Moving to Costa Rica Checklist: Everything Americans Need to Know

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Affordability

Healthcare

Taxes

Safety

Stability

Relative Ratings versus the United States

TL;DR

Costa Rica is the premier 'Pura Vida' destination for American retirees and remote workers in 2026. Pensionado Visa requires $1,000/month pension for retirees. Rentista Visa needs $2,500/month income for 2 years. Living costs are 30-40% lower than the U.S. Caja public healthcare system provides comprehensive coverage for ~$100/month, or private healthcare available at fraction of U.S. costs.

Why is Costa Rica the premier 'Pura Vida' destination for Americans?

Costa Rica is the definitive choice for "Pura Vida" seekers in 2026. Renowned for its political stability—it famously has no standing army—and its commitment to environmental protection, it offers a peaceful alternative to the fast-paced American lifestyle. In 2026, the country has become even more accessible due to expanded tourist stay limits (180 days) and a modernized digital nomad infrastructure that caters to the remote-work crowd.

While not the cheapest destination in Central America, its safety and infrastructure make it the most reliable choice for American families and solo adventurers alike.

What are the visa options for Americans moving to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has tailored its residency programs to attract those with stable outside income.

Digital Nomad Visa: Allows remote workers to stay for one year (extendable) with no local income tax, provided they earn at least $3,000 USD per month from sources outside Costa Rica.
Rentista or Pensionado Residency: The Pensionado program is for those with a lifetime pension (like Social Security) of $1,000/month, while the Rentista program is for those with a guaranteed income of $2,500/month for two years or a $60,000 deposit.

Available Visa Pathways:

Education
Work
Entrepreneurship
Retirement
Study
Other (Digital Nomad)

Retirement in Costa Rica: Costa Rica is a retirement haven; the Pensionado program requires a minimum age-related or disability pension of $1,000 USD per month, which covers a spouse and allows for a high quality of life in lush, tropical surroundings.

How much does it cost to live in Costa Rica compared to the United States?

A comfortable lifestyle in Costa Rica costs about 25–30% less than in a typical U.S. suburb, though imported American goods and electronics can be more expensive. Rent for a modern villa in a popular area like Nosara is significantly more affordable than comparable beach housing in Florida or California.

What is the healthcare system like in Costa Rica for Americans?

Costa Rica offers a dual healthcare system: the public "Caja" system and a thriving private sector. For Americans, the private hospitals in San José are JCI-accredited and offer care at roughly one-third of the price of U.S. private healthcare, making it a hub for medical tourism.

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At Bring Me Abroad, we synthesize official government data, local legal requirements, and real expat experiences to create our relocation guides. Our goal is to simplify the complex process of moving abroad for US citizens.

About Aaron

Aaron is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building digital products for the SaaS and hospitality industries. In 2023, he navigated the complex journey of relocating from the U.S. to the Netherlands—a process that revealed a fragmented landscape of outdated visa blogs and "browser tab overload." After successfully launching a design studio in the Netherlands, Aaron co-founded Bring Me Abroad to solve the "Day 1" information gap. His mission is to democratize relocation by replacing expensive consultants with high-utility, data-driven reports that help early-stage explorers get situated quickly. When he isn't decoding immigration logistics, Aaron can be found cycling through the Dutch rain in search of the perfect apple pie or navigating the nuances of the Dutch language.