🌴 Top 10 Reasons to Move to Costa Rica

Escape the rat race. Live better for less.

If you’re tired of overpaying for everything — from housing to healthcare — Costa Rica might just be your way out. This small Central American country offers a big opportunity: affordable living, vibrant culture, and a lifestyle that values time, nature, and community over endless bills and burnout.

Here are 10 reasons more people are saying adiós to the grind and hola to Costa Rica.

1. Affordable Cost of Living

In Costa Rica, you can live comfortably on a fraction of what it costs in the U.S. or Canada. Rent, groceries, utilities, and entertainment are all lower — without sacrificing comfort or quality. You can trade inflated bills for sunsets and surf.

Many expats live well on $2,000–$3,000 per month, depending on location and lifestyle. Coastal areas can be slightly pricier, while inland towns offer even better value. You’ll find fresh produce at local farmers’ markets for a fraction of supermarket prices. It’s not just cheaper — it’s simpler, healthier living with fewer financial pressures.

2. Excellent, Low-Cost Healthcare

Costa Rica offers universal healthcare through the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (known simply as “the Caja”) and outstanding private care options. Both systems provide quality treatment at a fraction of U.S. costs. Many expats combine public and private care — using the Caja for preventive and routine services, and private clinics for specialized treatments or faster appointments.

A routine doctor visit can cost $40–$60 at a private clinic, while dental care, prescriptions, and surgeries are often 70% cheaper than in the U.S. Healthcare is accessible, professional, and modern — with many doctors fluent in English. In Costa Rica, staying healthy doesn’t have to drain your wallet.

3. Warm, Welcoming People

Costa Ricans — affectionately known as Ticos and Ticas — are famous for their kindness, patience, and hospitality. Their national motto, Pura Vida (“pure life”), reflects their laid-back and optimistic outlook on life. Whether you’re chatting with a local vendor, making friends at a café, or being helped by a stranger on the road, you’ll feel genuine warmth everywhere.

Ticos value family, community, and balance over stress and materialism. They welcome newcomers with curiosity and respect, and many are eager to share their culture and language. For expats seeking a fresh start, Costa Rica’s friendliness makes it one of the easiest countries in Latin America to feel at home.

4. One of the Safest Countries in Latin America

Costa Rica is often considered the safest country in Latin America — and for good reason. It has no standing military, government stability, and relatively low crime rates compared to its regional neighbors. Most communities are peaceful and tight-knit, and petty theft is the main concern rather than violent crime.

Many expats feel comfortable walking at night, enjoying the beaches, and exploring rural areas without fear. You’ll find a strong local police presence, particularly in tourist and expat areas. Safety here doesn’t come from walls or gated communities — it comes from mutual respect and a shared value for harmony. Costa Rica offers a sense of peace that’s rare in today’s world.

5. Breathtaking Nature & Biodiversity

Costa Rica is a natural paradise, home to over 5% of the world’s biodiversity despite its small size. The country is blanketed in rainforests, volcanoes, cloud forests, and beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. You can spend your mornings hiking a volcano and your afternoons swimming under a waterfall.

Wildlife thrives here — howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, sea turtles, and vibrant tropical fish are everyday sights. The government has preserved more than a quarter of the country as national parks and protected areas, making Costa Rica a world leader in conservation. Living here means waking up surrounded by nature — and realizing how little you actually need to feel fulfilled.

6. Amazing Weather Year-Round

Costa Rica’s tropical climate is one of its biggest draws, offering warm weather all year long with no freezing temperatures or harsh winters to worry about. You can choose your perfect microclimate — from the breezy highlands around San José or Atenas to the hot, sunny beaches of Guanacaste or the lush, tropical humidity of the Caribbean.

The country experiences two main seasons: the dry season (verano), which runs roughly from December to April, and the rainy season (invierno), from May to November. Each has its own pros and cons. The dry season is perfect for beach days, outdoor adventures, and travel across the country, while the rainy season brings cooler temperatures, greener landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower rental prices.

Even during the rainy months, mornings are typically bright and sunny, with rain showers arriving in the late afternoon or evening — a great excuse to slow down, relax, and enjoy a fresh cup of Costa Rican coffee while the rain falls outside. No matter when you come, you’ll find beauty in every season.

7. Slower Pace, Better Balance

In Costa Rica, time moves differently. People value moments over minutes. Instead of rushing to meetings or fighting traffic, life here encourages you to slow down, enjoy your surroundings, and focus on what matters. Pura Vida isn’t just a phrase — it’s a lifestyle built around gratitude and presence.

For remote workers, retirees, or families, the slower pace can be transformative. You’ll have time to enjoy breakfast, chat with neighbors, or watch the sunset instead of collapsing after a stressful day. The Costa Rican way of life reminds you that happiness doesn’t come from having more — it comes from living with intention.

8. Modern Conveniences, Tropical Setting

Despite its laid-back vibe, Costa Rica is impressively modern. The country has reliable internet, good cell coverage, quality supermarkets, and strong infrastructure — especially in the Central Valley and popular coastal areas. International airports in San José and Liberia make it easy to travel in and out of the country.

You can enjoy all the comforts you’re used to — streaming, online shopping, international banking — without the stress or chaos of big-city living. You can start your morning working from your laptop and end your day watching the sun set over the Pacific. It’s a rare mix of convenience and calm that few countries can match.

9. Diverse Expat Communities

From lively beach towns like Tamarindo and Jacó to vibrant inland communities such as Grecia and Atenas, Costa Rica has welcoming expat hubs that make settling in easier. You’ll find people from all over the world — retirees, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and families — each with their own reasons for trading the grind for Pura Vida.

These communities offer social support, business networks, language exchanges, and volunteer opportunities. You’ll quickly find friends who understand your journey and can share tips about everything from getting residency to finding the best coffee spot. Whether you want total immersion or a gentle transition, Costa Rica gives you both.

10. Freedom From the Overpriced World

Perhaps the greatest reason to move to Costa Rica is freedom — freedom from stress, debt, overwork, and overpriced living. Housing, healthcare, and daily life are all more affordable, giving you space to save, explore, and enjoy life again.

Instead of pouring your paycheck into rent, insurance, or endless fees, you can live in a beautiful home with ocean views or a mountain breeze for a fraction of the cost. Costa Rica isn’t just cheaper — it’s better. You’ll gain time, health, and peace of mind. The rat race fades fast when every day starts with birdsong and ends with a sunset.

🌺 Ready for a Fresh Start?

Leaving the rat race isn’t running away — it’s choosing something better.
Explore our guides on cost of living, residency options, and where to live in Costa Rica, and see how you can make the move happen.

👉 Get Your Free Expat Starter Guide and start your Costa Rica journey today.