Living in Costa Rica:
The Definitive 2025 Guide for American Expats

The Growing Trend of Americans Living in Costa Rica

Nearly 120,000 Americans now call Costa Rica home, with a striking 34% increase in US citizens relocating post-pandemic according to the US State Department’s 2023 data. This tropical paradise consistently ranks among the top destinations for American expats seeking a better quality of life, natural beauty, and a more affordable cost of living.

The Growing Trend of Americans Living in Costa Rica

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Moving to Costa Rica from the US? You’re not Alone

Living in Costa Rica offers Americans a unique blend of familiar comforts and exciting cultural differences. The 2023 InterNations Expat Insider survey ranked Costa Rica 7th globally for overall expat satisfaction, with particularly high scores for quality of life and ease of settling in.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need for a successful move to Costa Rica in 2025: updated costs across different regions, the best locations based on your lifestyle preferences, visa options, and quality of life considerations specifically tailored for US citizens.

Whether you’re a retiree seeking paradise on a fixed income, a remote worker looking for tropical inspiration, or a family seeking adventure and new perspectives, this guide provides the essential information to help you decide if Costa Rica is right for you.

The Real Cost of Living in Costa Rica in 2025

Understanding your financial picture is crucial when planning a move to Costa Rica. While the country offers a significantly lower cost of living than the US—typically 30-50% less overall—expenses vary dramatically by location and lifestyle choices.

Housing Costs Overview

Housing represents your largest expense in Costa Rica, with remarkable variation across regions:

Sample Monthly Rental Costs:

Central Valley (San José area): $500-2,500
Pacific Coast (tourist areas): $600-3,500
Caribbean Side: $400-1,800
Mountain/Rural areas: $350-1,500

Property Purchase Considerations:

Condos in expat-friendly areas: $150,000-450,000
Single-family homes: $200,000-600,000+
Property taxes: approximately 0.25% of the registered value annually
Foreign buyers have the same ownership rights as Costa Ricans (with certain coastal restrictions)

Alt text: Bar chart comparing 2025 housing costs across different regions of Costa Rica for different property types

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Costa Rica Real Estate for Foreigners →

Monthly Budget Snapshot

A couple’s typical monthly expenses in Costa Rica:

Expense Category	Costa Rica Monthly Cost	US Equivalent
Groceries	$300-400	$500-700
Dining out 2x weekly	$150-250	$300-500
Utilities	$120-260	$250-400
Internet/Phone	$70-100	$150-200
Transportation	$100-350	$400-800
Entertainment	$100-200	$200-400
Healthcare	$60-200	$400-1,200
TOTAL	$900-1,760	$2,200-4,200

Money-Saving Tips:

Shop at local farmers’ markets (ferias) for produce savings of 50-70%
Adapt to local brands instead of imported products
Consider locations outside prime tourist zones for 30-40% lower housing costs
Use public transportation in urban areas

Hidden Costs to Anticipate:

Import taxes on electronics and appliances (30-50%)
International banking fees ($35-50 per transfer)
Travel costs for US visits ($600-1,200 annually per person)
US tax preparation with expat specialists ($300-800 annually)

LEARN MORE: Costa Rica Cost of Living Guide with Regional Breakdowns →

Safety and Security for Expats

Costa Rica remains one of Latin America’s safest countries, though prudent precautions are still necessary.

Crime Statistics and Realities

Costa Rica’s homicide rate (11.5 per 100,000) is higher than the US average but lower than many Latin American countries
Violent crime against tourists and expats is relatively rare
Property crime (opportunistic theft, home break-ins) is the most common security concern
Tourist areas may see more petty theft and scams

Regional Safety Considerations

Urban Areas: Use standard city precautions; certain San José neighborhoods best avoided after dark
Beach Towns: Theft from unattended belongings is common; vehicle break-ins occur in isolated parking areas
Rural Areas: Generally very safe with strong community connections

Practical Safety Tips

Home Security: Homes with secure perimeters, proper lighting, and alarm systems dramatically reduce break-in risk
Vehicle Security: Park in secure lots, don’t leave valuables visible, use steering wheel locks
Personal Safety: Remain aware in crowded areas, avoid isolated areas after dark, use reputable taxi services
Digital Security: Use VPNs on public networks, be cautious with financial information, secure your devices

“Most safety issues expats experience could have been prevented with basic precautions. The longer you live here, the more intuitive these become—just as they would in any US city.”
— Robert Thompson, Security Consultant, San José

LEARN MORE: Safety Guide for Costa Rica Residents →

HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION? CONTACT OUR EXPAT ADVISORS →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Costa Rica

Is Costa Rica safe for American expats?
Costa Rica is among the safest countries in Latin America, with a stable democracy and no standing army. While certain urban areas have higher crime rates, violent crime against expats is relatively rare. Property crime is the most common security concern, so standard precautions like secure housing, awareness in public places, and not displaying valuables are recommended. Most expats report feeling very safe in their communities.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Costa Rica?
A couple can live comfortably in Costa Rica for $2,000-3,500 per month, depending on location and lifestyle choices. This includes housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and some entertainment. Beach areas and upscale neighborhoods like Escazú cost 25-40% more than rural areas. Singles can live well on $1,500-2,500 monthly, while families with children should budget $3,000-5,000+ to include educational expenses.
Can I use Medicare in Costa Rica?
No, Medicare does not cover healthcare expenses outside the United States. American expats typically use a combination of Costa Rica's public healthcare system (CAJA), which is mandatory for residents, and private insurance options. Many expats maintain catastrophic coverage in the US for treatment during visits home. Some purchase international health insurance policies that cover care both in Costa Rica and during US visits.
What are the biggest challenges Americans face when moving to Costa Rica?
Common challenges include language barrier (learning Spanish takes time), administrative processes (paperwork moves slower than in the US), cultural differences in time management and communication styles, maintaining connections with family and friends back home, adapting to seasonal weather patterns, finding specific American products, getting accustomed to different driving conditions and setting realistic expectations about infrastructure.
How do I find long-term rental housing in Costa Rica?
Start your search on websites like encuentra24.com, craiglist.co.cr, and specialized Facebook groups for your target area. However, the best deals often come through local connections after arrival. Consider booking temporary accommodations for your first month, then exploring neighborhoods in person. Working with a local real estate agent can help navigate the market, though commission practices vary. Rental agreements typically require a security deposit equal to one month's rent, and many landlords prefer cash payments or local bank transfers.

Living in Costa Rica:
The Definitive 2025 Guide for American Expats

The Growing Trend of Americans Living in Costa Rica

Moving to Costa Rica from the US? You’re not Alone