4 Best Cities In Costa Rica

What comes to mind when you dream of living in Costa Rica?  Maybe it’s gorgeous Pacific beaches, year-round warm weather, and world-renowned eco-tourism—and you'd be absolutely right. 

While those lifestyle perks are certainly appealing, I always prioritize more strategic factors, such as political stability, a welcoming attitude toward foreigners, a growing and resilient economy, a territorial tax system, and a clear path to citizenship or residency. Fortunately, Costa Rica excels in all of these factors. 

Costa Rica’s economy is experiencing steady growth without inflation. Its economic strategy is based on environmental sustainability and eco-friendly tourism, enabling the country to harness its natural resources to drive economic growth. It’s an energy-independent country that generates nearly 100% of its energy from renewable resources. 

Costa Rica also offers specific visa programs that can grant permanent residency, potentially leading to citizenship for expats, retirees, and investors. Many great cities offer diverse qualities that cater to expats with various needs and preferences. In this article, I’ll introduce the four best cities for expats considering relocation to this promising country. 

Tamarindo blends laid-back beach life with modern comforts, perfect for expats, surfers, and remote workers seeking sun, community, and reliable infrastructure

4. TAMARINDO: LAID-BACK BEACH LIVING WITH MODERN COMFORTS

Tamarindo is a lively beach town located on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast in the province of Guanacaste. It's one of the most popular destinations for expats, digital nomads, and surfers, renowned for its stunning sunsets, warm climate, and laid-back lifestyle.

Tamarindo has transformed from a quiet fishing village into an international community. Don’t be surprised to see international restaurants, yoga studios, boutique shops, and bilingual schools in this small coastal city. There's also access to private health clinics, real estate services, and reliable internet, making it easy to live and work remotely.

If you're into surfing, Tamarindo is a great option. However, it also offers activities like fishing, diving, sailing, and wildlife tours. I must warn you that it's more touristy and expensive than inland towns. Nevertheless, many expats prefer to live in Tamarindo because of its natural beauty and access to modern amenities.

Tamarindo is ideal for expats, remote workers, retirees, and families who want to live by the beach in a place that still feels international, social, and easy to settle into.

Related content: Best Things To Do In Costa Rica

Escazú offers upscale living near San José with top healthcare, international schools, and modern comforts, perfect for expats seeking safety, luxury, and convenience

3. ESCAZÚ: ACCESSIBLE LUXURY LIFE

Escazú is one of the most popular cities in Costa Rica among expats, located seven kilometres west of San José. Its popularity stems from the luxury, security, and convenience it offers in a well-developed setting. You’ll find gated communities, modern condos, and homes with mountain views. The area is packed with international supermarkets (such as Auto Mercado and PriceSmart), gourmet restaurants, and Multiplaza Escazú, one of the country’s largest upscale malls.

Most of the top-notch international hospitals are located close to Escazú, where you’ll find English-speaking staff, excellent healthcare service, and affordable prices compared to so-called developed countries. Families also don’t worry about their children’s education since the best international schools offering bilingual education are nearby. 

Although Escazú isn’t the most affordable option in Costa Rica, the cost of the opportunities in the city is worth it for professionals, diplomats, retirees, and families seeking a safe and comfortable lifestyle with easy access to the capital.

Related content: What To Expect In Costa Rica As An Expat

Cartago blends colonial charm with modern convenience affordable, quiet city near San José, perfect for expats seeking authenticity and access to nature

2. CARTAGO: TRADITIONAL LIFE MEETS MODERN AMENITIES 

Another fascinating city in Costa Rica is Cartago, the old capital city established by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. This charming, historical city is ideal for expats seeking a quieter and more traditional city life with easy access to modern amenities in San José. Because it is located just 25 kilometres east of San José, you can access everything the capital city has to offer while living in Cartago. With its cobbled streets, centuries-old colonial buildings, and traditional life, Cartoga guarantees a unique experience for those seeking authenticity.  

Beyond being a historic ex-capital city, Cartago stands out as a more affordable living option compared to San José and high-demand coastal cities. Surrounded by mountains, farmland, and volcanoes, the city offers great opportunities for hiking, biking, and rural exploration.  

You won’t encounter any significant issues with infrastructure and modern amenities in Cartago. Shopping centres, banks, co-working spaces, and modern supermarkets are available within the city, which offers everything needed for daily life. A commuter train service to San José is also available, which makes it easy to access large-scale or specialty shops in the capital. 

Related content: The Beauty Of Living In Costa Rica As An Expat

 

 

1. SAN JOSÉ: THE CAPITAL OF COSTA RICA  

While Costa Rica has many great options for expats, anyone considering a move to the country should consider San José at the top of their list for many reasons. It was established in the 18th century as a colonial centre in the Central Valley and became the capital city in 1823 after gaining independence from Spain. The city, fuelled by tobacco farming and later coffee cultivation, grew fast and became the backbone of Costa Rica’s economy.  

Although San José doesn’t have the beaches or resort-town vibe of the coast, it stands out with its unique blend of urban convenience and natural charm. If you’re into mountain views and cooler breezes that have a comfortable climate year-round, you may prefer San José to coastal cities. Its excellent infrastructure, top-tier healthcare, international schools, and a growing expat community also make San José a popular destination for expats, digital nomads and international investors.

San José is also well-connected to North and Central America, with direct flights from Europe. While it can be busy and less picturesque than rural or coastal towns, many expats appreciate the convenience, cultural life, and central location for exploring the rest of the country. It’s a place where you can enjoy local markets, modern malls, museums, and a vibrant nightlife. You may also consider visiting volcanoes, waterfalls, and coffee plantations near the city on weekends.  

San José is the best city in Costa Rica for those seeking a well-connected, charming, and historically rich city that balances modern comforts with Latin American culture.

From beach towns to mountain cities, Costa Rica offers diverse expat options. Most choose the Central Valley or Pacific Coast for comfort, access, and quality of life

CONCLUSION 

Costa Rica offers a diverse range of cities and towns that serve various lifestyles, work needs, and family situations. Your perfect location depends on your profession, family preferences, and how important it is to you to have access to the beach and modern facilities.

That said, most expats gravitate toward the cities in the Central Valley and the Pacific Coast. Destinations in this area stand out for their combination of modern amenities, well-developed infrastructure, high-quality healthcare, and international schools. In contrast, the Caribbean coast remains a lesser-known option. While it appeals to the adventurous and culturally curious, its limited infrastructure and connectivity make it less practical for most expats.

If you’re still uncertain how to build your Plan-B, start your journey by downloading our free special report on "Plan-B Residencies & Instant Citizenships." I’d be happy to discuss your options with you.