Pros & Cons Of Living As An Expat In Costa Rica

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. Read Disclosure.

Costa Rica is a country where adventure and affordability collide, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a new chapter in their lives.

With breathtaking natural scenery, stunning coastlines, and a culture that beckons you to go slow and relax, it’s unsurprising that more and more people are looking at living as an expat in Costa Rica, but it’s not a country for everyone.

While there are some big draws to moving to Costa Rica, there are also some drawbacks, which is why we’ve prepared this guide on the pros and cons of moving to Costa Rica as an expat, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.

Pros of Living As An Expat In Costa Rica

You might be wandering why people are considering Costa Rica as a destination to move to.

We aren’t strangers to taking risks and moving abroad, so we know the appeal of trying out a new city, or country, to spend your life in.

But for Costa Rica in Central America, there are many reasons why someone might consider it as a destination to settle. Here are some of the positive reasons to living in Costa Rica.

1. Easy to get residency

If you’re looking for a country where you could get permanent residency and buy real estate, then Costa Rica is a good option.

While you might want to test the waters before you settle down permanently, those who want the option of being able to own property can relax knowing that when the time comes, it’s easy.

To obtain permanent residency, you can look into getting pensionado (for retirees), rentista, or inversionista visas.

Each category has specific financial requirements and conditions, often involving a proof of stable income, investment in the country, or property ownership.

For instance, the inversionista visa allows individuals to qualify by investing at least $200,000 in a Costa Rican property or business.

It’s also easy to open a Costa Rican bank if you have the appropriate visa.

2. English is widely spoken

In Costa Rica, they speak Spanish, but English is widely spoken. If you have children, they can easily grow up being bilingual in both Spanish and English.

3. Affordable cost of living

Families with kids to support can breathe a sigh of relief as Costa Rica has very low cost of living when compared to North America and Europe.

While cost of living varies depending on things…