Visa & Residency
Q:Do I need a visa to live in Costa Rica?
US citizens get 90 days visa-free. For residency, options: Pensionado ($1K/mo pension), Rentista ($2.5K/mo income), or investor ($200K property).
Q:What's the digital nomad visa?
Up to 2 years, requires $3,000/mo income. No local taxes.
Q:How long to citizenship?
7 years with continuous residence.
Cost of Living
Q:How much do I need to live comfortably?
$2,000-3,000/month. Beach: $1,800-2,500. Central Valley: $1,500-2,500.
Q:Is Costa Rica expensive?
Mid-range for Latin America, 30-40% cheaper than US.
Q:How much is rent?
Central Valley: $500-1,000/1BR. Beach: $600-1,200/1BR.
Healthcare
Q:Is healthcare good?
Excellent — ranked 36th globally. Public system (Caja) covers residents for $75-150/mo.
Q:Do I need health insurance?
Required for residency. Private insurance: $50-150/month.