About International Living in Costa Rica
The Central American nation of Costa Rica is one of the most popular international retirement locations on the planet, particularly with expatriates from the United States, Canada and many parts of Europe. There are many reasons for this, including Costa Rica's low cost of living, warm, tropical climate and exquisite natural beauty and scenery. The beaches and friendly nature of the "Ticos" cannot be beat.
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Benefits
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Costa Rica has a lower cost of living than the United States, Canada and Europe. The weather is mild and tropical--ideal for leisure and relaxation. Also, Costa Rica is a very visually stunning nation (with a very strong tourism industry). Not to mention, many Ticos (Costa Ricans) speak English, so the vibe of the nation is very hospitable towards international residents.
Theories/Speculation
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One of the biggest draws to Costa Rica is the low cost of living. After all, shopping for groceries in the United States costs more than twice as much as it does in Costa Rica. Not to mention, Costa Rica has a lot of fresh produce that can be purchased very cheaply at outdoor markets and vendors. Also, hiring a cook, maid or gardener is significantly cheaper than it would be in North America or Europe. (A live-in maid could expect to be paid about $60 a month.)
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Potential
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Most international residents in Costa Rica live in or around the capital city of San Jose. In that area, two- or three-bedroom houses have starting costs of about $100,000 (much lower than in the United States). If you want a smaller house in a city like Alajuela or Cartago, you could make a purchase as low as $40,000. Utilities, including Internet service, should run you about $100 every month.
Geography
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In the capital of San Jose, the neighborhoods of Los Yoses and San Pedro are rather popular with expatriate residents. Santa Ana and Escazu are two very popular suburbs for international residents in Costa Rica. Alajuela, Cartago and Heredia are also good options for those looking for good real estate in Costa Rica. If you are looking to live near the beach, Manuel Antonio, Playa del Coco, Jaco, Guanacaste and Tamarindo are all excellent choices. For a quaint, small-town feel, Monteverde in the Cloud Rainforest is a consideration. (There is a large population of Quakers from Georgia living there, surprisingly enough.)
Expert Insight
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To live in Costa Rica as an international resident, you will need either a rentista visa or a pensionado visa. Rentista visas require applicants to show proof of income from investments. As for pensionado visas, applicants have to show proof of income coming from pensions, and the pension must be at least $600 per month. Benefits such as Social Security and government pensions are acceptable for this.
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