Why Costa Rica in 2025?

To kick off 2025, Howler has created a decision-making tool to assist you when it comes to considering Costa Rica for whatever your intention.

Based on your intentions, your research and the depth of knowledge you need will vary.  Every country wants to showcase it’s best features, but in reality, not one country is perfect. Plus the fact that what interests you may not be appealing to someone else. So there’s a whole spectrum of information to filter through to assist you in your decision-making process.

You can ask questions on Facebook groups and you’ll receive a variety of responses. From helpful to the bitter angry expat who vomits on every post. You can research books and trip reviews, and watch YouTube videos. These can be beneficial.

Discernment is always required whichever media you utilize. We chuckled at one video recently, “why we’re leaving Costa Rica” by a young couple with a small child who chose the top two tourist towns and didn’t like “Costa Rica”.

We start off with a summary but then we get honest with the good, the bad and yes, the ugly aspects of Costa Rica.

The Summary

Costa Rica stands out as an exceptional choice for both vacations and retirement, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, high quality of life, and affordability that sets it apart from other popular destinations. The country’s commitment to environmental sustainability has resulted in breathtaking landscapes, including lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. This natural splendor provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers

One of Costa Rica’s most significant advantages is its excellent healthcare system, which is consistently ranked among the best in Latin America. Retirees can access high-quality medical care at a fraction of the cost compared to many developed countries.

Additionally, the country’s stable political climate and low crime rates contribute to a sense of safety and security that is particularly appealing to those looking to retire abroad.

The cost of living in Costa Rica is notably lower than in many other retirement destinations, allowing retirees to stretch their savings further while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Monthly expenses for a couple typically range from $2,000 to $3,500, with some rental options starting as low as $500 per month.

This affordability, combined with the country’s retirement-friendly policies and tax incentives, makes Costa Rica an attractive option for those seeking financial stability in their golden years.

Perhaps most importantly, Costa Rica offers a unique cultural experience centered around the “pura vida” lifestyle. This philosophy emphasizes living life to the fullest and appreciating the simple pleasures, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere that permeates daily life. The warm and welcoming nature of the Costa Rican people, coupled with the country’s strong sense of community, makes it easy for newcomers to integrate and form lasting friendships.

Whether you’re looking for a tropical getaway or a peaceful retirement haven, Costa Rica’s combination of natural beauty, affordability, safety, and vibrant culture makes it an unparalleled choice for those seeking a fulfilling life experience.

The Good

1. Natural Beauty: Costa Rica is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers.
2. Warm Hospitality: The locals, known as “Ticos,” are famous for their friendliness and welcoming attitude, often greeting visitors with “Pura Vida,” which signifies a laid-back lifestyle.
3. Affordable Healthcare: The country offers high-quality healthcare services at a fraction of the cost found in many developed countries, attracting retirees and expats.
4. Political Stability: Costa Rica has a long-standing tradition of democracy and political stability, contributing to a safe environment for residents and tourists alike.
5. Eco-Tourism: The country is a leader in sustainability practices, promoting eco-tourism that allows visitors to enjoy its natural resources responsibly.
6. Strong Sense of Community: There is a notable emphasis on family and community values, fostering a supportive environment for residents.
7. Mild Climate: With a tropical climate that varies by region, Costa Rica offers pleasant weather year-round, ideal for outdoor activities.
8. Biodiversity: Home to about 5% of the world’s biodiversity despite its small size, Costa Rica is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.
9. Cultural Richness: The country boasts a rich cultural heritage with vibrant festivals, music, and art scenes that reflect its history.
10. Low Crime Rate: While crime exists, Costa Rica is generally considered one of the safer countries in Central America for travelers.

The Bad

1. High Cost of Living: Compared to other Central American countries, Costa Rica can be expensive, particularly in tourist areas where prices are inflated.
2. Infrastructure Issues: Poor road conditions, especially in rural areas, can make travel challenging; power outages and water shortages are also common during the rainy season.
3. Bureaucratic Challenges: Navigating local bureaucracy can be frustrating due to lengthy processes and paperwork required for residency or business operations.
4. Language Barrier: While many locals speak English, particularly in tourist areas, knowledge of Spanish is often necessary for deeper integration into the community.
5. Limited Job Opportunities: For foreigners seeking employment, opportunities may be limited outside of owning a business or specialized fields.
6. Overtourism Issues: Popular destinations can suffer from overcrowding during peak seasons, leading to environmental degradation and diminished experiences.
7. Petty Crime: Opportunistic thefts occur more frequently than violent crime; tourists are often targets for pickpocketing or scams.
8. Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to the slower pace of life associated with the “Pura Vida” philosophy can be challenging for those used to faster-paced environments.
9. Healthcare System Strains: While healthcare is affordable, the public system can be overburdened, leading to longer wait times for services.
10. Price Discrimination: Expats may face higher prices compared to locals due to perceived wealth differences.

The Ugly

1. Corruption Issues: Corruption within government institutions can hinder effective governance and public service delivery.
2. Environmental Pollution: Despite its eco-friendly image, some rivers are polluted due to industrial waste and inadequate waste management practices.
3. Stray Animal Problems: The presence of stray dogs and cats can be distressing; animal welfare issues are prevalent in many areas.
4. Poor Emergency Services: Emergency response times can be slow due to inadequate infrastructure and resources in rural regions.
5. Limited Public Transport Options: Public transportation can be unreliable outside major cities; many residents rely on personal vehicles.
6. Unregulated Tourism Sector: A lack of regulation means that tourists may encounter unlicensed operators or unsafe practices during activities like tours or rentals.
7. Economic Disparities: While poverty rates have decreased overall, significant economic inequalities persist among different demographic groups.
8. High Import Fees: Import fees on goods can lead to inflated prices on certain products that are not locally available.
9. Natural Disasters Risk: Being located in a seismically active region means that earthquakes and volcanic eruptions pose risks to safety and infrastructure stability.
10. Disgruntled Expats: bitter people who act as bullies on social media posts or just always negative about some of the good, bad and ugly issues.

Related articles in this feature:

TERRY’S TOP TEN:

1. If you don’t like insects, scorpions or snakes, Costa Rica may not be for you.
2. If you want a Target, Walmart, fast food, restaurant on every corner, you need to strike Costa Rica off your list.
3. You can expect 30 minutes to 3 or even 4 hours to take care of banking business.
4. Traffic jams can vary from the Central Valley’s daily congestion to the rural area’s cattle crossing or funeral procession.
5. Yes, some contractors are undependable and you may end up paying more for your project or you may even never see them again after making a payment.
6. Legal assistance is required for almost every transaction.
7. If you don’t interact with the locals, you’ll miss the best part of Costa Rica.
8. Remember that bitter people are everywhere, their whole life purpose is to get others as bitter as them, mark them and dismiss their social media posts. So negative expats are the worse part of the experience.
9. Driving has it’s challenging from the suddenly stopping taxi to the crotch rocket motorcyclist showing off. And the inverted speed bumps…be ready for new tires and front-end alignment repairs.
10. If accepting the good, bad and ugly and making your intention a reality is your attitude, then welcome to the land of pura vida.