Top 14 Reasons Why Expats Choose Costa Rica Over Other Destinations

Since the turn of the century, Central America has seen a surge in popularity as an expat haven, with its blend of great weather, natural beauty, affordable living, and vibrant cultures. And for many, this small nation outshines its neighbors, presenting a compelling blend of attributes that sets it apart from other destinations.

From its pura vida lifestyle and unmatched natural splendor to its welcoming communities and residency options, Costa Rica ticks all the boxes for those seeking an overseas retirement, remote work hub, or adventure playground. It's no wonder that many immigrants choose Costa Rica over its neighbors in the region. Below, we break down ten distinct reasons why expats in particular choose Costa Rica over other destinations.

At the heart of Costa Rican culture lies the concept of pura vida, which translates to "pure life." This national motto reflects the laid-back, carefree attitude that permeates daily life. Expats are often drawn to this slower pace, where the emphasis is on savoring life's simple pleasures rather than the constant hustle and grind of North American life. With a focus on spending quality time in the sunshine with loved ones and enjoying nature, the pura vida lifestyle provides a welcome escape from the stresses of modern living. While other countries obviously have good people providing a warm welcome, there’s still, somehow, no welcome warmer than a Costa Rican welcome!

Central America as a region, from southern Mexico to Colombia, is the most beautiful place on earth, with lush tropical landscapes and beautiful beaches in every single one of them. But while countries like Nicaragua, Belize, and Guatemala have rainforests, volcanoes, and cloud forests galore, somehow most people cite Costa Rica as the most beautiful and easiest to access nature. This might be in great part why people prefer this smaller country. Costa Rica is a true nature lover's paradise, with an incredible diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. From the lush rainforests teeming with lively wildlife to palm-backed tropical Pacific and Caribbean beaches, the country offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Active volcanoes, winding rivers, and cool cloud forests only add to the landscape.

Unlike destinations with a more uniform tropical climate, Costa Rica offers an array of different microclimates that cater to different preferences. With its varied topography, ranging from cool cloud forested highlands to searing coastal lowlands, expats can find the perfect climate to suit their needs.

The Central Valley, home of the capital San José, sits at a high enough altitude to enjoy consistent, year-round temperatures in the mid-to-late-70s Fahrenheit. This eliminates the need for heating or air conditioning, providing a comfortable environment that many expats find ideal. Expats seeking tropical heat, with year-round temperatures in the mid-to-late-80s and 90s Fahrenheit will go to beach communities like Tamarindo, Jacó, or Manuel Antonio. Alternatively, those who prefer a cooler mountain escape can head to higher elevations like Monteverde, where temperatures dip into the 60s and misty cloud forests provide a refreshing respite.

Costa Rica's strategic location in Central America offers expats a convenient and well-connected base. With two international airports, Juan Santamaría International Airport in the capital of San José and Guanacaste International Airport in Liberia, the country is easily accessible from major cities worldwide. Indeed, Costa Rica’s status as Central America’s principal tourist destination makes it more connected with direct flights to the United States, Canada, and Europe than anywhere else in the region (outside Central America’s main hub of Panama City). Its favorable time zone alignment with North America also facilitates seamless communication and travel, which makes remote work so much more easier to manage. Whether for business or pleasure, Costa Rica's accessibility and geographic position make it an ideal choice for expats seeking a seamless transition.

While other countries in the region may offer lower costs of living, Costa Rica's robust public services and social safety nets contribute to a higher overall quality of life for expats. In fact, Costa Rica consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for quality of life, thanks to its robust public healthcare system, strong education initiatives, and comprehensive social safety nets. These factors contribute to a sense of well-being and happiness among both locals and expats. With a focus on preventive care and affordable medical services, expats can enjoy peace of mind knowing their health needs will be met. Costa Rica's commitment to education also ensures access to quality learning opportunities for families with children.

For many years, there was a negative first impression for foreigners when they heard about Central America, related to political instability and general unrest. Luckily, Costa Rica saw none of this type of conflict at the time. And while Costa Rica isn’t perfect by any means, it’s true to say that political stability and a longstanding democratic tradition have been hallmarks of this country for decades. This stable governance provides expats with a secure environment in which to live and invest.

With a strong rule of law, respect for human rights, and a commitment to transparency, Costa Rica offers a safe and predictable setting for expats to establish their new lives. This political stability also fosters economic growth and development, creating a favorable climate for business opportunities and investments. The rest of the region has markedly improved over the years, and Central America no longer sees the same level of problems it once did. And fortunately, Costa Rica has remained stable throughout.

Costa Rica’s status as one of Central America’s main tourist destinations naturally leads to it having a larger and better-established presence of immigrants than its neighbors. This means Costa Rica is home to a large and vibrant expat community, particularly from North America.

With time, these foreigners living in Costa Rica have developed a built-in support system among them. For example, just look at the sheer number of Costa Rica expat Facebook groups in comparison with other Central American countries. This existing network can ease the transition for newcomers, providing insights, resources, and social support. From expat-run organizations and clubs to local meetup groups, there are numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and build a sense of community. This welcoming atmosphere can alleviate feelings of isolation and facilitate a smoother integration into the Costa Rican way of life.

Costa Rica offers high-quality healthcare services at a fraction of the cost compared to North America and Europe. Expats have access to modern medical facilities, skilled healthcare professionals, and affordable health insurance options, making it an attractive destination for retirees and families.

Costa Rica has a long-standing democracy and stable government, providing expats with a secure environment to plant roots. With low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public safety, expats feel secure living in Costa Rica—whether in urban centers or rural communities—and appreciate the country's commitment to maintaining a peaceful and stable society. In addition, the country’s overall well-developed infrastructure, including reliable utilities and modern healthcare facilities, offers a good standard of living.

Costa Ricans—who call themselves Ticos—are known for their warmth, hospitality, and welcoming nature towards expatriates. Expats often form strong bonds with their local communities, making friends easily and feeling a sense of belonging in their new home away from home.

For thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, Costa Rica offers an abundance of adventures for expats to enjoy. While Guatemala might be the best country for hiking volcanoes, Honduras and Belize the best for diving and snorkeling, and El Salvador or Nicaragua the best for surfing, Costa Rica offers all these pursuits in one single package.

And not only is the volcano hiking, diving, and surfing in Costa Rica absolutely world-class but also the country offers a wider variety of activities. There are opportunities for canyoning, rappelling, deep-sea fishing, cultural immersion, canopy zip lines, and wildlife spotting, providing endless possibilities for exploration and excitement. Whether seeking a rush or simply a chance to be outside in nature, Costa Rica's diverse terrain and outdoor offerings will satisfy even the most adventurous spirits.

Where other countries have sacrificed environmental integrity for rapid development, Costa Rica stands out as a leader in sustainable tourism and conservation efforts, making it an attractive destination for environmentally conscious expats. With a strong commitment to preserving its natural resources and biodiversity, the country has implemented various initiatives to promote renewable energy, reforestation, and conservation efforts. Expats can feel good about living in a nation that prioritizes environmental stewardship while enjoying the beauty of Costa Rica, and they can always participate in some of the country’s many environmental programs to give back.

Another key advantage of Costa Rica is its streamlined residency options. The country offers several programs tailored to the needs of different immigrant groups, making it relatively straightforward to obtain legal residency status.

Individuals with a steady income source can opt for the Rentista Program, which allows residency for those able to show proof of recurring revenue streams. For those looking to invest, the Inversionista Program offers residency in exchange for a qualifying investment in the country, including real estate.

Costa Rica is also one of only two countries in Central America, along with Panama, to offer a digital nomad visa. This specialized program caters to the growing remote workforce by granting temporary residency to those who can demonstrate income from telecommuting jobs or freelance work. With more expats looking for location independence, this forward-thinking program has made Costa Rica an appealing hub for digital nomads.

Costa Rica is a popular destination for retirees seeking a comfortable and affordable retirement lifestyle. The country offers attractive retirement benefits, including tax incentives, discounts on healthcare services, and special residency programs for retirees. Expats can enjoy a relaxed pace of life, access to quality healthcare, and a range of recreational activities to stay active and engaged during their retirement years.

Coupled with its political stability, high quality of life, welcoming expat community, and accessibility, Costa Rica presents a compelling case for those considering an overseas relocation. Contact us if you’re interested in relocating or exploring Costa Rica as an option for you.