There’s just one Latin American country that can pride itself on the longest continuous democracy in the region, and a dedication to peace so strong they got rid of their standing army in 1948. Welcome to the Rich Coast – Costa Rica.
Tropical weather, a relaxed lifestyle, and plenty of beautiful beaches and biodiversity… there’s plenty of reasons to move to Costa Rica, and there are plenty of expats who call it home. Whether you’re interested in San Jose or somewhere a little more rural, Costa Rica is calling, and Moving APT can help.
An international move takes a lot of planning, and it’s not a decision to take lightly. Fortunately, our research team put together this helpful guide so you know what to expect from Costa Rica, and what to expect from your move. Read on to get started.
Why Move to Costa Rica?
If you’ve been there before, you’ve probably thought about it a little. But if you’re going in blind, or you just need a little more convincing, here are some reasons to move to Costa Rica:
- Breathtaking Natural Beauty: Costa Rica is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush rainforests and majestic volcanoes. There’s also an incredible array of wildlife, and the climate is tropical all year-round.
- Expat-Friendly Environment: The locals in Costa Rica are hospitable and friendly, and there’s a well-established expat community. This makes getting accustomed to your new digs much easier.
- Cost of Living: Compared to many Western countries, the cost of living in Costa Rica can be lower, especially in rural areas. If you can work from anywhere, why not move someplace with nice beaches and an affordable price tag?
- High Quality of Life: As you’d expect, Costa Rica regularly ranks high in global happiness and well-being indexes. The country also benefits from a solid healthcare system and political stability that outclasses the rest of the region.
- Adventure and Leisure: Whether it’s surfing, hiking, or yoga retreats, Costa Rica offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests. There’s mountains, beaches, monkeys, and those tree frogs you probably saw on a poster in your 7th grade English class.
There’s a lot to see and a lot to do in Costa Rica, and it’s all relatively affordable. But how much will it cost to actually get your stuff moved there?
How Much Does it Cost to Move to Costa Rica?
Moving to Costa Rica will cost you anywhere between $350 and $20,000, but it really depends on how much stuff you have to move.
It’s always a good idea to downsize your stuff before moving day, especially if you’re moving international.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4-5 Bedrooms |
| Local (<100 miles) | $350 – $600 | $400 – $1,200 | $800 – $2,500 |
| 100 miles | $1,000 – $2,500 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $2,500 – $6,500 |
| 250 miles | $1,500 – $3,500 | $3,000 – $6,000 | $4,500 – $10,000 |
| 750 miles | $3,000 – $6,000 | $5,000 – $9,000 | $7,000 – $14,000 |
| 1500 miles | $4,000 – $8,000 | $7,000 – $14,000 | $8,000 – $16,000 |
| 2500 miles+ | $5,000 – $12,000+ | $8,000 – $16,000+ | $20,000+ |
Our Top Costa Rica Movers
A move to Costa Rica can be a challenge, but that’s what professional movers are for. These are our top picks for getting resituated on the Rich Coast:
Adams Van Lines
- Professional staff
- Flexible pricing
Native Van Lines
- Custom moves available
- No hidden fees
Pricing Van Lines
- Network of expert movers
- Quick moving estimates
What are the Pros and Cons of Moving to Costa Rica?
There’s plenty to enjoy in Costa Rica, but it’s important to recognize a few cons to go along with the sizeable list of pros:
Pros
- Natural Beauty: Costa Rica's diverse landscapes include beaches, rainforests, and mountains. There’s also plenty of official efforts to preserve these awesome sights.
- Quality of Life: Costa Rica is generally cheaper than Western countries. Coupled with the relaxed, “Pura Vida” lifestyle and high-quality healthcare, this is a huge pro.
- Expat Community: A well-established expat community will help if you’re feeling homesick or just need to find your bearings.
- Safety and Stability: Costa Rica is one of the most stable and safest countries in Latin America.
- Outdoor Activities: There’s an abundance of activities like hiking, surfing, and wildlife watching.
Cons
- Humidity and Bugs: Of course, the tropical climate also means high humidity and a lots of insects, which can be a downside for some.
- Adjustment Period: Cultural differences and adapting to a new way of life can be challenging for some expats.
- Language Barrier: Many Costa Ricans speak English, but a lack of Spanish skills can still be a barrier in some situations.
- Infrastructure: Some areas, especially rural ones, may have less developed infrastructure. Roads, utilities, and internet may vary.
- Limited Job Opportunities: The job market can be competitive and limited, particularly for expats without proficiency in Spanish.
Making a responsible international move takes a lot of research, and learning the pros and cons is a good start. Your next step should be figuring out how you’ll afford your new life in Costa Rica.
What's the Cost of Living in Costa Rica?
Based on your lifestyle, you can live in Costa Rica on around $1,100 to $4,000 per month, with most floating in the $1,600 to $2,000 range.
Rent prices in San Jose (the capital city) are generally cheaper compared to the United States. For example, you can rent a small apartment for $500 in San Jose or get a beautiful house on the beach for $1,500.
While Costa Rica’s cost of living is affordable, it is still not the most affordable country in Latin America. Meat and imported products are comparable in cost to what you’d find in the United States. Fortunately, you can reduce your grocery bill by purchasing fresh local products and fish from a market.
One thing’s for sure: No matter where you are in the country, healthcare and dental work is a lot more affordable. In fact, having access to cheap healthcare is a major reason most American expats choose Costa Rica.
What are the Best Places to Live in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is not a large country. You can actually fit its entire territory inside the state of Florida 3.5 times. Almost half of Costa Rica is filled with nature preserves, but you can still find low-density regions that collectively contain 5,000,000 residents. Of those residents, almost a million are foreigners (primarily from Nicaragua).
The cities and communities below are some of the common destinations for North American and European expats.
1. Guanacaste
This is a northern province next to Nicaragua. You’ll find many paradisiacal beaches here, so it does tend to fill with tourists during the peak season.
Tamarindo Beach, the Gulf of Papagayo, and Playas del Coco are filled with expensive beach resorts and closed communities. Tourists and rich expats alike can be found in these neighborhoods.
Expat towns are not famous for being affordable, but they are beautiful places to live – especially if you’re a die-hard golfer who also loves the beach.
2. The Central Valley
This is a large area of Costa Rica, and it’s actually where you can find the capital, San Jose. It’s a densely populated region, viewed as the most cosmopolitan in all of Costa Rica.
Communities like Escazu and Santa Ana have the latest and most luxurious neighborhoods. Here, you can find many stylish shopping malls and commercial activities. It’s quite similar to suburban California. Of course, based on the district, the cost of living in the Central Valley can be much higher than in Guanacaste.
3. The Occidental Region
In the outer parts of the Juan Santamaria International Airport (which is closer to the city of Alajuela and located northwest of San Jose) only a few upper-middle-class areas have been developed since 2010.
Right now, most home buyers and renters are Tico families – the locals. However, some expats are starting to notice these areas. If you want to relocate a bit further to the west, you’ll meet many expats who’ve discovered towns like Sarchi, Atenas, and Grecia. These are all much more relaxed, and much more affordable.
Moving to these towns in the Occidental region will put you close to the border of the Central Valley. This means you’ll be around 40 to 60 minutes out from the capital, but the atmosphere and the weather are totally different. As long as you’re ready to mix with the locals, you’ll enjoy relocating to these semi-rural towns.
4. Jaco Beach
This coastal town is for avid surfers, as well as foreigners who prefer to speak English and party at the bars and casinos American style.
Lots of residents complain that this is no longer a family-centered beach town. Some say it’s beginning to look more like Long Beach in California, which can be a good or bad thing depending on how much you like Long Beach.
Despite the changing times, there are still some amazing beach mansions in the area. To give you an idea of just how amazing they are, Tom Brady has a place out there. That should tell you plenty.
5. The Southern Pacific
If you continue immediately south of Jaco Beach, you’ll find great beach towns like Dominical, Quepos, Uvita, and Ojochal. The major pushers of the local economy in these areas are offshore fishing and ecotourism: This is the place for activities like hiking, whale watching, and ocean kayaking.
Life in these towns is good, even though it can feel a little isolated. Fortunately, if you go about 40 km east to Perez Zeledon and San Isidro, you’ll find two neighborhoods where expats enjoy a highly suburban lifestyle at affordable prices.
6. Puerto Viejo in Limon
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has a different vibe. Life is slower, the weather is a bit more humid, and the locals are even friendlier.
The port city of Limon opens its arms to cruise ship travelers and maritime trade. The little remote towns of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo to the south offer a more bohemian lifestyle. Unlike the rest of the country, you’ll find more European expats in this neck of the woods.
7. Rural Costa Rica
Around half of the communities in the country can be called rural towns. However, some of these “rural towns” are more like small cities located in the mountains, and others are closer to the coast or national parks.
This is where you’ll find families who work the land. Don’t worry – they’re likely to greet expats with open arms, provided you roll with their relaxed lifestyle and way of life.
The coffee-growing regions closer to the Poas Volcano are charming and affordable. In fact, this is where Starbucks has their farm and hacienda.
From Naranjo over to Sarchi, the coffee production is great. Coronado has some dairy farms and a more temperate climate. Turrialba grows everything you want, from dairy and potatoes, to tropical fruits and coffee.
If you want to head a little closer to the edge of Panama, check out San Vito. This town has traditionally drawn Italian expats, and it’s another scenic destination where you can comfortably live on a modest income.
How is the Job Market in Costa Rica?
We’re gonna just rip this band-aid off ASAP: there’s not a lot of jobs for expats in Costa Rica. Don’t expect to get there and start a new job immediately. There’s a lot of local talent, and unless you have some really sharp Spanish skills, it can be tough for an out-of-towner.
Fortunately, it’s perfectly possible to move to Costa Rica and still make money. Working from home is becoming the norm, and it’s making the whole “digital nomad” lifestyle way more feasible. Foreigners moving to Costa Rica should look for ways to earn money online, start a business there, or live off retirement.
Actually, being able to start a business on a tourist visa is one of the great reasons expats are flocking to Costa Rica. It allows for non-residents to work in tourism, establish a hotel or restaurant, or otherwise be their own boss with much less paperwork. Keep in mind, if you start a business with a tourist visa, you’ll have to hire locals only.
What is Costa Rica most known for?
If you’ve read about Costa Rica before, you’ve probably come across the term, “Pura Vida”. It’s difficult to say exactly what “Pura Vida” means until you get here and experience it firsthand.
We’ve put in our best to determine it, and it’s still hard to describe. But basically, all you need to understand is that the local culture is much more relaxed than what you’re used to. Things move slowly in Costa Rica, and to be honest, that pace is why Costa Rica is so special.
What are the Best Schools & Universities in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica boasts a range of educational institutions. It’s an entire country, so there’s an entire country’s worth of schools to choose from.
Primary Schools
- Lincoln School: Located in San José, this is a popular choice for expats. It offers an American-style curriculum and an International Baccalaureate program.
- The British School of Costa Rica: This school offers a bilingual (English/Spanish) education with British and Costa Rican curricula, which includes IGCSE and A-Level qualifications.
- Country Day School: Another top choice in San José, the Country Day School school provides an American-style education and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
- Marian Baker School: Known for its strong academic program, this school in San José offers an American-style curriculum while also emphasizing environmental awareness.
Universities
- University of Costa Rica (UCR): This is the largest and oldest university in Costa Rica, founded in 1940. UCR is highly respected for its diverse range of programs and research initiatives.
- Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC): TEC specializes in engineering and technology, and has a great reputation for its high academic standards and innovative research.
- Universidad Nacional (UNA): Known for its strong programs in education, social sciences, and environmental studies, the National University of Costa Rica is another top public university.
There are plenty of great educational opportunities in Costa Rica, and when you consider the great weather, amazing sights, and warm community, educational excellence is icing on the cake. Whether you’re moving for a different pace or some serious higher ed, Costa Rica has you covered.
Ready to Head to Costa Rica? Get Packing with Moving APT!
An estimated 10 percent of Costa Rica’s population is made up of expats who’ve moved here to set down permanent roots. Another 10 percent of these expats go back and forth between their home countries and Costa Rica as seasonal visitors, migrant employees, or to just renew their tourist visas back home. It’s an amazing place to visit, and it also can be the perfect choice for your next home.
For a smooth and hassle free move to Costa Rica, you need a professional and reputable mover to handle the move. That’s why Moving APT screened long distance moving companies based on important criteria like capabilities, certifications, and insurance.
Our international moving companies are also bonded and licensed with the United States Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). All our movers working outside the United States must comply with FIDI (the largest international alliance of professional international moving companies) to remain accredited international movers. It keeps your stuff safe, and it makes your Costa Rica move as easy as possible.
If you’re ready to pack your bags, we’re here to help. Check out our moving cost calculator and moving checklist, and don’t forget to check back in with Moving APT for more tips, tricks, and insider info to make your move even easier!
