Investing for Retirement in Costa Rica: A Senior’s Guide

Published on October 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Costa Rica: An Ideal Destination for Seniors

With its lush landscapes, pleasant climate, and high quality of life, Costa Rica proves to be a prime destination for seniors seeking a peaceful and enriching retirement.

Investment Options for Expatriates

In this article, dive into the various investment opportunities available to expatriates looking to settle in this tropical paradise. From purchasing properties in sought-after coastal regions to inland investment opportunities, Costa Rica offers numerous promising avenues to grow your capital and ensure your comfort.

These elements thus persuade many retirees to take the leap toward a new life, marked by harmony between nature and modernity.

Why Choose Costa Rica for Retirement

Costa Rica attracts a growing number of foreign retirees each year thanks to a unique combination of natural, economic, and social assets.

Main Reasons Costa Rica is a Preferred Retirement Destination:

• Pleasant Climate Year-Round
  The country enjoys a temperate tropical climate, with mild and stable temperatures, allowing you to fully enjoy Pacific beaches, lush forests, and mountains without suffering from extreme heat or cold.
• Political Stability
  Costa Rica’s historic democratic stability ensures a peaceful and secure environment for expatriates. This security is reinforced by the absence of a military for over 70 years.
• Affordable and Efficient Healthcare System
  The public system (“Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social”) offers comprehensive medical coverage at a cost well below Western standards. Private facilities are modern and renowned for their quality.
• Tax Benefits for Foreign Retirees
  • No tax on income earned abroad.
  • Simplified procedure via the “pensionado” program: residency granted upon proof of a stable monthly pension.
• Attractive Real Estate Opportunities
  • Competitive square footage prices compared to the U.S. or Europe.
  • High rental demand in certain tourist coastal areas.

Major Advantages	Details
Climate	Mild temperatures (77–86°F) year-round
Healthcare	Accessible/affordable public + private system
Taxation	Exemption on foreign income
Real Estate	Attractive prices, geographic diversity

• Cultural Richness & Exceptional Biodiversity
  The country is home to nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity on just 0.03% of the Earth’s landmass: preserved national parks, varied ecosystems (beaches, volcanoes…), abundant wildlife. The local culture values well-being (“pura vida”), friendliness, and openness to others.
• Remarkable Quality of Life
  • Recognized safety in the region.
  • Warm welcome by Costa Ricans (Ticos).
  • Suitable infrastructure: renovated roads in tourist/urban areas; high-speed internet access; modern medical services accessible even outside major cities.

Recent Statistics & Testimonials:

– Over 70,000 expatriates, including approximately 30,000 Europeans, have chosen Costa Rica as their primary or secondary residence.
– According to several international rankings in 2025, the country consistently ranks among the top three preferred global retirement destinations.

“We found a quality of life here that we had never known before—ideal climate year-round, affordable medical care… And above all, this permanent feeling that everything is simpler!” – Testimony collected from a French-Swiss couple settled near Lake Arenal in March 2025.

Summary List of Main Assets:

• Mild climate
• Political stability
• Quality/price of medical system
• Advantageous tax regime
• Varied real estate opportunities
• Exceptional natural/cultural diversity
• Warm welcome & safety

Choosing Costa Rica for retirement thus combines daily pleasure in the tropics with financial peace of mind and overall well-being.

Best Cities for Senior Expatriates

San José, Tamarindo, and Atenas are among Costa Rica’s most attractive cities for a peaceful retirement, thanks to their exceptional quality of life, senior-friendly infrastructure, and a dynamic expatriate community.

City	Main Assets	Senior Infrastructure	Safety	Cost of Living
San José	Modern capital, easy access to services	Renowned private/public hospitals Urban and intercity transport Numerous senior residences	Good in residential neighborhoods	Moderate: wide range of options for all budgets
Tamarindo	Popular beach resort, active cultural life	Private clinics Quick access to Liberia Hospital Expat-adapted services	Very good (monitored tourist area)	Slightly above national average on the coast
Atenas	Reputed microclimate “best climate in the world” Strong sense of community	Modern medical center Well-equipped local clinics Proximity to San José (35 min.)	Very good (quiet town)	Affordable: lower rents than on the coast or in the capital

Available Infrastructure:

• Modern healthcare facilities, both public and private, including CIMA Hospital or Clínica Bíblica in San José; private clinics in the provinces.
• Varied transportation options: regular buses between main cities; reliable taxis; many services adapted for the elderly.
• Specialized residences, community centers, and social clubs for retirees.

Safety:

All three cities offer a safe environment for seniors. In Tamarindo and Atenas, the community feeling enhances this secure climate.

Cost of Living Compared to Potential Retirement Budget:

The average monthly cost varies by lifestyle:

• San José: approximately $1,500–2,500/month for a couple with comfortable housing.
• Tamarindo: slightly higher ($2,000–3,000/month), mainly due to coastal rents.
• Atenas: more affordable ($1,300–2,200/month).

This budget generally allows easy access to private or public medical care while enjoying local leisure activities.

Expatriate Testimonials on Local Integration and Adapted Activities

“The international community here is very close-knit. We regularly organize shared meals, hikes, or cultural classes open to all,” explains Marie-France B., a French retiree settled in Atenas for five years.

A Belgian couple living in Tamarindo shares: “We enjoy local farmers’ markets every week as well as free classes organized by the Francophone association.”

List of Popular Activities Among Retirees:

• Guided nature excursions
• Adapted yoga and water aerobics
• Language clubs/cultural workshops
• Costa Rican culinary introductions

Opportunities for cultural integration are plentiful thanks to:

• Traditional festivals open to expatriates
• Accessible Spanish learning via local associations
• Intergenerational exchanges during municipal events

Many expatriates emphasize that it is above all the immediate sense of belonging—facilitated by the warm welcome of Costa Ricans—that transforms their experience in Costa Rica into a true new home.

Investing in Real Estate in Costa Rica

Costa Rica attracts many senior expatriates for retirement due to its political stability, pleasant tropical climate year-round, and a recognized quality of life, notably for safety, the welcoming population, and the beauty of the natural environment. The country does not tax income generated abroad, which is a significant tax advantage for retirees. The local healthcare system is efficient and accessible, whether through public social security (CCSS) or private insurance.

Types of Available Real Estate Properties:

• Condominiums: often with security, maintenance services, and sometimes shared amenities (pool, gym).
• Single-family homes: more space and privacy, in residential or rural neighborhoods.
• Waterfront properties: highly sought after on the Pacific coast, ideal for those wishing to live near the beach.

Attractive Regions for Seniors:

Region	Main Characteristics
Central Valley	Temperate climate, proximity to hospitals, urban services, expatriates
Guanacaste	Beaches, dry climate, international community, beachfront real estate
Central Pacific	Between nature and beaches, easy access to San José, varied offerings

Real Estate Purchase Process for an Expatriate:

• Legal steps: it is possible to purchase a property in your own name or via a company, with no restrictions for foreigners.
• A local attorney is highly recommended to verify the property title and complete the transaction.
• Mandatory registration of the property with the national registry.
• Opening a local bank account for transactions.
• Associated taxes and costs:
  • Transfer tax: approximately 1.5% of the purchase price.
  • Attorney fees: approximately 1-1.5% of the purchase price.
  • Registration and miscellaneous fees: generally around 2.5-3.5% total.
  • Property taxes: very low, about 0.25% of the fiscal value per year.

Tips for Choosing a Property Suitable for Seniors:

• Prioritize accessibility (single-level, no stairs, elevator).
• Check proximity to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
• Consider access to shops, transport, and services (banks, supermarkets).
• Evaluate the safety of the area and the presence of other expatriates or senior communities.
• Examine the quality of infrastructure (water, electricity, internet).

Examples of Senior Expatriate Experiences:

Several French and North American retirees settled in the Central Valley testify to the ease of integration, friendliness, and good cost/quality of life ratio, while emphasizing the importance of local support during the real estate purchase.

Others mention challenges such as adapting to the humid climate during the rainy season or the need to thoroughly understand administrative procedures to avoid delays and extra costs.

Seniors who chose Guanacaste highlight the active social life, mild climate, but note that beachfront properties are often more expensive and more exposed to price fluctuations.

Key Takeaways:

Costa Rica offers a particularly attractive environment for an active and serene retirement, with a wide variety of real estate properties suited to seniors’ needs. Thorough preparation and support from local professionals help secure the investment and fully enjoy the country’s advantages.

Cost of Living Adapted for Retirees

Cost of Living for Retirees in Costa Rica

The cost of living in Costa Rica is generally significantly lower than in developed countries, with a difference of about 40% compared to the United States. The monthly budget needed to live comfortably varies by region and lifestyle, but it is possible to settle and fully enjoy retirement with a budget between $900 and $2,000 per month.

Main Expenses	Urban Areas (San José, Liberia)	Rural/Coastal Areas (Nicoya, Osa)
Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment	$600 to $1,200	$400 to $700
Purchase Modest House	from $120,000	from $80,000
Monthly Food	$250 to $400	$200 to $350

To maximize your quality of life while respecting your budget, prioritize a region suited to your potential medical needs while remaining close to a welcoming community to combine financial security and daily well-being.