Living in Costa Rica

Costa Rica tends to enter people’s thinking quietly — and then linger.

It’s often associated with stability, environmental stewardship, and a healthier rhythm of life. For many people, Costa Rica represents something rare: a country that has chosen long-term sustainability over short-term extraction, and quality of life over relentless growth.

At the same time, Costa Rica is not a low-cost paradise or a frictionless relocation. The country offers real advantages — healthcare, safety, democracy, and natural beauty — but those benefits come with tradeoffs that matter once day-to-day life replaces the initial glow.

This guide is for people who are seriously considering Costa Rica. You don’t need to be decided. What matters is understanding how Costa Rica actually works in practice — and whether it fits the life you want to build.

Infrastructure Realities: Water, Power, and Daily Reliability

Costa Rica’s environmental leadership is real, but it comes with structural constraints. The country relies heavily on renewable energy — especially hydropower — which has historically been a strength. Climate change has complicated that picture.

Extended droughts linked to El Niño cycles have lowered reservoir levels and, in 2024, led to scheduled rolling blackouts in some areas. These outages were not constant or nationwide, but they were disruptive enough to remind residents that the grid is sensitive to weather variability.

Water infrastructure faces similar pressure. Rapid growth in parts of the Central Valley, aging systems, pollution, and deforestation have strained supply. Some communities have experienced rationing during dry periods, with taps running dry by midday.

These realities don’t define daily life — but they do shape it. Costa Rica rewards people who plan for flexibility rather than assuming uninterrupted service at all times.

Healthcare in Costa Rica: Strong Outcomes, Real Tradeoffs

Healthcare is one of Costa Rica’s strongest assets. The country operates a universal public healthcare system, the Caja, which emphasizes preventive care and long-term health outcomes. Legal residents are required to enroll and contribute.

Public care can be excellent, but wait times for specialists and non-urgent procedures can be long. As a result, many expats adopt a hybrid approach: public healthcare for long-term coverage, paired with private care for speed and choice.

Costa Rica’s private hospitals and clinics — particularly around San José — are well regarded and far more affordable than comparable care in the United States. For many, healthcare becomes one of the country’s quiet strengths once expectations align.

Cost of Living in Costa Rica: Why It’s Often Higher Than Expected

Costa Rica is frequently assumed to be inexpensive. In reality, it’s better described as a high-value country rather than a low-cost one.

Housing costs have risen steadily, particularly in areas popular with expats and remote workers. Imported goods, vehicles, and electronics are expensive due to taxes and market size. Electricity rates can also be higher than expected.

Costa Rica rewards people who adapt their lifestyle. Those who attempt to recreate a U.S.-style life often find that savings evaporate quickly. Those who live more locally tend to experience Costa Rica as sustainable — but not cheap.

Visas and Legal Residency in Costa Rica

Tourist entry is generous, but it is not a substitute for legal residency. Long-term life in Costa Rica works best when immigration status is addressed early.

Temporary residency pathways — including pensionado and rentista categories — are popular and accessible, but procedural. Permanent residency follows after sustained ties or specific eligibility.

Residency status affects healthcare access, banking, licensing, and long-term stability. Costa Rica is not restrictive, but it is process-driven. For a broader framework on how these pathways typically work across countries, see Pathways to Visas, Residency and Citizenship.

Real Estate and Property Ownership in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers strong property rights to foreigners. Non-citizens can own titled property outright, with the same legal protections as citizens.

The major exception is beachfront land within the Maritime Zone. While the first 50 meters from the high-tide line are public, the next 150 meters are governed by concession rules. These are legal, common, and workable — but require careful structuring and professional guidance.

Inland and fully titled coastal properties can be owned outright. Due diligence is essential everywhere, especially near the coast. If you are weighing whether to commit early or rent first, see Renting vs Buying While Living Abroad.

Environmentalism and Sustainability: Promise, Reality, and Tradeoffs

Costa Rica’s environmental commitment is real. Roughly a quarter of the country is protected land, and renewable energy dominates the grid.

That success creates constraints: limited development, infrastructure pressure, and slower expansion. For people aligned with those values, the tradeoff feels worthwhile. For others, it can feel restrictive.

Environmentalism in Costa Rica is not a marketing slogan — it’s a national identity. People who respect that tend to integrate more easily.

Is Costa Rica a Good Fit for You?

Costa Rica works best for people who value stability, health, and sustainability over speed and optimization. It rewards adaptability and patience.

It can be challenging for those who require absolute infrastructure reliability or expect dramatic cost savings while maintaining a U.S.-style lifestyle.

The question isn’t whether Costa Rica is good or bad — it’s whether Costa Rica fits your life. Some people ultimately decide that a nearby alternative such as Mexico better matches their priorities.