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25 Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica in 2024
Have you ever wondered about the pros and cons of living in Costa Rica?
Famous for its natural beauty, year-round warm weather, and affordable cost of living, it’s no wonder so many expats have made Costa Rica their home.
Ever since I spent two weeks working at an animal rescue in Costa Rica when I was 17, I’ve daydreamed about one day making Costa Rica my next home country.
I’ve already lived in 18 countries and know exactly what to look for before moving to a new country abroad.
There are several things to know before moving to Costa Rica. Safety, living expenses, job opportunities, and quality of life are all important factors to consider.
So here are some of the most popular advantages and disadvantages of living in Costa Rica to help you decide if moving to Costa Rica is right for you!
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1. Pro: Pura Vida
“Pura Vida” literally translates to “Pure Life” in English, describing the country’s chill vibes and relaxed way of life.
It is the slogan of Costa Rica, and you’ll hear it and feel it everywhere you go. It is truly a way of life all throughout the country.
Ticos (aka Costa Ricans) enjoy the simple things in life and live contently. The way of living is very go-with-the-flow, and many expats find it very refreshing.
So “Pura Vida,” slow down, enjoy a walk, watch the sunset, and have a meal with friends while you enjoy your new Costa Rican way of life!
2. Con: Everything Moves Slowly
One of the disadvantages of living in Costa Rica is that life moves at a slower pace than many people are used to. The go-with-the-flow lifestyle can often mean that some things are inefficient and slow.
If you need something done, expect it to take a while. People often attend events or appointments late, and things are rarely on schedule.
Locals jokingly call this relative sense of time “Tico Time,” and it can often be an inconvenience. Especially if you are not used to it.
3. Pro: Beautiful Country
One of the biggest advantages of living in Costa Rica is being surrounded by natural beauty.
The country has so much natural beauty, from the stunning mountains to 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) of coastline and animal-filled rainforests.
Nature lovers and beach bums are in heaven.
Spend your weekends exploring Arenal Volcano, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, just to name a few.
4. Con: Some Creature Comforts are Missing
One of the cons of living in Costa Rica is that, as an expat, you may miss a few comforts of home.
Toilet paper can’t be flushed in the toilet, sinks (and sometimes showers) only have cold water, and customer service isn’t the same as back home.
You may also find that housing is different from what you are used to. Some places have limited air conditioning and water heating.
That said, expats in Costa Rica seem to adjust just fine!
5. Pro: Affordable and High-Quality Healthcare
Expats and retirees love Costa Rica’s healthcare system, which is ranked as one of the best in the world.
All citizens and permanent residents receive universal health coverage, and private insurance can be purchased at a low cost for more options and faster care.
The healthcare system is well-developed, and the life expectancy of Costa Ricans is about 90 years old, which is higher than the world’s average.
⛑️ I still recommend foreigners get SafetyWing health insurance to cover any healthcare costs
6. Con: Long Wait for Healthcare
The quality and price of healthcare in Costa Rica are definite advantages of living in Costa Rica. However, you may experience a long wait to receive healthcare at hospitals or clinics.
If you’re using universal healthcare, you’ll likely need to wait a while for your appointments, so remember to make appointments well in advance. And consider supplementing universal healthcare with private health insurance.
7. Pro: Affordable Housing and Food
One of the best perks of living in Costa Rica is its affordability.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in most cities is less than $500 USD per month. And if you eat like the locals do, food is cheap.
Many expats live on a budget of less than $1,000 USD monthly. $1,300-$1,700 USD is a very nice budget for a solo expat, and $2,000 USD is plenty for a couple.
Tip: Properties advertised for expats have marked-up prices, so always negotiate in person!
8. Con: Worst Roads in the World
You’ll need a car or scooter to get around Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has some of the worst road conditions in the world, with potholes, mudslides during the rainy season, inadequate lighting, and more traffic accidents per capita than average.
The main roads and highways are decent, but the smaller, more rural roads can be difficult to navigate.
Drive carefully, especially at night, and use GPS because road signage is not always reliable.
9. Pro: Warm Weather Year-Round
Costa Rica is a tropical country with temps usually ranging between 22-28°C (72-82°F) all year.
Some parts of Costa Rica, like the mountainous areas, can be cooler.
For the most part, you won’t need many winter clothes, and you can enjoy beautiful beach days almost all year round!
10. Con: Scorching Heat and Humidity
With the beautiful tropical weather also comes high temperatures and a humid rainy season.
The rainy season in Costa Rica is from May to November. Nighttime temperatures drop in the mountainous areas, where the rain is also the heaviest. Heavy rain in the mountains can also cause flooding and mudslides.
The Pacific coast and northwest see less rain than other regions in Costa Rica, but they still get quite a bit during the rainy season.
Rain and heat are two hard realities of living in Costa Rica that you’ll have to get used to.
11. Con: Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Volcanoes
Costa Rica experiences earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity.
The country is located along the infamous Ring of Fire and has 6 active volcanoes.
Arenal is the most famous and most active volcano in Costa Rica but has been in a resting phase without eruptions since 2010. You can visit the volcanoes for a fun adventure!
There are small earthquakes often, most of which you won’t be able to feel. A big one comes about once every decade or so.
Also, having so much coastline means tsunamis are also possible after a large earthquake in Costa Rica.
12. Pro: Easy to Fly In and Out
Costa Rica has 4 international airports, making it very easy to travel home or fly out for vacations.
Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) is the largest airport in Costa Rica and has the most flight options. It is located in the Central Valley region and north of San José.
For example, if you’re considering heading to the US, Houston is just a 3.5-hour flight from SJO. Theo (my dog) and I could be home in Canada in just 7 hours!
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13. Con: Hard to Ship and Receive Packages
One of the biggest complaints from people who move to Costa Rica is how slow and expensive shipping can be.
It’s common for your packages to get stuck in customs, and you’ll have to travel and pay a fee to collect your packages.
Some parts of Costa Rica don’t receive packages at all!
14. Pro: Foreigners Can Establish a Business
One advantage of living in Costa Rica as an expat is that foreigners can start a business. Government policies are welcoming and tax-friendly.
Many expats are granted residency after they have invested in property or business in Costa Rica. And because a nice, new house can cost less than $200,000, this is a viable pathway for many.
15. Con: Permanent Residency Is Slow
Before becoming a permanent resident, with benefits like universal healthcare, you’ll have to be a temporary resident for at least three years.
The application process can be long and tedious, and there are income requirements, but there are agencies that can help make the process a little easier.
Many expats find living in Costa Rica worth the headache of going through the permanent Residency process!
16. Pro: Retiring in Costa Rica is Easy
One temporary residency visa pathway is especially for foreign nationals with a lifetime pension (i.e., social security or other guaranteed retirement benefits).
This visa is renewable every two years, requires proof of just $1,000 USD monthly income, and there’s no minimum age to qualify. Spouses and kids can be included as well.
After 3 cycles of this retirement visa, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency!
18. Con: You’ll Need to Learn Spanish
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, and it is necessary to speak at least a little Spanish if you want to move there.
The closer you are to tourist areas, the more English will be spoken. There are also many expats living in Costa Rica who also speak English.
However, I still recommend freshening up your Spanish skills. During my time in Costa Rica, I found the locals to be very patient and friendly, but it can be tricky to communicate without some Spanish.
Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.
19: Pro: Friendly Locals aka “Ticos”
Some expats find it challenging to make friends outside of the expat community, especially if they don’t speak English.
But Ticos are known for being extremely hospitable, polite, warm, and easy-going. Family and community are extremely important to Costa Ricans.
One important thing to understand about Costa Rican culture is that saying “no” directly isn’t common, so you may have to be extra aware and courteous to others’ needs. However, this also speaks to the incredible kindness and hospitality of Costa Rican culture.
20. Pro: Long History of Democratic Stability
Costa Rica is the most politically stable country in the region and the oldest democracy in Latin America. Citizens enjoy voting rights and freedom of expression.
It’s the only country in Central America without a permanent standing army.
It also is very economically stable and enjoys the highest standard of living in the area.
That said, there is still a lot of poverty, and indigenous communities continue to face discrimination and suffer land disputes.
21. Pro: Sloths & Other Interesting Wildlife
If you’re an animal lover like me, then you’ll love spotting the abundant and diverse wildlife in Costa Rica.
You can witness 900 different species of tropical birds throughout the country.
Sloths are also very common in Costa Rica! I loved watching the adorable sloths moving slowly up the trees!
In the rainforest, you’ll spot monkeys, frogs, crocodiles, and even jaguars (if you’re lucky).
I volunteered at a nature reserve when I was in Costa Rica and got to meet all sorts of native wildlife.
22. Con: Bugs
Costa Rica is a tropical country, which means bugs often find their way into your home.
The most common insects you’ll find inside are ants and cockroaches, and it’s not uncommon to see spiders, too.
Geckos are also common, but at least they eat the mosquitoes away!
It is possible to get dengue from mosquitoes, so wear lots of insect repellent, especially during the rainy season. Costa Rica has low levels of Zika and malaria, but it never hurts to be extra cautious.
23. Pro: Fast Internet
Costa Rica is home to many digital nomads, and it’s common to find high-speed internet and fiber optic.
Because there are several different internet providers, prices are fairly competitive.
If you’re renting an apartment, you may need to install the internet yourself or ask your host if you can upgrade the internet speed.
During the rainy season, electricity may go out for a little while, occasionally impacting your internet access.
But most expats are happy with the service, and I had no issues when I was there!
24. Pro: One of the Safest Countries in Central America
According to the Global Peace Index, Costa Rica is the safest country in Latin America.
For those wondering about the dangers of living in Costa Rica, there are very low levels of violent crime and high levels of political stability.
However, there are still petty crimes like theft and robbery, so it’s important to be mindful of your valuables.
Protect your valuables from loss of theft with SafetyWing insurance. I use them when I live abroad to protect my health and my belongings.
25. Pro: Sustainability
Costa Rica is known for being extremely sustainable. Some organizations rank Costa Rica as one of the most sustainable in the world!
Costa Rica is on its way to becoming carbon-neutral and has reversed deforestation – forest now covers more than 50% of the land.
You’ll especially notice the award-winning sustainability efforts when you travel to the national parks.
FAQs About Pros and Cons of Moving to Costa Rica
Is moving to Costa Rica a good idea?
Moving to Costa Rica is a great idea!
With a lower cost of living in Costa Rica and a warm climate year-round, you can enjoy all that paradise without sacrificing too much comfort.
Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery or just ready for some fun in the sun, Costa Rica is an ideal destination to call home.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Costa Rica?
Living comfortably in Costa Rica typically requires a budget of around $1,500 per month for singles and $2,000 per month for couples.
This estimate considers housing, food, and necessities like transportation and utilities.
Your expenses will vary depending on where you live, as some areas may be more expensive.
Can an American just move to Costa Rica?
Yes, living in Costa Rica as an American is possible, but you must obtain a visa before staying there for more than 90 days.
Americans may be able to apply for a tourist visa, temporary residency, or permanent residency.
To be approved for any of these visas, applicants must meet several requirements, such as providing proof of income and a clean criminal record.
Where do most Americans move to in Costa Rica?
Most Americans who move to Costa Rica choose to settle in the Central Valley, where the capital city of San Jose is located.
Guanacaste, in the country’s northwest corner, is also increasingly attracting American expats looking for a more laid-back lifestyle.
The best places to live in Costa Rica are Playa Flamingo, Playa del Coco, Playa Tamarindo, and the Papagayo Peninsula.
What is the most common crime in Costa Rica?
The most common crime in Costa Rica is theft, with robberies and pickpocketing being the most common types.
Other crimes, such as drug trafficking, fraud, and illegal immigration, are also issues in the country.
Visitors need to take common-sense precautions when traveling to Costa Rica and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
How safe is it to live in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has been deemed the safest country in Latin America! There are very few cases of violent crimes, with the most common crimes being petty theft.
So, is Costa Rica Safe? Yes! Just take necessary precautions when traveling alone or with any valuables.
Final Thoughts: Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica
Living in Costa Rica offers many advantages, including excellent weather and beautiful beaches.
The people are friendly and welcoming, with great respect for the natural environment, and Healthcare is also generally of a high standard.
Despite these positives, living in Costa Rica can come with some challenges, such as scorching temperatures and a slow permanent residency process.
Expats should also be aware that cultural norms can vary from US standards, and sthey may be missing some comforts of home (like hot water in the sink).
After reading through the pros and cons of moving to Costa Rica, hopefully, the pros outweigh the cons.
Whether you’re looking for a change of pace or the next adventure, Costa Rica is exactly what you need!
If you’re looking for somewhere else warm to live, consider Mexico or Hawaii.
Read More About Living Abroad:
- How Living Abroad Changes You: 15 Ways You’ll Grow
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- Moving and Living Abroad Guide
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- Best Suitcases for Moving Abroad
- Challenges of Moving to a New Country to Overcome
- I Regret Moving to Another Country for Love
- Quiz: What Country Should I Move To?
- Best Laptops for Digital Nomads Remote Work
- 50+ Countries with Digital Nomad Visas
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Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy expat travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!
🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?
It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!
📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?
It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.
Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!
💼 How do I get a job as an expat?
You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.
If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!
💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?
Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.
I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. (Read more)
👯♀️ How do you make friends abroad?
Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.
🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?
Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.
💻 Do I need a VPN?
Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.
🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?
This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here.
🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?
Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. (Read more)
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com. (Read more)
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
