Costa Rica is known for its kilometers of coastal beaches, volcanoes, and lush tropical rainforest. More than other countries, it lives up to that idyllic image. Since it is very much on the tourism radar, visitors to Costa Rica come from all over the world to participate in two main pursuits: ecotourism and adventure sports. Since tourism is the country's main economic driver, all of this is crucial for expats considering relocation. You will experience the effects of this tourism wherever you go.

While living in Costa Rica may be more affordable than Australia or the U.S., they are nevertheless not extremely low. There’s a luxury tax for high-end retirees and those who buy extremely expensive real estate, but it is also possible for people to live on a tighter budget. Food shopping and daily expenses are typically not too expensive, but you will have to pay for conveniences like a car (and its petrol) and any foreign delicacies. Let's look at what living in Costa Rica may buy you with your money.

On average, plan to spend between $1,100 - $ 4,000 depending on your budget. This represents an average of monthly living expenses; however, relocation fees may be higher. An expat can live on an average of $1,100 per month, but most budget-conscious retirees and digital nomads play it safe with a $2,000+ monthly budget. Of course, it also depends on what part of Costa Rica you plan on moving to.

You'll discover that the touristy towns can have significantly higher rates than some of the smaller local communities because they are top eco-friendly tourist attractions. Having said that, there is a substantial expat community in even the smaller communities. The vast price variations are caused by the region's robust higher-end retirement market.

One of the good things about Costa Rica is how tiny the nation is; as a result, from the moment you land in San José, you can travel almost anywhere within one to six hours. Five regions make up Costa Rica: the Central Valley, the Gold Coast, Arenal, the Southern Zone, and the Central Pacific. Each region has a unique cost and standard of living. Before narrowing your list of potential relocation locations, it is a good idea to educate yourself about the areas.

San José, the nation's capital, is located in the Central Valley, a highland plateau surrounded by mountains. In the Central Valley, there are numerous expat communities, not just in San José but also in smaller cities like Grecia. The weather, which is temperate in this part of Costa Rica, is the main attraction for expats. In addition, the Central Valley puts you near important infrastructure; San José is only a one-hour drive away. Consider making Grecia or San José your home base if you're in the Central Valley. You can enjoy the benefits of superior restaurants, museums, art festivals, expat import businesses, and everything else that comes with living in or near San José. In terms of budget, expect to pay anywhere between $800 - $2,000 a month depending on the activities you want to partake in.

The Gold Coast, near the Nicaraguan border and roughly five hours from San José, is a favourite destination for expats who like surfing, beach lounging, and stunning sunsets. The Gold Coast's atmosphere is influenced by both international expats and Tico culture and traditions. Tamarindo and Playas del Coco usually referred to as Coco, are the two most well-liked expat neighbourhoods on the Gold Coast. Living is done in golf carts or while strolling the sandy beaches in flip-flops. On average, expect to pay between $900 - $3,000 a month.

With its beaches, lush jungles, toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths, the Southern Zone region is regarded as being more traditional Costa Rica. It takes around three hours to get there from San José, and locals and expats like to visit the area more frequently than visitors. Although the Southern Zone has several expat communities, Uvita is a favourite because of its music festival atmosphere and stunning scenery. This tiny community in the Southern Zone is a location where plenty of foreigners establish a base of operations. The pace of life is relaxed, and there are lots of outdoor activities, fine food, and music festivals to keep you occupied. Additionally, it is beautiful and has a decent bilingual school as well as a wide selection of restaurants. It's the kind of town where you can get everything you need, yet it's still tiny enough that most of the locals and expats are familiar faces. The monthly cost of living ranges between $1,500 - $1,600.

Although it is feasible to get by on $1,000 a month in Costa Rica, you will have a better quality of life if you increase your spending and make room for additional activities and events. In many desirable regions of the country, a base monthly income of $1,400 is reasonable for a comfortable living.

While all of this research provides an excellent starting point for each location's vibes and potential expenses, I can't emphasise enough how strongly I advise you to book a vacation to Costa Rica so you may conduct your own in-person research.