COSTA RICA

Costa Rica Fast Facts

Population: 5,097,988

Capital City: San José

Climate: Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands

Time Zone: GMT-6

Language: Spanish (official), English

Country Code: 506

Coastline: 1,290km

Central America’s Gem: Stable, Easy, and Affordable Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beautiful country, with long stretches of deserted and undeveloped beaches…dense jungles teeming with exotic wildlife…towering volcanoes, lush green valleys, and hundreds of crystal-clear lakes and rivers…

Not only that, but the country offers a great climate year-round, neighborly atmosphere, no-hassle residence programs, excellent healthcare (public and private), a stable democracy, and safety and security. It doesn’t hurt that many couples report living well on $2,000 a month, or families $3,000 — that includes all their costs.

For these reasons, as well as the welcoming locals who are warm and friendly to new foreign neighbors, Costa Rica has been an expat haven for more than 30 years.

That’s another bonus: you don’t have to be a pioneer in Costa Rica. There are well-established expat communities. Things are “set up” so to speak, when it comes to using the healthcare system, buying property, making friends and more. And by following this well-trodden path, your transition to your new life is much easier.

It’s small, about the size of West Virginia. But the variety of landscapes, climates, and lifestyles in Costa Rica is amazing. You have the rainforests, wild beaches, and charming seaside villages of the southern Pacific coast, also known as the Costa Ballena (whale coast) or Southern Zone.

AN AMAZING Landscape and Lifestyle for Every Taste

There are the bustling market towns surrounded, where expats have taken up residence on the verdant hills rising from the shore, with vast ocean views from their homes, or within walking distance to the beach. And that’s just a small taste of all Costa Rica has to offer as far as places to live. With just 0.03% of the earth’s surface within its borders, the country has an estimated 5% of the world’s species. In Costa Rica, this natural world surrounds you, putting the country on the forefront of eco-tourism and eco-living. Sloths, capuchin monkeys, toucans, and scarlet macaws will be your new neighbors.

And no matter which location you choose, you can benefit from affordable real estate. Three-bedroom homes with jungle or mountain views start as low as $249,000 or $349,000 for ocean views.

Another big bonus is the high-quality, low-cost healthcare. There are two systems: private, for which you can pay cash or use insurance, and the government-run public system which you join when you become a legal resident. Overall, expats in Costa Rica pay a fraction of what they did back home for healthcare.

All these advantages make Costa Rica a premier destination for those looking for a secure, fun, and active lifestyle surrounded by new friends in a beautiful setting.

Where is Costa Rica?

Bordered to the north by Nicaragua and to the south by Panama, Costa Rica has both a Pacific and Caribbean coast. The country’s population of 4.9 million, is about the size of West Virginia. But, Costa Rica packs a lot into this small territory, with a diverse variety of climates, landscapes, and lifestyles.

Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica

I hear it all the time, “You’re living the dream.” Regardless of how idyllic my life looks to my social media friends and followers—it is not perfect. Just like living anywhere in the world, there are pros and cons attached to that particular location. Costa Rica tips the scale for me—and most expats who live here—in the pro category.

Good/Affordable Medical Care

Pro: There are many healthcare options in Costa Rica—first is the universal medicine program, called the Caja. Once residency is acquired, you simply pay monthly into the program and your medical care is covered. The payment is typically 7% to 11% of your reported income, so for most, it is quite affordable. There are also well-known international private healthcare policies available, which are much more affordable than a similar policy in the U.S. The private healthcare sector is top-notch. Some expats choose to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses, especially those in excellent health. Paying directly for treatments in Costa Rica can save you 40% to 80% of what the same procedure costs in the U.S. For example, a doctor’s visit typically costs around $50 and a specialist $80. There are both public and private medical centers throughout the country. Dental care is excellent as well, and similarly at a fraction of the cost you are used to paying.

Rain

Con: Sometimes the height of rainy season (September to October) it gets pretty darn soggy. You might have to put on galoshes to walk around your property. The dog needs mud rinsed off after every walk.

Pro: The rain is also glorious. It keeps dust down and turns the forests into awe-inspiring rich shades of green. It gets those whitewater rivers cranking to level 5’s and supplies drought-ridden areas with necessary annual water. Many expats (especially those that live here full-time) come to embrace the rain for a change of pace after all that sunshine and there are rarely days with rainfall throughout the day.

Healthier Lifestyle

Pro: There is no doubt that the majority of expats report living a healthier lifestyle in Costa Rica than they did in their home country. The weather is warm to temperate. It encourages you to get outside. There is no six-month winter hibernation. It is an active country with so many options to get you moving, from salsa dancing, to jungle hiking, beach walks to golf, and surfing to mountain climbing. There is also an abundance of fruits and vegetables and fresh fish and seafood available. Fast food is practically nonexistent and processed foods are minimal. With a change in diet and more activity, it is typical you will start seeing a positive transformation in Costa Rica. Most folks tend to lose weight and become trim within a matter of months of moving here.

Driving

Pro: The major highways are paved, as are most primary roads. Owning a 4X4 vehicle is highly recommended, although you may not need one to access your own property, there will be countless times that it is advised or required to access a friends’ property or an oceanview restaurant, or just when out for a scenic drive through the mountains. There are many dealers or brokers that can assist you with purchasing a quality used vehicle, I can recommend several when the time comes. Best to purchase a vehicle that is easy to maintain, known by most local mechanics and with good supply chain for parts, such as; Toyota, Mitsubishi, Isuzu or Suzuki. Other brands are readily available for purchase, but the parts for repairs may be less accessible.

Con: When you get into the secondary roads you will find unpaved and sometimes rough roads that can take a toll on your vehicles’ suspension. The roads are safe, just go slow (what’s the rush anyway?) to minimize the dust and extend the life of your suspension system. Minimize the need to drive at night, as many roads or hilly, with twists and turns, locals are often walking about without reflective clothing and certainly driving at night when it’s raining is not advised.

Peace, Safety, and Family

Pro: Costa Rica abolished their military in 1948 and pledged that budget to education and healthcare. It is overall a peace-loving nation and is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Central America.” I feel safer here than I do back in the U.S. Family comes first and they work to live, not live to work. Therefore, it is important to spend time with family and friends. The Costa Ricans (ticos) are respectful of other cultures and the government recognizes same-sex partnerships as far as dependent spouses.

Bureaucracy

Con: Yes, every country has it. Frustrating red tape. The sudden change in rules of which no one is aware. The long waits at government offices or healthcare clinics. The four different answers you receive to your question at the bank, depending on which teller you ask. The helpline phone numbers that no one actually answers.

Flight Choices

Pro: Although just the size of West Virginia, the country has two major international airports with daily flights on every North American airline from major gateway cities. The nations’ capital San Jose (SJO) is the one to choose when arranging flights to access the Southern Zone. Depending on the season and route, you can find flights as low as $400 round-trip. From San Jose you can hop onto a short regional flight to Quepos or Palmar and be here within 20 minutes, or a 3-hour drive down the beautiful Pacific coastline. With that ease of travel, it is convenient to get back home for special occasions or easily receive visitors.

Lost in Translation

Con: Until you are near fluent, there will be things lost in translation. Frustrating moments on the phone are typical and misunderstandings will happen, especially when you only understand part of the conversation.

Pro: It is such a fun prospect to learn a new language. It takes you out of your comfort zone and exercises your brain. And studies show a well exercised brain staves off memory issues. Thankfully, Costa Ricans are very patient with new Spanish speakers.

Lower Cost-of-Living

Pro: You will not find “screaming” deals in Costa Rica. That ship has sailed. However, you can definitely find a way to spend a lot less money here compared to living in the U.S. For example real estate costs are comparatively 1/3 or less than markets like San Diego, Austin, or Boston. Our annual real estate taxes are just 0.25% of our registered property value. In those savings, we can pay six months of our bills. CD’s earn a much higher interest percentage in Costa Rica (5% to 12% depending on the terms)—so we are actually earning money from moving a 0.5% CD from the U.S. to Costa Rica. We also save on food costs when we buy at the local farmers market (feria). And living in a tiny community, there is little temptation to buy designer items. In fact, few people have the “Keeping up with the Joneses” mentality. It is really quite refreshing.

Slower Pace

Pro: My final thought is both a pro and a con. When I made the ultimate decision in 2014 to put the wheels in motion for this international move, I was longing for a slower pace of life. My high-level career in corporate America and commuting hours each day by car and planes had beat me up for two-and-a-half decades. I was longing to slow my life down with a leap from the roller coaster—for my sanity and my health.

Costa Rica offers that chance to stop and smell the roses and listen to the toucans. Life is primary, work is secondary. I love long walks on the beach and the “tranquilo pura vida” attitude. Until I am waiting for a contractor who was supposed to be here yesterday, or two days ago. Manana is supposed to mean tomorrow, but occasionally it means “sometime”. Things mover slower here. And for a North American from the corporate world, occasionally this pro becomes a con. But then I use that opportunity to remind myself of why I’m here and how amazing my life really is…..and the attitude of gratitude returns.