Moving is always fun. However, what if you are moving to a whole new country like Costa Rica? Isn’t there a lot of research that you need to do before your move? Well, here’s a guide!
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.
As a famous tourist destination, Costa Rica is known for its warm welcome to around 1.7 million visitors each year that head on to it for tourism purposes out of which the majority comes from US and Canada. Having said that, if you are all set for your adventurous moving to Costa Rica from US, read on. Without further introduction, let’s begin with the city guide!
| CATEGORY | INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Republic Of Costa Rica |
| Spanish Name | República De Costa Rica |
| Capital | San José |
| Continent | Central America |
| Population | 4.9 Million |
| Official Languages | Spanish |
| Religions Followed | Roman Catholicism |
| Currency | Costa Rican Colón (CRC). Symbol: ₡ |
| Time Zone | CST (UTC−6) |
| Country Dialing Code | +506 |
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.
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Considering the quality of education and literacy in Costa Rica, there is severe competition in the job market. The Costa Rican law indicates that an expat can only be hired for a particular position if there are no available nationals. In other words, in case there are no locals with the required qualification, laws state hiring a foreign national.
Nonetheless, there are a huge number of expats moving to Costa Rica from Canada, Europe, and the USA as highly trained experts in the field of engineering and IT. Individuals preferring to relocate to Costa Rica as seasonal workers or English teachers in the tourism sector are highly welcome.
Costa Rica was once heavily dependent on agriculture. However, today its economy is divided and dispersed in huge sectors like corporate service for foreign organizations, ecotourism, finance, and pharmaceuticals. Several foreign organizations in both service and manufacturing industries operate in the Free Trade Zones (FTZ) of Costa Rica where they are highly benefited from tax incentives and investments.
While moving to Costa Rica, one thing that might seem like mountainous work in Costa Rica is to have a bank account. You need banking facilities to access certain necessary services. In case you stay long-term, you will still need a proper bank account. If you have already obtained a residency in Costa Rica, searching for an account will not be a problem, however, you will need to gather some paperwork to create your application.
Banco De Costa Rica is a state-owned bank and is a good place to begin while looking for an account that best suits your needs. You can easily find all the necessary documents online along with the minimum deposit amount and the eligibility criteria. Besides this, you can even check out some other big banks in Costa Rica including Banco Popular, Scotiabank, and Davivienda.
Being an American, if you moving to Costa Rica and become a resident of Costa Rica for tax purposes you will need to pay tax on your income. Costa Rica has a progressive tax system. This means that you will need to pay taxes to a different amount based on your income levels.
Roughly, the top rates of personal income tax for huge earners are 25%. As employers, you need to pay 10.5% for social security contributions although the rates do vary if you are self-employed. Other taxes include VAT (value-added tax) which is generally set at 13% for maximum items. The real estate transfer tax is 1.5% of the total value of any property that you purchase.
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Studies, investigations, and international surveys state how the Costa Rican healthcare system stands at the top when it comes to Latin America and Central America. The two chief sectors in the Costa Rican Healthcare system include,
The state-owned network of clinics and hospitals throughout the country is known as the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (or simply Caja). Services of this system are available to both locals and expats relocating to Costa Rica from US. In other terms, the public healthcare system is available to all residents and non-residents.
Back in 2010, the Costa Rica government made it necessary for foreigners to register along with the public scheme to obtain residency. In return, expats can receive free healthcare at public facilities.
Nevertheless, residents and expats generally prefer private healthcare services due to the number of benefits that it provides. Compared to the public facilities, the private system employs English-speaking healthcare professionals who were trained in Europe, Canada, and the US.
This makes it easy for expats to communicate with the doctors upon moving to Costa Rica from US. Another excellent point is, the cost of medical services in private institutions of Costa Rica is quite lower than in the USA.
Besides this, Costa Rica offers a free healthcare system for all permanent citizens and expats. The ideal solution for expats without having a residency is to buy an international health insurance plan or a private insurance plan. Expats can even purchase a private insurance plan via the INS. Following this, individuals can obtain top-quality care at healthcare facilities.
Furthermore, with a private insurance plan through INS, you will be required to pay between $60 and $250 per month. Besides this, you will have to wait for a much shorter time and you can choose the doctor of your choice!
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 |
Yes, Moving to Costa Rica for US citizens is possible, but they will need to apply for the appropriate residency status if they plan to stay for more than 90 days. The most common residency options include the Pensionado Visa for retirees, the Rentista Visa for those with a stable income, and the Inversionista Visa for individuals investing in the country. Each visa type has specific financial requirements, and the application process involves providing proof of income, background checks, and other necessary documentation.
The amount of money needed to moving to Costa Rica depends on your lifestyle and the type of residency you are applying for. For example, the Pensionado Visa requires proof of a minimum monthly income of $1,000 from a pension or retirement fund. If you are applying for the Rentista Visa, you need to show a monthly income of at least $2,500 for two years or a deposit of $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank. Additionally, you should budget for moving expenses, housing, and initial living costs, which can vary depending on the region you choose to live in.
Yes, a US citizen can work in Costa Rica, but obtaining a work permit can be challenging, as the government prioritizes hiring locals for most jobs. Most expats who work in Costa Rica are self-employed or remote workers. EarthRelo’s moving to Costa Rica services include guidance on legal requirements and connecting you with resources to explore work options, ensuring a smooth and informed transition to living and working in Costa Rica.
While Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by many professionals, especially in business and expat communities. However, learning some Spanish can greatly enhance your experience and ease communication in everyday situations. EarthRelo’s moving to Costa Rica services provide helpful information on local language resources to help you integrate into your new community.
Yes, Costa Rica is considered a great place for Americans to live. The country is known for its political stability, friendly locals, and high quality of life. Costa Rica offers a warm climate, beautiful natural scenery, and a slower pace of life, making it an attractive destination for retirees and those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. The country also has a well-established expatriate community, particularly in areas like the Central Valley, Guanacaste, and the Southern Zone. Healthcare is affordable and of good quality, and many Costa Ricans speak English, which can make the transition easier for Americans.
Rent in Costa Rica varies depending on the location and type of housing. In popular areas, such as San José, monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $500 to $1,000. In smaller towns or rural areas, rent can be significantly lower. EarthRelo’s moving to Costa Rica services offer assistance with finding housing that fits your budget and preferences, making your relocation as comfortable and cost-effective as possible.
In general, it is cheaper to live in Costa Rica than in the US, though costs can vary depending on location and lifestyle. Basic expenses such as housing, groceries, and healthcare are typically lower in Costa Rica. A comfortable monthly budget for a single person in Costa Rica can range from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the area and lifestyle choices. However, imported goods, electronics, and vehicles can be more expensive in Costa Rica. Overall, many Americans find that they can enjoy a higher quality of life for less money in Costa Rica compared to the US.
Yes, you can still collect Social Security benefits if you moving to Costa Rica. The US government allows American citizens living abroad to receive their Social Security payments, either through direct deposit into a US bank account or a Costa Rican bank account. However, it’s important to keep the Social Security Administration informed of your new address and any changes in your circumstances to ensure that your benefits continue without interruption. Additionally, you may be required to file US taxes and report your worldwide income, including Social Security benefits, even while living abroad.
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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