Move to Costa Rica
If you’re thinking about moving to Costa Rica, you’re most likely feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelm.
We get it! And we’ve got your back!
There’s a lot of information out there, and a lot of it is either outdated, overly romanticized, or missing the practical details that actually matter.
Start Planning
We’re Sarah and Thomas. We moved to Costa Rica in 2016 and never looked back.
Over the years we’ve helped thousands of people plan trips here through Costa Rica Vibes. Along the way, we’ve also watched a lot of people seriously consider making the move, some successfully, some less so. So, we are now tackling the whole move abroad topic to give you real honest clarity.
Is Costa Rica a Good Fit for You?
Before getting into paperwork or logistics, it’s worth pausing for a second.
Costa Rica can be an amazing place to live (there’s a reason we’ve made it our home) but it’s not for everyone.
Moving here tends to work best for people who:
- Are flexible and patient with systems that move slowly
- Don’t need everything to work the same way it does “back home”
- Value lifestyle and environment over convenience
- Have an income source and aren’t looking for a local job
It’s usually a tougher transition for people who:
- Expect things to be fast, efficient, and predictable
- Are uncomfortable with bureaucracy or uncertainty
- Are looking for “cheap paradise” without trade-offs
Before You Move
There are a few big-picture things that are helpful to understand early on.
This includes:
- realistic cost of living expectations
- a high-level understanding of residency options
- what makes sense to bring, ship, or leave behind
- budgeting for the transition period (which almost always costs more than expected)
We’re slowly building out content around these topics, and we also talk about them regularly in our newsletter, The Costa Rica Move, where we share more real-time context.
Where to Live in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is small, but daily life can feel very different depending on where you are. Beach towns, mountain towns, and city-adjacent areas all come with their own pros, cons, and surprises.
Things that matter:
- climate (humidity vs cooler mountain air)
- how international or local an area feels
- access to healthcare, schools, and reliable internet
Rather than telling you where you should live, our goal is to help you understand the trade-offs so you can make decisions that actually fit your lifestyle.
Paperwork, Logistics & Daily Life
Moving to Costa Rica involves navigating things like:
- residency and visa timelines
- healthcare and insurance
- banking and money access
- driving, vehicles, and transportation
- language barriers and communication
None of this is impossible, but it’s also rarely simple. We try to explain these topics clearly and honestly, without pretending the process is smoother than it really is.
Life in Costa Rica
Living here is very different from visiting.
Daily life often includes slower timelines, more patience, and a lot of adjusting expectations. At the same time, there’s a strong sense of community, incredible access to nature, and a lifestyle many people genuinely love.
Want Ongoing, Real-World Guidance?
We created The Costa Rica Move, a weekly newsletter for people who are seriously considering (or actively preparing for) a move.
Inside, we share:
- area spotlights and lifestyle breakdowns
- honest context around housing and costs
- curated properties for sale
- observations from living here long-term
Coming Soon: A Practical Moving Guide
We’re also working on a step-by-step ebook for people who want a clear starting point — without spending months piecing information together or relying on random Facebook advice.
If you want to be notified when it’s ready, the easiest way is to join The Costa Rica Move.
One Last Thing
We’re not real estate agents, lawyers, or immigration officials. We don’t sell property or promise outcomes.
What we do offer is lived experience, perspective, and a commitment to being honest, even when the truth is less romantic than Instagram makes it look.