best education they can, while also promoting the development of their own unique talents. Another great private, international and bilingual school in Costa Rica is Country Day School in San Jose, Costa Rica. It is an accredited, non-profit, Adventist school that has been in operation since 1990. It offers a challenging, Christ-centered curriculum for students from toddler to 12th grade. Country Day School promotes an atmosphere that is based on a responsible living environment and is fully committed to the academic success and spiritual growth of every student, which is a key factor in their educational philosophy. The school's extensive curriculum is designed to stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and global awareness. Additionally, Country Day School promotes life values, social responsibility and digital literacy in a safe environment, and the school's commitment to providing a challenging, diverse and comprehensive education is evident in the rigorous course of study and quality programs it provides," remarked one expat living in with children attending .

"Depends on lifestyle. I eat all my meals in restaurants, go to coffee shops, have a big social life and go on a lot of dates, I travel every month. My expense including all this are around $3500/mo," said one expat in San Jose.

"The cost of living in Costa Rica varies depending on a variety of factors such as location, lifestyle and budget. Generally speaking, it is moderate compared to North America or Europe, but the cost can be higher in certain areas or for certain items. Living expenses in popular tourist destinations like San Jose, the capital, are higher, but living costs are lower in smaller towns and rural areas. The cost of food and groceries is generally lower than in North American countries. Average rent prices depend on the size and location of the house or apartment, but can be very affordable in some areas. Transportation costs are also relatively low overall," said one expat who made the move to Costa Rica.

"We live comfortably on $2000 a month. That includes rent of a new 2 br 2 ba house with great views, all utilities, high speed internet, and even temporary car rental. Gas for the SUV is expensive, but we explore a lot and eat out a lot, so dining and food costs are higher for us too. Not in Caja yet," wrote one expat living in San Ramon.

"Many beach locations in Costa Rica are expensive. However, Playa Jaco has a strong mix of locals and tourists which helps to keep the cost of living lower. You will find many types of housing here from single family, condominium complexes and beachfront homes in a multitude of price ranges to fit all budgets. The community has a local farmers market (feria) which is always a good deal to purchase locally from regional farmers. The price of fresh fish is an incredible value. Costa Rica is one of the more expensive countries in Central America but shopping locally in Playa Jaco can provide good savings. Due to it's proximity to the beach (and the Equator), one of your largest expenses will be electricity. The beaches are very hot all year around. Typically property taxes are low in all of Costa Rica and Playa Jaco is no different," commented one expat who moved to Playa Jaco.

"The cost of living in Costa Rica is generally considered to be quite affordable, with prices being considerably lower than many other parts of Central America. However, some areas in Costa Rica have a much higher cost of living compared to the rest of the country. For example, cities like San Jose and certain areas in the Limon province tend to have prices that are higher than in more rural areas. On average, a nice one-bedroom apartment in the capital of San Jose costs around $650 per month in rent. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment usually ranges from $850 - $1,000 depending on the area. Eating at a moderately priced restaurant in Costa Rica typically ranges from $7 - $15 per person, depending on what is ordered," said one expat.

"In Costa Rica, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, national parks, and outdoor activities. Costa Rica is known for its stunning beaches, which offer a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Costa Rica also has a number of national parks, which provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and bird watching. Additionally, Costa Rica is home to a variety of outdoor activities, such as zip-lining, horseback riding, and kayaking. With its diverse range of recreational facilities, Costa Rica is a great destination for those looking to enjoy the outdoors," remarked one expat in Costa Rica.

"Recreational activities include surfing on all levels from beginning to highly advanced. Playa Jaco has no shortage of surf schools due to the outstanding conditions in the area. Hiking is common in the area. Miro Mountain is one of the most popular hiking activities as the trail wanders through jungles with a great opportunity for wildlife spotting. The Miro Trail climbs to an elevation of 1,100 feet with spectacular vistas of the Pacific. Miro Mountain Trail is also popular with mountain bike enthusiasts. The area has many mountainous trails so ATV is very popular to reach the higher elevation views and local restaurants. Yoga is popular in the area with many studios and profesional instructors. Art classes are popular in a new facility in Jaco. Golfing at a top course in Playa Herradura is just ten minutes north of Playa Jaco. Playa Herradura Los Suenos Marina boasts one of the best in the area for excellent sport fishing known world wide. Bird watching and nature loves enjoy the Carara National Park just 20 minutes north of Jaco and the Manuel Antonio National Park just one hour south of Playa Jaco," wrote one expat living in Playa Jaco.

"The temperatures are mild enough for nobody to have heat and nobody to need air conditioning, although a few do. 55 degrees Fahrenheit would be a cold night and 85 a hot afternoon. There is though a long rainy season, starting in May and sometimes extending into December. It's usually not bad, just fairly predicable afternoon rain, but in September and October when it's really heavy almost everybody wearies of it," mentioned an expat living in San Jose.

"Depends on what altitude you live at, whether beach or mountains. But expect rain EVERYWHERE May to November," said an expat in Costa Rica.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Costa Rica is La Casona de Laly, located in San Jose. This restaurant is known for its traditional Costa Rican cuisine, with dishes like gallo pinto, casado, and tamales. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another favorite restaurant in Costa Rica is El Bistro, located in Manuel Antonio. This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes, such as ceviche, shrimp, and fish. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Finally, La Parrilla de Marisqueria is a popular restaurant in Jaco. This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, shrimp, and lobster. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, and the staff is friendly and attentive," commented one expat who moved to Costa Rica.

"There's pretty much everything. My specific neighborhood (within walking distance) has dozens of restaurants ranging from pizza joints to Japanese cuisine, though not many if any four star restaurants. I'd have to take a taxi to get to one of those. My neighborhood also has various US chain restaurants, such as Fridays and Hooters. Nearby (a short cab ride) is a "gastronomy row" of various independently-owned creative restaurants and brew pubs that have good reputations. My neighborhood also has tons of bars, including one with live music every night and a few with occasional live music. Most of the live music is Latin, but there is jazz, blues, classic rock, and so on. Beyond my neighborhood are casinos, dance clubs, pickup bars, and so on. San Jose isn't on a par with London or New York, but it's not a backward small town either. Pretty much everything exists here.," said one expat.

"People living in Costa Rica typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local supermarkets, convenience stores, and farmers markets. Many people also shop at larger chain stores such as Walmart and PriceSmart. Additionally, there are many small, independent stores and markets throughout the country that offer a variety of goods," said an expat in Costa Rica.

"Upon entrance, tourists and visitors are generally granted a 90 day VISA. To enter Costa Rica, you must have a valid Passport. Residency is categorized into different areas of qualification. These options are Retiree (Pensionado), Legal Resident (Rentista), Business/Investor (Inversionista), Marriage/Relation (Vinculo). If you wish to become a resident, the requirements are different for each category and immigration attorney's are often used to assist you should you choose to hire one. If you plan to live in Costa Rica full time, residency is highly recommended as residents are not restricted to a 90 day VISA," mentioned an expat living in Playa Jaco.

"Healthcare in Costa Rica is generally considered to be of a high quality and is relatively affordable compared to other countries. Health insurance is also available in Costa Rica, but it is not mandatory. The cost of health insurance depends on the type of coverage and the provider, but it is generally more affordable than in other countries," mentioned an expat living in Costa Rica.

"Ditto here. Most docs (and dentists) speak great English and have been superb, & very inexpensive at least in Escazu (Hospital CIMA). Many have been trained in the US or the UK, plus the medical & dental school here are top of the line. Educational achievement (and speaking English) is a high priority to Costa Ricans. We dropped our CIGNA Global insurance learning this," said an expat in Costa Rica.