Costa Rica
Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica
Last updated on Jan 06, 2024
Summary: The pros of living in Costa Rica include its beautiful natural environment, with lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and active volcanoes. The country also has a stable democracy and a strong economy, with a high standard of living. Costa Rica is also known for its friendly people and its relaxed, laid-back lifestyle. The cons of living in Costa Rica include its high cost of living, especially in the capital city of San Jose. The country also has a high crime rate, and the infrastructure is not as developed as in other countries. Additionally, the climate can be quite hot and humid, and the rainy season can be difficult to adjust to.
What are the pros and cons of living in Costa Rica?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Costa Rica responded:
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the laid-back lifestyle and friendly people in Costa Rica. They also enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, with its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and active volcanoes. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the downside, the infrastructure can be unreliable, and the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Spanish," said one expat in Costa Rica.
"My only dislike is the postal system. The system is impossible to navigate when trying to receive a package. I have learned that it is easier for me to order something, and divert the government postal system altogether," remarked one expat in Florencia.
"Paying bills can be a big challenge so try to get auto pay set up where it is available. Most people wait in lines to pay bills at the bank or most markets offer computer bill pay. Cash only. Passport or other picture ID required. Costa Rica has no real street address system and the mail is terrible there. Some addresses are like 400 meters West of the World Gym," explained one expat living in Santa Ana.
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What do expats in Costa Rica appreciate most about the local culture?
"What I really enjoyed, was the personal relationships that we established. I had many Tico friends that felt comfortable stopping by our home to visit. One friend threw a surprise birthday party for me. I also found it amazing that when we arrived, we found ourselves without money due to a bank screw up and our attorney right away offered us a couple thousand dollars till our money showed up. Many more times, if we didn't have money on hand for something, business owners told us to pay them when we returned next. You don't see that happening in the states," explained one expat.
"Expats in Costa Rica appreciate its vibrant outdoor lifestyle and friendly people. Costa Rica is also known for its lush nature, boasting beautiful beaches, tropical jungles and majestic volcanoes, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Many expats are also drawn to the country's relaxed, laidback lifestyle and the sense of community that comes with living in a smaller country. Costa Rica's diverse cultural heritage and traditions offer visitors a chance to explore the nation's unique cultural identity. Lastly, the country's affordable prices and high quality of living are a huge draw for many expats," said one person in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do expats find most challenging?
"One of the most challenging aspects of Costa Rican culture that expats find is the concept of “pura vida” or living life to the fullest and taking things as they come. This can be difficult to understand and navigate for newcomers as it goes against the typically fast-paced, time-oriented Western lifestyle. Additionally, Costa Rica is a very tight-knit community where the concept of personal and private space isn't as pervasive as it is elsewhere. This can be difficult for expats, who may need more privacy and alone time, to adjust to. Furthermore, the local language of Spanish can also be a major obstacle that expats need to overcome in order to feel more settled in their new home," replied an expat in Costa Rica.
"I think that banking can be a challenge and setting up insurance along with other services such as your electric, phone and internet services," remarked one in Samara.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Costa Rica?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Costa Rica?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Costa Rica?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Costa Rica accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Costa Rica like?
- Is the cost of living in Costa Rica high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Costa Rica?
- What are healthcare services like in Costa Rica?
- Is the cost of living in Costa Rica high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Costa Rica?
- What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
- Are there good restaurants in Costa Rica?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Costa Rica?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Costa Rica?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Costa Rica?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Costa Rica?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Costa Rica?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
