Cost of living
How Costa Rica compares to the US
🇺🇸 Miami, Florida (couple)
2BR rent$2,400/mo
Groceries$550/mo
Dining out$500/mo
Utilities$180/mo
Health insurance$800/mo
Total~$4,430/mo
🇨🇷 San José, Costa Rica (couple)
2BR rent$900/mo
Groceries$300/mo
Dining out$250/mo
Utilities$100/mo
Health insurance$100/mo
Total~$1,650/mo
Cost estimates based on Numbeo March 2026 data. Illustrative only — your actual costs will vary by neighbourhood and lifestyle.
Visa for Americans
The main visa pathway for American retirees
Costa Rica
Pensionado Visa (Rentista also available)
Min. pension income
$1,000/mo (Pensionado)
Min. investment income
$2,500/mo (Rentista)
Health insurance
CAJA enrollment required
Apply where
DGME in Costa Rica
Costa Rica's Pensionado visa requires proven pension income of $1,000/mo minimum — Social Security qualifies. The Rentista visa requires passive investment income. Both require CAJA (public health) enrollment. Requirements subject to change.
Other visa options: The Rentista visa suits Americans with investment income rather than pension income. Both visas require you to spend at least 4 months per year in Costa Rica to maintain residency.
US Tax for Americans in Costa Rica
Understanding your US tax obligations
US still taxes you on worldwide income?Yes — always
US-Costa Rica tax treatyNo — no treaty exists
FEIE eligibilityYes — earned income only
Foreign Tax CreditLimited — no treaty base, but FTC still available
FBAR required?Yes — if foreign accounts exceed $10,000 aggregate
Costa Rica territorial taxCR only taxes Costa Rica-source income — US pensions/SS typically not taxed by CR
No US-Costa Rica tax treaty: Unlike Portugal and Spain, there is no tax treaty between the US and Costa Rica. However, Costa Rica uses a territorial tax system — it only taxes income sourced within Costa Rica. US pensions, Social Security, and foreign investment income are typically not taxed by Costa Rica. Always verify with a cross-border tax specialist.
This is general educational information, not tax advice. Always verify with a qualified US expat tax professional. ExpatAce is not a tax practice.
Safety & healthcare
Safety and healthcare for American expats
Safety
GPI Rank #37
Costa Rica is the safest country in Central America and consistently ranks well globally. Petty theft and vehicle break-ins are the main concerns. Safety varies by neighbourhood — research your specific area. US State Dept advisory: Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution.
US State Dept advisory →
Healthcare
🏥 Private recommended
Costa Rica has a universal public healthcare system (CAJA) that residents must enroll in. Quality varies but is generally good for routine care. Private hospitals in San José are excellent and significantly cheaper than the US.
Medicare abroad: Original Medicare does not cover routine care in Costa Rica. Plan your healthcare transition carefully before you leave the US.
Top cities for Americans
Where Americans are living in Costa Rica
🇨🇷
Central Valley (San José area)
From ~$1,800/mo (couple)
Year-round spring climateInfrastructureMedical care
The Central Valley around San José offers the best infrastructure, healthcare, and expat services in Costa Rica. Mild year-round climate at altitude. The majority of American expats are based here.
🇨🇷
Tamarindo / Guanacaste
From ~$2,000/mo (couple)
Pacific beachExpat communityDry season
Costa Rica's most popular Pacific beach area with a large American expat community. Hot and sunny in dry season. Direct flights from some US cities.
🇨🇷
Jacó / Manuel Antonio
From ~$1,800/mo (couple)
Pacific coastGrowingCloser to San José
Growing beach communities on the Central Pacific coast, 1-2 hours from San José. More infrastructure than more remote areas.
🇨🇷
Lake Arenal / Monteverde area
From ~$1,500/mo (couple)
CoolerNatural beautySlower pace
For Americans seeking a quieter, cooler lifestyle surrounded by nature. Lower cost of living. Less infrastructure than the Central Valley.
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Cost data: Numbeo March 2026. Safety: GPI 2025. Visa data: Costa Rican DGME — verify current requirements. Nothing on this page constitutes legal, tax, financial, immigration, or professional advice.