Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica

"Expats in Costa Rica appreciate its vibrant outdoor lifestyle and friendly people. Costa Rica is also known for its lush nature, boasting beautiful beaches, tropical jungles and majestic volcanoes, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Many expats are also drawn to the country's relaxed, laidback lifestyle and the sense of community that comes with living in a smaller country. Costa Rica's diverse cultural heritage and traditions offer visitors a chance to explore the nation's unique cultural identity. Lastly, the country's affordable prices and high quality of living are a huge draw for many expats," explained one expat.

"What I really enjoyed, was the personal relationships that we established. I had many Tico friends that felt comfortable stopping by our home to visit. One friend threw a surprise birthday party for me. I also found it amazing that when we arrived, we found ourselves without money due to a bank screw up and our attorney right away offered us a couple thousand dollars till our money showed up. Many more times, if we didn't have money on hand for something, business owners told us to pay them when we returned next. You don't see that happening in the states," said one person in Samara.

"I think that banking can be a challenge and setting up insurance along with other services such as your electric, phone and internet services," remarked one in Samara.

"One of the most challenging aspects of Costa Rican culture that expats find is the concept of “pura vida” or living life to the fullest and taking things as they come. This can be difficult to understand and navigate for newcomers as it goes against the typically fast-paced, time-oriented Western lifestyle. Additionally, Costa Rica is a very tight-knit community where the concept of personal and private space isn't as pervasive as it is elsewhere. This can be difficult for expats, who may need more privacy and alone time, to adjust to. Furthermore, the local language of Spanish can also be a major obstacle that expats need to overcome in order to feel more settled in their new home," explained one expat.