Costa Rica is a wonderful country filled with long stretches of deserted and undeveloped beaches…dense jungles teeming with exotic wildlife…towering volcanoes, lush green valleys, and hundreds of crystal-clear lakes and rivers…
It offers a great climate year-round, no-hassle residence programs, excellent healthcare, a stable democracy, and safety and security. It doesn’t hurt that many retired couples report living well on $2,000 a month—that includes all their costs.
With the variety of landscapes, climates, and lifestyles in Costa Rica is amazing. You have the rainforests, wild beaches, and charming seaside villages of the southern Pacific coast, also known as the Southern Zone.
There are the bustling market towns surrounded by sugar cane fields and coffee plantations of the Central Valley. Around the pristine 33-square-mile Lake Arenal, expats have taken up residence on the verdant hills rising from the shore, with vast lake views from their homes. On the Caribbean coast, life is laidback and moves to the rhythm of reggae. And that’s just a small taste of all Costa Rica has to offer as far as places to live.
With all these different climates and landscapes, it’s no wonder that this Central American jewel is also one of the most biodiverse spots on the planet. With just 0.03% of the earth’s surface within its borders, the country has an estimated 5% of the world’s species. In Costa Rica, this natural world surrounds you, putting the country on the forefront of eco-tourism and eco-living. Sloths, capuchin monkeys, toucans, and scarlet macaws will be your new neighbors.
Where is Costa Rica
Bordered to the north by Nicaragua and to the south by Panama, Costa Rica has both a Pacific and Caribbean coast. The country’s population of 4.9 million, is about the size of West Virginia. But, Costa Rica packs a lot into this small territory, with a diverse variety of climates, landscapes, and lifestyles.
Pros
And no matter which location you choose, you can benefit from bargain real estate, whether you buy or rent. Three-bedroom homes in the Central Valley start at $119,000 to buy and $500 a month to rent. And two-bedroom condo, a short walk to the beach on the central Pacific coast, in a lively town will cost about $700 a month, and a similar property is selling for $165,000. Deals like this can be found throughout the country.
Another big bonus is the high-quality, low-cost healthcare. There are two systems: private, for which you can pay cash or use insurance, and the government-run public system which you join when you become a legal resident. Overall, expats in Costa Rica pay a fraction of what they did back home for healthcare.
All these advantages make Costa Rica a premier destination for those looking for a secure, fun, and active retirement surrounded by new friends in a beautiful setting.
Good Affordable Health Care
There are many healthcare options in Costa Rica—first is the universal medicine program, called the Caja. Once residency is acquired, you simply pay monthly into the program and your medical care is covered. The payment is typically 7% to 11% of your reported income, so for most, it is quite affordable.
There are also well-known international private healthcare policies available, which are much more affordable than a similar policy in the U.S. The private healthcare sector is top-notch. Some expats choose to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses, especially those in excellent health. Paying directly for treatments in Costa Rica can save you 40% to 80% of what the same procedure costs in the U.S. For example, a doctor’s visit typically costs around $50 and a specialist $80. There are both public and private medical centers throughout the country, with the best of them being around San José, the Costa Rican capital.
Rain
Depends on what time it is whether the rain is a pro or con. During the rainy season (Sept to Oct) is can get very soggy. Driving can be challenging because some places the river crossing can be too dangerous.
On the positive side, the rain allows the country to be lush and peaceful.
Healthier Lifestyle
The warm temperatures encourage people to get outside because there is no six-month winter hibernation. It is an active country with so many options to get you moving, from salsa dancing, to jungle hiking, beach walks to golf, and surfing to mountain climbing. There is also an abundance of fruits and vegetables and fresh seafood available. In many smaller communities, fast food is nonexistent and processed foods are minimal. With a change in diet and more activity, it is typical you will start seeing a positive transformation in Costa Rica.
Driving
Costa Rica used to havethe best road system in Central America but now, although the major highways are paved, the secondary roads of Guanacaste, the Southern Zone, and the Caribbean side and you will find unpaved roads with potholes, exacerbated by rainy season which turns the thoroughfares into mud pits or small rivers. The lack of signage, street names, and an insufficient number of drivers with any proper training will urge any motorist to think twice about getting behind wheel in Costa Rica.
Safety and Family
Costa Rica abolished their military in 1948 and pledged that budget to education and healthcare. It is overall a peace-loving nation and is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Central America. Family comes first and they work to live, not live to work. Therefore, it is important to spend time with family and friends. The Costa Ricans (ticos) are respectful of other cultures and the government recognizes same-sex partnerships as far as dependent spouses.
Bureaucracy
Like many countries there is red tape that can have rules change which no one is aware of. The long waits at government offices or healthcare clinics. The four different answers you receive to your question at the bank, depending on which teller you ask. The helpline phone numbers that no one actually answers.
Shipping
Shipping is slow but improving. UPS in some parts of the country does not service and the lack of addresses makes receiving postal items hit or miss; and the possibility of finding your items hung up in customs indefinitely is a reality.
Flight Choices
Although just the size of West Virginia, the country has two major international airports with daily flights on every North American airline from major gateway cities. Between these airports, it is easy to get to the country’s most popular destinations within an hour or two. Depending on the season and route, you can find flights as low as $400 round-trip. With that ease of travel, it is convenient to get back home for special occasions or easily receive visitors.
Lower Cost of Living
Although costs have gone up in recent years, it costs less here than many countries. For example, if you were to take our well-appointed, two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom condo with a partial ocean view and compare it to major North American cities, it is about 3-4 times more. Food also costs less when you buy from local farmer markets and there is no need to buy designer clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s the Population of Costa Rica?
The latest census has shown Costa Rica has a population of 5,097,988. The new census could highlight an increase in this number.
What is the Climate like in Costa Rica?
Depending where you are in the country the climate can vary. Typically Costa Rica is tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in the highlands.
What Language do they Speak in Costa Rica?
The official language spoken in Costa Rica is Spanish. This is due to the Spanish Conquest of Costa Rica in 1561 in Nicoya Bay.
What are some popular Destinations in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a huge amount of popular destinations including: Puerto Viejo, Nosara, Cartago, Guanacaste, Jacó, La Fortuna, and Tamarindo.
What are the international airports in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has two international airports Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría near San José, and Aeropuerto Internacional Daniel Oduber Quirós, near Liberia in Guanacaste.
