Thinking of moving to Costa Rica? Discover the best places to live—from the vibrant Central Valley to tranquil beach towns. Find your perfect expat haven today.
April 11, 2025
By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP
In 2024, over 1.5 million tourists visited Costa Rica in the first half of the year. Tourism is recovering quickly in this nation after the pandemic, and many people are realizing just what a beautiful place it is.
For some, the beauty is so captivating that they’re motivated to move to a new country. If this is you, then you might be interested in learning where the best place to live in Costa Rica is.
By educating yourself, you’ll be able to relocate with confidence and peace of mind, so read on to find out more.
The Best Place to Live in Costa Rica: San José and Central Valley
San José is the capital of Costa Rica, and it’s the largest city as well. Typically, capitals and large cities aren’t great to live in, but San José is an exception.
This city offers a fantastic blend of urban conveniences and easy access to natural beauty. It sits in the Central Valley, which means that San José is surrounded by lush mountains, volcanoes, and coffee plantations. Plus, the weather is amazing, as there are mild temperatures all year round.
Around San José are several areas to consider, so let’s explore them further.
Escazú
Escazú is known for its upscale lifestyle, so expect luxury homes here. Expats love it here since it’s safe, plus there are international schools and shopping malls. It’s also close in proximity to San José, making it easy to travel to the capital.
Santa Ana
Santa Ana is just outside San José too, but it offers a quieter and more suburban lifestyle. It’s great for expats who want a balance of peace and convenience.
Heredia
Are you looking for a place near the capital, but with a lower cost of living? Then put Heredia on your list. Not only does it have a lower cost of living, but it has a cooler climate too (thanks to its elevation).
It’s also known for its educational institutions, so if you or any family members are pursuing an education, keep this in mind.
Alajuela
Alajuela is located near the international airport, making it excellent for those who travel often. This area has a more laid-back feeling as well, with a mix of suburban and rural living. It’s perfect for people who want a quieter lifestyle but want to still be close to the city’s amenities.
Now, this may be the best place to live in Costa Rica, but truth be told, there are many close contenders. Here are some other places to have in mind.
Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast is renowned for its stunning beaches, as well as its laid-back vibes. There’s warm weather year-round, which makes it perfect for those who want a beach lifestyle. In addition, there are vibrant expat communities.
Like with San José, there are several areas you can look at.
Atenas
Atenas is often named as one of the best places to live in Costa Rica since it has a spring-like climate no matter what time of the year it is. It’s also a small town that’s close to beaches and San José, and you’ll benefit from a peaceful, community-oriented atmosphere.
Tamarindo
This is a popular destination for surfers or those who enjoy living in a bustling beach town. There’s a strong expat community in Tamarindo, as well as a wide variety of activities. There are many great restaurants, shops, and nightlife here.
Nosara
Nosara is a tranquil beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula that’s known for its yoga and wellness retreats. As a result, you can expect a serene lifestyle here, and a strong community of expats who are interested in eco-living and outdoor activities.
Uvita
Uvita is located on the southern Pacific coast and is famous for its beautiful beaches and national parks. It’s ideal for nature lovers who want to live near the ocean and be close to wildlife.
Guanacaste
This is a province in the northwest of Costa Rica. It has a dry tropical climate, gorgeous beaches, an sunny weather. Guanacaste has a slower pace of life, and it’s a popular region for retirees.
Here are the areas you should look at.
Liberia
This is the capital of Guanacaste, but Liberia is a small city. It has a more affordable cost of living compared to the larger urban centers, but you’ll still get easy access to the beach and the international airport.
Playas del Coco
Here, you’ll find a lively beach atmosphere with lots of amenities, including international restaurants, shops, and a marina, which makes it a huge expat hub. It’s a great location for those who want a balanced beach lifestyle.
Flamingo Beach
Flamingo Beach is an upscale area with a more luxurious feel. Move here if you want to live in a relaxed yet sophisticated community. You’ll get outstanding beaches and fine dining – what more could you need?!
Caribbean Coast
You’ll get a unique experience in the Caribbean Coast; there’s diverse culture, Afro-Caribbean influence, and a tropical climate. Compared to the Pacific Coast, it’s less developed, but its pros are a laid-back, tranquil lifestyle with amazing access to pristine nature.
Below are the areas you should consider moving to.
Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is known for its bohemian vibe, as it’s a haven for eco-tourism and wellness. Soak in the great balance of beach life, nature, and vibrant culture.
Cahuita
Cahuita is located near Cahuita National Park, so obviously, there’s focus on nature and wildlife. There’s a strong Caribbean vibe here, and it’s perfect if you want to live near both the beach and the rainforest.
Weigh Up Your Diverse Living Options in Costa Rica
Overall, the best place to live in Costa Rica is San José and Central Valley. If it’s your first time moving to the country, then it makes sense to start with the capital, especially since there are expats there.
However, don’t discount your other choices. The reality is that there are plenty of excellent places to live in Costa Rica, so there’s bound to be an ideal city for everyone.
Get in touch with Global Wealth Protection if you’re considering a move to Costa Rica. We have a full Global Escape Hatch consultation package where we’ll give you actionable advice.
