Moving to Costa Rica from US is an exciting opportunity, but handling packing, shipping, and customs can feel overwhelming. Earthrelo makes your relocation effortless with expert packing, flexible freight options, and full customs support. Whether you’re moving to San José, Liberia, or Tamarindo, our international moving team ensures your belongings arrive safely and on time.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country in Central America. Despite political instability in the region, Costa Rica is known for its stable politics and democracy. Having a highly educated workforce, the country is blessed with excellent attractions, stunning weather, natural beauty, and pristine lake regions.
Costa Rica offers a brilliant lifestyle at a reasonable cost. This is a major reason why numerous expats consider relocating to Costa Rica from US. Being one of the most beautiful countries in the world, the adventurous country is endowed with lush rainforests, fun beaches, mountain getaways, deserts, clean water, and tons of tourist destinations.
Relocating to Costa Rica from US has become increasingly popular among families, professionals, and retirees looking for a better quality of life. Known for its natural beauty, political stability, and friendly culture, Costa Rica offers a unique blend of modern conveniences and laid-back living.
One of the top reasons Americans consider moving to Costa Rica from US is the lower cost of living compared to many US cities. Housing, healthcare, and daily expenses are often more affordable, while still providing excellent standards. In fact, Costa Rica’s healthcare system is highly regarded, making it an appealing destination for retirees and long-term expats.
The country also attracts those seeking an eco-friendly lifestyle. With its focus on sustainability, renewable energy, and conservation, Costa Rica is ideal for people who value nature and outdoor living. From surfing in Tamarindo to hiking in Monteverde or enjoying the vibrant culture of San José, life here is rich with opportunity.
Another reason to consider relocating is the welcoming expat community. Whether you’re settling in the bustling capital of San José, the coastal city of Liberia, or the beach towns along the Pacific, you’ll find established expat networks ready to help you adapt quickly.
With Earthrelo managing the logistics of your move, you can focus on embracing the pura vida lifestyle that makes Costa Rica such an attractive destination for Americans.
When moving to Costa Rica from US, one of the biggest steps is arranging the safe transport of your household goods. Most relocations are completed using sea freight, which typically takes 3 to 6 weeks depending on your US departure port and final delivery city in Costa Rica. For urgent or smaller shipments, air freight is available, usually arriving in 1 to 2 weeks, though at a higher cost.
Earthrelo offers flexible international shipping options to match your needs:
It’s also important to be aware of Costa Rica’s customs regulations. Used household goods may be imported duty-free under certain visa and residency categories, but restricted or prohibited items such as firearms and hazardous materials cannot be shipped. A detailed and accurate inventory list is required for smooth customs clearance.
With Earthrelo, shipping household goods to Costa Rica is a straightforward process. Our relocation experts manage packing, freight booking, customs paperwork, and door-to-door delivery to San José, Liberia, Tamarindo, and other cities, ensuring your belongings arrive safely and on time.
When moving to Costa Rica, if you are searching for the ideal places to live in Costa Rica, we have listed 4 expat destinations for you. The existence of brilliant educational institutions and other necessities has made Costa Rica an ideal place for students, families, and working professionals.
Located in the central valley of Costa Rica, this suburb is endowed with plenty of restaurants, amenities, neighborhoods, and trendy bars.
Enjoying cool and spring-like weather all around the year, Escazu embraces a huge number of newcomers each year.
Atenas is a small town and one of the best places to gain authentic Costa Rican food, culture, and coffee. The town is a famous spot for expat retirees that look for a laid-back and stress-free country living along with big-city amenities and easy access to the airport.
Situated on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Tamarindo is the most beautiful beach town in the world. For beach lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, visitors, and surfers, this city is a true destination.
The nightlife is excellent and the city is blessed with the best bars and restaurants. All in all, Tamarindo is ideal for young people.
Located to the north of San Jose, this hilly town is home to a huge number of students/young people. The city is highly famous among expats for its stunning architecture, outdoor attractions, and lush vegetation.
Rendering feasible shipment rates, we at Earthrelo offer door-to-door freight shipping service by calculating the moving rates as per your desired services and preferences. Send us a mail today and get your final shipping rates now.
The cost of moving to Costa Rica from US varies depending on shipment size, shipping method, and the specific origin and destination cities. On average, international moving costs range between $3,000 and $9,000+. Sea freight is the most affordable option for full households, while air freight is faster but significantly more expensive.
At Earthrelo, we provide customized quotes based on your specific moving needs. Our experts help you choose the most efficient and affordable options while ensuring your relocation is seamless from start to finish.
When moving to Costa Rica from US, preparing the right documents is critical to ensure smooth customs clearance and avoid delays. Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork can cause unnecessary stress, extra fees, or even refusal of your shipment. Having everything organized in advance helps your relocation go more smoothly.
Certain restricted or prohibited items may require special permits, while others cannot be imported at all. An accurate inventory and correct documentation are essential for avoiding problems during customs inspections.
Earthrelo’s relocation experts help you gather and prepare all the documents needed to move to Costa Rica. From filling out customs declarations to ensuring compliance with local regulations, we streamline the process so your shipment clears quickly and you can settle into your new home in San José, Liberia, Tamarindo, or beyond without unnecessary stress.
Planning an international relocation can feel overwhelming, but following a moving to Costa Rica checklist helps you stay organized and reduce stress. By breaking the process into steps before, during, and after your move, you’ll ensure a smoother transition into your new home.
By following this moving to Costa Rica checklist, you’ll make the relocation process more manageable. With Earthrelo handling shipping, customs, and delivery, you can focus on adjusting to your new lifestyle and enjoying everything Costa Rica has to offer.
When moving to Costa Rica from US, the right relocation partner makes all the difference. At Earthrelo, we provide end-to-end international moving services that take the stress out of your journey. From professional packing to final delivery, our team manages every detail with precision and care.
Every relocation is supported by a dedicated coordinator who ensures clear communication, personalized planning, and timely updates at every stage.
After your moving to Costa Rica from US, the immediate next step is to find accommodation. Although the home prices differ depending on the town and city, the overall housing market of Costa Rica is both robust and highly affordable. As per studies, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center is $475.13 per month. Likewise, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city is around $384.74 per month.
To be more precise, the average price per square foot of an apartment for sale in Costa Rican city is $174.11 and the average price per square foot of an apartment for sale outside the city is $141.87. To be quite clear, the most expensive properties in Costa Rica are situated in the central valley, the greater metropolitan area like the Alajuela, San Jose, Heredia, and Escazu, and the Pacific coast.
Several Americans relocating / moving to Costa Rica from US wish to obtain a residence permit by purchasing or investing in a real estate property in Costa Rica. However, others prefer renting an apartment in Alajuela, San Jose, Puerto Limon, Heredia, or other chief cities. Renting is a more wise option instead of purchasing a property right away. The most expensive dwellings exist in the capital of the country, San Jose.
Canadian and US citizens do not require a visa to visit Costa Rica as a tourist. However, individuals need to display proof of a plan to leave Costa Rica within 90 days. The proof may involve a return plane ticket. Expats looking forward to residing in Costa Rica for the long term have plenty of visa options like the Rentista Program and the Pensionado Program.
This either requires proof of monthly income of at least $2500 for 2 years or a total of $60,000 deposit into a Costa Rican bank.
This requires expats to have proof of receiving at least $1000 a month from a pension source.
However, US and Canadian citizens who wish to stay longer can temporarily go to nearby Nicaragua for a day and then come back and enjoy another 90 days in Costa Rica. Now, this might seem illegal but it is completely legal. The process is known as perpetual tourism. However, note that this is not a form of citizenship.
In addition, if you are a perpetual tourist, the Costa Rican government does not allow you to work in its country. You need to have a proper residency to work in Costa Rica. However, a good part is, individuals under the 90-day tourist visa are allowed to earn in different ways. You can be self-employed, you can own a business, or you can own a property. However, bear in mind that you can not work in that business.
There are a variety of visas in Costa Rica but gaining a work visa can be a bit challenging. You need to fill a position that is empty and cannot be done by any native Costa Rican. Only then can you obtain a work visa. Nevertheless, considering the talent of the local workforce and the high bar, gaining a work visa seems difficult.
What sets Costa Rica apart from other countries in the world is its high quality and standard of education. The country has a literacy rate of 93% which makes it one of the highest literate countries in Latin America.
Costa Rica has 2 education systems: Public and Private. In most areas, public schools are available. However, they only offer instructions up till the 9th grade as needed by law for children of ages 6-14. The other larger communities own private Catholic or Montessori schools that offer instruction to the 11th grade and the National Baccalaureate.
Primary education in Costa Rica takes 6 years while high school takes 5-6 years. This depends on the school and degrees that are offered. The government of Costa Rica has made education compulsory for all children.
Both primary and secondary education here is completely free. Furthermore, even children of illegal immigrants have all rights to attend local schools. The chief expenses that need to be covered include textbooks, school uniforms, and other school supplies. Although expats moving to Costa Rica from US prefer sending their children to international schools, there are plenty of bilingual schools for expats relocating / moving to Costa Rica from US.
Now that we are speaking about the cost of living in Costa Rica, let us make it clear that it is not expensive to live in Costa Rica. The average cost of living in the country is much less than 2000 USD, most of which is due to housing costs. Although the 3 most expensive cities in Costa Rica are Puntarenas, San José, and Tamarindo, expats who wish to spend less can look for studio apartments or areas away from tourist spots and main cities. Below is a price comparison for the basic cost of living in Costa Rica.
| GOOD/SERVICE | AVG TURKISH LIRA | AVG US DOLLAR |
|---|---|---|
| One Gallon Of Milk | 3200 | 5.70 |
| One Loaf Of Bread | 980 | 1.70 |
| One Dozen Eggs | 1600 | 2.80 |
| Water Bottle | 800 | 1.40 |
| One Pound Of Potatoes | 2400 | 4.20 |
| Meal At An Inexpensive Restaurant (2 people) | 8000 | 14 |
| Latte At A Cafe | 1600 | 2.80 |
| Electricity | 28,300-39,600 | 50-70 |
| WiFi | 11,300-28,300 | 20-50 |
| Basic Cable | 17,000-22,600 | 30-40 |
The cost of moving to Costa Rica from US typically ranges between $3,000 and $9,000 or more. Pricing depends on shipment size, origin and destination cities, and the shipping method chosen. Full Container Load (FCL) is best for larger households, while Less than Container Load (LCL) is more cost-effective for smaller moves. Air freight is faster but more expensive. Earthrelo provides customized quotes, helping you choose the most efficient and affordable relocation solution.
Transit time depends on the shipping option. Sea freight, the most common method when moving to Costa Rica from US, usually takes 3 to 6 weeks depending on port schedules and customs processing. Air freight is much faster, with deliveries often completed in 1 to 2 weeks. Earthrelo offers both options and provides shipment tracking so you always know the status of your belongings until they arrive safely at your new home.
When moving to Costa Rica from US, you’ll need a valid passport, visa or residency permit, and a detailed packing list of household goods. Other key paperwork includes the Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Air Waybill (for air freight), along with customs declaration forms. Proof of residence, employment, or enrollment in Costa Rica may also be required to qualify for duty-free import of used goods. Earthrelo assists with preparing and submitting these documents to ensure smooth clearance.
Yes, you can ship furniture and even your car when moving to Costa Rica from US. Household goods like sofas, beds, appliances, and dining sets are commonly shipped. Used cars can also be imported, though they are subject to customs duties, age restrictions, and emissions regulations. Earthrelo offers professional packing and crating for furniture and guidance on vehicle shipping, ensuring everything is prepared correctly to meet Costa Rican import requirements.
Both methods have advantages. Sea freight is the most cost-efficient option when moving to Costa Rica from US, especially for large shipments, though it takes longer. Air freight offers delivery in 1 to 2 weeks, making it suitable for urgent or high-value items, but at a higher cost. Many clients choose a mix—shipping essentials by air and the rest by sea. Earthrelo helps you evaluate your options and select the most practical balance of speed and cost.
Customs regulations in Costa Rica allow duty-free import of used household goods under certain conditions, often tied to residency or visa status. Goods must generally be owned and used for at least six months to qualify. Restricted items include firearms, hazardous materials, and some electronics. A clear and accurate inventory list is required for clearance. Earthrelo’s specialists guide you through Costa Rican customs rules to ensure your shipment clears without unnecessary delays or extra costs.
While insurance is not mandatory, it’s highly recommended when moving to Costa Rica from US. International shipping involves long transit times, multiple handling points, and the possibility of unforeseen events. Earthrelo offers optional all-risk insurance coverage based on the declared value of your shipment. This coverage protects you financially against loss or damage, providing peace of mind and allowing you to focus on settling into your new home with confidence.
Earthrelo provides complete relocation services for families, professionals, and retirees moving to Costa Rica from US. Our offerings include professional packing, FCL and LCL sea freight, air freight, customs clearance support, storage solutions, and shipment protection. Every client is assigned a dedicated move coordinator who manages the process from start to finish. By choosing Earthrelo, you’ll enjoy a seamless relocation experience backed by expertise, efficiency, and personalized service.
While international moves are definitely stressful, it is important to figure out the process of your move. Irrespective of the place that you move to, it is an exhilarating decision for an expat. However, at Earthrelo, we offer the most affordable and efficient international moving services to Costa Rica. Rendering a high-quality relocation service, we at Earthrelo take care of all the custom processes. While finding a moving company in Costa Rica, reach out to none other than us.
We deal in a comprehensive range of services from packaging to shipping and unpacking at satisfactory rates. Being one of the licensed moving companies Costa Rica, our team of professionals is committed to offering the most feasible transportation services. Give us a call today and book your FREE estimate along with excellent shipping advice at cost-effective rates. Happy Moving!
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