Cost of Living in Costa Rica for Americans (2026) — Real Monthly Budgets

Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón (CRC). The exchange rate fluctuates but has generally tracked around ₡500-530 per $1 USD in early 2026. For practical purposes, dividing colón prices by 500 gives you a quick USD approximation.

Costa Rica is notably more expensive than its Central American neighbors (Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala) and more expensive than Ecuador or Panama's interior. The country has pursued quality tourism and environmental protection over mass-market budget development — a deliberate choice that raises quality but also prices. However, it remains significantly cheaper than comparable US lifestyles when you shop and live like a resident rather than a tourist.

For current price data by city, Numbeo Costa Rica has the most comprehensive user-reported prices comparing San José, Heredia, Cartago, and beach areas.

The most honest, firsthand accounts of living costs come from r/costarica. Search for "expat budget" or "cost of living 2025" — threads are filled with people who've been there 5+ years and will give you unvarnished numbers. The r/IWantOut subreddit has substantial Costa Rica discussion for Americans in the research phase, and r/expats connects you with the broader international community including Costa Rica residents.

For the complete immigration picture, our full guide to moving to Costa Rica covers rentista, pensionado, inversionista, and other residency pathways in detail.

Costa Rica offers several residency pathways for Americans. Unlike Panama's exceptionally streamlined Pensionado visa, Costa Rica's system requires more documentation and longer processing times — but it offers genuine permanent residency with a path to citizenship.

Pensionado Visa (Retirement Residency):

• Requires lifetime pension income of $1,000/month minimum (Social Security counts)
• No age requirement
• Must prove income with official letters and apostilles
• Processing time: 6-12 months currently (slower than Panama)
• Benefits: residency, ability to import household goods duty-free once, 50% off movies and cultural events, 25% off domestic flights, 20% off medical and dental services
• Renewable every 2 years, leads to permanent residency after 3 years

Rentista Visa (Passive Income):

• Requires $2,500/month in passive income (investments, dividends, rental income) for a minimum of 2 years
• Investment of $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank is an alternative
• Leads to permanent residency

Inversionista Visa (Investor):

• Requires $150,000 USD minimum investment in Costa Rican business or real estate
• Strong application with a local attorney needed

Digital Nomad Visa (Rentista de trabajo remoto):

• Launched 2021, Costa Rica was an early adopter of digital nomad visas
• Requires $3,000/month in remote income (or $3,600/month with dependents)
• Valid for 1 year, renewable once for a second year
• Cannot work for Costa Rican companies or clients
• Tax-free on foreign income (standard for Costa Rica's territorial tax system)
• No path to permanent residency from this visa category alone

Marriage to a Costa Rican citizen: Straightforward residency path.

The official immigration authority: DGME (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería). The US Embassy San José handles American Citizens Services for Costa Rica. Book appointments online at the embassy website for passport renewals, notarial services, CRBAs, and emergency assistance.

Costa Rica's rental market spans from affordable San José barrios to tourist-priced beach towns. Choosing location wisely is the single biggest lever on your monthly budget.

San José (Centro, Barrio Amón, Barrios del Este)

The capital is often overlooked by retirees who head straight to the beach, but urban San José has genuine cultural richness, excellent restaurants, and the most affordable rents in the country.

• 1BR apartment, central San José (Amón, Escalante, Barrio Chino): $500-800/month
• 2BR apartment, residential neighborhoods (Los Yoses, Rohrmoser): $700-1,200/month
• Furnished short-term 1BR: $900-1,400/month
• Neighborhoods to avoid (petty crime): La Merced, parts of El Carmen after dark

Escazú — the expat magnet, upscale suburb 8km west of San José, US-style amenities, English widely spoken

• 1BR condo, gated building with pool: $800-1,400/month
• 2BR luxury condo, Santa Ana/Escazú: $1,200-2,200/month
• 3BR house in gated community: $1,800-3,500/month
• Escazú has Multiplaza mall, Whole Foods-equivalent supermarkets (Auto Mercado), US chains, and a strong expat community — but prices reflect it. Living here costs significantly more than most of Costa Rica.

Tamarindo — Pacific beach town, surf culture, digital nomad hub in Guanacaste

• 1BR apartment, town area: $700-1,100/month
• 2BR house, 10 min from beach: $900-1,500/month
• Beachfront 1BR condo: $1,200-2,000/month
• High season (December-April) drives prices up; off-season (rainy/green season, May-November) brings 20-30% reductions and better long-term deal negotiation

Manuel Antonio / Quepos — South Pacific, the most biodiverse beach area, popular with older retirees and nature lovers

• 1BR apartment, Quepos: $500-800/month
• 1BR condo near Manuel Antonio park: $800-1,400/month
• 2BR house with jungle/ocean view: $1,200-2,200/month
• More expensive than average but outstanding natural beauty; the national park is a 10-minute drive

Puerto Viejo — Caribbean coast, relaxed, Afro-Caribbean culture, different vibe from Pacific side

• 1BR, Puerto Viejo town: $400-700/month
• 2BR house with garden: $600-1,000/month
• More affordable but internet is worse, roads are rougher, and crime (particularly theft) is higher than the Pacific coast

The most value: Small towns in the Central Valley — Heredia, Grecia, Atenas, San Ramón — consistently appear in international living rankings for best value. Spring climate (Atenas is famous for its year-round temperatures of 18-28°C), lower crime, good healthcare access via San José's 45-minute proximity, and rents of $450-900/month for a comfortable house. The "Grecia, Atenas, and Sarchi" triangle is Costa Rica's most underrated expat zone.

Costa Rica's Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CAJA) is the national healthcare system — universal coverage funded by mandatory contributions from workers and residents.

Who can access CAJA:

• Employed residents (mandatory enrollment through employer)
• Self-employed residents: enroll voluntarily with monthly contributions scaled to reported income
• Residency visa holders: must enroll in CAJA as part of maintaining residency status
• Monthly CAJA contributions: typically 11-16% of declared income, with a minimum contribution of approximately $60-80/month (based on minimum wage tiers)

What CAJA covers:

• Primary care at local EBAIS clinics (Basic Comprehensive Health Care Teams)
• Specialist care via referral
• Hospital care including surgeries
• Emergency care
• Maternity and pediatric care
• Dental extractions and basic dental care (NOT general dentistry like fillings, crowns)
• Most prescription medications (formulary-based — not every medication available)

The wait time reality: CAJA is real healthcare, but it operates on a referral-and-queue system. Seeing a specialist via CAJA: 2-6 months wait is common. Elective procedures: 6-18 months. Emergency care is good and fast. For non-urgent issues, many expats use CAJA for serious or expensive procedures and pay out-of-pocket for routine care at private clinics.

Private healthcare — what expats use day-to-day:

• CIMA Hospital (Escazú): JCI-accredited, English-speaking staff, US-trained doctors. The top private hospital.
• Clínica Bíblica: Strong reputation, good English services, central San José
• Hospital La Católica: Catholic mission hospital, well-regarded
• Beach town clinics: Most beach towns have small private clinics for routine care; serious issues go to San José or Liberia (Guanacaste)

Private visit costs (without insurance):

• GP consultation: $40-70
• Specialist consultation: $70-150
• Dental cleaning: $50-90
• Blood panel: $30-60
• Emergency room (minor): $150-400
• MRI: $300-600 at private clinic vs. $2,000-4,000+ in the US

Private health insurance:

• INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros): Costa Rica's national insurance. Offers supplemental private coverage: $80-200/month
• BUPA International: Global coverage, accepted at CIMA: $150-350/month for a 50-65 year old
• Cigna Global: Similar pricing
• Many expats combine: CAJA for serious/expensive care + basic private insurance for private clinic access without large out-of-pocket bills

For comprehensive expat healthcare planning, see our health insurance abroad guide.

The gap between shopping at an expat-oriented supermarket and a local mercado is significant in Costa Rica — more so than almost anywhere else in Latin America.

Supermarkets:

• Auto Mercado: Upscale, carries US imports, English-speaking service in expat areas. Prices roughly 30-50% higher than local options.
• Walmart / Maxi-Palí / Buen Precio: Walmart owns Costa Rica's main discount chains. Maxi-Palí is the budget option with solid produce and staples. Best value for expats who don't need imported US brands.
• Más x Menos: Mid-tier Walmart banner, good balance of price and selection.
• Local farmers markets (ferias): Every significant town has a Saturday morning feria with fresh produce, meats, and cheeses at 30-50% below supermarket prices. The Feria Verde de Aranjuez in San José is excellent.
• Mercados municipales: Large public markets in San José and regional cities with the cheapest fresh food in the country.

Weekly groceries for one person (cooking at home):

• Local market + Maxi-Palí: ₡35,000-50,000/week (~$67-96 USD)
• Más x Menos mid-range: ₡50,000-70,000/week (~$96-135 USD)
• Auto Mercado premium: ₡70,000-100,000/week (~$135-192 USD)

Specific prices (USD approximations, 2026):

• Rice (1 kg, arroz tío pelón): $0.90-1.30
• Black beans (1 kg): $1.20-1.80
• Chicken (1 kg): $4.00-6.50
• Eggs (12-pack): $2.80-4.00
• Plantains (1 kg): $0.80-1.50
• Local coffee (250g, Café Britt or Volio): $4-8 (excellent quality, Costa Rica's best export)
• Imperial beer (6-pack): $5.50-8.00
• Chilean wine (750ml, decent bottle): $8-15 at Maxi-Palí

Dining out:

• Soda (traditional Costa Rican lunch counter): casado (rice, beans, salad, protein) for $5-8. This is how working Ticos eat; it's cheap, filling, and genuinely good.
• Casual restaurant, good neighborhood: $10-18 per person
• Mid-range restaurant, Escazú or Tamarindo tourist zone: $20-40 per person
• Nice restaurant, CIMA Hospital area or high-end Tamarindo: $45-80 per person with drinks
• Pizza delivery (medium): $12-20
• Tipping: 10% service charge often added automatically. Additional tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

The soda strategy: Eating lunch at a local soda daily costs $5-8 versus $15-25 at a tourist restaurant. Over a month, this saves $200-500 on dining. New expats who eat at tourist prices consistently overspend by 30-50% on food.

San José public transit:

• Buses: San José's bus network is extensive and cheap. Local buses: ₡600-800 per ride (~$1.15-1.54 USD). The bus system serves virtually every neighborhood — if slow and sometimes crowded.
• Interurban buses: TRACOPA, TRALAPA, and other companies connect San José to every major town. San José to Tamarindo: $10-14, 5 hours. San José to Quepos/Manuel Antonio: $8-12, 3.5 hours. Best budget transport option.
• Train: INCOFER operates a suburban commuter train through the Central Valley (San José-Heredia-Cartago). Inexpensive (₡400-700/ride) and useful for the specific route.
• Uber: Operates in Costa Rica, occasionally in a legal gray zone that Uber has been navigating with the government. Available and widely used: $4-15 for typical urban trips. InDriver also operates.
• Taxis (red, official): Metered. Pirate (unlicensed) taxis are common and usually fine for short trips but use official red taxis for airport runs and late nights.

Driving in Costa Rica:

• Car ownership is common outside San José. Roads range from excellent (Route 27 to the Pacific) to bone-jarring rural tracks.
• Used car prices are high by Latin American standards — import duties and Costa Rica's small market mean a 2018 Toyota Corolla runs $12,000-18,000.
• Fuel: $1.05-1.20 per liter (~$4.00-4.55/gallon) — subsidized.
• Mandatory vehicle inspection (Riteve): $50-75 annually.
• Insurance: Mandatory liability via INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros), the state monopoly. Basic mandatory coverage: $150-300/year. Comprehensive private coverage: $600-1,500/year depending on vehicle value.
• San José traffic is notoriously terrible. Rush hour can double or triple any journey time.

For beach towns: A car is near-essential unless you're fully comfortable with infrequent buses. The surfboard-and-pickup-truck culture is real — many expats drive used Toyota or Hyundai 4x4s for navigating dirt roads in wet season.

Domestic flights: SANSA and Aerobell connect San José to Liberia (Guanacaste), Quepos, Puerto Jiménez, and other destinations. San José to Quepos: $75-130 one-way (45 minutes vs. 3.5 hours by bus). Worth considering for time savings if your budget allows.

Electricity: ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad) is the primary provider. Costa Rica runs on ~80% renewable energy (hydroelectric, geothermal, wind) — electricity is relatively cheap and environmentally clean.

• 1BR apartment, no AC, central valley: $30-60/month (the Central Valley climate rarely requires AC)
• 1BR apartment with AC, hot coastal area: $80-150/month
• 3BR house, Escazú, regular AC: $120-200/month
• Specific advantage of Central Valley living: spring climate at 1,000-1,200m elevation means AC is almost never needed — a real monthly cost advantage

Water: Municipal water is drinkable in San José and most major towns (an unusual advantage in the region). Cost: $10-25/month typically included in rent or very inexpensive if separate.

Internet:

• San José and Central Valley metro: Fiber from Tigo, Kolbi (ICE), Claro: $30-65/month for 100-300 Mbps. Good reliability.
• Beach towns (Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio): $50-90/month for cable internet; fiber less available. Reliability is lower than the capital.
• Remote/rural areas: Starlink has become widely adopted among expats: $120/month for reliable 50-200 Mbps anywhere. Game-changer for Monteverde, Puerto Viejo, and other remote but beautiful locations.
• Cable/DSL remains the only option in some areas: $35-65/month for 5-15 Mbps

Mobile phone:

• Kolbi (ICE), Claro, Tigo: $10-30/month for a local SIM with data (plans are significantly cheaper than the US)
• Monthly eSIM or data plans for visitors: $15-40 for 10-30GB

Total utilities for a 1BR in San José: $90-160/month (electricity + water + internet + mobile) Tamarindo 1BR with AC: $150-230/month

Costa Rica operates on a territorial income tax system — one of the most favorable for American expats.

What Costa Rica does NOT tax:

• Income earned outside Costa Rica
• Foreign pensions (Social Security, private pensions)
• Foreign dividends and investment income
• Remote work income from foreign clients (key for digital nomads)

What Costa Rica DOES tax:

• Income from Costa Rican sources
• Business income earned within Costa Rica
• Rental income from Costa Rican property

Costa Rica income tax on locally-sourced income:

• Up to ₡929,000/month (~$1,800/month, $21,600/year): 0%
• ₡929,000-1,363,000/month: 10%
• ₡1,363,000-2,390,000/month: 15%
• ₡2,390,000-4,790,000/month: 20%
• Over ₡4,790,000/month: 25%

For retirees living on Social Security and US pensions, Costa Rica income tax owed = $0.

Sales tax (VAT): Costa Rica's IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado) is 13% on most goods and services. Reduced rates: 2% on basic foods, 4% on medicines. This affects what you pay at restaurants and stores — Costa Rica's effective daily living cost is somewhat higher than pre-tax prices suggest.

Property tax: Very low — 0.25% of the registered value per year (not market value — registered values often lag market prices). A $200,000 house: roughly $500/year in property taxes.

The US obligation: File US taxes every year. The FEIE ($126,500 exclusion in 2026) covers earned income for working expats. The Foreign Tax Credit is less relevant in Costa Rica since territorial taxes are minimal. FBAR applies if Costa Rican accounts exceed $10,000 USD.

For full US expat tax strategy, see our FEIE guide. The US Embassy San José handles American Citizen Services — tax-related notarial services, income verification letters, and emergency financial assistance are available.

Opening a bank account as an American in Costa Rica has become more complicated in recent years due to FATCA compliance and anti-money-laundering regulations. Costa Rican banks are required to report American account holders to the IRS.

State banks (Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica): Officially open to legal residents. In practice, Americans report varying experiences — some branches are much more welcoming than others. Bring passport, DIMEX (residency card), proof of income, and patience.

Private banks:

• BAC San José (Scotiabank Group): Most expat-friendly, English services available, online banking in English. The default recommendation for most arriving Americans.
• Davivienda: Colombian bank, good English service, expat-friendly.
• Banco BCT: Boutique bank, strong with foreign clients.
• Scotiabank Costa Rica: Familiar name, good service, English-speaking staff in major branches.

What you'll need to open: Valid passport, DIMEX (residency card) or proof of pending residency, proof of address in Costa Rica, source of income documentation. Having legal residency first makes the process significantly smoother.

Transferring money from the US:

• Wise: Best for regular USD to CRC transfers. Fees ~0.5-0.7%, mid-market rate. Vastly better than bank rates.
• Revolut: Good for managing multi-currency across Latin America travel.
• Wire transfer: $25-45 fee plus spread. Standard for large one-time transfers.
• ATMs: Widely available in cities and tourist areas. Visa/Mastercard work everywhere. Banco BAC ATMs have the best rates and lowest fees for US cards. Withdrawal fees: $2-5 per transaction for foreign cards. Budget $3-7/transaction all-in including your US bank's international fee.

The colón vs. USD question: Many tourist businesses and landlords in expat areas quote in USD; payment in colónes at the day's rate is legally required but USD is practically accepted everywhere in tourist zones. For daily grocery shopping at local markets, you'll be dealing in colónes — download a simple currency calculator on your phone.

All figures in USD. Exchange rate: ₡520 = $1 USD.

Budget Retiree, Grecia or Atenas, Central Valley ($1,800-2,500/month)

The sweet spot for Americans on Social Security or modest pensions:

• Rent (2BR house with garden, Grecia): $550-800
• Groceries (feria + Maxi-Palí, cooking at home): $250-350
• Dining out (3-4x/week, mix of sodas and casual restaurants): $150-250
• Transportation (car gas, occasional bus to San José): $100-180
• Utilities (no AC in Central Valley, internet, phone): $90-130
• CAJA health contributions: $70-110
• Healthcare out-of-pocket (private clinic for routine): $80-150
• Entertainment (beaches, national parks, cultural events): $100-200
• Miscellaneous: $100-180
• Total: $1,490-2,350

This is a genuinely good life — modest house in a mountain town, fresh fruit year-round, day trips to the beach and national parks, and full healthcare coverage through CAJA.

Comfortable Living, Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio ($2,800-4,000/month)

Beach life for digital nomads and active retirees:

• Rent (2BR house, 10 min from beach): $900-1,400
• Groceries (Maxi-Palí + local market): $300-450
• Dining out (5-6x/week, tourist-area restaurants): $400-650
• Car (gas + insurance): $200-350
• Utilities (AC in coastal heat + Starlink if rural): $180-280
• CAJA: $80-120
• Health insurance (private supplemental): $120-200
• Entertainment (surf lessons, tours, sports): $200-400
• Total: $2,380-3,850

Upscale Escazú ($4,000-6,000/month)

For families with children in international schools or those wanting full US-equivalent amenities:

• Rent (2BR condo, gated community): $1,400-2,200
• Groceries (Auto Mercado, US imports): $500-700
• Dining (Escazú restaurant scene): $500-800
• Transportation (car or Uber): $250-400
• Utilities: $160-250
• International school (1 child): $600-1,100/month
• Healthcare (private): $200-350
• Entertainment, social: $300-500
• Total (without school): $3,310-5,200
• Total (one child, international school): $3,910-6,300

The schooling question is the biggest variable for families. Costa Rica's public schools are free and genuinely decent, but Spanish-only. English-language international schools (Country Day, Lincoln, Blue Valley) run $600-1,500/month per child — often the single largest budget line for families.

Atenas/Grecia vs. Suburban Ohio, Tennessee, or Georgia:

• Cost: Costa Rica is 30-45% cheaper for overall lifestyle
• Healthcare: CAJA costs less but involves more waiting; US Medicare for Part A/B holders visiting the US
• Climate: Costa Rica wins dramatically — spring climate year-round vs. US Midwest/South extremes
• For Social Security retirees: transformative difference — what barely covers US suburban life becomes a comfortable life in Costa Rica

Tamarindo vs. Fort Lauderdale, FL:

• Rent: Comparable — Tamarindo runs surprisingly expensive for a developing-world beach town
• Dining: Costa Rica 15-25% cheaper at comparable quality levels
• Healthcare: Costa Rica significantly cheaper out-of-pocket
• Beach lifestyle quality: Costa Rica offers cleaner nature, less crowds, more wildlife — but less developed amenities
• Overall: Costa Rica 20-30% cheaper in aggregate for similar beach lifestyle quality

Escazú vs. Austin, TX or Atlanta, GA:

• Rent: Escazú is comparable to Austin or Atlanta's better neighborhoods
• Groceries: 10-20% cheaper at local stores; comparable if you shop at Auto Mercado
• Healthcare: Costa Rica meaningfully cheaper for private care
• Overall: Escazú offers modest savings (~15-20%) versus comparable US sunbelt metros, with the trade of tropical beauty and healthcare cost advantage

The Central Valley advantage vs. beach towns: The mountain coffee region — Grecia, Atenas, San Ramón, Heredia — offers the most value in Costa Rica today. Properties cost less, the climate is magnificent, and it's 45-90 minutes from the beach in either direction. International Living consistently ranks the Central Valley as one of the world's top retirement regions, and the data supports it.

For international property comparisons, see our median home prices guide.

Pura Vida — it's real, not just marketing: The Costa Rican cultural attitude of pura vida (pure life) genuinely shapes daily interactions. Things move slower. Appointments are approximate. Infrastructure occasionally fails. Americans who embrace this have wonderful lives here. Americans who expect US standards of punctuality, service, and reliability are perpetually frustrated. Adjust expectations before arrival, not after.

The rainy season: May through November brings daily afternoon rain on the Pacific coast and heavier, more sustained rain on the Caribbean. The rainy season (or "green season") brings lower prices, fewer tourists, and spectacular lush landscapes. The Pacific coast typically dries out completely December through April (dry season). Caribbean coast has a different pattern — rain is more year-round with February and September/October drier.

Roads: Costa Rica's road infrastructure outside the main highways is notoriously poor. A 4x4 vehicle is genuinely needed for Monteverde, parts of the Osa Peninsula, and many rural areas in the rainy season. Check Google Maps satellite views of a rental property's road access before committing.

The DIMEX card: Your residency card (DIMEX — Documento de Identidad Migratoria para Extranjeros) is essential for banking, healthcare enrollment, and everyday transactions. Applies for it immediately upon receiving your residency approval.

Communities and resources:

• r/costarica — most useful subreddit for practical expat questions; active community with locals and long-term residents
• r/digitalnomad — Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa gets frequent attention here
• r/expats — general expat community
• Association of Residents of Costa Rica (ARCR) — oldest and most established expat organization in the country. Legal help, insurance, airport pickup, residency assistance. Membership ~$75/year.
• International Living Costa Rica — updates on cost of living, residency, and top locations

US Embassy San José: The US Embassy in San José handles all of Costa Rica for American Citizens Services. Embassy appointments are required for most services — book weeks in advance. Register with STEP for emergency notifications including natural disaster alerts (earthquakes and volcanic activity are real in Costa Rica).

Healthcare dental tourism: Dental care in San José runs 50-70% below US prices at private dental clinics. Many Americans specifically schedule annual dental work during return trips or as a primary motivation for moving. A root canal + crown: $600-1,000 in San José vs. $2,500-4,000 in the US. CIMA Hospital and Clínica Bíblica area dental clinics are the most reputable.

Costa Rica's appeal is real — but so is the nuance. It is not the $1,200/month paradise of expat lore, and the beach towns in particular have been pricing upward for a decade.

Costa Rica is clearly right for you if:

• You value safety (one of Latin America's safest countries), democracy, and political stability
• Environmental beauty is a priority — 25% national park and reserve coverage creates extraordinary biodiversity and landscapes
• You're a retiree on a Social Security income of $1,500-2,500/month and want a comfortable life — the Central Valley delivers this
• You're a remote worker earning $3,000+/month who wants tropical beauty with reliable enough connectivity
• Healthcare cost reduction is a goal — private care at 40-60% below US prices
• You appreciate the North American proximity — 4 hours to Miami, regular flights to major US cities

Costa Rica is NOT right for you if:

• You want the very cheapest Latin American lifestyle — Ecuador's Cuenca is meaningfully cheaper
• You need fast, reliable internet everywhere — remote rural areas and some beaches are genuinely limited
• You have zero tolerance for infrastructure gaps (power outages, road quality, occasional water disruptions)
• You're budgeting tightly and planning to live in tourist-priced beach towns — the math doesn't work
• You expect European-quality healthcare wait times for specialists — CAJA requires patience

The people who thrive in Costa Rica are those who move beyond the expat bubble, learn enough Spanish for daily life, shop at local markets, eat at sodas, and build relationships with actual Ticos. The people who don't are often those who recreate a US lifestyle in a more expensive setting, spending $3,500/month in Escazú and wondering why the savings aren't materializing.

For comprehensive context, see our full guide to moving to Costa Rica and compare with Panama and Ecuador. Also see our digital nomad visas guide for visa options across all 20 countries.