Living in Costa Rica: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Costa Rica

Living in Costa Rica

Last updated on Feb 01, 2024

Summary: People describe life in Costa Rica as relaxed, laid-back, and full of natural beauty. Expats love the warm climate, friendly people, and the abundance of outdoor activities. The cost of living for an expat in Costa Rica is relatively low, with a basic budget of around $1,500 per month. The population of Costa Rica is estimated to be around 5 million people, with the largest cities being San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago. The cons of living in Costa Rica include the high cost of imported goods, the lack of public transportation in some areas, and the occasional power outages. Additionally, the cost of living can be higher in some areas, such as the beach towns.

What do I need to know about living in Costa Rica?

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

"Have lived in Grecia for 7-1/2 yrs. It is a small city and in my opinion the best unless you insist on beach area which is too hot for me. No a/c necessary where I live. Easy to get to know people if you are friendly. I can't walk down the street without people I know honking or waving. I live happily without a car which means not using all my pension on repairs and high gas," wrote one member 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.