Costa Rica Cost of Living — Complete 2026 Guide

Costa Rica Cost of Living — Complete 2026 Guide

Detailed cost of living breakdown for Costa Rica. Budget examples for singles, couples, and families by area.

Costa Rica consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries on Earth and the top retirement destination in Latin America. With universal healthcare, a stable democracy, incredible biodiversity, and a welcoming culture, it's no wonder thousands of expats make the move every year.

Key Facts for Expats

• 🌎 Population: ~5.2 million (largest expat communities in Central Valley and Guanacaste)
• 🏥 Healthcare: Universal CCSS (Caja) system + world-class private hospitals at 50-70% less than US
• 🏠 Property: Full foreign ownership, 0.25% annual tax, closing costs 4-5.5%
• 💰 Taxes: Territorial system — foreign income NOT taxed
• 🌿 Environment: 99%+ renewable electricity, 30+ national parks, 5% of world's biodiversity
• 🔒 Stability: Oldest democracy in Latin America, no army since 1948

Finding Your Home in Costa Rica

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