Most people who visit Costa Rica can’t help but imagine what it would be like to live there. What would it be like to embrace the “pura vida” lifestyle 365 days a year? According to roughly 120,000 American retirees, families, and remote workers, it’s pretty great. But before you rush to pack your bags, here are a few things you should know about moving to Costa Rica.
Reasons to Move to Costa Rica
Climate
Costa Rica’s climate is one of its biggest draws. Here, you can enjoy tropical weather all year-round, soak up the sun, lead an active lifestyle across diverse landscapes, and fuel up on fresh produce.
Forget about rotating seasonal wardrobes and layering up for winter. In Costa Rica, there are two seasons to keep in mind: dry and wet. Even the wet season, which runs from May to November, typically brings afternoon showers rather than constant rain. Mornings are sunny, perfect for getting in an early surf session at the beach.
Diverse Landscapes
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, Costa Rica is filled with mountains, volcanoes, and lush jungles. For nature lovers, it’s a true paradise.
The diverse ecosystems are also incredibly rich in wildlife. Some regions even hold global distinctions for biodiversity. The Osa Peninsula, for example, is described as one of the most biologically dense places on Earth.
Proximity to the U.S.
Compared to relocating across the Atlantic, Costa Rica has a small time difference and is a relatively quick trip from the United States. Direct flights make it easy to return home whenever you’re missing friends or family, with travel times typically between four and six hours. This level of proximity is a major advantage for retirees who want to stay close to grandchildren or remote workers who want easy access to work and businesses.
Building Community
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, and learning it is essential for a successful move and for fully integrating into daily life. That said, English is widely spoken, particularly in major expat and tourist areas, and locals are known for being welcoming and eager to help.
In fact, some expats joke that it can be difficult to practice Spanish because the large foreign communities make English so common. On the upside, this also means there are plenty of opportunities to make friends and build a support network in your new home.
Blue Zone
With a culture that often prioritizes convenience and heavily processed foods, many Americans see Costa Rica as a chance to embrace a healthier lifestyle. One region in particular—the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast—is officially recognized as one of the world’s five Blue Zones.
Blue Zones are regions where people consistently live longer, healthier lives. With access to fresh food, an active outdoor lifestyle, and strong community ties, it’s easy to see why many people are drawn to the idea of living there.
Territorial Tax System
Another advantage of moving to Costa Rica is its territorial tax system. In simple terms, residents are generally not taxed locally on foreign-sourced income. This includes pensions, payments for services, and remote salaries earned from outside Costa Rica.
Things to Know about Moving to Costa Rica
Cost of Living
If anyone is still under the impression that Costa Rica is cheap, it’s because they are still in the early stages of their research and haven’t visited yet. Those days are gone, and anyone who has spent time in Costa Rica will confirm that it can be quite expensive, largely due to high demand.
Rent prices, dining out, and groceries—especially imported goods—are comparable to those in North America. In some areas, like housing, you may pay similar prices but receive fewer amenities.
If you are moving from New York or California, you may not find Costa Rica particularly expensive. However, if you are relocating from somewhere in the middle of the United States, you’ll notice that everyday costs are similar to what you were paying back home.
Housing
Many expats choose to live in gated communities that offer amenities and additional security. While popular, these communities typically come at a higher price. Another common option is eco-focused living. This is where homes are designed for natural ventilation and temperature regulation, reducing the need for air conditioning and fans. Some residents also grow their own food to rely less on grocery shopping. Either way, moving to Costa Rica may involve a lifestyle shift.
Visas
U.S. citizens can stay in Costa Rica visa-free for up to 180 days. This is an ideal amount of time for a scouting trip while deciding where you might want to settle. For long-term stays, there are several pathways available.
- Retirement Visa: also known as pensionado, it requires meeting specific income and age thresholds.
- Digital Nomad Visa: designed for remote workers and entrepreneurs with a minimum monthly income.
- Fixed Income Visa: available to individuals with a stable source of non-employment income.
With a variety of options available, seek expert legal advice to determine the pathway that suits your situation.
Moving Your Belongings to Costa Rica
When researching a move to Costa Rica, you’ll often see expats advising newcomers to sell most of their belongings before relocating. While this is ultimately a personal decision—especially when sentimental or high-value items are involved—one major reason behind this advice is the taxes and duties applied to shipments.
Import taxes on household goods are significant. You can expect to pay an average of about 37% in taxes on your shipment.
There is one important exception. If you hold Costa Rican residency at the time of shipment, you can take advantage of a one-time tax exemption on household goods. To qualify, the items must be for personal use, must have been previously owned and used, and must arrive within six months of residency approval.
If you plan to ship a vehicle, keep in mind that taxes apply regardless of your legal status. Import duties typically range between 53%-73%.
Because fees and regulations around international shipments can be complex and vary by case, it’s best to consult professionals. Review this import customs guide to Costa Rica, or reach out to our moving coordinators for a personalized consultation.
Is Moving to Costa Rica Right for You?
If the “pura vida” lifestyle sounds like the right fit for you and you are considering making the move, Arpin’s move coordinators are here to help. Explore our moving resources and reach out to our team for a free consultation.
