The majority of industries and businesses are located within the Greater Metropolitan Area, which includes San José and parts of other provinces such as Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago.

Housing in this area is offered at a variety of levels and prices, ranging from US$600 – US$5,000 per month. There are no real estate restrictions for foreigners; law ensures the same rights for foreigners and citizens, meaning there are no special conditions for the acquisition of properties in the country.

With over 360 hotels located throughout the country, Costa Rica also provides a wide spectrum of possibilities business or pleasure.

Public education in Costa Rica is free and mandatory. There are over 9,300 educational institutions in Costa Rica.

Our educational system is ranked 32nd in the world, the highest in Latin America, according to the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 2008-2009.

There are over 200 private schools registered with the Ministry of Education, most of them are bilingual (English, German, French or Hebrew), and offer worldwide recognized programs such as the Advanced Placement (AP) and the International Baccalaureate (IB).

For those relocating to Costa Rica and in need of an internationally certified school, there are seven schools that provide international diplomas certified by organizations such as the SACS, NEASC and MSA. Those schools are: American International School, Blue Valley School, British School, Country Day School, Lincoln School, Marian Baker School, Pan-American School and Falcon International School.

• Costa Rica ranks among the top 5 countries in environmental performance worldwide
• Costa Rica is one of the countries in Central America with the greatest potential in tourism
• Costa Rica Real Estate for Sale, one of the hottest markets
• It has been declared one of the most visited international destinations
• It covers 0.03% of the planet’s surface and has the privilege to be habitat of 6% of the world biodiversity, 25.6% of its territory is protected under different conservation methods

Life in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located in Central America. The country’s size is small (51,100 sq km) and it covers only 0.03 % of the surface of the globe. Nevertheless, it proudly shelters a 6% of the existing biodiversity in the entire world; 25% of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory. Costa Rica is also an attractive country for investment and it offers great potential for the establishment of important multinational companies, thanks to the outstanding academic level of its population, as well as the high standard of modern services and social and political stability. Costa Rica takes pride in having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, and almost half a century without an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not expending in military issues is invested in improving the standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that makes it such a pleasant place to visit.

Climate

The climate in Costa Rica is very pleasant not only during the dry season, which extends from December to April but also during the rainy season, which runs from May to November. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 22°C (72° F) that increases considerably on the coastal areas.

Government

The political system is represented by three powers, which are: The Executive Power, the Legislative Power and the Judicial Power. The Elections Supreme Court is considered the fourth power of the Republic. Every four years, national elections are carried out. Among other positions of popular representation, the President of the Republic is elected through direct representation by secret ballot.

Medical Services

Costa Rica has positioned itself among the countries with the highest public healthcare development in Latin America. The Costa Rican Social Security Service (CCSS) is a public service institution that has accomplished important goals regarding health issues, including pensions and social security. The country also has a strong private health system, with hospitals and clinics of great prestige and reputation.

Housing

The best housing areas are found within the Greater Metropolitan Area. Apartment rentals start at US$600 and can reach $5,000 for high-end housing (monthly). These latter are usually located within a gated community and include fees for gardeners and security personnel. On the coastal areas, especially the Northern Pacific Region, luxurious villas start at $250,000 (selling price). There are little real estate restrictions for foreigners; the Law ensures the same rights for foreigners as for citizens, which means that there are no special conditions for the acquisition of properties in the country. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (2008), San José ranks fourth among the cities in Latin America with the best quality of life.

Schools

There are around 9,400 educational institutions in Costa Rica. The number has been growing for several years, complying with the growth in demand. Our educational system is ranked 32nd in the world, the highest in Latin America, according to the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 2008-2009. The public schooling system is universal, free, and compulsory for Costa Rican citizens. There are also many private schools that are bilingual (English, German, French or Hebrew), and offer worldwide recognized programs such as the Advances Placement (AP) and the International Baccalaureate (IB). In addition, most of them have been internationally certified by the Southern Association of Schools (SACS), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), or the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
There are over 200 private schools registered at the Ministry of Education, 7 of which are internationally certified:

• American International School ( SACS )
• Blue Valley School ( NEASC )
• British School ( NEASC )
• Country Day School ( MSA )
• Lincoln School ( SACS )
• Marian Baker School( SACS )
• Pan-American School ( NEASC )

SACS – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
NEASC New England Association of Schools and Colleges
MSA – Middle Status Association of Colleges and Schools
Other recognized schools are Humboldt School (which offers English and German recognized by the German Government), Franco Institute (bilingual program in French with recognition from the Government of France) and Weizman School (Hebrew and English).

Cost of Living

Living in Costa Rica gives you the freedom to spend almost as little or much as you choose; while many things are inexpensive, North American-style luxuries can add up. Despite this fact, life in Costa Rica is generally less expensive than an equivalent lifestyle in the United States, Canada or Europe, as many expatriates will happily attest.Those expats interested in simple living should budget $1500 or less monthly. Rents in rural areas and select urban areas hover around $300-$600 for a well-furnished apartment or small home. At this price, renters can expect Costa Rican-style amenities, which may include line-drying laundry and bathrooms equipped with electric shower heads. Generally, this budget allows for bus rides and the occasional taxi, big trips to the farmer’s market and a few restaurant meals each month.

Others choose to retire or live in relative luxury, employing full-time housekeepers, commuting by car, enjoying exquisite homes and consuming imported goods. In the Central Valley, such lifestyles can easily amount to $3000 or more monthly. A lavish three-bedroom home near San Jose – complete with granite countertops, Jacuzzi bathtubs and hot water heater – starts at approximately $1500 monthly, and can cost much more.

Food costs in Costa Rica largely depend on personal preferences. At a moderately-priced sit-down restaurant, a salad, main course and glass of wine will cost $15-20 per person. At sodas, the Costa Rican version of the neighborhood mom-and-pop, a full meal plus natural fruit drink will only run you $2-4. For those that enjoy cooking at home, groceries run the price gamut, and depend heavily on whether you consume imported or local goods. For example, an exhaustive trip to your local farmer’s market will cost $20-40, and can provide a small family with the fruits, vegetables, meats and fish necessary for a week’s worth of meals. On the other hand, purchasing expensive meats, imported wines and other premium goods at Automercado, a grocery chain that specializes in high-end foodstuffs and imported goods, could cost more than $200 per week for a small family.

Remember that as a general rule, services and labor are inexpensive, but many goods are more expensive than back home. In other words, a housekeeper may charge $2 per hour, but a new car can cost almost twice as much as in the United States. (Used cars can be bought for only slightly more than their North American equivalents.) Gas and diesel are expensive here, usually costing $1-$2 more per gallon than in the U.S.

The extra money spent on transportation is easily recouped in entertainment costs – trips to museums, outdoor concerts and street fairs generally run less than $5 per person. Most concerts and traveling shows cost the same as in other countries. For outdoor entertainment, Costa Rica’s extensive park system, wildlife adventures and gardens will satisfy any nature enthusiast. Be aware that tourists (anyone not legally classified as a resident or citizen) pay entrance fees (usually $10-$20), though proceeds help support the country’s national parks and private reserves.

Medical care in Costa Rica is of high quality, and very inexpensive. Currently, residents have three options: private insurance, subscription to the CCSS (Costa Rican Social Security) or a combination of the two. Through INS (the National Insurance Institute), private medical insurance costs about $50-$100/month per person. Through the Caja’s public service, insurance for a family (two adults and their under-18 dependents) will cost $30-$50/month. Please note that for those under age 55, Caja payments include a mandatory pension payment, which will be paid out beginning at age 65.

Cost Comparison Chart:

*1- Based on CIA World Fact Book

*2 – costarica.com research team calculations

*3 – Sprint

*4- American Housing Survey

*5- Energy Information Administration

*6- Only includes 60 minutes. Additional minutes are billed at $.013