Costa Rica
A tropical paradise with universal healthcare, a stable democracy, and a territorial tax system that leaves your foreign income untaxed. Costa Rica’s “pura vida” lifestyle and incredible biodiversity make it a top choice for nature-loving expats.
Central AmericaPros
- Universal healthcare through the Caja (CCSS) is available to all legal residents at low cost and is ranked among the best in Latin America
- Incredible biodiversity with rainforests, volcanoes, and coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides within a country smaller than West Virginia
- Territorial tax system means income earned outside Costa Rica is not subject to local taxation, a major benefit for remote workers and retirees
- One of the most stable democracies in Latin America with no standing army since 1948 and a strong tradition of peace and environmental protection
Cons
- Higher cost of living than most other Central and South American countries, especially for imported goods and coastal tourist areas
- Internet speeds drop significantly outside the Central Valley and major towns, making remote work challenging in rural areas
- Public transit is limited and unreliable outside San Jose; most expats find a car is essential for daily life
- The rainy season from May through November brings daily heavy downpours, flooding, and road closures in many areas
Cost of Living
Monthly estimates in USD for a single person. All figures are approximate.
| Expense | Costa Rica | US Average | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, city center) | $900 | $1,800 | $900 |
| Rent (1BR, outside center) | $550 | $1,200 | $650 |
| Groceries | $300 | $400 | $100 |
| Dining out | $200 | $300 | $100 |
| Transportation | $50 | $200 | $150 |
| Internet | $40 | $70 | $30 |
| Healthcare | $100 | $450 | $350 |
| Total | $2,140 | $4,420 | $2,280/mo |
Visa Options for Americans
Tourist Visa
Family eligibleUS citizens can enter Costa Rica without a visa for up to 90 days. This is a common way for prospective expats to explore different areas and test the lifestyle before committing to a longer-term residency visa.
- Cost
- $0 USD
- Processing time
- On arrival
- Duration
- 90 days
- Family
- Each family member enters individually with their own passport; no special family provisions needed.
Tips
- You must show proof of a return or onward ticket when entering Costa Rica or you may be denied entry
- Border runs to Panama or Nicaragua to reset the 90-day clock are common but the practice is increasingly scrutinized
- Use the 90 days to explore different regions as climate, cost, and lifestyle vary dramatically between the Central Valley, Pacific, and Caribbean coasts
Official source · Last verified August 2026
Pensionado Visa
Family eligibleDesigned for retirees who receive a pension of at least $1,000 per month from a government or private pension source. This is one of the most popular routes for American retirees and provides a clear path to permanent residency.
- Cost
- $250 USD
- Processing time
- 3–6 months
- Duration
- 2 years, renewable
- Path to residency
- Yes
- Path to citizenship
- Yes
- Family
- Spouse and dependent children under 25 (if students) or under 18 can be included as dependents.
Tips
- You must demonstrate a permanent pension income of at least $1,000 per month from a verifiable source
- Social Security income qualifies, and you can combine multiple pension sources to meet the threshold
- After 3 years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship after 7 years total
Official source · Last verified August 2026
Rentista Visa
Family eligibleFor non-retirees who can demonstrate stable income of at least $2,500 per month for at least 2 years. This is the primary option for younger expats who have investment income, rental income, or other stable non-pension revenue streams.
- Cost
- $250 USD
- Processing time
- 3–6 months
- Duration
- 2 years, renewable
- Path to residency
- Yes
- Path to citizenship
- Yes
- Family
- Spouse and dependent children can be included in the application with proof of additional financial means.
Tips
- You must prove a stable and permanent income of at least $2,500/month guaranteed for a minimum of 2 years
- Alternatively, you can deposit $60,000 (24 months x $2,500) into a Costa Rican bank account as proof of means
- This visa does not officially allow employment in Costa Rica, but many holders work remotely for foreign companies
Official source · Last verified August 2026
Digital Nomad Visa
Remote work OK Family eligibleIntroduced in 2022, Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers earning at least $3,000 per month to live in the country for up to one year with a single renewal. It includes a tax exemption on foreign-sourced income.
- Cost
- $100 USD
- Processing time
- 15 business days
- Duration
- 1 year, renewable once
- Family
- Family members can accompany the applicant; families must demonstrate $4,000/month combined income.
Tips
- Individual applicants need $3,000/month income; families need $4,000/month to qualify
- You are exempt from Costa Rican income tax on your foreign-sourced earnings during the visa period
- This visa does not lead to residency, so if you want to stay long-term, plan to transition to a Rentista or Pensionado visa
Official source · Last verified August 2026
Healthcare
- System type
- Universal
- Quality rating
- 4/5
- GP visit
- $25
- ER visit
- $50
- Dental cleaning
- $40
- English-speaking doctors
- Available in San Jose and tourist areas
You'll need health insurance as an expat. SafetyWing is popular with American expats — plans start around $45/month.
Tax Implications
- US tax treaty
- No
- Local income tax
- 0%–25% (territorial system)
As a US citizen, you'll still file US taxes from abroad. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) lets you exclude up to ~$130,000 (2025 tax year) of foreign earned income. Without a tax treaty, you'll need to be more careful about double taxation.
This is not tax advice. Consult a tax professional who specializes in expat taxation.
Filing US taxes from abroad? MyExpatTaxes is built specifically for Americans overseas, or use Greenback Expat Tax Services if you want a CPA to handle everything.
American Expat Community
Estimated American expats: 120,000+ Americans
Key cities: San Jose, Tamarindo, Nosara, Arenal, Puerto Viejo
Expat Resources
Planning your move to Costa Rica?
Spend a month in Costa Rica first. Find a short-term rental on Airbnb or book a longer hotel stay on Booking.com.
You'll need to transfer funds internationally. Wise offers the best exchange rates with low transparent fees.
You still owe Uncle Sam from abroad. MyExpatTaxes (DIY) or Greenback (full-service CPA) specialize in American expats.
A VPN keeps your US streaming services working abroad.
Need legal help with your move to Costa Rica?
Tell us what you need and we'll connect you with the right attorney — whether that's someone in Costa Rica for visa and residency paperwork, or a US-based expat specialist for tax and asset planning.
Free, no obligation. We'll reach out within a few business days.