Retire in Costa Rica
Live Better for Less
950+ homes across Costa Rica’s favorite expat & retirement towns
World-class healthcare, a simple residency path, and the Pura Vida lifestyle — with a free relocation consultation within 24 hours.
Why Retirees Choose Costa Rica
For decades, North American retirees have made Costa Rica home. Here's what keeps drawing them.
The Pura Vida Lifestyle
A near-perfect spring climate, beaches and rainforest within reach, and a famously unhurried pace of life that draws thousands of retirees every year.
World-Class Healthcare
Costa Rica’s public CAJA system plus modern, affordable private hospitals — a major reason expats feel secure settling here for the long term.
Residency Made Simple
The Pensionado program grants residency with a lifetime pension of about $1,000/month. Rentista (income) and Inversionista (investment) paths are alternatives.
Live Well for Less
Many retired couples live comfortably on a fraction of a U.S. budget — lower property taxes, affordable help, and fresh local markets year-round.
Homes in Top Retirement Destinations
Handpicked properties in the Central Valley and coastal towns expats love most
4-Bed Single-Story in Santa Ana With Heated Pool
Pozos
Sale of Luxury Furnished Penthouse at Flats 21 - Alto de las Palomas
Santa Ana
Luxury Home for Sale in Valle del Sol, Lindora
Santa Ana
Single-Story House for Sale in Los Laureles, Escazú
Escazu
Colonial Home for Sale in San Antonio de Escazú
Escazu
3-Level 4-Bed Home with Jacuzzi Suite in Navarra Los Laureles
Laureles
Popular With Retirees
The areas expats settle most — cool mountain towns near the city, and warm Pacific beaches
Central Valley
Your Move, Step by Step
Relocating sounds daunting. It doesn't have to be — here's the path most retirees follow.
Explore the right area
From cool Central Valley towns to warm Pacific beaches, find the spot that fits your climate, budget and pace.
Best towns for retireesSort out your residency
Understand the Pensionado, Rentista and Inversionista pathways and what each requires — most retirees qualify with ease.
Residency guideBuy your home & settle in
Foreigners own property outright. We guide you from due diligence through closing — then help you put down roots.
Buying as a foreignerEverything to Know Before You Move
Honest, in-depth guides on residency, healthcare, cost of living and the buying process — written for expats moving to Costa Rica
Costa Rica Retirement Haven: Best Towns for Expats 2025
Thinking of retiring in Costa Rica? From mountain towns with crisp air to surf-side villages with warm Pacific breezes, discover the best destinations for a fulfilling expat lifestyle in 2025.
Expat Guide: Living the Pura Vida Lifestyle
Discover what it truly means to embrace pura vida: explore Costa Rica's diverse regions, cost of living, healthcare, community building, and practical lifestyle considerations for expats seeking paradise.
Costa Rica Dual Residency: Expat Legal Guide
Understand Costa Rica's residency pathways, dual citizenship rules, and tax obligations for expats. Learn how to legally establish permanent status while maintaining ties to your home country.
Costa Rica Luxury Retirement Communities Guide
Discover Costa Rica's most exclusive retirement communities designed for affluent expats. Learn about gated developments, lifestyle amenities, and why thousands choose pura vida living in luxury enclaves.
Buying Costa Rica Property: Complete Expat Guide
Learn the complete process for buying property in Costa Rica as a foreigner. From due diligence to closing, our step-by-step guide covers financing, legal requirements, and costs.
Costa Rica Property Transfer Tax & Closing Costs Guide
Buying property in Costa Rica comes with closing costs that catch many buyers off guard. Learn exactly what taxes and fees to budget for before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners own property in Costa Rica?
Yes. Foreigners have the same ownership rights as citizens and can hold title outright in their own name or through a corporation — and you do not need residency to buy.
What residency options do retirees have?
The Pensionado program is the most popular: it requires a lifetime pension of about $1,000/month. The Rentista (stable income) and Inversionista (investment) programs are common alternatives.
Is the healthcare any good?
Costa Rica is known for quality, affordable care. Residents can join the public CAJA system, and private hospitals — especially in the Central Valley — are modern and far cheaper than in the U.S.
What does it cost to live there?
Many retired couples live comfortably on roughly $2,000–$3,500 a month depending on location and lifestyle — well below an equivalent U.S. standard of living.
Where do most retirees and expats settle?
The Central Valley (Escazú, Santa Ana, Atenas, Grecia) is the top choice for its climate and amenities, while beach communities like Tamarindo and Nosara attract those who want the coast.
Do I need to be a resident to buy a home?
No. You can purchase and own property before — or without ever — obtaining residency. Many buyers close on a home first and apply for residency afterward.
Get Your Free Relocation Consultation
Tell us what your ideal Costa Rica retirement looks like and our team will respond within 24 hours
Or reach out directly:
info@ticaluxury.comReady to Start Your Costa Rica Retirement?
Browse curated homes in the country's top expat towns — free consultation, no buyer fees