Montezuma beach Santa Teresa beach Guanacaste Puerto Viejo
Cost of living prices might be a little higher in Guanacaste than other less popular parts of Costa Rica, so keep this in mind if you’re on a budget.
Cost of living will also be lowest in rural communities as opposed to popular expat retirement spots or resorts.
This area is popular with Canadian and European expats.
Keep in mind that most of Costa Rica enjoys temperatures in the mid-70s, so you really can’t go wrong! Costa Rica does get a lot of rain each year, so be prepared for precipitation.
Being able to speak Spanish can also make it easier to make yourself understood by locals.
It’s also really easy to catch short, cheap flights throughout Costa Rica.
Cable is a utility you may want and you’ve got lots of choices! Cable providers offer broadband internet, fiber-optic networks, and wireless broadband. You’ll probably spend around $70 USD a month to get over 100 cable channels and 100 Mbps broadband.
Learn to go with the flow and not stress when you don’t get something right away.
If you’re looking to get away from the tourists, check out the southern region which is really remote.
Your exit flight can be a ticket back to the U. S. or any other country.
The program and registration for it are free. Enrolling in STEP makes it easier for the U. S. State Department to help you in an emergency.
The program and registration for it are free. Enrolling in STEP makes it easier for the U. S. State Department to help you in an emergency.
You may also need to provide your fingerprints or proof that you’ve registered with the Costa Rican consulate. Check with the embassy for the most up-to-date requirements. If your documents aren’t in Spanish, you’ll need to have them translated.
If you’re moving as a couple, only one of you has to be receiving this amount in order to qualify.
Keep in mind that proof of the unearned income has to come from savings, investments, or real estate property over a period of 2 years before you apply for the visa.
Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica, and Banco Popular are the biggest state-sponsored banks, so it’s fairly simple to open an account at one of their branches.
You’ll have to submit a Social Security questionnaire every 1 to 2 years so they know you’re still eligible and living in Costa Rica.
You can still purchase private health insurance if you want more options or faster access to services.
A luxurious budget can get you nicer accommodations and private health insurance. Figure around $2,500 to $3,000 USD a month for these additional comforts.
If you do decide to buy property, the good news is that you can buy whenever you like—you don’t have to wait to meet residency requirements. Most landlords include utilities in the rent, so you probably won’t be required to pay for these separately.
Average condo prices are around $200,000 USD, plus $50 to $200 a month for Homeowners Association Fees. The minimum housing price in Costa Rica is around $100,000 USD.
Gas utilities aren’t offered in Costa Rica, so you’ll have electric power.
