According to International Living magazine’s new Global Retirement Index, Costa Rica earned the top spot as a place for U.S. expats looking for retirement locations in 2018. They listed and reported on five areas within Costa Rica that offer great places for U.S. retirees in 2018 including:
Costa Rica’s Central Valley beckons expats, drawn by its spring-like climate and welcoming expat community. It is easy to understand why so many have chosen Costa Rica as their home base.
Costa Rica’s Central Valley is famous for its cool climate. At an altitude between 3,000 to 5,000 feet, you can count on temperatures hovering in the 70s F all year long–an experience like no other on earth!
Centrally situated within Costa Rica and surrounded by mountains, San JosA(c) offers convenient retirement living.
Central Valley may not be the cheapest location in Costa Rica, but expats can still live comfortably for under $2,000 each month. You’ll have everything within easy reach!
“This region is in the center of everything,” notes IL Central Valley Correspondent John Michael Arthur. This means easy access to an international airport, first-rate hospitals, shopping (including designer or boutique options), and myriad restaurants.
The Southern Zone
About three to four hours away from Costa Rica’s capital of San JosA(c), lies the Southern Zone. This region is known for its unspoiled seaside wilderness, laidback beach living and warm and humid climate at sea level; however, as soon as one rises higher up onto hillsides above water it cools considerably.
The Southern Zone spans from Panama all the way south, but most expats tend to congregate around three main towns: Dominical is an idyllic surf village that welcomes visitors, while Uvita serves as the commercial center. Ojochal stands out as an offbeat jungle village known for its international group of expat foodies who run gourmet restaurants that attract the international expat community. Here, residents enjoy both natural beauty and modern conveniences within reach – an attractive combination.
California native Robby Anderson, 49, first ventured to the Southern Zone 25 years ago for surf trips. Over time he found himself returning regularly, eventually making this area his permanent home.
“Everyone gets along together here in Uvita: wealthy people, middle-class people and poor farmers alike. No one talks about material things such as houses or cars; in America advancement is determined by these material things…Coming here slowed me down; progress is measured against material possessions in America while here you feel more connected with others.”
“Costa Rica is known for its laidback lifestyle known as Pura Vida,” notes IL Roving Latin America Editor Jason Holland. However, on its Caribbean coast this attitude of relaxation is taken to its maximum. Beach bars feature reggae as patrons drink cold beers; locals pedal bicycles rusted from salt air along the winding coast road; while beach-goers linger lazily in hammocks strung between trees dreaming of taking a dip into its clear blue waters.”
Starting off as an island settlement over 100 years ago, Jamaicans and other Caribbean peoples still give this region its distinct “island” feel today, especially in towns such as Manzanillo where some of Costa Rica’s most stunning beaches can be found.
Businesses operating locally tend to be small. Caribbean-style restaurants typically serve spicy chicken with coconut-cooked rice for $5 to $6 per plate.
Jason advises, as the coast remains underdeveloped, its services may not be as dependable as in other parts of the country. There is only basic medical care in these beach communities and their nearest hospital and emergency room is over an hour’s drive away.”
Arenal encases both Costa Rica’s largest volcano, VolcA!n Arenal, and largest freshwater lake for a tranquil retirement in nature’s lap. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and small-town lifestyle seekers.
Arenal’s expat community is close-knit. Doris Luby, originally from Minnesota, and her husband Ken decided on Arenal due to its climate and natural beauty for retirement purposes; together they now run an animal rescue center there.
“Here in the rainforest, even the insects are beautiful!” she notes. “But what we love most about being here is finding our greater purpose for retirement.”
While it is certainly reasonable for retired couples to live on between $2,000 to 3,000 per month, some expats here report living on less. The Lubys say they can maintain a monthly budget under $2,000. That includes two vehicles as well as expenses related to running an animal rescue and maintaining their three-bedroom two-bathroom home which they purchased for around $130k.
Nicoya Peninsula and Northern Pacific
Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast and Nicoya Peninsula may offer everything you’re searching for: warm climate, healthy lifestyle and beach access without breaking the bank.
Guanacaste Province offers both of these, with golden sands that feed into the Pacific offering peaceful beach living combined with modern conveniences that keep people comfortable.
People have long been drawn to this area for its healthy lifestyle and strong sense of purpose among residents, along with strong social and family networks that ensure they feel loved even into old age.
Sarah Kahi Goitz of New York met more people here within two months than anywhere else she had lived, according to an account by Sarah Kahi Goitz of her experience attending “ladies’ night” for expat women during her first week living in Tamarindo – similar to many expat communities on the northern Pacific coast.
Water in this region contains one of the highest calcium concentrations in the country, helping strengthen bones. Diets feature fresh produce over processed foods; four people living here could buy all they need for one week for around $30.
But you won’t miss all the comforts found in Central Valley living here; nonetheless, this part of the country is rapidly developing. Even with ongoing development and an influx of tourists to its beaches, living here remains relatively affordable; most couples will require between $2,500-$3,000 monthly budget for expenses here.