Moving to Costa Rica

lots of words but lots of lessons and experiences

No fancy photos just information that might help!

Moving to Costa Rica is a dream shared by thousands of people every year. For some, it's about escaping cold winters. For others, it's the opportunity to retire somewhere beautiful, raise a family closer to nature, work remotely from paradise or simply enjoy a slower pace of life.

Costa Rica has earned its reputation as one of the world's most desirable places to live. It offers political stability, stunning beaches, lush rainforests, incredible wildlife, excellent healthcare and a welcoming culture. It's regularly ranked among the happiest countries in the world, and after living there myself, I can understand why.

However, moving to Costa Rica isn't just about buying a property or swapping one country for another. It's about adapting to a completely different way of life.

After spending three years living there, buying property, running a business and becoming part of the local community, I realised there are two versions of Costa Rica. There's the one you experience on holiday, and then there's the one you discover when it becomes home. They're both wonderful, but they're very different.

This guide isn't here to convince you to move. Instead, it's here to give you an honest insight into what living in Costa Rica is really like, helping you decide whether it's the right place for your next chapter.

Why Do People Move to Costa Rica?

Ask ten expats why they chose Costa Rica and you'll probably receive ten different answers.

Some arrive for retirement after years of dreaming about life in the sunshine. Others come because they can now work remotely and realise they'd rather answer emails overlooking the Pacific Ocean than sitting in an office. Some fall in love with the country during a holiday and simply never lose that feeling.

For many families, Costa Rica offers something that feels increasingly rare—a chance to slow down. Children spend more time outdoors, weekends become adventures instead of shopping trips and life begins revolving around experiences rather than possessions.

For me, it wasn't about escaping anything.

It was about finding something.

I didn't know exactly what I was looking for, but Costa Rica had a way of helping me discover it.

Before moving there, a successful day was measured by how much work I'd completed. After living there, success became something completely different. Had I spent time with friends? Had I explored somewhere new? Had I stopped to appreciate another incredible sunset or watched scarlet macaws flying overhead? Somewhere along the way, my priorities quietly changed.

Can You Really Live in Costa Rica?

Absolutely.

Thousands of people from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and across Europe now call Costa Rica home. Some live there permanently, others divide their time between countries and many have built successful businesses or remote careers while enjoying everything Costa Rica has to offer.

The country welcomes people from all walks of life. Whether you're retiring, investing, starting a business or simply looking for a fresh start, there are legal residency options available depending on your circumstances, which we'll cover later in this guide.

More importantly, Costa Rica offers a variety of lifestyles.

Some people choose busy beach towns with restaurants, cafés and a thriving international community. Others prefer mountain villages where life moves at an even slower pace. Some want modern conveniences close by, while others dream of living surrounded by rainforest with nothing but nature for company.

There isn't one right way to live in Costa Rica.

That's one of its greatest strengths.

Is Costa Rica Easy to Live In?

This is where I think many relocation guides become unrealistic.

Costa Rica isn't perfect.

No country is.

Roads can be challenging. Tropical storms can occasionally disrupt your plans. Power cuts happen from time to time. Imported food can be expensive, government paperwork often takes patience and the humidity can be a real shock if you've never lived in the tropics before.

Learning Spanish isn't essential in many areas, particularly where there are larger expat communities, but making the effort will transform your experience. It opens doors, builds friendships and shows respect for the country you've chosen to call home.

Costa Rica asks you to adapt.

If you arrive expecting everything to work exactly as it does back home, you'll probably become frustrated.

If you arrive with an open mind, willing to embrace a different culture and a different pace of life, you'll probably understand why so many people never want to leave.

Costa Rica Is Not One Place

One of the biggest misconceptions people have before moving is imagining Costa Rica as one destination.

It isn't.

Every region has its own personality.

The dry Pacific coastline of Guanacaste feels completely different from the lush rainforest around Dominical. The Caribbean coast has its own music, cuisine and culture, while the Central Valley offers a cooler climate, bustling markets and easy access to hospitals, schools and major services.

Some towns are built around surfing.

Others around farming.

Some have large international communities.

Others remain wonderfully traditional.

Research will help narrow your options, but don't be surprised if your heart chooses somewhere completely different once you arrive.

That's exactly what happened to me.

Rent Before You Buy

If I could offer just one piece of advice to anyone considering buying property in Costa Rica, it would be this:

Rent first.

Before we moved, we spent months researching where we thought we wanted to live. Every article, every video and every Facebook group pointed us towards Sámara. On paper, it ticked every box. Beautiful beaches, the famous Blue Zone, a lovely town and everything we thought we wanted.

Then we actually lived there.

And while Sámara is a fantastic place, after exploring more of Costa Rica we found ourselves falling in love with Dominical instead. It wasn't something we expected. It simply felt right.

No website could have predicted that.

No YouTube video could have told us.

Only living there could.

Take your time. Explore different regions, drive the roads, spend afternoons in local cafés and talk to the people who live there. The place that looks perfect on a map isn't always the place that feels like home.

My First Impression

When I first arrived in Costa Rica, I expected to notice the beaches.

I expected the wildlife.

I expected the sunshine.

What I didn't expect was how quickly my outlook on life would begin to change.

Without really noticing, I spent less time looking at my phone and more time looking around me. Conversations lasted longer. Meals weren't rushed. Weekends became about rivers, waterfalls and beaches instead of shopping centres.

Costa Rica didn't change who I was.

It simply reminded me of a version of myself I'd forgotten.

Wayne's Thoughts

People often ask me whether moving to Costa Rica was the best decision I've ever made.

Without hesitation, I'd say yes.

Did everything go perfectly?

Of course not.

Would I change anything?

Very little.

Costa Rica gave me friendships I'll have for life, memories I'll never forget and a completely different perspective on what happiness really means.

If you're thinking about making the move yourself, my advice is simple.

Don't just research Costa Rica.

Come and experience it.

Because once you do, you may discover that what you're really searching for isn't just a new country.

It's a new way of living.

Where Should You Live in Costa Rica?

One of the biggest mistakes people make before moving to Costa Rica is choosing where to live without ever spending time there.

I know because I did exactly that.

Like most people, I spent months watching YouTube videos, reading blogs, joining Facebook groups and scrolling through endless photos of beaches. Eventually, I convinced myself that Sámara was where we belonged.

On paper, it was perfect.

Beautiful beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, the famous Blue Zone and a reputation as one of Costa Rica's best places to live.

Then we arrived.

After spending time there and exploring the country, we realised our hearts were somewhere completely different.

We ended up settling in Dominical.

That taught me one of the biggest lessons about moving abroad.

Never buy a lifestyle from the internet. Experience it for yourself first.

Every part of Costa Rica has its own personality. None are right or wrong, they're simply different.

Sámara

Sámara is one of those towns that's incredibly easy to fall in love with.

The beach is beautiful, the town is walkable and there's a relaxed holiday atmosphere that makes every day feel like a weekend. It's also close to one of the world's famous Blue Zones, where people are known for living longer, healthier lives.

Just outside town you'll discover Barrigona Beach, one of my favourite beaches in Costa Rica. Watching the sun disappear into the Pacific here is something you'll remember long after you've returned home.

A little further along the coast is Playa Carrillo, another spectacular beach lined with palm trees and often much quieter than many of Costa Rica's better-known destinations.

Sámara also has a fantastic social scene without ever feeling overwhelming.

If you're looking for somewhere lively and welcoming, Limey's has become a favourite meeting place for locals, expats and visitors alike. It's the sort of place where conversations with strangers often turn into friendships.

If you'd rather enjoy a drink with your feet almost in the sand, Las Olas Beach Bar captures everything people imagine about Costa Rica. Sunset, a cold drink and the sound of waves rolling onto the beach.

For something a little more refined, Gusto Beach Club offers excellent food, cocktails and one of the best beachfront dining experiences in the area. In fact, Sámara is one of the few places in Costa Rica where you can genuinely enjoy food and drinks right on the beach.

Personally though, after living there, I found Sámara a little drier and dustier than I'd expected. While it's a wonderful place, I never quite found the same sense of community that I experienced later in Dominical.

That's entirely my opinion, and many people absolutely love living there. It simply wasn't where life eventually took us.

Nosara

Just north of Sámara lies Nosara, a town that's become internationally recognised for surfing, yoga and wellness.

People move here for the lifestyle as much as the location. Yoga studios, organic cafés and health-conscious living are everywhere, attracting people from all over the world.

If your ideal day starts with sunrise yoga followed by surfing and healthy food, Nosara may feel like home.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is probably one of Costa Rica's best-known beach towns.

It's lively, energetic and popular with surfers, digital nomads and holidaymakers. You'll find plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and activities, making it ideal for people who enjoy a busier social life.

Some people love the atmosphere.

Others find it a little too commercial.

Again, it's about finding what suits you.

Playas del Coco

Playas del Coco has a large international community and excellent access to Liberia International Airport, making it particularly popular with retirees and second-home owners.

There's a marina nearby, plenty of restaurants and a more established expat community than many other parts of the country.

Jacó

If Costa Rica has a town that feels most like a traditional beach resort, Jacó is probably it.

Think restaurants, bars, nightlife and a lively atmosphere.

It's busy, energetic and attracts visitors from across Costa Rica as well as overseas.

If you enjoy entertainment and a social scene, Jacó could be exactly what you're looking for.

If you're searching for complete peace and tranquillity, you may prefer somewhere further south.

Dominical

Dominical is where Costa Rica truly stole my heart.

Compared with Sámara, it has a much stronger surfer vibe and a slower, more relaxed pace of life. It isn't about nightlife or busy streets. It's about community, nature and conversations.

One place that perfectly sums up Dominical is Tortilla Flats. Live music, good food and friendly people create the sort of atmosphere where you can spend an entire evening chatting with people you've only just met.

The town itself is small but full of character. You'll discover little cafés, local food shops and independent businesses rather than large supermarkets and shopping centres.

For lunch, La Junta is always worth a visit.

If you fancy cooling off during the day, Rio Lindo combines a swimming pool, restaurant and pool tables, making it a favourite place for locals and expats alike.

For something a little more upmarket, Fuego Brew Co. hosts regular events and serves excellent food and drinks in a relaxed setting.

The beaches around Dominical are wilder than those in Guanacaste. The Pacific Ocean is rougher, making it a fantastic destination for surfers, while the surrounding rainforest, rivers and waterfalls create an atmosphere that's difficult to describe until you've experienced it.

It is noticeably more humid than the north of the country, but for me that was part of its charm.

More importantly, Dominical had something I hadn't expected.

Community.

Within a surprisingly short time it stopped feeling like somewhere I was visiting and started feeling like somewhere I belonged.

Uvita & Ojochal

Continuing south you'll arrive in Uvita and Ojochal, two areas that have become extremely popular with international buyers.

Here you'll find larger expat communities, more imported products and businesses that cater specifically for overseas residents.

For many people, that's exactly what they're looking for. Settling into a new country can feel easier when familiar products and services are readily available.

Personally, I found these areas a little more westernised than some other parts of Costa Rica. They still offer incredible natural beauty and a wonderful lifestyle, but in my opinion they don't quite have the same traditional Costa Rican feel that I experienced elsewhere.

That's not a criticism.

It's simply another lifestyle choice.

Golfito & The Southern Zone

If your dream is peace, nature and escaping the crowds, don't overlook Golfito.

It's one of Costa Rica's quieter regions and offers a completely different pace of life.

The scenery is spectacular, wildlife is everywhere and the architecture has its own distinctive character compared with much of the rest of the country.

If you enjoy fishing, surfing, boating or simply being surrounded by nature, it's well worth exploring.

The Caribbean Coast

Costa Rica's Caribbean coast feels like stepping into another country.

The music.

The food.

The culture.

The pace of life.

Everything is different.

Caribbean influences are everywhere, creating a vibrant atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Costa Rica.

Getting there can be an adventure in itself, but it's a journey that's well worth making.

The Central Valley

Many people overlook the Central Valley, yet it's one of the most practical places to live.

The climate is cooler, healthcare is excellent and you'll find bustling local markets, coffee plantations, volcanoes and some breathtaking scenery.

If beaches aren't your priority and you prefer year-round spring-like temperatures, it's an area that deserves serious consideration.

One Thing You'll Find Along the Pacific Coast

Whether you're in Coco, Tamarindo, Nosara, Sámara, Dominical or further south, one thing remains remarkably consistent.

Surfing isn't just a hobby.

It's a way of life.

Yoga isn't a trend.

It's part of the culture.

And wildlife isn't something you visit in a zoo.

It's your everyday entertainment.

You'll find yourself stopping the car because monkeys are crossing the road, looking up to watch scarlet macaws flying overhead or pausing to admire a sloth sleeping in a tree.

Weekends aren't built around shopping centres.

They're built around waterfalls, beaches, rivers, surfing, fishing and sunsets.

Life revolves around the outdoors.

And perhaps that's what makes Costa Rica feel so different.

It's not just where you live.

It's how you live.

Wayne's Tip

Don't decide where to live from YouTube videos or Facebook groups.

Come here.

Rent.

Drive the roads.

Visit the cafés.

Talk to local people.

Watch a sunset.

Spend time in different communities.

The place that looks perfect on your laptop isn't always the place that feels like home.

For us, that lesson changed everything. We thought we were moving to Sámara. In the end, we discovered Dominical—and we couldn't have been happier.

Living in Costa Rica

Once you've decided where you'd like to live, the next question is usually, "What's everyday life actually like?"

This is where living in Costa Rica is very different from simply visiting on holiday.

As a tourist, you notice the beaches, wildlife and sunshine. As a resident, you begin to appreciate the little things that don't appear in travel brochures. Morning trips to the local fruit market, neighbours stopping to chat, watching the sunset become part of your daily routine and learning that plans don't always happen exactly when you expect them to.

It's a slower way of life.

For many people, that's exactly the reason they move here.

The Cost of Living

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Costa Rica is a cheap country to live in.

The truth is a little more complicated.

Some things are considerably cheaper than many Western countries. Local fruit and vegetables are plentiful, healthcare is generally affordable, domestic help is accessible for many families and services such as gardening can cost far less than you may be used to paying.

However, imported products often come with high taxes, making certain supermarket items surprisingly expensive. If you want your favourite brands from home, expect to pay a premium.

Eating local food is not only more affordable, it's also one of the best ways to experience Costa Rican culture.

Overall, I wouldn't move to Costa Rica expecting to spend less money.

I'd move because you may get far more life for your money.

Healthcare

Costa Rica has earned an excellent reputation for healthcare, attracting both retirees and medical tourists from around the world.

Residents can access the public healthcare system, known as Caja, while many expats also choose private healthcare for shorter waiting times.

Private hospitals are modern, professional and significantly more affordable than many people expect.

Healthcare is one of the reasons so many retirees choose Costa Rica with confidence.

Driving in Costa Rica

Driving in Costa Rica is an adventure.

Distances may look short on a map, but don't let that fool you.

Mountain roads, winding routes, heavy rain and slower traffic mean journeys often take much longer than you expect. A journey of 40 miles can easily take two hours or more.

Road conditions vary enormously. Major highways are generally good, but once you leave them you'll often encounter potholes, gravel roads, river crossings and steep hills.

Landslides during the rainy season can occasionally close roads for hours, while accidents and broken-down trucks sometimes create unexpected delays.

One piece of advice I'd give almost everyone moving here is to consider buying a 4x4.

Do you absolutely need one?

No.

Will it allow you to explore far more of what Costa Rica has to offer?

Absolutely.

Some of the country's most beautiful waterfalls, beaches and mountain villages are reached via roads you'll appreciate tackling in a capable vehicle.

Driving after dark is another challenge entirely. Street lighting is limited outside towns, heavy rain can reduce visibility in minutes and motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians often share the same roads.

Take your time.

Costa Rica isn't somewhere to rush.

Learning Spanish

Can you live in Costa Rica without speaking Spanish?

Yes.

Should you?

Probably not.

In popular expat areas it's entirely possible to get by with English, but learning even basic Spanish transforms your experience.

Simple conversations become friendships.

Shopping becomes easier.

Neighbours become more welcoming.

Most importantly, it shows respect for the country you've chosen to call home.

You don't need to become fluent overnight.

Just making the effort goes a very long way.

The Climate

Costa Rica doesn't really have four seasons.

Instead, it has two.

The dry season and the green season.

Most people arrive expecting to love the dry season.

I certainly did.

But surprisingly, I eventually found myself preferring the green season.

Yes, it rains.

Sometimes heavily.

But those dramatic afternoon downpours transform the landscape. Rivers fill, waterfalls become spectacular, the rainforest comes alive and everything turns an almost impossible shade of green.

Mornings are often warm and sunny before clouds build later in the day, making it easy to plan outdoor activities.

If someone tells you not to visit during the rainy season, I'd encourage you to experience it for yourself before making up your mind.

Personally, I think it's one of Costa Rica's most beautiful times of year.

Wildlife

Wildlife isn't something you go looking for in Costa Rica.

It finds you.

Before moving here, I'd book trips to see wildlife.

After moving here, I'd often see monkeys while driving to the supermarket.

Scarlet macaws flew over the house so regularly that they became part of everyday life.

Sloths appeared in roadside trees.

Toucans landed nearby while we drank our morning coffee.

We watched humpback whales offshore, dolphins playing in the ocean and turtles coming ashore to nest.

It's impossible to describe just how quickly extraordinary wildlife becomes part of an ordinary day.

Even after three years, it never stopped making me smile.

Food and Shopping

Costa Rican food is simple, fresh and full of flavour.

You'll soon become familiar with dishes like gallo pinto, fresh seafood, tropical fruit and roadside sodas serving home-cooked meals at excellent prices.

Shopping is different too.

Rather than automatically heading to a supermarket, you'll probably find yourself buying fruit from roadside stalls, fresh fish from local fishermen and vegetables from nearby markets.

It's a more local way of living, and personally, I loved it.

Working Remotely

Costa Rica has become incredibly popular with remote workers.

Reliable internet is now available across much of the country, cafés welcome laptops and it's not unusual to find people finishing a day's work before heading straight to the beach or the surf.

It's one of the few places where balancing work and lifestyle genuinely feels achievable.

Schools and Families

Families moving to Costa Rica have a range of educational options, including public schools, private bilingual schools and several well-regarded international schools.

Children often spend far more time outdoors than they would in many other countries. Beaches, rivers, forests and national parks become their playground instead of shopping centres or computer screens.

For many parents, that's one of Costa Rica's biggest attractions.

The Pura Vida Mindset

You'll hear the phrase Pura Vida everywhere.

People use it to say hello.

Goodbye.

Thank you.

No problem.

But after living in Costa Rica, you realise it isn't really a phrase at all.

It's a way of looking at life.

Things don't always happen quickly.

People make time for each other.

Conversations matter.

Nature matters.

Family matters.

At first, that slower pace can feel frustrating.

Eventually, you may find yourself wondering why life ever needed to be so fast in the first place.

Wayne's Tip

Don't judge Costa Rica by its roads, supermarkets or paperwork.

Judge it by the conversations you'll have, the wildlife you'll see, the friendships you'll make and the moments you'll remember years after you've returned home.

Those are the things that stay with you long after the boxes are unpacked.

Absolutely. Here's that section rewritten with a much more natural flow and far fewer paragraph breaks.

The Real Meaning of Pura Vida

Before moving to Costa Rica, I thought Pura Vida was just something people printed on T-shirts and souvenirs. I'd heard the phrase countless times, but I didn't really understand it. It wasn't until I lived there that I realised it isn't just something Costa Ricans say—it's how they live.

Pura Vida doesn't mean life is perfect. It doesn't mean there are no problems, delays or frustrations. It means choosing to appreciate what you have instead of constantly worrying about what you don't. It's taking the time to stop and talk to your neighbours, helping someone because it's the right thing to do, sitting on the beach to watch the sunset instead of rushing home to watch television, and making memories instead of simply making a living.

The longer I lived in Costa Rica, the more I found that mindset rubbing off on me. I stopped checking my phone every few minutes. I became less interested in buying things and more interested in collecting experiences. A drive through the mountains, an afternoon kayaking down the Barú River or watching scarlet macaws fly overhead somehow became more rewarding than anything I could have bought.

Looking back now, I don't think Costa Rica changed me. I think it reminded me of the person I'd forgotten I was.