Have you been thinking about taking that big plunge into a true learning adventure? Maybe you’ve imagined yourself living in a tropical country, learning a new language, and meeting people from all over the world who have chosen a different path from the usual routine. If that idea sparks something in you, then I’ve got just the place to consider: Costa Rica.
Over the past few decades, Costa Rica has quietly become one of the most popular destinations in the world for people looking to work, live, or retire abroad. By the latest estimates, more than 30,000 expatriates—from the United States, Canada, and Europe—have made Costa Rica their home. They come for many reasons, but they all seem to agree on one thing: life here feels more balanced, more human, and more connected to what really matters.
So why would anyone want to live and retire in Costa Rica? Let’s take a closer look.
A Life-Changing Adventure, Not Just a Change of Address
For many people, moving to Costa Rica is not about escaping something—it’s about moving toward something new. Adventure is a big reason people come, and Costa Rica offers it in abundance. From rainforests and volcanoes to beaches on two oceans, the country feels like a living nature documentary.
But adventure here isn’t just zip-lining through the jungle or spotting monkeys in your backyard. It’s the adventure of learning a new culture, navigating life in another language, and discovering a slower, more intentional way of living. Many newcomers describe it as a “reset” after years of hustle, deadlines, and stress-filled routines.
Top Ten Reasons to Work, Live, or Retire in Costa Rica
1. Climate: One of the Best in the World
Costa Rica’s climate is one of its strongest attractions. The country enjoys warm temperatures year-round, especially in the Central Valley where many retirees and expats choose to settle. Average daily temperatures hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year—comfortable, mild, and consistent.
There are two main seasons:
- Rainy season (May through November): Sunny mornings followed by warm afternoon rains. The landscape turns into a lush paradise, with what feels like a thousand shades of green.
- Dry season (December through April): Long sunny days, blue skies, and vibrant flowers bursting into bloom.
Unless you live right on the beach, air conditioning is often unnecessary, and heating is never needed. That alone saves a significant amount of money every month.
2. Friendly People and a Welcoming Culture
Costa Ricans—known as Ticos—are famously warm, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. Newcomers are often surprised by how easy it is to strike up conversations and how willing people are to assist, even if there’s a language barrier.
On top of that, Costa Rica has a large and diverse expat community, which makes the transition easier. You’ll meet artists, entrepreneurs, retirees, volunteers, and adventurers from all over the world. Many expats say they learn as much from one another as they do from the local culture.
3. Cost of Living: Less Than North America or Europe
One of the biggest reasons people choose Costa Rica is the overall lower cost of living, especially compared to North America and Europe.
Some highlights:
- Real estate taxes are extremely low. On a home valued at $180,000, annual property taxes may be around $400.
- Many homes are built with concrete block, reducing the need for property insurance.
- Liability insurance is less common because Costa Rica does not have the same litigation culture found in the U.S.
Utility costs are also much lower:
- Electricity, water, and utilities can average around $50 per month if you live simply.
- House phone service may cost $10 per month, with cell phone plans around the same.
- Internet access is affordable, with high-speed options starting around $35 per month in populated areas.
Household help is available and affordable:
- Domestic help, gardeners, and drivers are typically paid by the hour.
- While you do pay social benefits in addition to wages, the overall cost is still reasonable.
Food costs vary:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables are inexpensive if you shop at local farmers’ markets.
- Meat prices are similar to those in the U.S.
- Dining out is generally affordable, especially at local restaurants.
Automobiles, however, are expensive due to high import taxes—sometimes 30% to 50% higher than in the U.S. Gasoline is also pricier, averaging around $3.50 per gallon.
4. High-Quality, Affordable Health Care
Health care is one of Costa Rica’s strongest selling points. Medical costs are significantly lower than in the United States, and the quality is excellent.
Many doctors:
- Are trained in the U.S. or Europe
- Speak English fluently
- Take time to sit, listen, and talk with patients
Costa Rica has excellent private hospitals, especially in and around San José and Escazú. Clínica Bíblica in San José and CIMA Hospital in Escazú meet North American standards, with modern equipment and highly qualified staff.
5. Excellent and Affordable Dental Care
Dental care in Costa Rica is outstanding—and much cheaper than in North America. Many people travel to Costa Rica specifically for dental work, combining treatment with a vacation.
6. Easy Global Connectivity
Staying connected to the world is easy in Costa Rica:
- Affordable cell phone plans
- Inexpensive home phone service
- High-speed internet in most populated areas
While some rural regions still lack fast internet, coverage continues to improve each year.
7. A Stable Democratic Government
Costa Rica has one of the most stable democracies in Latin America. The country holds presidential elections every four years, and citizens are deeply engaged in the political process.
This political stability has attracted major international companies such as Intel, Procter & Gamble, and Google, contributing to economic growth and job opportunities.
8. Easy Travel With Two International Airports
Costa Rica has two international airports—one near San José and one in Liberia—with multiple daily flights and easy connections to North America, Europe, and beyond.
Because Costa Rica is close to North America, there are no extreme time zone changes, making travel easier and less exhausting.
9. Incredible Natural Beauty in a Small Country
Costa Rica packs an astonishing variety of landscapes into a small area:
- Rainforests filled with wildlife
- Hundreds of colorful tropical birds
- Volcanoes and mountains
- Beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts
You can go from the beach to the mountains in just a few hours, making weekend adventures easy and accessible.
10. A Simpler, Slower Way of Life
This may be the most compelling reason of all.
In Costa Rica, life is unhurried. People take time to eat lunch, spend Sundays with family, and enjoy coffee with friends. The culture values relationships over schedules and well-being over constant productivity.
The famous phrase pura vida isn’t just a slogan—it’s a way of life.
What Do You Save Money On in Costa Rica?
- Heating and cooling bills
- Basic phone services
- Electricity
- Real estate taxes
- Domestic help and gardeners
- Clothing (casual lifestyle, no seasons)
- Medical and dental care
What Costs About the Same?
- Housing prices are similar to the U.S. and Canada in many popular areas
What Costs More?
- Automobiles (due to import taxes)
- Car maintenance and tires
- Gasoline
- Some imported food items
Final Thoughts
Living or retiring in Costa Rica is not about luxury—it’s about quality of life. It’s about choosing sunshine over snow, time over stress, and experiences over excess.
For many people, Costa Rica offers the chance to live simply, stay healthy, stretch their income, and reconnect with what truly matters. And once you settle into the rhythm of life here, you may find yourself asking not why anyone would want to live in Costa Rica—but why you didn’t do it sooner.