Cities & Hotspots

San José offers the strongest services and schools; Tamarindo is the established beach base; Nosara is wellness and community-led with higher lifestyle pricing.

  • San JoséOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • TamarindoOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • NosaraOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

December to April Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

The dry season is easier outdoors but can be dusty; green season brings rain and lower prices. Check wildfire and local road conditions around the coast.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Hospital CIMA and Clínica Bíblica are familiar private options in San José; coastal care is more limited. Call 911 for emergencies and keep evacuation cover.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

Kolbi, Claro and Liberty offer SIM options. Uber is common in San José, while coastal rides need local drivers. Uber Eats and local delivery coverage vary by town.

  • Mobile networksKolbi, Liberty and Claro are the main mobile networks. Coastal coverage varies, so test the exact house before relying on mobile data.
  • Ride appsUber is useful in San Jose and some tourist corridors, but beach towns still need local taxi and driver contacts.
  • Food deliveryUber Eats and local delivery work best around San Jose; Tamarindo and Nosara are much more patchy.
  • PaymentsCards are common in tourist areas, cash is still useful, and WhatsApp is the service layer for rentals, drivers and trades.
  • Home internetKolbi/ICE, Liberty and local fibre/wireless providers vary by town. Power and road access matter on the coast.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • DGMECosta Rica's immigration authority handles residence routes; tourism, rentista, pensionado, investor and digital-nomad style routes differ.
  • DIMEXResidents may receive a DIMEX foreigner ID, which makes banking and local admin easier.
  • TaxCosta Rica tax treatment, local activity and corporate structures need advice before turning a beach stay into a base.
  • DrivingRoads, rain, insurance and 4x4 needs vary sharply by coast and season.
  • Admin habitKeep passport, entry stamp, insurance, lease, local address, lawyer/agent receipts and emergency contacts organised.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

Nature-led families, wellness workers and people who want a slower Central American base.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.