Living & relocation

Life in Costa Rica, day to day

Moving to Costa Rica is more than a long holiday. This guide covers the practical side: choosing a region, residency categories, the Caja healthcare system, banking, driving and finding a place to live.

Where to live Find a home

Hillside homes in Santa Ana, Central Valley · Photo: WildPhotography.com

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Regions

Where to live

Central Valley, Guanacaste or the coasts.

Cartago from above · Photo: WildPhotography.com

Paperwork

Residency basics

Main categories, explained simply.

Central Valley hillsides near Heredia · Photo: WildPhotography.com

Daily life

Everyday life

Healthcare, banking and driving.

Beachfront on the Guanacaste coast · Photo: WildPhotography.com

Housing

Find a home

Listings, condos and lots.

Living guides

Escazú, Santa Ana or Heredia?

Three neighbouring areas west and north of San José.

Living guides

Life in Playas del Coco

A working beach town with fast access to Liberia airport.

Living guides

Why Rent Before You Buy

Six months reveals what a two-week visit cannot.