One of the Easiest and Most ProvenOverseas Retirement Destinations

Rick and Peggy are just two of an estimated 70,000 Americans living in Costa Rica—more if you count part-timers. The safety, climate, the friendly people (both locals and expats), and the good-value cost of living are just some of the factors that have attracted foreign residents for more than three decades.

Costa Rica, one of the world’s top retirement destinations, has a lot going for it, no question…

• There’s bargain real estate. Even desirable walk-to-the-beach lock-and-leave condos can be had for under $80,000. There are ocean-view and mountain-view homes that can be had for under $100,000. Rents generally start at $700—and that’s fully furnished, by the way. In some parts of the country, you can drop that under $500. Sacrifice a view outside your back porch and you can buy a four-bed home for $69,000.
• A long record of safety and stability. Costa Rica has had no army since 1948, and a strong democratic government since then.
• Top-quality affordable healthcare. In the 2021 Bloomberg Global Health study of the world’s healthiest countries, Costa Rica ranks as the healthiest country in Central America…ranking ahead of the U.S. And when it comes to overall healthcare efficiency, says Bloomberg, Costa Rica ranks well ahead of the U.S. And the really good news: Once, you become an official resident, you join the CAJA national health system that provides comprehensive coverage, no matter your age.
• Slightly smaller than West Virginia, this tiny country hosts a huge variety of climates and landscapes: palm-tree lined deserted beaches, steamy rain forests, high mountain forests, hillside farms, and more. There’s something for everybody.
• A community for every lifestyle—from bustling market towns to isolated beachside outposts to big city suburbs to quiet farming villages—and everything in between. You can find an escape here that suits you perfectly.
• Natural beauty that won’t ever disappear. Development in Costa Rica is sustainable thanks to a commitment to conservation made by the government and private landowners. A quarter of this nation’s land is set aside as national park or private reserve.