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Costa Rica

Central America's safest and happiest country - Pura Vida lifestyle

80/100
FutureLife Score
#24
FutureLife Index 2026
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$1,500
Comfortable/mo
8/10
Safety
7.8/10
Healthcare
#12
Happiness rank

Key Scores

80/100
Higher = better
Future Life Score
8/10
Safety Index
7.8/10
Healthcare
#12
Lower = happier
Happiness Rank

Why people move to Costa Rica

+12th happiest country on Earth - 'Pura Vida' culture
+No army since 1948: 100% focused on education and healthcare
+Digital Nomad Visa: easiest in Central America
+One of the most biodiverse countries on the planet
+CAJA public healthcare: one of Latin America's best
RetireesFamiliesNature lovers
Culture & context

Pura vida - no army since 1948, biodiversity hotspot, ecotourism pioneer. Most stable and prosperous Central American nation.

People, religion & languages

Population
~5.2M
81% urban
Languages
Spanish
Also: English (widely spoken in tourism and business), Bribri, Cabécar
Day-to-day English

Moderate-high in San José and tourism.

Religion

Catholic-majority constitutionally but largely secular in practice. Growing Evangelical.

Catholic
47%
Evangelical
19%
No affiliation
27%
Other
7%

Culture & etiquette

What locals value and what to watch for

Pura vida (chill optimism)FamilyPeace (no army)NatureTicos hospitality
Do
  • Say 'pura vida' liberally
  • Greet with single cheek kiss (women)
  • Take time over meals
Avoid
  • Rushing - pura vida means slow
  • Disrespecting nature/wildlife
Pace of life

Famously slow and warm.

Expat-friendliness

Among Latin America's most welcoming - huge North American/European expat communities.

Holidays & food culture

Gallo pinto (rice + beans) for breakfast, fresh fish on coasts, fruits abundant.

Gallo pintoCasadoSopa negraCevicheCoffee
Mealtimes

Lunch 12:30–14:00, dinner 19:00–20:30.

Dietary norms

Veg options excellent. Coffee culture serious.

Major holidays
September 15
Independence Day
March–April
Holy Week
July 25
Annexation of Guanacaste
December 25
Christmas

Work culture & business norms

Working weekMonday–Friday
Hours08:00–17:00.
HierarchyModerate.
PunctualityFlexible - 'tico time'.
Meeting stylePersonal, relaxed.
Business attireSmart casual.

Hidden Gems

Off the beaten path

→

Corcovado National Park - the Osa Peninsula's remote jungle, called the world's most biodiverse place by National Geographic

→

Rincón de la Vieja - active volcano with bubbling mud pools, waterfall hikes, and zip-lines near the Nicaragua border

→

Cahuita - laid-back Afro-Caribbean town with a coral reef 100 meters from the beach

Monthly cost snapshot
Comfortable lifestyle$1,500/mo
Semi-Luxury lifestyle$2,800/mo
Luxury lifestyle$5,600/mo

Single person, before income tax

AI affordability check
At $4,000/month remote income you'd have $2,500 surplus after budget-tier costs - saving 63% of your income.
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Quick facts

LanguageSpanish
CurrencyCRC
Internet55 Mbps avg
EnglishModerate
Future Life Score80/100
Future Life Rank#24
PR pathEasy · 3 yrs
Citizenship7 yrs
Passport rank#36
Visa-free148 countries
Income tax25% top rate
VAT13%
CapitalSan José
Population5.2 million
Best airportJuan Santamaría (SJO)
Forest cover52% of land area (up from 21% in 1986)
Avg temp (coast)28–32°C / 82–90°F

Visa options

Rentista VisaEasy
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)Easy
Digital Nomad VisaEasy
Before you move in
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Things to do, hidden gems, food & real daily costs
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