Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Last updated on Jul 08, 2023
Summary: The approximate population of Tamarindo, Costa Rica is around 5,000 people. People describe Tamarindo as a vibrant beach town with a laid-back atmosphere. Expats love the beautiful beaches, the friendly locals, the abundance of outdoor activities, and the easy access to other parts of Costa Rica. The weather in Tamarindo is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit. The average cost of living in Tamarindo for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is typically around $500 to $700 per month, while a two bedroom apartment can cost around $700 to $1,000 per month.
What do I need to know about living in Tamarindo?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Tamarindo, they said:
"Tamarindo is a popular destination for expats looking to retire. Before making the move, it is important to understand the cost of living, the availability of healthcare, and the local culture. It is also important to research the local laws and regulations, as well as the climate and weather patterns. Additionally, it is important to understand the language barrier, as Spanish is the primary language spoken in Costa Rica. Finally, it is important to research the local job market and the availability of recreational activities," said one expat who made the move to Tamarindo.
"My wife and I lived in Tamarindo for 5 years. (We now live in southern Nicaragua near our daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters.) When we first visited Tamarindo, it felt like driving into a California beach town from the 1960's. We liked the beach front road and string of beach restaurants. But it is also very popular for tourists, so the town is often packed with tourists, which can get a bit annoying. However, there are also low tourist seasons when the town is very pleasant. We liked that we could easily walk to many restaurants in town, And we owned a nice condo with a great view of the bay," explained one expat living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

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What do I need to know before moving to Tamarindo?

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PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard.
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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.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Tamarindo?
- How do I find a place to live in Tamarindo?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Tamarindo?
- What is the average cost of housing in Tamarindo?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Tamarindo?
- What should I pack when moving to Tamarindo?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Tamarindo?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Tamarindo?
- What are healthcare services like in Tamarindo?
- Is the cost of living in Tamarindo high?
- Will I save money living in Tamarindo?
- Why do people move to Tamarindo?
- How are healthcare services Tamarindo?
- What are medical services in Tamarindo like?