Thank you for reading this post. This blog is published by our YouTube Channel, BRO. If you are looking for reliable, no B.S. ways to supplement your retirement income each month, check out the channel's course on Udemy. Remote Jobs for Retirees and Expats.
Costa Rica Retirement Cost Summary
| Location | Rent Range (Monthly) | Food Cost (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Atenas | $650–$1,200 | $250–$350 |
| Grecia | $500–$1,000 | $200–$300 |
| San Ramón | $400–$900 | $250 |
| Ojochal | $800–$1,500 | $300–$400 |
| Tamarindo | $850–$1,600 | $300–$450 |
| Nosara | $900–$2,000 | $350–$500 |
| Escazú | $800–$2,000 | $300–$500 |
1. Atenas
Distance from airport: About 35 minutes (Juan Santamaría International Airport – SJO)
Rent: $650–$1,200/month for a furnished 2-bedroom home
Weather: Spring-like all year; temperatures range from 65°F to 85°F
Food Costs: $250–$350/month for groceries; fresh produce is inexpensive at local ferias
Healthcare: Excellent access to both private and public clinics in nearby towns like Grecia or San José
Expat Community: Large and active; mostly American and Canadian retirees
Facebook Connection: Search “Atenas Costa Rica Info” or “Atenas Costa Rica Community”
Travel Time to U.S./Canada: 3 to 6 hours by direct flight from SJO to major cities like Miami, Dallas, Toronto, or L.A.
2. Grecia
Distance from airport: 45 minutes (SJO)
Rent: $500–$1,000/month for 2-bedroom homes or apartments
Weather: Mild and temperate; highs in the 80s, lows in the 60s
Food Costs: $200–$300/month with plenty of access to local organic produce
Healthcare: Several private clinics and pharmacies; hospitals are nearby in Alajuela
Expat Community: Growing population of North American expats
Facebook Connection: Try “Grecia Costa Rica Expats” and “Grecia Costa Rica Living” groups
Travel Time to U.S./Canada: Similar to Atenas; direct flights from SJO within 3–6 hours
3. San Ramón
Distance from airport: 1 hour (SJO)
Rent: $400–$900/month for houses in town or rural outskirts
Weather: Cool mountain climate, ideal for those avoiding tropical heat
Food Costs: Around $250/month; local markets are affordable and full of variety
Healthcare: Public hospital in San Ramón; quality care available through the Caja (Costa Rican national healthcare)
Expat Community: Tight-knit and welcoming
Facebook Connection: Join “Expats in San Ramon Costa Rica” or “Retire in San Ramon”
Travel Time to U.S./Canada: 3–6 hours via SJO
4. Ojochal (Southern Zone)
Distance from airport: 3.5 to 4 hours from SJO; 30 minutes from Palmar Sur Domestic Airport
Rent: $800–$1,500/month for houses with jungle or ocean views
Weather: Tropical and humid with temperatures in the high 70s to mid-80s
Food Costs: Slightly higher due to remoteness; $300–$400/month
Healthcare: Nearby hospital in Ciudad Cortés; private clinics in Uvita and Palmar Norte
Expat Community: Strong Canadian and French expat population
Facebook Connection: Look for “Ojochal Community” or “South Pacific Expats Costa Rica”
Travel Time to U.S./Canada: Requires a domestic flight or a drive to SJO, followed by international travel
5. Tamarindo (Guanacaste)
Distance from airport: 1 hour from Liberia International Airport (LIR)
Rent: $850–$1,600/month for apartments or houses, depending on proximity to the beach
Weather: Hot and dry, especially from December to April
Food Costs: $300–$450/month; imported goods are more expensive
Healthcare: Private clinics in town; hospitals in nearby Liberia
Expat Community: Vibrant, with many digital nomads and retirees
Facebook Connection: Try “Tamarindo Expats” or “Tamarindo Living”
Travel Time to U.S./Canada: 3–6 hours with direct flights from LIR to U.S. cities like Houston, Denver, or Toronto
6. Nosara
Distance from airport: 2.5 hours from LIR
Rent: $900–$2,000/month due to growing popularity
Weather: Tropical dry forest; hot and dry with cooler breezes near the beach
Food Costs: Higher than average due to remoteness and eco-focused lifestyle
Healthcare: Limited local clinics; major services in Nicoya or Liberia
Expat Community: Spiritual and wellness-focused, with yoga and surf culture
Facebook Connection: “Nosara Community” and “Nosara Costa Rica Expats”
Travel Time to U.S./Canada: Access via Liberia with 3–6 hour flights
7. Escazú (Suburb of San José)
Distance from airport: 30 minutes (SJO)
Rent: $800–$2,000/month depending on luxury level
Weather: Mild; temperatures between 65°F and 80°F
Food Costs: $300–$500/month, more expensive due to upscale supermarkets
Healthcare: Excellent, with world-class private hospitals like CIMA
Expat Community: Professional expats, retirees, and embassy staff
Facebook Connection: “Escazú Expats” or “Costa Rica Expats Living in Escazú”
Travel Time to U.S./Canada: Direct flights from SJO take 3–6 hours
Final Notes on Healthcare
Costa Rica offers both public (Caja) and private healthcare systems. Many expats use a combination of both. Private health insurance costs between $50–$150/month, and public coverage through the Caja system costs 7–11% of declared income. Hospitals like CIMA and Clinica Biblica in San José provide top-tier care.
Conclusion
Costa Rica offers a wide range of retirement destinations to fit nearly any lifestyle—whether you want beach life, mountain serenity, or urban convenience. Each area has its unique blend of affordability, community, and convenience. And with active Facebook expat groups, it’s never been easier to make friends and ask questions before or after your move.cript based on it?
Becoming a Legal Resident in Costa Rica
Here is the official process and government links for becoming a legal resident of Costa Rica in 2025:
Legal Residency in Costa Rica – Overview
Costa Rica offers several residency options for foreigners who wish to stay in the country beyond the standard 90-day tourist visa. The most common pathways for retirees, remote workers, and investors include:
✅ 1. Pensionado (Retiree) Residency
Requirements:
- Must show a permanent pension or retirement income of at least $1,000 USD/month from a government agency (like Social Security) or private pension.
- Must visit Costa Rica at least once a year.
- Cannot work as an employee but may own a business.
Government Link:
https://migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Residencias-y-Permisos.aspx
✅ 2. Rentista Residency (Fixed Income)
Requirements:
- Must show proof of at least $2,500 USD/month income for 2 years, or deposit $60,000 USD in a Costa Rican bank.
- Valid for those without a formal pension but who can prove financial independence.
Government Link (same portal):
https://migracion.go.cr
✅ 3. Inversionista (Investor) Residency
Requirements:
- Must invest a minimum of $150,000 USD in real estate, a business, or an approved project (this used to be $200,000).
- Can apply for temporary residency and later convert to permanent residency.
✅ 4. Digital Nomad Visa (Short-Term Stay)
Requirements:
- Requires proof of $3,000 USD/month income from outside Costa Rica or $4,000/month if applying with family.
- Provides a 12-month stay, renewable once.
- Does not lead to permanent residency.
Official Page (Digital Nomads):
https://www.tramites.go.cr (search for “Estancia para trabajadores y prestadores remotos de servicios”)
📝 Application Process
- Start your application online (or at the Costa Rican consulate in your country).
- Submit documentation: passport, income proof, birth certificate, FBI background check, passport photos, etc.
- All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish.
- Apply through the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (Immigration Department).
Immigration Department Website (in Spanish):
https://migracion.go.cr
🧾 Additional Notes:
- You must register with the Caja (Costa Rican public health system) once your residency is approved.
- Residency approval may take 4–12 months.
- Temporary residency is usually granted for 2 years, renewable. After 3 years of legal stay, you may apply for permanent residency.
If you would rather stay closer to the U.S. or Canada, you can review Mexico’s requirements to become a legal resident. Although Mexico’s financial requirements are much higher.
