Question 1

How much does it cost to live in Costa Rica per month?

Accepted Answer

Monthly costs in Costa Rica range from $2,250 in affordable areas like Puerto Viejo to $4,000 in premium beach towns like Flamingo. A typical expat budget in popular towns like Tamarindo or Nosara is $3,000-3,500/month including rent, food, transport, healthcare, and entertainment.

Question 2

What is the best town in Costa Rica for digital nomads?

Accepted Answer

Tamarindo is the best town for digital nomads in Costa Rica, with 100 Mbps typical internet speeds, 6 coworking spaces, excellent fiber availability, and the best infrastructure of any beach town. Santa Teresa and Nosara are also popular but have less reliable internet.

Question 3

How do I get a Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa requires $3,000/month proven income (or $60,000 in savings), health insurance coverage, and remote work for a non-Costa Rican company. The visa allows 1-2 year stays and is renewable. Application costs approximately $200 with 2-week processing time.

Question 4

Is the internet reliable in Costa Rica for remote work?

Accepted Answer

Internet reliability varies by town. San José/Escazú has the best internet (200 Mbps typical, excellent reliability). Tamarindo is the best beach town for internet (100 Mbps, fiber available). Santa Teresa and Puerto Viejo have spotty connections - Starlink backup is recommended for serious remote work.

Question 5

What are the best beach towns in Costa Rica for expats?

Accepted Answer

The top beach towns for expats are: Tamarindo (best infrastructure, 95% digital nomad compatibility), Nosara (wellness and surf, 98% wellness seeker match), Santa Teresa (best surf, bohemian vibe), Flamingo (family-friendly, upscale), and Uvita (unspoiled nature, whale watching).

Question 6

How long can Americans stay in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Americans can stay in Costa Rica for 90 days on a tourist visa without any application. After 90 days, you can do a border run to Panama or Nicaragua to reset the visa. For longer stays, the Digital Nomad Visa (1-2 years) or Rentista/Pensionado residency options are available.

Find Your Costa Rica Life