costa rica lifestyleEveryday living and relocation in Costa Rica.
Living guides

Living guides

Practical guides, updated as things change.

Updated: October 29, 2026. Listings, schedules and prices change; always confirm on the booking page.

Note: This site has no affiliate links. Links to property sites are plain referrals; we earn no commission through them. Details.
Hillside homes in Santa Ana, Central Valley
Hillside homes in Santa Ana, Central Valley · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Living guides

Escazú, Santa Ana or Heredia?

Three neighbouring areas west and north of San José.

Beachfront on the Guanacaste coast
Beachfront on the Guanacaste coast · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Living guides

Life in Playas del Coco

A working beach town with fast access to Liberia airport.

Central Valley hillsides near Heredia
Central Valley hillsides near Heredia · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Living guides

Why Rent Before You Buy

Six months reveals what a two-week visit cannot.

San José and the Central Valley (network archive image)
San José and the Central Valley (network archive image) · Photo: Network archive (stand-in)
Living guides

Cost of Living in Costa Rica, Honestly

We do not quote a monthly budget figure because it depends heavily on how you live.

Howler monkey resting in the canopy, Costa Rica
Howler monkey resting in the canopy, Costa Rica · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Living guides

Moving to Costa Rica with Pets

Plan the paperwork early.