Moving to Costa Rica: Complete Planning Guide (2026)

Last updated March 2026

Moving to Costa Rica is a financial decision as much as a lifestyle one. This guide covers the full timeline — what to do before you leave, during the transition, and after you land — with links to every detailed guide we have published.

Before You Move

The planning phase is where most families either set themselves up for success or create problems that take years to unwind. Start here.

• What to Think About Before Moving Abroad — The questions most people skip
• Three Stall Points in a Costa Rica Move — Where families get stuck and how to push through
• When One Partner Wants to Move — Navigating the decision as a couple
• Hidden Costs of Moving to Costa Rica — The expenses that catch people off guard
• Costa Rica vs US Retirement Comparison — Side-by-side financial comparison
• US Tax Obligations in Costa Rica — What the IRS requires before and after you move
• Investing as a US Expat — Portfolio strategy and PFIC avoidance
• Estate Planning for Expats — Cross-border wills, trusts, and succession

During the Move

The logistics of actually getting yourself, your family, and your stuff to Costa Rica.

• Shipping Your Belongings to Costa Rica — What to ship, what to sell, and what it costs
• Moving to Costa Rica with Kids — Schools, adjustment, and what to expect
• Moving to Costa Rica with Pets — Import requirements, vets, and logistics
• How to Get Residency in Costa Rica — Full visa and residency walkthrough
• Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa — Remote work visa requirements and limitations
• Banking in Costa Rica for Expats — Opening accounts and moving money

After You Arrive

The first year is the hardest. These guides cover what daily life actually looks like once you are on the ground.

• Your First 90 Days in Costa Rica — What to prioritize when you land
• You Decided to Move Abroad — Now What? — The practical next steps
• Where to Live in Costa Rica — Region-by-region breakdown
• Renting vs Buying in Costa Rica — When each makes financial sense
• Buying Property in Costa Rica — Legal process, costs, and risks
• Driving in Costa Rica — Licenses, insurance, and road conditions
• Cost of Living in Costa Rica — Real monthly budgets for families
• Healthcare in Costa Rica for Expats — CAJA, private insurance, and the healthcare gap
• Building a Social Life in Costa Rica — Community, friendships, and avoiding isolation
• Learning Spanish in Costa Rica — Programs, immersion, and realistic timelines
• Working Remotely from Costa Rica — Internet, coworking, and time zone management
• Costa Rica Climate and Weather — Microclimates, rainy season, and what to expect
• Amazon and Online Shopping in Costa Rica — What ships, what does not, and alternatives
• Is Costa Rica Safe? — Crime, safety, and realistic expectations
• Why Expats Leave Costa Rica — The reasons people go back