Housing snapshot
- One bedroom
- CRC 270,000-410,000/month
- Three bedrooms
- CRC 450,000-680,000/month
- Purchase, city center
- CRC 680,000-1,130,000/m²
City research
Retire in Atenas
A closer look at Atenas, including Mild highland climate with a pronounced wet and dry season and Small-town feel within reach of San José and Pacific beaches.
27,000Population estimate
CRC 320,000-540,000/monthAverage rent
At a glance
The local signals that matter most for a first visit or a first budget.
Population estimate27,000Published city/urban-area estimate; scope varies
Safety80Safety index
Healthcare8/10Quality rating
Average rentCRC 320,000-540,000/monthMonthly cost
Why Atenas
The character of the city matters as much as the national averages.
- Mild highland climate with a pronounced wet and dry season
- Small-town feel within reach of San José and Pacific beaches
- Access to Costa Rica's strong public and private healthcare
- Established North American and European retiree community
- Lower cost of living than coastal resort areas
Costs and daily life
Use these figures to build a realistic monthly budget.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- CRC 110,000-180,000
- Utilities
- CRC 36,000-63,000
- Transport
- CRC 27,000-54,000
- Health insurance
- CRC 36,000-68,000/month
Healthcare
- Hospital quality
- 4/5
- Doctor visit
- CRC 11,000-23,000
- Emergency response
- 15-30 minutes (via nearby clinics and hospitals)
- Specialist wait time
- 2-6 weeks (shorter in private system)
Getting around
- Walkability
- 75/100
- Public transport
- 6.5/10
- Airport
- Juan Santamaría International Airport
- Airport distance
- 25km from Atenas
Healthcare essentials for Atenas
Digital Blood Pressure Monitor
FDA-approved upper arm monitor — track your health anywhere
Travel First Aid Kit (200+ pcs)
Comprehensive emergency kit — compact & TSA-approved
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Climate and community
The details that determine how a place feels through the year.
Climate
- Average temperature
- 22-26°C
- Summer high
- 28-30°C
- Winter low
- 18-20°C
- Rainfall
- 140-160 days/year
- Sunshine
- 2,500-2,800 hours/year
Expat community
- Expat population
- 4,000
- Population share
- 15%
- Main nationalities
- American, Canadian, German
- Integration support
- Local expat and community groups, Real estate agents specialized in foreign buyers
Climate planning gear for Atenas
Packable Waterproof Rain Jacket
Lightweight & compact — perfect for unpredictable weather
Universal Travel Power Adapter
All-in-one adapter with USB-C — works in 150+ countries
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Neighborhoods to compare
A useful shortlist for a first visit, rental search, or longer stay.
Atenas Centro
Why it works: Close to markets, restaurants, and services
Watch for: More traffic and noise near the main square
Roca Verde
Why it works: Gated community feel, valley views, popular with expats
Watch for: Higher prices than average
Los Angeles and Santa Eulalia
Why it works: Green, peaceful surroundings, larger properties
Watch for: Car recommended for daily errands
Lifestyle and recreation
A quick read on the parts of city life that do not appear in a rent index.
Dining3.4/5Local rating
Culture3.3/5Local rating
Nightlife2.8/5Local rating
Shopping3.1/5Local rating
Green space4.1/5Local rating
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about retiring in Atenas
What is the cost of living in Atenas?
The published one-bedroom rent for Atenas is CRC 270,000-410,000/month. Total monthly expenses depend on the local currency, housing choice, healthcare, taxes, and lifestyle.
Is Atenas safe for retirees and expats?
The directory safety index for Atenas is 80/100. A comparable citywide crime rate is not published here; conditions vary by district. The walkability score is 75/100 and public-transport coverage is 6.5/10.
What are the best neighborhoods to live in Atenas for retirees?
The listed retirement neighborhoods in Atenas include Atenas Centro, Roca Verde, Los Angeles and Santa Eulalia. Compare healthcare access, services, transport, noise, and housing costs at neighborhood level before choosing.
How is the healthcare system in Atenas?
Atenas hospital facilities are rated 4/5. Doctor visits are listed at approximately CRC 11,000-23,000; insurance acceptance and newcomer eligibility vary by provider and status.
What transportation options are available in Atenas?
Atenas has a public-transport efficiency score of 6.5/10 and coverage score of 6.5/10. The walkability score is 75/100, and the nearest international airport is 25km from Atenas.
What is the climate like in Atenas?
Atenas has an average temperature of 22-26°C with 140-160 days/year rainfall days listed per year; no snow days are listed. Seasonal comfort depends on personal needs and the specific neighborhood.
Are there other expats and retirees in Atenas?
Atenas has a listed international-resident share of 15% and the recorded nationalities are American and Canadian. Integration services are Local expat and community groups, Real estate agents specialized in foreign buyers, Relocation and legal support services; availability should be confirmed locally.
What visa or residence route applies to retirees in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica lists Pensionado residence. The published annual income figure is USD 12,000 per year; requirements, processing and eligibility are route-specific and should be confirmed with the responsible authority before applying.
What tax points should retirees check before moving to Costa Rica?
The country-level tax notes list income tax: Progressive up to 25% (Pension exempt). CGT: 0%. Inherit: Low/None.; property tax: Municipal property tax is generally 0.25% of registered value; VAT or sales tax: 13% IVA. Tax residence, pension source, treaty status, property and local rules can change the result, so obtain current advice for the individual case.
Can foreigners buy property near Atenas?
Property ownership rules are country- and property-specific and are not a city-level guarantee in this profile. Check title, restricted-zone, tax, registration and residency rules with the relevant authority and a qualified local adviser before signing.