Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Costa Rica Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Costa Rica Property Pack
Costa Rica remains one of the most popular destinations for expats in Central America, drawing people with its stable democracy, natural beauty, and well-established infrastructure for foreigners.
Whether you are a retiree, a remote worker, or a family looking to relocate, this guide covers everything you need to know about living in Costa Rica in 2026.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest official data, exchange rates, and on-the-ground realities.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Costa Rica.
Is Costa Rica a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Costa Rica is mixed, with strong fundamentals in healthcare and stability but growing concerns about safety and congestion in popular expat areas.
The factor that has improved most noticeably is inflation management, as Costa Rica's central bank has kept price increases relatively contained compared to the sharp rises seen in 2022 and 2023, making it easier for expats to plan their budgets.
On the other hand, the persistent challenge is traffic congestion in the Greater Metropolitan Area (known locally as the GAM) and rising property crime in tourist hotspots, which the U.S. State Department now explicitly flags in its travel advisory.
Are hospitals good in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospital quality in Costa Rica is comparable to Western standards in major private facilities, though public hospitals can involve longer wait times.
The hospitals expats most commonly recommend include Hospital CIMA San José in Escazú (JCI-accredited and popular for English-friendly care) and Hospital Clínica Bíblica in downtown San José (also JCI-accredited with multiple locations including Aleste).
A standard private doctor consultation in Costa Rica typically costs between 25,000 and 45,000 colones (about $50 to $90 USD, or roughly €40 to €75 EUR), with specialist visits ranging from 45,000 to 80,000 colones ($90 to $160 USD, or €75 to €135 EUR).
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats because while the public CCSS system offers broad coverage, private insurance gives you faster access and more choice of providers, and digital nomads are actually required to show proof of health insurance as part of their visa eligibility.
Are there any good international schools in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, Costa Rica has over a dozen well-established international schools, mostly concentrated in the Greater Metropolitan Area around San José and Alajuela, with quality ranging from good to excellent.
The most reputable international schools among expat families include Lincoln School (long-established American curriculum near San José), Country Day School (part of the Nord Anglia network in Alajuela), and Blue Valley School (offering IB programs).
Annual tuition at top-tier international schools in Costa Rica typically ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 USD (roughly €8,500 to €21,000 EUR, or 5 to 12.5 million colones) per child, plus one-time registration and enrollment fees that can add several thousand dollars.
Waitlists at the most sought-after schools can be significant, especially for early grades and key transition years, so applying 6 to 12 months ahead is wise; public schools in Costa Rica are well-regarded locally but most expat families choose private or international options for language continuity and curriculum alignment.
Is Costa Rica a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Costa Rica is not uniformly dangerous, but it is no longer the "ultra-safe" destination it was perceived to be a decade ago, with petty theft, break-ins, and opportunistic crime now common in tourist and expat-heavy areas.
The most common safety concerns for expats are vehicle break-ins, home burglaries (especially in vacation rentals), and occasional armed robbery in tourist zones, which the U.S. State Department specifically highlights as risks affecting foreigners.
The neighborhoods generally considered safest for expats in Costa Rica include Escazú (especially San Rafael), Santa Ana, Rohrmoser, La Sabana, and Curridabat in the Greater Metropolitan Area, as well as gated communities in expat beach towns like Tamarindo, Nosara, and parts of Manuel Antonio.
Women can generally live alone safely in Costa Rica with the right precautions, meaning choosing a secure building or gated community, using trusted transportation, and avoiding isolated areas at night, which is standard advice for any urban or tourist area worldwide.
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How much does everyday life cost in Costa Rica in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person can live comfortably in Costa Rica's popular expat areas like Escazú or Santa Ana on about $2,500 USD per month (around 1.25 million colones, or roughly €2,100 EUR).
For a more modest but decent lifestyle, perhaps in a less trendy neighborhood or a smaller town, a single person could manage on $1,500 to $2,000 USD monthly (750,000 to 1 million colones, or €1,250 to €1,700 EUR).
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle, including a nicer apartment, dining out regularly, and a car, typically requires $3,500 to $5,000 USD per month (1.75 to 2.5 million colones, or €3,000 to €4,200 EUR) for a single person or couple.
Housing is by far the largest expense for expats in Costa Rica, often consuming 40% to 50% of the monthly budget in popular neighborhoods, followed by car ownership costs (insurance, gas, maintenance) which are higher than many newcomers expect due to import duties and road conditions.
What is the average income tax rate in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the effective income tax rate for a typical middle-income earner in Costa Rica is quite low, ranging from about 2% to 7% depending on salary, because the first 918,000 colones monthly (about $1,830 USD) is completely exempt.
Costa Rica's 2026 income tax brackets start at 0% for the exempt amount, then rise through 10%, 15%, 20%, and top out at 25% for monthly income above roughly 4.6 million colones, but most expats earning local salaries will fall into the lower brackets; however, employees also pay about 9.67% of gross salary to the CCSS social security system, which significantly affects take-home pay.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Costa Rica versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Costa Rica in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top countries of origin for expats in Costa Rica's classic expat communities are the United States and Canada, followed by European countries like Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom, while the broader foreign-born population includes large numbers from Nicaragua and other Central American nations.
Foreign residents make up roughly 9% to 10% of Costa Rica's total population of about 5.2 million, with estimates suggesting around 70,000 Americans alone and over 400,000 total immigrants.
North Americans are drawn primarily by Costa Rica's favorable climate, lower healthcare costs compared to the U.S., political stability, and the established "Pura Vida" lifestyle that the country is famous for.
The expat population in Costa Rica is a genuine mix, including retirees using the Pensionado visa, digital nomads taking advantage of the remote worker visa, corporate expats working for multinationals in the Central Valley, and younger families seeking a nature-focused lifestyle.
Where do most expats live in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Costa Rica concentrate in the western suburbs of San José (especially Escazú, Santa Ana, and Rohrmoser), the Heredia area (particularly Belén), and popular beach towns along the Pacific coast including Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Manuel Antonio.
These neighborhoods attract expats because they combine modern amenities (international schools, private hospitals, shopping) with security features like gated communities, plus easy access to the airport and established English-speaking service networks.
Emerging areas gaining expat interest include the southern Pacific zone around Uvita and Ojochal (for those seeking lower prices and a more laid-back vibe), as well as towns in the Central Valley outside the premium districts where newcomers can find better value without sacrificing convenience.
Are expats moving in or leaving Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the trend is net inflow, meaning more expats are arriving than leaving, though newcomers are becoming more selective about location, security, and lifestyle fit than in previous years.
The main factor driving expats to Costa Rica right now is the formalized digital nomad visa (launched in 2021 and now well-established), combined with continued interest from remote workers and retirees seeking nature access and stable governance.
The main factor causing some expats to leave is frustration with rising crime concerns in certain areas, traffic congestion in the Central Valley, and the reality that Costa Rica's cost of living is higher than many expect for an "affordable" destination.
Compared to similar destinations in Latin America, Costa Rica continues to outpace places like Panama and Nicaragua in expat appeal due to its stronger institutions, but faces growing competition from Mexico and Portugal for the remote worker crowd.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Costa Rica in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Costa Rica are the Digital Nomad visa (for remote workers), the Pensionado visa (for retirees with stable pension income), and the Rentista visa (for those with consistent non-employment income or investments).
The Digital Nomad visa, which is currently the most accessible for working-age expats, requires proof of at least $3,000 USD monthly income (or $4,000 if you have dependents), plus valid health insurance coverage.
Yes, Costa Rica does offer a dedicated Digital Nomad visa (officially called "Estancia para Trabajadores Remotos"), which grants legal stay for one year with the option to extend for another year, and the application process has been formalized through official online channels.
Most expat visas in Costa Rica are valid for one to two years initially, with renewals requiring updated documentation; the Pensionado and Rentista categories lead to temporary residency, which after three years can convert to permanent residency if you maintain the requirements.
How long does it take to get residency in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time for temporary residency in Costa Rica is 6 to 12 months or more, depending on your visa category, document completeness, and current DGME (immigration office) workload.
Common factors that can delay the process include missing or incorrectly apostilled documents, background check delays from your home country, and periods of high application volume at DGME, while having all paperwork properly prepared and using a reliable immigration attorney can speed things up.
To become eligible for permanent residency, an expat must typically hold temporary residency for three consecutive years and demonstrate continued compliance with the original visa requirements; citizenship requires at least five years of legal residency plus passing a Spanish and civics test.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Costa Rica. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Costa Rica in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the industries hiring the most in Costa Rica are shared services and corporate operations centers (for multinationals based in the Central Valley), technology and IT (including cybersecurity and data analytics), and medical device manufacturing, which has become a major export sector.
Getting hired without speaking Spanish is realistic only in certain contexts, primarily within multinational companies operating English-first teams in the Greater Metropolitan Area; outside that bubble, including most local businesses, government jobs, and SMEs, Spanish proficiency is effectively required.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers are specialized technical positions (software development, engineering, data science), bilingual customer service or sales roles in shared service centers, and management positions where international experience is valued.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical salary ranges for expats working locally in Costa Rica are $2,000 to $4,000 USD gross monthly for mid-level professionals (1 to 2 million colones, or roughly €1,700 to €3,400 EUR).
Entry-level or mid-level expat positions in corporate roles typically pay $1,500 to $3,000 USD monthly (750,000 to 1.5 million colones, or €1,250 to €2,500 EUR), depending on the industry and required language skills.
Senior or specialized roles, such as IT managers, engineers, or finance directors at multinationals, can command $4,000 to $7,000 USD or more monthly (2 to 3.5 million colones, or €3,400 to €6,000 EUR), with some executive positions paying higher.
Employers in Costa Rica do not commonly sponsor work visas for foreigners unless the role requires a genuinely hard-to-find skillset; most expats either secure residency independently (through Pensionado, Rentista, or Digital Nomad routes) or work remotely for foreign employers.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Costa Rica right now?
What do expats love most about living in Costa Rica right now?
The things expats love most about living in Costa Rica are the immediate access to nature (beaches, mountains, and rainforest are all within a few hours), the mature expat infrastructure in established communities, and the quality of private healthcare at reasonable prices.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised is the ability to live a slower, outdoor-focused life while still having access to modern conveniences, which is what "Pura Vida" really means in practice for most foreigners.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most is the high quality of private hospitals like CIMA and Clínica Bíblica, which offer English-friendly care at a fraction of U.S. costs and are internationally accredited.
Socially, expats enjoy how welcoming and friendly Costa Ricans ("Ticos") tend to be, along with the strong sense of community in expat hubs where newcomers can quickly build a social network through clubs, volunteer groups, and shared activities.
What do expats dislike most about life in Costa Rica right now?
The top complaints expats have about Costa Rica are traffic congestion in the Greater Metropolitan Area (especially during rush hours), growing concerns about property crime and petty theft, and the higher-than-expected cost of imported goods, cars, and premium housing.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most is the traffic in San José and surrounding areas, where a commute that looks short on a map can easily take an hour during peak times due to poor road infrastructure and limited public transit options.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches is the residency application process, which involves gathering apostilled documents from your home country, navigating the DGME immigration office, enrolling in CCSS social security, and opening a local bank account, all of which operate on "Tico time."
These frustrations are generally manageable rather than deal-breakers for most expats, especially those who choose their neighborhood wisely, budget realistically, and accept that some processes simply take longer than they would back home.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Costa Rica right now?
The biggest culture shocks for expats moving to Costa Rica are "Tico time" (the relaxed approach to schedules and deadlines), the multi-step bureaucracy for anything official, and the dramatic rainy season that runs roughly from May to November and affects daily planning.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most is how relationships and personal connections matter more than efficiency in Costa Rica, meaning that building rapport often comes before getting things done, which can feel frustrating for task-oriented expats.
The aspect of daily routines that takes longest to adjust to is the early schedule (many Costa Ricans start work at 7 or 8 AM, lunch is the main meal around noon, and evenings wind down early), combined with planning around afternoon rain showers during the green season.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Costa Rica compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Costa Rica in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Costa Rica is fully allowed for most types of property, and foreigners have the same ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens for titled land.
The main restriction foreigners need to know about is the Maritime Zone (Zona Marítimo Terrestre), which applies to land within 200 meters of the high-tide line; the first 50 meters is public land that cannot be owned, and the next 150 meters requires a concession rather than outright ownership, with additional rules for non-residents.
Foreigners can own apartments, houses, and titled land anywhere outside the maritime zone without restrictions, and many expats purchase property through a Costa Rican corporation (Sociedad Anónima) for flexibility, though direct ownership in your name is also perfectly legal.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Costa Rica.
What is the average price per m² in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Costa Rica's popular expat areas ranges from about $2,000 to $3,000 USD (roughly €1,700 to €2,550 EUR, or 1 to 1.5 million colones) for mainstream desirable zones, rising to $2,800 to $4,200 USD per m² in premium neighborhoods like Escazú and Santa Ana.
Property prices in Costa Rica have trended upward over the past two to three years, driven by continued foreign demand, limited new construction in prime areas, and currency dynamics, though the rate of increase has moderated compared to the post-pandemic surge.
Want to know more? We give you all the details you need about the housing prices in Costa Rica here.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Costa Rica here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Costa Rica are available but limited, meaning you can get financing but it requires more documentation and effort than locals face, and many foreign buyers still choose to pay cash or arrange financing from their home country.
Banks known to offer mortgages to foreigners include BAC San José (part of the regional BAC Credomatic network), Scotiabank Costa Rica, and Banco Nacional, though each has different requirements for non-residents.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners include a down payment of 30% to 50% (higher than for residents), interest rates ranging from 7% to 10% depending on the loan currency and your profile, and maximum terms of 15 to 25 years.
To qualify, foreigners typically need proof of stable income, a local bank account, residency documentation (or at least legal presence), and sometimes the property serves as the primary collateral with a formal appraisal required by the bank.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Costa Rica.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Costa Rica, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| INEC (Consumer Price Index) | Costa Rica's official statistics agency for inflation and price data. | We used it to verify current inflation trends and cost of living context. We also checked whether expat cost concerns align with official price movements. |
| INEC ENAHO 2025 Survey | The flagship household income and living conditions survey for Costa Rica. | We used it to benchmark what local households earn. We also used it to define "comfortable" income levels relative to the local population. |
| Banco General (BCCR Exchange Rates) | Provides official BCCR-referenced daily exchange rate history. | We used the late-January 2026 rate to convert all colón amounts to USD. We applied roughly 500.8 colones per dollar throughout our estimates. |
| Ministerio de Hacienda (2026 Tax Brackets) | The official tax authority publishing current income tax rates. | We used it to calculate effective tax rates at common expat salary levels. We also explained how payroll taxes impact take-home pay. |
| CCSS (Social Security Contributions) | The public social security administrator with statutory payroll rates. | We used it to explain the 9.67% employee contribution to CCSS. We factored this into realistic gross-to-net salary calculations. |
| U.S. State Department Travel Advisory | Government risk bulletin updated regularly with crime patterns affecting foreigners. | We used it to describe realistic safety concerns for expats. We cross-checked it with local crime data to avoid exaggeration. |
| OIJ Crime Statistics | Official police statistics from Costa Rica's judicial investigative body. | We used it to ground safety claims in official data. We referenced it to avoid relying on anecdotes for crime information. |
| Visit Costa Rica (Digital Nomad Requirements) | Costa Rica's official tourism authority summarizing nomad visa requirements. | We used it to cite income thresholds and eligibility criteria. We verified the information against legal references before stating figures. |
| Global Property Guide | Long-running property research publisher with cross-country data. | We used it to estimate price per square meter in named neighborhoods. We applied these benchmarks as a range anchor for property costs. |
| Lincoln School (Tuition Page) | Official fee page from a leading international school in Costa Rica. | We used it to cite concrete 2025-26 tuition numbers. We anchored the family budget section with these real school costs. |
| Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos | The medical professional regulator publishing minimum consultation fees. | We used it to estimate doctor visit pricing with a defensible floor. We applied it alongside market rates for private consultations. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Costa Rica. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.