Top 5 Reasons People Are Moving to Costa Rica in 2025

Costa Rica has long been a top destination for tourists seeking sun, sand, and "pura vida" - but more than ever, people are making the move to live here full time. In 2025, it’s not just retirees and backpackers relocating. Digital nomads, families, and even investors are packing their bags for a better life in this tropical paradise.

Expat family enjoying the Costa Rican beach lifestyle – why more people are relocating to Costa Rica in 2025

So what’s behind the surge? Here are the top 5 reasons people are moving to Costa Rica this year — and why it might be the perfect place for your next chapter.

🏖️ 1. A Slower, Healthier Lifestyle

Costa Rica is famous for its "pura vida" lifestyle, which translates to “pure life” — but it’s more than just a phrase. It’s a national mindset. People here prioritize health, nature, family, and balance.

With access to:

• Organic local produce

• Daily ocean swims or jungle hikes

• Slower-paced days

• Less stress and more connection

  
  

…it’s easy to see why Costa Rica is consistently ranked as one of the happiest and healthiest countries in the world.

🌍 2. A Safe and Stable Country

For people seeking a safe place to live abroad, Costa Rica offers a peaceful political climate, no military, and one of the most stable democracies in Latin America.

• Ranked as one of the safest countries in Central America

• Strong legal protections for property owners (locals & foreigners)

• Reliable infrastructure in popular regions like Guanacaste, San José, and The Central Valley

  
  

This stability gives expats, retirees, and investors the confidence to build a life or business in Costa Rica.

🌱 3. Connection to Nature and Sustainability

If you’re craving more time outdoors and a simpler connection to the planet, Costa Rica delivers in every way:

• Over 25% of the country is protected land (national parks, reserves)

• Home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity

• Eco-friendly living is encouraged, and solar energy is on the rise

• You can surf, hike, zipline, and spot monkeys — all in one day

  
  

Many who move here are seeking a greener, more intentional lifestyle with lower environmental impact.

💻 4. Remote Work & Digital Nomad-Friendly Laws

The pandemic sparked a work-from-anywhere movement — and Costa Rica responded with new laws welcoming remote workers.

• The Digital Nomad Visa allows you to live and work in Costa Rica for up to one year (with extensions)

• Reliable high-speed internet in urban and beach towns

• Coworking spaces popping up in Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Playas del Coco

  
  

If your income is remote, why not do it from a place that feels like vacation every day?

👨‍👩‍👦 5. Expat Communities and Family-Friendly Living

From young families to retired couples, the expat community in Costa Rica is growing, welcoming, and diverse. You’ll find:

• International schools in major towns like Liberia, San José, and Nosara

• Multicultural neighborhoods

• English-speaking professionals

• Facebook groups, meetups, and local expat events

  
  

Plus, the cost of living is often much lower than in North America — especially when it comes to healthcare, housing, and services.

✨ Bonus: Residency Options and Healthcare Access

Costa Rica offers several residency options (pensionado, investor, rentista) and has excellent public and private healthcare systems, both of which are big reasons people stay long-term. You don’t need to be rich or retired to live here — you just need a plan, a sense of adventure, and a love of nature.

🌞 Embracing the "Pura Vida" Mindset

Living in Costa Rica means embracing the "pura vida" mindset every day. This philosophy encourages us to appreciate the simple joys in life. Whether it’s enjoying a fresh cup of coffee on your porch or taking a leisurely stroll on the beach, every moment counts.

🔑 Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Make the Move?

Whether you’re looking to retire in paradise, raise your kids near the ocean, or simply enjoy life at a slower pace, Costa Rica continues to be one of the best places in the world to relocate in 2025.

If you’re dreaming about starting a new chapter here, I’d love to help you explore real estate and lifestyle options that match your goals. Costa Rica is waiting for you, and it could be the perfect place to call home.