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Chinatown in San Jose, Costa Rica
Moving to San Jose, Costa Rica
Last updated on Feb 11, 2022
Summary: San Jose, Costa Rica has a population of approximately 350,000 and enjoys incredible weather with daily high temperatures in the low to mid 80s. Plus, the cost of living is low. Despite checking a lot of boxes, San Jose is NOT a popular destination for expats, retirees and digital nomads. Most people who move to San Jose do so for employment or educational reasons. And, many end up in settling in suburbs in the Central Valley such as Escazu, Grecia or Atenas.
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:
"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," remarked another expat who made the move to San Jose.
How do I find a place to live in San Jose?
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Some of Joshua's more popular articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 8 Best Places to Live in Croatia and the Living in Mexico Guide. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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Guide to Living in San Jose, Costa Rica
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Expat Health InsuranceGet a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Expat Health InsuranceGet a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Chinatown in San Jose, Costa Rica
Expat Health InsuranceGet a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Expat Health InsuranceGet a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Costa Rica Forum
Meet other people living in San Jose.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in San Jose.
Expat Report: Healthcare in San José
An expat in San Jose, Costa Rica offers an incredibly insightful report about public and private hospitals, doctors in Costa Rica and the costs of prescription medicine.
12 Tips for Living in San Jose, Costa Rica
An expat talks about what it's like living in San Jose, Costa Rica. He says that most expats move to San Jose for the lower cost of living, friendly people and climate. And, he offers an in-depth look at nightlife, recreational activities and more.
Expat Report: Retiring in San Jose
A U.S. expat retiree in San Juan, Costa Rica offers comprehensive advice on retiring and living there. Housing, crime, health care and more are covered.
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