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Five Regions to Live In Costa Rica – Narrow Down Your Search

by Jeanne in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beautiful place to live, and it's no wonder that more and more people are choosing to make a move each year. With its incredible beauty, friendly people, and laid-back lifestyle, Costa Rica has something to offer everyone.

But with so many locations in this Central American paradise, knowing where you want to live can take time. To help you narrow your search, here are some of the best places in Costa Rica for ex-pats looking for a new home. Each location offers something unique and special, so look and see which one resonates with you the most!

Finding the Living Environment That Suits You Best

Deciding the right place to live in Costa Rica can take time and effort. This is because many factors come into play when looking for the perfect home. First, consider the size of the living space you want, the amenities available to fit your desires, and the area's cost of living to ensure it suits your budget.

For example, if you're looking for a larger living space with plenty of room, look for the areas of the country and neighborhoods with homes, acreage, apartment size, etc., that fit your budget.

Think about the type of neighborhood you want to live in as well; urban, suburban, or rural. Costa Rica has them all. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Do you want to be in a city or near one?

• Do you want to be in the foothills, mountains, or near a volcano?

• Do you prefer the beach?

• What about climate? Consider the heat index and rainfall.

• Do you like to be able to walk a lot?

• Will you have a vehicle, or will you rely on public transportation?

• What about proximity to an airport or healthcare?

Our criteria for where to move were as follows:

• An easy flight to the U.S.

• Proximity to an airport

• Easy access to excellent and affordable healthcare

• Near the beach

• Walkable neighborhood

• Living among ex-pats and locals

Weather Conditions and Their Impact on Lifestyle

Costa Rica is a tropical country with a wide variety of microclimates, so narrowing your search for the best places to live can be challenging. However, because of so many microclimates, you don’t have to travel far from home to experience other weather—more sun, less sun, hotter, cooler, drier, etc. That’s one of the beautiful things about living in Costa Rica!

Whether you're looking for a beachfront paradise or a city life surrounded by mountainous terrain, Costa Rica has something for everyone. For us, the amount of sun and rain was a deciding factor. We wanted more sun and less rain, so we ended up in the Guanacaste region in the country's northwestern part.

We have the driest climate with the most sun.

Discover the Social Atmosphere and the Cost of Living

If you're looking for the best place to live in Costa Rica, there are several factors to consider.

First and foremost, it's essential to learn about the culture and customs of the people living in the area. This will help you to determine if the place is right for you.

• Do you want to live in a largely ex-pat-populated area?

• Do you want to live with the local population?

• Are you interested in being surrounded by both?

• Is the quietness of where you live important to you?

• Do you want to be close to “the action” and enjoy bars and entertainment regularly?

• What about the age of the population? Young? Old? Families?

• Is having public transportation available crucial?

An excellent way to start answering these questions is to explore different areas and speak to people living there to understand the area.

Consider the Cost of Living

The cost of living should be first on your list. After that, you only want to consider places that allow you to live the lifestyle you want. Costa Rica has five regions—Central Pacific, Southern Zone, Arenal, Gold Coast, and the Central Valley. Each region offers a different way of life and its associated cost.

Central Pacific
Here you will find the capital city of San José. You can live in San José or some areas, such as Grecia, Escazú, or Atenas. You get the perks of being near the big city—excellent restaurants, shopping, cultural events, and a climate that isn’t too hot or cold. Living in this area, the Central Valley is 25% less expensive than in other areas, such as the Gold Coast.

Southern Zone

The Southern Zone’s reputation is one of a calm and laid-back vibe. Its most popular towns are Uvita, Ojochal, and Dominical. It comprises popular surf spots, long beaches, and rainforests.

The Southern Zone provides beautiful living for many – retirees, families, and singles. It’s small enough to get to know your neighbors but large enough to find what you need. Depending on your desire, living here can cost $1500 to $6000/ month.

Lake Arenal

Thanks to the volcano, this is a touristy area, but it’s also home to ex-pats. San Carlos and La Fortuna are the most popular places to live because they are rural and have plenty of lands to purchase and rent. It’s rural enough to require weekly shopping trips daily.

It doesn’t have extensive city amenities, which suits many people who live there to enjoy the natural beauty, take hikes, spend time on Lake Arenal, and relax. It is one of the more inexpensive places to live in Costa Rica. You can find rentals for as little as $500 up to $2100, depending on the lifestyle and view you want.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a 4.5 – 5-hour drive to San Jose. It’s only about 120 miles, but the roads are single lanes, and much construction is underway. So your speed doesn’t get much above 40 mph. The two most popular destinations on the Gold Coast are Tamarindo and Playa Coco. Locals, ex-pats, and many tourists inhabit both.

Other places to live on the Gold Coast include Playa Grande, Potrero-Surfside, and Flamingo. You will pay the most to live on the Gold Coast because everything is on or near the beach. You will pay $2000 - $6000 to live here, depending on your proximity to the sand and ocean.

Central Pacific

The Central Pacific comprises Manuel Antonio, Hermosa de Jaco, and Puntarenas. The beauty of the jungle meeting the sandy beaches makes the Central Pacific so beautiful and desirable for many.

This area is known for its plentiful flora and fauna, excellent waves for surfing, and small city living. The cost of living in these areas is considered affordable. You can find a lovely one-bedroom apartment for $500 - $1000 monthly and a two-bedroom for $700-$1500 monthly.

A Final Thought

Choosing the right place to live in Costa Rica is a big step, but it can be a fun exercise. When looking for a new home, consider the environment that best suits you and your family, the weather conditions, the social atmosphere, and the cost of living.

With so many beautiful and diverse places to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for you in this paradise! From vibrant cities to lush jungles and secluded beaches, there is something for everyone in Costa Rica.

To further help you look for the best cities, check this out. Narrow down your search and make Costa Rica your new home!

Pura Vida! 🌺