91 Reasons Why We Love Living in Costa Rica

Jump to:

• Cost of Living & Simplicity
• Beach Life & Ocean Views
• Real Estate & Investment Appeal
• Health & Well-being
• Climate & Environment
• Food & Drink
• Natural Beauty & Wildlife
• Outdoor Lifestyle & Adventure
• Local Culture & Community
• Everyday Life Perks

This list was created after polling our friends, family, real estate agents, and satisfied clients—asking them to be completely honest about what they most love about living in Costa Rica. The answers were refreshingly real and overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Thinking about retiring, investing in property, or simply spending more time in a place where quality of life comes first? This list offers a clear window into what makes Costa Rica such a great choice.

Cost of Living & Simplicity

1. Lower cost of living compared to North America.
   Housing, healthcare, and fresh food are all more affordable.
2. No need for winter clothes or heating bills.
   Your wardrobe shrinks and so do your utility bills—life gets simpler in every way.
3. Affordable utilities and property taxes.
   Electricity, water, and taxes are modest, especially for full-time residents.
4. Simple pleasures—like a hammock and a good book.
   It’s amazing how little you need to feel content when the climate and scenery are this good.
5. Public buses and taxis that keep you mobile without a car.
   In many towns, you can get where you need to go for less than a dollar.
6. Outdoor markets with budget-friendly shopping.
   Buying produce, household goods, and even clothes can be a surprisingly social—and inexpensive—experience.
7. Fewer distractions, more focus on what matters.
   Without endless errands or overwhelming choices, your time feels more your own.
8. A slower pace of life that prioritizes quality over quantity.
   Everything takes longer—and that’s not a flaw, it’s a feature. Learn what "Pura Vida" really means.
9. Minimalist living made easier by the climate and culture.
   You don't need much space, much stuff, or much stress to be happy here.
10. Locals who are generous, even when they don’t have much.
    Their warmth and willingness to share is humbling—and deeply human.

Beach Life & Ocean Views

11. Waking up to the sound of crashing waves.
    The ocean becomes your daily soundtrack—peaceful, powerful, and always there.
12. Ocean-view morning coffee that never gets old.
    Every sip feels like a postcard moment when your view includes the Pacific horizon.
13. Endless beaches to explore, each with its own charm.
    From quiet coves to bustling surf spots, you’ll always have a new favorite stretch of sand.
14. Morning beach walks to clear your head.
    There’s something about bare feet in the sand that helps you think more clearly and breathe more deeply.
15. Watching pelicans skim the surf as you swim.
    Nature is always performing here—and you’ve got front-row seats.
16. Building sandcastles with your kids—or your dog.
    Who says playtime is only for children? Bring a shovel and join in.
17. Spontaneous picnics under the palms.
    A cooler, a towel, and some snacks—sometimes that’s all you need for a perfect afternoon.
18. Taking in the Pacific sunset from your balcony.
    Even after hundreds of sunsets, each one still feels special. That never changes.
19. Never being far from the water.
    Whether you live beachfront or just a quick drive away, the ocean is always part of your day.
20. It’s not just beach life—it’s your life now.
    You don’t vacation here anymore. You live it. And there’s no going back.

Real Estate & Investment Appeal

21. Ocean view condos at a fraction of US or Canadian prices.
    Whether you’re buying for retirement or rental income, the value is unmatched in coastal communities.
22. Growing demand for vacation rentals.
    Tourism is strong and consistent, especially in Guanacaste, making short-term rentals a lucrative opportunity.
23. New infrastructure supporting real estate growth.
    Improved roads, fiber internet, and water projects continue to open up new areas for investment.
24. Strong community of international buyers.
    From North Americans to Europeans, there’s a friendly, growing expat network in every coastal town.
25. Investor residency options with property purchases over $150,000.
    Costa Rica offers residency options through real estate investment. Buying a qualifying property can help fast-track your legal residency process.
26. Guanacaste International Airport with daily international flights.
    Being just 30 minutes from a major airport makes weekend visits and last-minute getaways easy.
27. Proximity to major U.S. cities for quick returns or visits.
    In under five hours, you can go from snow in Chicago to sand in Coco.

Health & Well-being

28. A more active daily lifestyle—you walk more here.
    With so much to see and do outdoors, you’ll naturally move more—and feel better because of it.
29. Access to fresh, locally grown produce and seafood.
    Healthy eating isn’t a chore when tropical fruit and fresh-caught fish are part of daily life.
30. Reduced stress levels compared to city life abroad.
    The pace is slower, the expectations lower, and the rewards much greater.
31. Affordable healthcare options, both public and private.
    Whether you're using the public Caja system or visiting a private clinic, care is accessible and competent.
32. Natural remedies and a culture that values wellness.
    Locals often turn to herbal teas, massage, and rest before prescriptions—keeping things simple and balanced.
33. Blue Zone lifestyle practices that promote longevity.
    In Nicoya, elders live longer thanks to strong social ties, nutrient-rich diets, and lots of sunshine.
34. Less processed food, more time around the dinner table.
    Meals are freshly made, often from scratch, and eaten together—just as they should be.

Climate & Environment

35. Warm weather year-round—you'll never need a snow shovel again.
    Living without winter is more than just a luxury—it changes your daily habits and lifts your mood.
36. Refreshing ocean breezes.
    Natural ventilation from the sea helps keep homes cool and days pleasant, especially near the coast.
37. Rainy season that brings the landscape to life.
    Everything gets greener, fuller, and more alive. The dry season has its charm, but the green season is pure magic.
38. Gorgeous dry season for uninterrupted outdoor fun.
    From December through April, you can count on sunshine nearly every day.
39. Microclimates that let you choose your perfect weather zone.
    Whether you like it dry, breezy, humid, or cool—Costa Rica has a climate zone for you.
40. Clean air—seriously, just breathe it in.
    With so much forest and minimal industry, the air here feels noticeably fresher.
41. Plenty of sunshine, perfect for solar energy and afternoon swims.
    Sun lovers rejoice: Costa Rica gets an average of 12 hours of daylight year-round.
42. Stunning lightning storms that light up the night.
    They’re mesmerizing to watch—especially from a safe, dry porch with a cold drink in hand.

Food & Drink

43. Fresh tropical fruit—pineapples, mangos, papayas and more.
    Fruit stands line the streets, and the flavors are so intense you’ll never want imported again.
44. Locally caught fish cooked right on the beach.
    You haven't lived until you’ve had whole red snapper grilled just feet from the ocean.
45. Gallo pinto—a rice-and-beans breakfast classic.
    This simple, satisfying dish fuels Costa Rica every morning, often with a fried egg on top.
46. Casado plates that leave you full and happy.
    Named after “married man,” this hearty combo includes meat, rice, beans, salad, and plantains—a full meal on one plate.
47. Homemade tortillas, warm and soft right off the griddle.
    Fresh and hand-patted, they elevate even the simplest meals.
48. World-class coffee grown on nearby hillsides.
    Nothing beats a cup of Costa Rican coffee—some of the best beans never leave the country and are savored locally.
49. Refreshing batidos (fruit smoothies) everywhere you go.
    Made with water or milk and blended to order, they’re cheap, delicious, and a healthy treat.
50. Happy hour margaritas while watching the sunset.
    Pair a perfect sunset with a cold cocktail and life feels just right.

Natural Beauty & Wildlife

51. Sunsets that light up the entire sky in oranges, pinks, and reds.
    Even after all these years, we stop what we’re doing and just watch. You never get tired of the show.
52. Beaches where you can walk for miles without seeing another soul.
    The best beaches are often the ones with no signs and no crowds—just waves and peace.
53. Howler monkeys that act as your natural alarm clock.
    Yes, they’re loud—but once you get used to them, they’re part of the charm. Just wait until they bring their babies through the trees.
54. Humpback whales migrating along the coast.
    Spotting them breaching offshore is a moment you never forget, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
55. Hundreds of species of birds—yes, even the scarlet macaw makes an appearance.
    Birdwatching becomes a daily habit when you live in a place where toucans fly by your window.
56. Sloths hanging out (literally) in your backyard trees.
    They move slow enough for everyone to get a selfie—but fast enough to surprise you when you look again.
57. Sea turtles nesting on quiet beaches under the moonlight.
    There’s something deeply moving about watching a turtle finish her journey and return to the sea.
58. Bioluminescent waters that light up when you paddle at night.
    Like swimming through stardust. And yes—it’s real.
59. Rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs—all within day-trip distance.
    It’s not just a vacation destination—it’s your backyard.
60. Rainforests that hum with life, even when you’re just sitting still.
    From cicadas to monkeys, nature’s never on mute here.
61. Cloud forests that make you feel like you’re walking through a dream.
    The air is cooler, the moss is thicker, and the silence is almost spiritual.
62. The sheer biodiversity—Costa Rica contains 5% of the world's species.
    You never know what you'll see next. Frogs, insects, birds, monkeys, and more—it’s a living classroom.

Outdoor Lifestyle & Adventure

63. ATV tours that get your adrenaline going.
    Zip through jungle paths, cross rivers, and discover off-the-map beaches with a little kick of adventure.
64. Horseback riding along the beach at sunset.
    This never gets old—especially when the sea breeze is in your face and the sky turns orange behind the hills.
65. Kayaking on mirror-calm estuaries.
    Early mornings are best, when the water’s like glass and the birds are just starting their songs.
66. Mountain biking trails through rugged backcountry.
    From coastal routes to forest trails, there’s terrain here for every kind of rider—casual or competitive.

Local Culture & Community

67. The pura vida attitude—genuine, laid-back, and heartfelt.
    It’s not just a phrase—it’s a philosophy. People genuinely mean it when they say it, and it’s contagious.
68. Friendly greetings from complete strangers.
    Whether it’s a wave, a smile, or a buenos días, Costa Ricans treat each other like neighbors—even if you’ve never met.
69. Local fiestas complete with dancing, music, and fireworks.
    Every town has its own calendar of celebrations, often including bull riding, parades, and nonstop fun.
70. Generational pride in traditional crafts and farming.
    From handwoven baskets to family-run coffee farms, the culture here is deeply rooted and proudly preserved.
71. Weekly farmers markets with everything from pineapples to pottery.
    You can fill your fridge and meet half the town in a single Saturday morning trip.
72. Music in the streets, especially during holidays.
    Expect drums, trumpets, and impromptu dancing as part of the local soundtrack.
73. Church bells that chime through the small towns.
    Even if you’re not religious, the sound adds rhythm and history to daily life.
74. Local artists and artisans showcasing incredible talent.
    Paintings, sculptures, handmade jewelry—creativity thrives everywhere from galleries to roadside stands.
75. Community parades celebrating everything from saints to soccer.
    Any excuse for a parade—and everyone shows up, including the marching band and baton twirlers.
76. A strong sense of local identity and regional pride.
    Each province has its own vibe, and people are proud of where they’re from—and eager to tell you why it’s the best.
77. The ease of getting involved in volunteer programs and expat groups.
    From beach cleanups to dog rescues, opportunities to contribute and connect are everywhere.
78. Friendships that form quickly and last a lifetime.
    Whether with locals or fellow expats, real connections are built faster here than you’d expect.

Everyday Life Perks

79. Great Mail Services?
    Most people have mail forwarded through low cost comapnies in the US or Canada. Plus all the overnight shipping companies are here in case something urgent arises.
80. Dogs on the beach, not in tiny apartments.
    Pups love the sand and surf, and you’ll see just as many locals bringing them as you do expats.
81. Roosters, monkeys, and parrots—not traffic noise.
    Your new morning sounds are tropical and alive—not sirens or car horns.
82. Chilling in a hammock counts as a valid afternoon activity.
    No one questions your productivity when you’re swaying in the breeze with a book.
83. Spontaneous beach trips after work.
    Wrap up your Zoom call and hit the sand. Where else can you do that?
84. Kids playing outside again—in nature, not just online.
    The safest playgrounds are the ones with sand and tide pools, not screens.
85. Unplugging is easier when Wi-Fi isn’t everywhere.
    Get down to the beach, hike in the mountains or go eat out in a remote restaurant with no Wi-Fi—sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
86. Neighbors who actually know your name.
    No matter if they live next door or down a dirt road, there’s a sense of connection here that’s hard to find elsewhere.
87. Fresh air, sunshine, and open windows instead of AC 24/7.
    Natural ventilation and vitamin D are part of the daily rhythm.
88. Access to both Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
    Two distinct coasts, two totally different vibes—just a few hours apart.
89. A variety of ex-pat communities for every personality type.
    Whether you want yoga circles or poker nights, you’ll find your tribe here.
90. No snow tires, ice scrapers, or winter blues.
    You’ll miss the first snowfall for about 30 seconds. Then you’ll remember you don’t own socks anymore.
91. Life just makes more sense here.
    Fewer complications. More nature. More presence. And a lot more smiles.

Now you can see why so many people have decided to move to Costa Rica—a tropical country where the pace is slower, the views are better, and the quality of life consistently surprises those who make the leap. If you're curious about what it takes to invest, relocate, or simply spend more time here, we're happy to share what we know. Let us know when you're ready to take the next step.