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.

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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 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.