Mal Pais, Costa Rica
Last updated on Apr 22, 2023
Summary: People describe Mal Pais, Costa Rica as a laid-back beach town with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Expats love the small-town feel, the friendly locals, the abundance of outdoor activities, and the easy access to the beach. The weather in Mal Pais is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The average cost of living 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 range from $700 to $1,000 per month. The approximate population of Mal Pais is around 1,500 people.
What are the pros and cons of living in Mal Pais?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Mal Pais responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Mal Pais enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the stunning natural beauty of the area. They appreciate the friendly locals and the abundance of outdoor activities, such as surfing, hiking, and swimming. They also enjoy the affordable cost of living and the easy access to amenities such as grocery stores and restaurants. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of reliable internet access and the limited nightlife to be drawbacks," explained one expat in Mal Pais.
"It's true that Mal Pais is growing but it still is a tiny fishing village and somewhat remote. One road, one grocery store and two restaurants. The beaches are beautiful and you see or experience something new almost everyday. One day a calf snuck up to my husband on the beach and licked the back of his arm. He was so surprised at the roughness of it's tongue. He said hello and then it's mother moo's and he ran back to mom. Once in a while we see whales and this causes quite a stir on the beach. We watch the fishing boats come in from their day of fishing, knowing they will be selling fresh fish just a short walk away. There are many men who kayak early each morning to catch fish as well. One I know smokes his fish and sells it to the local market. It's a simple life. People bake, make crafts, paint and give lessons for means of income. We don't need much to be happy here," said one expat in Mal Pais.
Connect
RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What type of social life can someone expect in Mal Pais?
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Connect
RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
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 should I pack when moving to Mal Pais?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Mal Pais?
- Will I be able to find a job in Mal Pais?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Mal Pais appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Mal Pais?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Mal Pais accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Mal Pais like?
- How are healthcare services in Mal Pais?
- What are medical services in Mal Pais like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Mal Pais?
- What are emergency services like in Mal Pais?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Mal Pais?
- How are local medical facilities in Mal Pais?
- As a foreigner living in Mal Pais, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?