The Hidden Costs of Moving to Costa Rica (That Most Expats Don’t See Coming)
- Mark Savoia
- Sep 5
- 3 min read
Relocating to Costa Rica is a dream for many North Americans seeking a slower pace of life, tropical weather, and a lower cost of living. While it’s true that Costa Rica can be affordable, many newcomers are caught off guard by expenses they didn’t plan for. In this guide, we’ll break down the hidden costs of moving to Costa Rica so you can budget with confidence and avoid surprises.
1. Residency & Legal Fees
Applying for residency requires official translations, background checks, apostilles, and legal representation.
Residency application fees: $1,000 - $3,000+ depending on the category.
Attorney costs: vary but typically $1,500 - $3,000 per applicant.
Document costs from your home country: fingerprint reports, apostilles, courier fees, etc.
💡 Pro tip: If you plan to stay long-term, start your residency process early. Without it, you’ll pay extra for tourist visa runs and won’t qualify for national healthcare.
2. Healthcare Costs
Costa Rica’s Caja public healthcare system is affordable, but monthly contributions vary by income and residency type.
Caja payments: Can range from $50 - $500/month depending on residency category.
Private insurance: $100 - $400/month depending on age and coverage.
Out-of-pocket private visits: $50 - $120 per doctor’s appointment. (much cheaper than North America)
💡 Pro Tip: Most expats use a combination of public + private care to balance cost and access.
3. Vehicle Prices
Cars prices in Costa Rica are much higher than back home. Import taxes and limited supply drive up costs.
You can expect car prices to be 30-50% higher than in the US or Canada.
It is very important to buy from a reputable dealership, because it is not required to disclose accident history when selling a vehicle in Costa Rica
💡 Pro tip: Trinity Motors is the leading dealership for Expats purchasing a vehicle anywhere in Costa Rica.
4. Household Goods & Appliances
While most homes in Costa Rica come pre-furnished, if yours isn't, furnishing a home isn’t always cheap and can be hard to find good suppliers.
Appliances & electronics: sometimes 20-40% higher due to import taxes.
Furniture: local wood furniture is affordable, but modern imported styles can be expensive.
Shipping containers: $7,000-$15,000 to move household items internationally.
5. Utilities & Internet
Basic utilities are affordable, however your electricity bill can creep up if you overuse your air conditioning.
Electricity: $50 - $300/month (air conditioning drives this up fast).
Water: usually $10 - $30/month.
Internet: $50 - $100/month depending on speed and location.
6. Education Costs (for Families)
Public schools are free, but many expats prefer private or international schools.
Private school tuition can cost around $3,000 - $12,000/year per child.
Read the full article about the school systems in Costa Rica here.
7. Lifestyle & “Gringo Pricing”
Some costs creep up not because of official taxes, but because of lifestyle choices:
Imported foods, wine, and name brands like "lays" for example, can be sometimes twice as expensive than in the U.S.
To avoid paying imported prices, just buy the Costa Rican Equivalent of whatever you are looking for.
💡 Pro tip: Embrace local products and shop at ferias (farmers markets) to cut costs significantly.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead & Avoid Surprises
Moving to Costa Rica is still more affordable than many places in North America when done right, but you’ll save yourself stress if you plan for the hidden costs. Factor in:
Residency/legal fees
Healthcare contributions
Higher car prices
Import taxes on goods
Private school tuition (if needed)
Thinking about making the move? Download the free Costa Rica Playbook - a 44-page guide that covers everything you need to know about relocating, including cost breakdowns, healthcare, and real estate tips.
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