Many expats seek professional guidance from local immigration specialists when making the transition, while networking with fellow expats or searching for information online may also prove valuable.
Are You Thinking About Relocating Permanently to Costa Rica? There are various visa options available, including Pensionado or Rentista programs (for which newcomers need to show they receive at least $1,000 monthly in income or have assets totaling $60,000 or more).
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Cost of Living
Costa Rica is generally less expensive than its North American counterpart, although imported luxury items may be costly; overall though, consumer prices in Costa Rica tend to be lower.
Expats often find they can live comfortably on a budget similar to their US lifestyle. For instance, retiree couples could easily live comfortably renting an affordable home near popular beach areas for around $2,000 monthly rent.
Of course, there are various factors that influence the cost of living. One such factor is food; brand name groceries like peanut butter can be more costly; however, local options offer more cost-effective solutions.
Health Care
Costa Rica’s public healthcare system is well-regarded, both in terms of quality and accessibility, making its healthcare services attractive to residents from abroad and expatriates alike. Expats who register as residents typically contribute 7-11% of their income towards Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), or “Caja,” during residency registration processes.
This social security institution is responsible for financing, purchasing and providing most personal health care services within a country’s public hospital and clinic network. Additionally, the Ministry of Health sets policy and national direction while not directly providing care to patients.
The government prioritizes providing high-quality primary health care through Ebais – Equato Basico Integral de Salud–teams of doctors, nurses and community health workers that visit each household in their assigned communities to assess needs and close priority gaps – contributing significantly to Mexico’s exceptional life expectancy of 81 years today.
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Education
Public school education is free; however, parents are responsible for fees related to supplies and uniforms. Private schools usually charge higher tuition payments but may offer financial aid.
Students typically earn their diploma after six years of primary and secondary school, before progressing through five to six years of high school – giving them an ideal preparation for university study.
While Costa Rican teachers are highly educated by OECD standards, their salaries remain low and many experience work stress – contributing further to educational inequality.
Costa Rica’s school year runs from February to November/December. International schools can provide continuity in a child’s educational experience by helping him/her keep pace without playing catch up when moving locations.
Culture
Costa Rica is well known for its commitment to human rights and peace, boasting numerous prestigious universities as well as an expansive bookstore network that makes the nation a vibrant center of intellectual life.
Families are at the core of Costa Rican culture and its traditions; from horse parades (Tope Nacional de Caballos) to setting up Nativity scenes at Christmas, family is central. These customs aim to strengthen family bonds while helping Costa Ricans discover happiness daily.
Small towns tend to offer teens an idyllic lifestyle filled with school, team sports and social activities – the latter of which may include more traditional aspects than in the United States such as respecting men’s machismo and having an attitude that “todo tuanis” means everything’s fine – something which may both comforting and worry those relocating with children to Costa Rica.
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Lifestyle
Pro: Costa Rica is an ideal destination for retirees and families seeking an improved quality of life, from its lush forests, pristine beaches, stable democracy and educated population to its laid-back “pura vida” lifestyle, greeting strangers freely while making leisure activities like beach trips a priority in daily routine.
Cons: While living abroad offers numerous appealing advantages, not everyone will find it the ideal environment for them. Retirement and health care benefits offered in the US may not always be available to expats living there while some find adapting to its slower-paced culture difficult.
Prepare for your move to Costa Rica with a digital nomad visa that provides tax exemptions and other advantages. Send funds using Wise to take advantage of its mid-market exchange rate and transparent, low fees.
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