Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most established expat destinations in Latin America, home to an estimated 120,000 Americans (Forbes, 2024). Numbeo's cost-of-living index sits at 50.1 (May 2026), with overall costs roughly 18.6% lower and rent about 42% lower than in the United States; expat-focused sources report a comfortable Central Valley lifestyle on US$1,600–$2,400 per month. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages about ₡415,700/month (~US$908) and ₡300,000 (~US$655) outside the center, though USD figures shift with the colón, which has strengthened ~8% against the dollar in 2026. Healthcare is a major draw. The universal public system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, 'La Caja') covers more than 95% of the population, and Numbeo rates the country's Health Care Index at 64.8 ('High', May 2026) — among the best in Latin America. Legal residents must enroll in the CCSS (roughly 7–11% of declared income), and many expats add private or international coverage (commonly ~US$100–$300/month). On safety, Costa Rica is the most peaceful country in Central America (Global Peace Index rank 58/163, 2024), but the US State Department maintains a Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' advisory (issued April 2, 2026) due to crime, with petty theft common and violent crime concentrated in parts of San José and Limón province. For US citizens, Costa Rica offers several residency pathways — Pensionado (US$1,000/month lifetime pension), Rentista (US$2,500/month passive income or a US$60,000 bank deposit), and Investor (US$150,000) — plus a two-year Digital Nomad visa (US$3,000/month income, foreign income tax-exempt) that does not lead to permanent residency. English is not widely spoken nationally (~11% of adults; EF EPI 'Moderate', 41st globally), but proficiency is far higher in San José, the Central Valley expat hubs (Escazú, Santa Ana, Atenas) and tourist towns like Tamarindo and Nosara.