Should I buy or rent a home in San Jose?
If you have not spent a lot of time in San Jose, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision...
"I rent because I do not want to be tied down to a piece of property. Also property is expensive. My rental agreement was easy to understand, only about 4 pages (2 of them inventory of furnishings). I negotiated the terms from 12 months to 6 and the rent amount. It was not difficult at all," wrote a member who made the move to San Jose, Costa Rica.

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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.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"Buying a home in San Jose can be a great investment as the city is expected to have an economic boom in the coming years. However, renting might be preferable for someone who isn't sure how long they will be in San Jose or who is looking to save up for a longer-term purchase. Renting can give you more flexibility to relocate if needed and to explore various areas of the city before committing to buying," explained one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica, Costa Rica.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in San Jose?
- What do I need to know before moving to San Jose?
- How do I find a place to live in San Jose?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in San Jose?
- What is the average cost of housing in San Jose?
- How do I meet people in San Jose?
- What should I pack when moving to San Jose?
- Where should I setup a bank account in San Jose?
- Will I be able to find a job in San Jose?
- What is life like in San Jose?
- What do people like (and dislike) about San Jose?
- What type of social life can someone expect in San Jose?
- What is the social scene like in San Jose?
- What advice to expats in San Jose have about housing?
- What are medical services in San Jose like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in San Jose?
- Is the cost of living in San Jose high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in San Jose?
- Why do people move to San Jose?
Should I buy or rent a home in San Jose?
If you live in San Jose, newcomers to San Jose would love to hear your answer to this question.