Top Questions To Ponder As You Consider Costa Rica
Top 7 Areas to Determine
Here’s a listing to help evaluate options for moving to Costa Rica:
A. Cost of Living
Monthly budget:
- $1,000 – $2,000
- $2,000 – $3,000
- More than $3,000
B. Housing preference:
- Tico house
- Simple condo/apartment
- Between simple and luxury
- Luxury condo
- Property has to be oceanfront
C. Lifestyle expenses:
- Basic provisions
- Mild luxuries
- Regular indulgences
- High-end lifestyle
D. Location
Preferred region:
a) Central Valley
b) Pacific Coast
c) Caribbean Coast
d) Rural highlands
Proximity to amenities:
a) Remote, nature-focused
b) Small town with basic services
c) Mid-sized city with good infrastructure
d) Urban area with all modern conveniences
Climate preference:
a) Cool mountain air
b) Warm and humid
c) Hot and dry
d) Varied microclimates
Proximity to international airports
a) within two hours
b) 2-4 hours
c) does not matter
E. Residency and Legal Considerations
A. Visa type:
a) Tourist visa (limited stay)
b) Rentista (proof of stable income)
c) Pensionado (retiree with pension)
d) Inversionista (investor)
B. Length of stay:
a) Less than 6 months
b) 6 months to 1 year
c) 1-5 years
d) Permanent relocation
C. Work situation:
a) Remote work for foreign company
b) Local employment
c) Starting a business in Costa Rica
d) Retired
F. Healthcare
Healthcare needs:
a) Minimal (young and healthy)
b) Occasional check-ups
c) Regular medical attention
d) Specialized care required
Preferred healthcare system:
a) Public healthcare (Caja)
b) Private insurance
c) Mix of public and private
d) International health insurance
Proximity to medical facilities:
a) Basic clinic nearby
b) General hospital within an hour
c) Specialized facilities in the area
d) World-class medical centers close by
G. Lifestyle and Culture
Language proficiency:
a) No Spanish
b) Basic Spanish
c) Conversational Spanish
d) Fluent Spanish
Social preferences:
a) Mostly interact with expats
b) Mix of expats and locals
c) Fully immerse in local culture
d) Maintain connections with home country
Activities and interests:
a) Nature and outdoor adventures
b) Beach and water sports
c) Cultural events and city life
d) Volunteer work and community involvement
This rating scale covers various aspects to consider when moving to Costa Rica, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of options.
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| Issue | Rank (1-10) |
|---|---|
| Cost of living and rising prices | |
| Safety concerns | |
| Ease of settling in and making friends | |
| Quality of healthcare | |
| Natural environment and air quality | |
| Job opportunities for expats | |
| Language barrier | |
| Bureaucracy and legal complexities | |
| Infrastructure and public services | |
| Cultural adjustment |
- Assign a rank from 1 to 10 for each issue (1 being most important, 10 being least important).
- Sum up all the ranks you’ve assigned.
- Interpret the total score:
- 10-30: These issues are extremely important to you when considering moving to Costa Rica.
- 31-50: These issues are moderately important to you.
- 51-70: These issues are somewhat important to you.
- 71-100: These issues are less important to you when considering the move.
This ranking system will help you prioritize which aspects of living in Costa Rica matter most to you and guide your decision-making process