Moving to San Jose, Costa Rica
Last updated on Apr 20, 2023
Summary: Many expats move to San Jose, Costa Rica for its beautiful climate, stunning scenery, and friendly people. The city is known for its vibrant culture, excellent healthcare system, and low cost of living. Additionally, San Jose is a great place to learn Spanish, as it is the country's official language. With its close proximity to the beach, mountains, and rainforest, San Jose is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the best of Costa Rica.
What do I need to know before moving to San Jose?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to San Jose, they said:
"San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, and a great city to move to for its modern amenities and cost of living. However, it is a large city and can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers, so expats should familiarize themselves with the area as much as possible before making the move. It is advisable to learn some Spanish before relocating, as English is not widely spoken. San Jose is a very safe city and home to many parks and other recreational sites, so there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Expats should also be aware of the possibility of earthquakes, as they are part of life in Costa Rica. Finally, expats should consider purchasing a Costa Rican SIM card as soon as they arrive, as it is essential for communicating with friends and family," remarked one expat who made the move to San Jose, Costa Rica.
"Travel there first, travel around the country and find a place/local people that suit your tastes. Everyone in the country is generally friendly. I don't know why the other guy seemed to have problems making friends with Costa Ricans. Perhaps he is the type of foreigner who has difficulty adjusting to different cultures/places and ways of life. Costa Ricans are not "in your face" friendly or over the top outgoing by any means. They are, however, genuinely friendly if you're respectful and considerate of their space, culture, customs, etc," explained one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica.
How do I find a place to live in San Jose?

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world. Presently the AGS Group has over 141 locations in more than 95 countries and has one of the largest networks in the international removals industry. We relocate 85,000 families every year. Free moving quote!
Get a Quote
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.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to San Jose
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in San Jose
- Essential Guide to the Health System in San Jose
- The Essential Guide to San Jose, Costa Rica
- 5 Tips For Living in San Jose, Costa Rica
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
- Guide to Obtaining Residency in Costa Rica
- What It's Like Living in San Jose
- Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica 2023
- 2023 Guide to Moving to Costa Rica
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Costa Rica