Moving to Costa Rica as an American: A Complete Guide

Aurélise Leroux
4 days ago
6 min read

Thinking about moving to Costa Rica as an American? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of U.S. citizens are drawn to Costa Rica’s natural beauty, friendly culture, and slower pace of life. But making the leap from dream to reality can feel overwhelming—especially if you don’t know where to start.

That’s exactly why we created this guide. Not only have I personally navigated this transition, but my family has deep roots in Costa Rica and years of experience helping others relocate. And with trusted partners like our friend Jake from Costa Rica Investments & Real Estate, we’re here to make your move smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

Our Family Story: Why We Chose Costa Rica?

My journey with Costa Rica began long before I ever moved here myself. My dad first discovered the magic of this country decades ago, falling in love with its lush landscapes, warm people, and relaxed lifestyle. Eventually, I followed in his footsteps—building my life and business here in Manuel Antonio.

Today, I run Pura Vida Traveling, where we help people just like you experience Costa Rica as tourists, but also as future residents. We understand the joys, challenges, and questions that come with relocating, because we’ve lived through it ourselves.

For more information about moving to Costa Rica, check out our page.

Why Work With Jake When Moving to Costa Rica?

One of the biggest hurdles Americans face when moving to Costa Rica is navigating the real estate and investment process. That’s where Jake and his team come in. They’ve built a reputation for honesty, professionalism, and local expertise that sets them apart.

Here’s what one U.S. couple had to say about their moving:

“My wife and I had always dreamed of owning an investment property in Costa Rica, but as US citizens, we felt overwhelmed by the thought of navigating a foreign market. We knew we needed to do things legally, securely, and thoroughly, but had no idea where to start.

That’s when we stumbled upon Jake and his team at Costa Rica Investments & Real Estate. From our first interaction, they went above and beyond, not only showing us the best options in the Guanacaste region but also breaking down the numbers for us. They helped us understand the investment potential based on the local rental market as well as numerous other factors, giving us the confidence we needed to make such a significant decision.

When it came time to pull the trigger, their support was invaluable—they guided us through the contracting process, helped us identify a potential leak during due diligence, and connected us with excellent lawyers who were responsive, professional, and thorough, even after we returned to the States. Thanks to Jake and his team’s expertise and support, we now proudly own an awesome investment property in Costa Rica! We can confidently say that this team deserves five stars for their professionalism, guidance, and for making our Costa Rica investment dream a reality.”

JD, Colorado, USA.

This is exactly the kind of peace of mind you want when considering a life-changing move.

The Reality of Living in Costa Rica

Moving to Costa Rica sounds like a dream—but what’s daily life really like? Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Cost of Living in Costa Rica

Housing: Rent can range from $600/month for a modest home in a smaller town to $ 2,000 or more per month for ocean-view luxury properties. Many new arrivals start by renting before buying.
Food: Eating local is affordable. A trip to the farmers’ market (“feria”) may cost $20–30 for a week’s worth of produce. Imported goods, however, are more expensive.
Transportation: Owning a car is common, but vehicles are costly due to import taxes. Public buses are inexpensive, and private shuttles are widely available.
Healthcare: Doctor visits typically range from $40 to $ 80 privately, and prescriptions are often more affordable than in the U.S.
Lifestyle: On $2,000/month, you can live well in most parts of the country. Families or those seeking more luxurious accommodations should budget $3,000–$ 4,000 per month.

Healthcare System

Costa Rica offers two systems:

Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (Caja) – The public healthcare system, available to legal residents for a monthly contribution. It covers most medical needs at a very low cost.
Private Healthcare – Affordable compared to U.S. prices, with modern clinics and hospitals in San José and coastal towns. Many expats carry private insurance or pay out of pocket.

Cultural Differences & Lifestyle Adjustments

Tico Time: Things move more slowly here—appointments, government processes, even restaurant service. Patience is key.
Community Life: Neighbors are friendly, and local events and festivals bring people together.
Shopping: Local markets are abundant, but specialty goods from the U.S. can be pricey.
Banking: Opening a bank account can be challenging without residency, but Jake and our network can connect you with professionals who simplify the process.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Buying Property as a Foreigner

The good news? Foreigners generally have the same property rights as Costa Ricans. Title checks, surveys, and reliable legal representation are essential—this is where Jake’s expertise is invaluable.

Taxes

No property tax shocks: Property taxes are low (around 0.25% of declared value).
Income: Costa Rica taxes only income earned inside the country. U.S. citizens still must file with the IRS.

Residency Options

As mentioned in the FAQ, residency can be obtained via Pensionado, Rentista, Inversionista, or the new Digital Nomad Visa. Each requires paperwork, legal support, and patience.

Education & Family Life

If you’re moving with kids, you’ll want to explore schools:

Public Schools – Free, Spanish-language, and often community-centered.
Private Schools – Range from bilingual to international programs, tuition starting at $300/month.
Homeschooling – Growing in popularity, especially among digital nomad families.

Costa Rica is also a wonderful place to raise kids—outdoor life, bilingual exposure, and a safe environment all contribute to a healthy childhood.

Step-by-Step Relocation Checklist

Visit First – Spend at least 1–3 months in each of the different regions.
Choose a Base – Many Americans start in the Central Valley or coastal towns.
Budget Realistically – Account for setup costs (furniture, car, deposits).
Sort Residency or Visa – Work with a lawyer to begin paperwork early.
Find Housing – Start with a rental; don’t rush into buying.
Build a Network – Join expat groups, attend local events, and connect with professionals.
Stay Flexible – Your first plan may change once you experience daily life here.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Relocating to Costa Rica isn’t just a move—it’s a life transformation. One filled with discovery, challenge, and incredible rewards.

My goal is to share my experience, offer practical tools, and connect you with the right people—like Jake and his team—to make your transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Fill out the Relocation Help Form to receive free resources and take the first step toward your dream life in Costa Rica.
Or schedule a call with Jake for personalized, trustworthy advice tailored to your situation.

Welcome to the journey. Pura Vida.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Costa Rica

Is Costa Rica a good place to move to?

From my personal experience—absolutely. Costa Rica offers a peaceful, nature-rich lifestyle that’s hard to beat. But it’s not for everyone. You’ll need to be adaptable, patient, and ready to embrace cultural differences.

How much do I need to live comfortably?

You can live simply on $1,500/month, or more comfortably on $2,000–$3,000/month, depending on location and lifestyle. I recommend budgeting around $2,000/month to start.

Where are the best places to live?

I love the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area for its natural beauty, stunning beaches, and vibrant expat community. But you might also explore:

Arenal/La Fortuna – lush, cool weather
Nosara – wellness-focused, beach vibe
Atenas or San Ramón – great climates and affordability

Do I need to speak Spanish?

You can get by with English in tourist zones, but learning Spanish will greatly enrich your experience. We even offer Spanish immersion classes to help you get started.

Is it easy to make friends?

Yes—but it takes effort. Locals (Ticos) are warm and friendly, and expat communities are active. You can meet friends through your kids’ school, yoga classes, and community events. Facebook groups, volunteering, and markets are great starting points.

Can I work in Costa Rica?

You can’t legally work without residency or a permit. However, many expats work remotely or run online businesses. Costa Rica now offers a Digital Nomad Visa, which is a great option for remote workers.

What are the downsides?

Bureaucracy and slow processes
Import taxes on cars and electronics
Tropical humidity
“Tico Time” (things move more slowly here)

It can be frustrating at first, but if you learn to go with the flow, you’ll find the pace of life can be a gift.

How do I get residency?

There are four main paths:

Pensionado: Retirees with $1,000/month pension
Rentista: $2,500/month income or $60,000 deposit
Inversionista: Invest $150,000+
Digital Nomad Visa: Remote income of $3,000/month+

I currently split time between Costa Rica and California. My family is half Costa Rican, and I own a business here—both of which open a path toward permanent residency.

Can I bring pets?

Yes! With proper health paperwork and vaccinations, it’s very doable. Costa Rica is pet-friendly, though rural areas may have stray dogs or fewer vet services.

How should I explore before deciding to move?

Visit for at least a month. Stay in different regions. Rent a car, take local buses, meet people. I recommend starting with Manuel Antonio, Dominical, or Arenal for a balance of comfort, community, and beauty.