Why So Many Americans Are Moving to Costa Rica in 2025

The Lifestyle, Cost, and Freedom They’re Finding in Pura Vida Living

When Mark and Sarah first visited Costa Rica in 2018, it was meant to be a two-week getaway. A break from corporate deadlines. A pause from rising rent in Southern California. A chance to breathe.

They returned home sun-kissed and wide-eyed - not just from the beaches or jungle hikes, but from a quiet realization: “We could actually live there.”

Fast forward to 2025, and they’ve traded freeway traffic for howler monkeys, mortgage stress for morning surf, and office cubicles for a remote work setup with ocean views.

They’re not alone. Tens of thousands of Americans have made the same move. Some are retirees. Some are digital nomads. Others are families craving connection.

So why is Costa Rica such a magnet for Americans right now? Let’s take a closer look.

🌿 1. The Allure of a Simpler, Healthier Life

It’s not just about palm trees and piña coladas. What’s drawing Americans to Costa Rica in 2025 is something deeper: a more intentional lifestyle.

People are tired.Tired of burnout.Tired of inflation.Tired of watching life go by through a screen.

In Costa Rica, life slows down - not in a stagnant way, but in a soul-deep recalibration. Mornings begin with walks on the beach or hikes in the hills. Meals are made from local produce, not plastic packaging. Community replaces chaos.

Expats often describe this transition as “coming home to themselves.”

💻 2. The Remote Work Revolution Makes It Possible

COVID-19 changed everything - including where people can live and work. In 2025, remote work is not a perk - it’s a lifestyle design tool.

Americans who once dreamed of retiring abroad are now moving decades earlier, thanks to:

• Reliable fiber-optic internet in most expat areas

• U.S. companies embracing global workforces

• Time zone alignment (Costa Rica is in CST year-round)

• Affordable living without sacrificing modern comfort

  
  

A digital marketing consultant in Brooklyn can now answer emails with a macaw outside her window and be back on the beach by 4 p.m. Sounds unrealistic? Not anymore.

💵 3. Lower Cost of Living = Greater Freedom

Let’s talk numbers.

Living in Costa Rica isn’t “cheap” - but it’s incredibly cost-effective, especially when compared to U.S. urban centers.

Sample monthly costs for a couple in Playas del Coco or Uvita:

• Rent (2BR home or condo): $1,200–$1,800

• Utilities (including A/C): $100–$200

• Private healthcare plan: $150/month

• Weekly farmer’s market produce: $20

• Eating out (4x/month): $100–$150

• Private school tuition (if needed): ~$400–$700/month

  
  

Many expats report cutting their monthly costs by 30–50% - while increasing their quality of life.

They’re also investing: buying homes, generating Airbnb income, or acquiring land that’s appreciating in value. Real estate here isn’t just lifestyle - it’s strategy.

🏥 4. Quality Healthcare at a Fraction of the Price

Costa Rica has one of the top-rated healthcare systems in Latin America, and many expats say it rivals (or beats) what they had in the U.S.

There are two options:

• Public system (Caja): accessible with residency; monthly fees based on income

• Private system: affordable and modern, with English-speaking doctors and short wait times

  
  

💡 For example: A dental crown that might cost $1,500 in the U.S. costs ~$300 here - often with the same materials and better turnaround.

Plus, many private clinics are located in popular expat hubs like San José, Liberia, and Escazú.

🏡 5. Foreigners Can Own Property Freely

Unlike some countries with restrictive laws, foreigners in Costa Rica enjoy full property rights, whether or not they are residents.

There are no special permits needed, and no citizenship requirements - except for concession beachfront land, which has its own legal structure.

This is one of the biggest reasons why Americans are buying vacation homes, investment condos, and retirement properties here. And with demand still rising in 2025, early movers continue to see appreciation and rental returns.

👪 6. It’s a Family-Friendly Place to Grow Up

More American families are moving here than ever before.

Why?

Because Costa Rica is:

• Safe and politically stable

• Home to excellent international schools

• A place where kids play outside year-round

• Connected to nature, language, and global perspective

  
  

You’ll see 5-year-olds climbing mango trees, teens learning to surf, and toddlers playing barefoot on the sand. It’s a lifestyle that fosters curiosity, not consumerism.

Many parents say it reminds them of how childhood used to be.

✈️ 7. Accessibility Is Easier Than Ever

Getting to Costa Rica used to mean layovers and headaches. Not anymore.

In 2025, Liberia International Airport (LIR) and San José (SJO) offer direct flights from:

• Los Angeles

• New York

• Miami

• Houston

• Dallas

• Toronto

• Atlanta

• Chicago

  
  

And with U.S. citizens allowed to stay up to 180 days as tourists (a recent update), the barriers to entry are low.

📌 Final Thoughts: Costa Rica Isn’t Just a Vacation - It’s a Vision

For thousands of Americans, Costa Rica isn’t a fantasy. It’s a real, grounded, and life-giving choice - one that aligns with their values, goals, and vision of success.

It’s not perfect. There are rainy seasons. Bureaucracy. Slower timelines.

But it’s also a place where people come alive again.

If you’ve been considering it, don’t wait for retirement. The time to design your dream life may be now.

And if you’re ready to explore homes, land, or investment opportunities - I’m here to help you find your place in paradise.

Want help finding the best condo deals in Playa del Coco?

Contact me directly for personalized listings, video walkthroughs, or a free consultation.

sabina@palmrealetsatecr.com| WhatsApp Me +506 8713 8080 | Based in Guanacaste, CR