Guanacaste · Pacific
Tamarindo
Sun-soaked surf town with a buzzing expat scene, restaurants and golden beaches.
SurfExpat hubNightlife
Visit · Live · Invest · Retire
Choose Costa Rica
Your trusted guide to visit, live, invest, or retire in paradise.
Explore beaches, rainforests, real estate, visas, and lifestyle opportunities — all in one place.
Trusted by 12,000+ travelers & expats Vetted local partners
Why Costa Rica
A little country with a lot to love
There's a reason Costa Rica is the #1 choice for travelers, expats, retirees and investors across the Americas.
Pura Vida Lifestyle
Costa Ricans are consistently ranked among the happiest people on earth. Slow down, breathe, and live well.
Unmatched Nature
5% of the planet's biodiversity, two coastlines, rainforests and volcanoes — all in a country the size of West Virginia.
Safe & Stable
A peaceful democracy with no standing army since 1948 and one of the most stable governments in Latin America.
World-Class Healthcare
Affordable public (CAJA) and private healthcare, with top hospitals and a thriving medical-tourism scene.
Easy Residency
Pensionado, rentista and investor visa routes make moving or retiring here genuinely achievable.
Two Coastlines
Surf the Pacific in the morning and explore the Caribbean by evening — endless beaches to choose from.
Where do you want to start?
Explore by your goal
Whether you're booking a holiday or planning a whole new life, we have a path for you.
Visit
Plan the trip of a lifetime — beaches, volcanoes, rainforest and wildlife.
Learn moreMove
Relocate with confidence — visas, residency, healthcare and community.
Learn moreInvest
Grow your wealth — real estate, rentals, eco-tourism and businesses.
Learn moreRetire
Live your best chapter — low cost, warm climate and the Pura Vida life.
Learn moreTop destinations
See all destinations Where will Costa Rica take you?
From surf towns to cloud forests — discover the regions travelers and expats love most.
Puntarenas · Central Pacific
Manuel Antonio
Iconic national park where rainforest meets white-sand beaches and sloths roam.
WildlifeNational parkBeach
Alajuela · Northern Plains
La Fortuna / Arenal
Volcano views, natural hot springs, waterfalls and world-class adventure.
VolcanoHot springsAdventure
Puntarenas · Highlands
Monteverde
Misty cloud forests, hanging bridges and zip-lines through the canopy.
Cloud forestEcoZip-line
Guanacaste · Nicoya Peninsula
Nosara
A Blue Zone wellness haven famous for yoga, surf and a healthy, slow pace.
WellnessBlue ZoneYoga
Alajuela · Central Valley
Atenas / Central Valley
Famous for the 'best climate in the world' — a top pick for expats and retirees.
ExpatMild climateAffordable
Cost of living
Live well for less
Costa Rica offers a first-world lifestyle at a fraction of North American and European prices.
Couple
$2,000 – $3,000 / mo
Single
$1,400 – $2,200 / mo
Estimates for a comfortable lifestyle. Costs vary by region — the Central Valley is cheaper than beach towns like Tamarindo or Nosara.
Full cost breakdown| Monthly expense | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $450 | $900 |
| Rent (2-bed, near beach/center) | $800 | $1,600 |
| Groceries (per person) | $250 | $400 |
| Utilities + internet | $110 | $180 |
| Private health insurance | $70 | $150 |
| Dining & entertainment | $150 | $400 |
| Transport (local + fuel) | $80 | $250 |
Visas & relocation
Moving here is more achievable than you think
Costa Rica offers several clear residency routes. Find the one that fits your situation.
Pensionado (Retiree)
Requirement: $1,000+/mo lifetime pension income
Best for: Retirees with a pension or social security
Rentista
Requirement: $2,500/mo for 2 years (or $60k deposit)
Best for: Remote workers, entrepreneurs & early retirees
Inversionista (Investor)
Requirement: $150,000+ investment (real estate / business)
Best for: Investors & second-home buyers
Digital Nomad Visa
Requirement: $3,000/mo income ($4,000 with family)
Best for: Remote workers staying up to 2 years
Real estate & investment
Own a piece of paradise
Foreigners enjoy the same property rights as locals. Explore opportunities with strong yields and growth.
6–10% gross yield
Beachfront Vacation Rentals
High-demand short-term rentals in Guanacaste and the Central Pacific.
15–30% appreciation
Pre-Construction Condos
Buy early in fast-growing beach and city developments before completion.
Long-term growth
Eco-Tourism & Land
Sustainable lodges, farms and titled land in a booming green-tourism market.
AI Trip Planner
Build your perfect Costa Rica itinerary in seconds
Tell our planner your travel dates, budget, and interests — and get a personalized day-by-day route with destinations, stays, and activities.
- Tailored to your interests & pace
- Region-by-region route suggestions
- Budget & travel-time aware
Sample plan · 7 days · Adventure + Beach
Days 1–3La Fortuna — Arenal volcano, hot springs, waterfalls
Days 4–5Monteverde — cloud forest & zip-lining
Days 6–7Manuel Antonio — wildlife & beaches
Free download
Get the free Costa Rica guide
40 pages covering relocation, residency, cost of living, real estate, and the best places to visit and live — yours free.
- Region-by-region cost-of-living data
- Step-by-step residency & visa routes
- Vetted real-estate & relocation partners
- Insider travel itineraries
From the blog
Read the blog Guides, tips & local insight
Everything you need to know to visit, move, invest or retire in Costa Rica.
Move10 min read
The Real Cost of Living in Costa Rica in 2026
A region-by-region breakdown of rent, food, healthcare and the budget you actually need to live well in Costa Rica in 2026.
Retire7 min read
7 Best Places to Retire in Costa Rica
From the eternal-spring Central Valley to laid-back beach towns, here's where retirees thrive.
Move9 min read
How to Get Residency in Costa Rica: A Simple Guide
Pensionado, Rentista or Investor — understand the visa routes and which one fits you.