Moving to Costa Rica can be both exciting and stressful at once, which is why it is essential that you prepare properly for this international move.
Apart from purchasing a return ticket home, there are other steps you must take before returning home, such as filling out all necessary documents for immigration purposes, health care coverage and housing arrangements, education of any sort and preparation of necessary paperwork.
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Cost of living
Costa Rica is known for its low cost of living and is one of the top locations for expats looking for an affordable relocation destination. Prices tend to be particularly affordable in less touristy areas compared to more touristic ones, yet food, transportation and activities can still add up quickly if one isn’t careful.
Keep in mind that living expenses can vary drastically between cities. A double-bedroom apartment in San Jose may cost as much as $700 each month while in the suburbs a high-quality studio apartment could exceed $1200 monthly.
Expats report grocery costs comparable to North America, though local produce is generally much cheaper. Furthermore, restaurants tend to be much less costly. But budget-minded expats may find additional savings renting outside tourist zones and considering The Caja system provides affordable health coverage.
Health care
Costa Rica’s healthcare system is built upon universal coverage and social security contributions made by all legal residents; this system is known as Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (or CAJA). All legal residents contribute towards it while expats working in Costa Rica must purchase private health insurance to work legally in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica offers one of the most cost-effective healthcare systems worldwide. Expats often opt for private health insurance in addition to Caja. This enables them to get more specialized care with shorter waiting times.
Costa Rica spends an incredible amount on education, boasting one of the best systems in Latin America and an active international business community. However, Costa Rica still faces significant hurdles; for instance abortion remains illegal here and restricts women’s access to healthcare – this contradicts international medical protocols and human rights standards and may pose problems for expats considering relocating there.
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Education
Costa Rica boasts one of the most advanced education systems in Latin America. Their commitment to free and compulsory schooling has resulted in high rates of literacy among adults, and the government invests 28% of their national budget towards this sector.
Students should attend at least six years of primary school (grades 1-6) before considering secondary education (sometimes known as high school), which is entirely optional. Primary schools offer two cycles that encompass grades 1- 6: Cycle I covers grades 1-4 while Cycle II addresses grades 5-6. Once primary school completion has been achieved, enrolling in secondary education (sometimes known as high school) becomes voluntary for each individual student.
Before moving to Costa Rica, it is a smart idea to take Spanish language classes. Not only will the locals appreciate your efforts to learn their native tongue; these lessons may also prove useful when searching for work or navigating around town more quickly. Schools provide such classes; there are also private providers catering specifically to expats.
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Housing
If you plan to buy property in Costa Rica, it is advisable to research its housing market carefully and understand that unscrupulous realtors often target foreigners unaware of how the process of purchasing real estate abroad works.
Costa Rica provides numerous resources to assist expats in finding their new homes. In addition to traditional real estate agents and websites dedicated to expat housing search services, there are even specific real estate websites dedicated to helping expats locate properties in specific parts of the country.
Costa Rica boasts many quiet villages and smaller towns where you can find stunning, affordable properties suited for those who prefer a more relaxing lifestyle. You may also discover remote mountain properties with breathtaking views and private trails; these properties typically cost more than beachfront or inland properties.
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