Housing
- One bedroom, city center
- 330,000-550,000 ₡
- One bedroom, suburbs
- 220,000-400,000 ₡
- Three bedrooms, city center
- 550,000-1,000,000 ₡
Country research
Retire in Costa Rica
Retirement planning in Costa Rica depends on its local cost levels, healthcare coverage, safety record, climate, and residence rules. This page combines comparable national indicators with city-level planning ranges.
67.2Overall research score
61.3Safety index
At a glance
The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.
Cost of living43/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper
Safety61.3/100Safety index
Healthcare84/100Quality index
Average temperature23.6°CYearly average
Why Costa Rica
A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.
Whether Costa Rica fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
What stands out
- Public healthcare coverage; newcomer eligibility varies
- Pensionado benefits.
Costs and planning
Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- 165,000-250,000 ₡
- Restaurant meal
- Varies by city and provider
- Utilities
- 55,000-100,000 ₡
- Health insurance
- 25,000-55,000 ₡/month
Residency and taxes
- Visa or permit
- Pensionado residence
- Minimum annual income
- USD 12,000
- Processing time
- Usually 3–6 months
- Income tax
- Progressive up to 25% (Pension exempt). CGT: 0%. Inherit: Low/None.
Safety, climate, and healthcare
The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.
Safety
- Safety index
- 61.3/100
- Intentional homicide
- 0.177 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
- Police response
- Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city
Climate and healthcare
- Sunshine
- Not listed
- Rainfall days ≥10 mm
- 118 days per year
- Doctor visit
- 20,000-40,000 ₡
- English speakers
- Not available as a comparable national statistic
Cities to consider in Costa Rica
Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.
Atenas
Mild highland climate with a pronounced wet and dry season, Small-town feel within reach of San José and Pacific beaches
- Rent
- CRC 320,000-540,000/month
- Safety
- 80
Escazú
Upscale Shopping, Expat Hub
- Rent
- 350,000-600,000 ₡/month
- Safety
- 75
San José
National Theatre, Gold Museum
- Rent
- 330,000-550,000 ₡/month
- Safety
- 65
Santa Ana
Historic Center, Golf Courses
- Rent
- 300,000-500,000 ₡/month
- Safety
- 72
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about retiring in Costa Rica
What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?
The relative PPP price-level score for Costa Rica is 43/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as 330,000-550,000 ₡, while health insurance is 25,000-55,000 ₡/month.
Is Costa Rica safe for expats and retirees?
Costa Rica has a safety index of 61.3/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.177 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.
How is the healthcare system in Costa Rica?
The healthcare system in Costa Rica has a quality index of 84/100. A doctor visit costs 20,000-40,000 ₡, and health insurance typically costs 25,000-55,000 ₡/month per month.
What are the visa requirements for retiring in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica lists the route “Pensionado residence”. The published minimum-income field is USD 12,000 per year and processing is Usually 3–6 months. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.
What is the tax situation for retirees in Costa Rica?
Retirees in Costa Rica face income tax rates of Progressive up to 25% (Pension exempt). CGT: 0%. Inherit: Low/None.. Property tax is Municipal property tax is generally 0.25% of registered value and inheritance tax is No broad inheritance tax; transfer and estate rules may apply. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.
How large is the expat community in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has approximately 628,404 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include San José, Escazú, Santa Ana.
Other destinations to compare
Use the same measures to compare nearby or similar retirement options.
Italy
Italy may suit retirees who value cultural and regional variety, subject to local housing costs, healthcare arrangements, residence eligibility, and tax advice.
74.3overall score
98.9safety
82healthcare
Mexico
Mexico may suit retirees who value regional and cultural variety or proximity to North America, subject to neighborhood safety, local costs, healthcare arrangements, residence eligibility, and tax advice.
61overall score
45.7safety
79healthcare
Portugal
Portugal may suit retirees who value EU infrastructure, coastal and inland lifestyle options, and a documented passive-income residence route. Check current AIMA requirements and local housing costs before applying.
76.6overall score
98.6safety
83healthcare
Spain
Spain may suit retirees who value regional and cultural variety, subject to non-lucrative visa requirements, local housing costs, healthcare arrangements, and tax advice.
76.4overall score
98.6safety
84healthcare
Cyprus
Whether Cyprus fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
74overall score
98.4safety
76healthcare
Czechia
Whether Czechia fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
66.6overall score
98.5safety
83healthcare