Where to Live in Costa Rica?

After tons of research we have gone half hog, and opted for a 6 months on (Caribbean side, Costa Rica), 6 months off (Maine, USA) option for a variety of reasons including— simplicity of the 6 month passport stamp, ability to work for higher wages in the USA, and the simple fact that Maine island summers ain’t bad…!

So, you’re thinking about packing up your life and heading to Costa Rica? Good call. With its tropical beaches, lush rainforests, and laid-back pura vida lifestyle, this Central American gem is a dream destination for expats, retirees, and adventurous families alike. But before you start Googling “how to move a dog internationally” or “do sloths make good pets” (spoiler: they don’t… and leave them alone!), you need to figure out where in Costa Rica you actually want to live.

Let’s break it down, region by region, so you can find your perfect slice of paradise—without accidentally moving next door to a howler monkey that screams at 5 AM.

San José & The Central Valley: City Life with a Side of Volcanoes

Best for: Families who need good schools, modern amenities, and don’t mind a little traffic

Avoid if: You moved to Costa Rica to escape city life

San José, the country’s bustling capital, is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of place. On the one hand, it has top-notch healthcare, international schools, and gaspactual shopping malls. On the other hand, it’s a city—meaning traffic, occasional crime, and the usual urban chaos.

That said, most expats don’t actually live in San José but rather in the Central Valley, which includes towns like Escazú, Santa Ana, and Atenas. These areas offer a perfect mix of modern comforts and stunning mountain views. Plus, the climate is a dream—warm but not too hot, thanks to the higher elevation — but yes, you still need sun protection.

Great for:

✅ Families who want easy access to international schools

✅ Expats who need to work remotely with reliable Wi-Fi

✅ People who like having a Costco-equivalent (hello, PriceSmart)

Not so great for:

❌ Those dreaming of a beachfront life (you’ll need to drive 1-2 hours for that)

❌ Anyone allergic to the idea of sitting in traffic

Guanacaste: The Dry, Beachy Playground

Best for: Beach lovers, retirees, and families who want a resort-like vibe

Avoid if: You’re not a fan of heat or high real estate prices

Ah, Guanacaste. If Costa Rica had a tourism postcard, it would probably feature this northwestern province. Home to Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, Flamingo, and Nosara, this region is where you’ll find stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and plenty of expat-friendly communities.

It’s also one of the driest parts of Costa Rica, which is great if you hate rain but bad if you enjoy, you know, water. The dry season (December to April) is paradise, but by the end of it, the landscape can look a little crispy and dusty.

For families, Tamarindo and Nosara are top choices, offering international schools, kid-friendly activities, and a built-in expat network. But be warned—Guanacaste isn’t the cheapest place to live, with real estate prices rivaling those of Miami.

Great for:

✅ Surfers, sun worshippers, and beach lovers

✅ Families who want international schools and a strong expat community

✅ People who don’t mind spending a little extra for paradise

Not so great for:

❌ Budget-conscious families (housing can be pricey)

❌ Those who prefer lush greenery over dry landscapes

The Southern Pacific (Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal): The Wild Side of Paradise

Best for: Nature lovers, off-the-beaten-path families, and those who love waterfalls

Avoid if: You need constant entertainment or big-city amenities

If Guanacaste is Costa Rica’s touristy north, then the Southern Pacific is its rugged, less-developed counterpart. Towns like Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal offer a slower, wilder pace of life, with jaw-dropping beaches, dense rainforests, and some of the best whale-watching in the world.

This area is perfect for families who want a more eco-conscious, adventurous lifestyle. There are great international schools, plenty of outdoor activities, and a thriving expat community—but don’t expect big shopping malls or fast food chains (unless you count roadside coconut stands).

One challenge? The roads. If you move here, you will need a 4x4 vehicle unless you enjoy getting stuck in mud during the rainy season.

Great for:

✅ Families who love nature, wildlife, and a laid-back vibe

✅ People looking for a more affordable beachside alternative to Guanacaste

✅ Those who don’t mind driving a bit for groceries

Not so great for:

❌ Expats who want a “walkable” lifestyle with lots of restaurants and shops

❌ Anyone terrified of driving on winding, mountainous roads

What did we choose???

The Caribbean Coast: Laid-Back, Rainy, and Rasta-Vibes

Best for: Free spirits, nature lovers, and reggae fans

Avoid if: You need dry weather or fast-paced living

If you’re looking for a completely different side of Costa Rica, head to the Caribbean. With its Afro-Caribbean influence, reggae beats, and lush, jungle-covered beaches, this area is a world away from the more tourist-heavy Pacific coast.

Towns like Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, and Manzanillo offer a more affordable, laid-back lifestyle, but there’s a trade-off: rain, lots of rain. While the Pacific has a distinct dry season, the Caribbean follows its own weather rules, meaning you’ll get sunshine mixed with sudden downpours all year long. Sometimes the runoff from the rivers can make that tropical Caribbean Sea brown. 

For families, this region has a more alternative, off-grid-friendly vibe, with international schools, yoga retreats, and plenty of wildlife. But be prepared for fewer modern amenities—no giant malls or high-end grocery stores here.

Great for:

✅ Free-spirited families looking for a more alternative lifestyle

✅ Nature lovers who don’t mind a bit of rain

✅ People who want a less touristy, more local experience

Not so great for:

❌ Expats who need modern infrastructure and big-city comforts

❌ Those who hate humidity (it’s like living inside a warm, damp hug). We don’t have AC, and many will melt. We have had friends come to visit, and the heat, insect bites, and tropical maladies had them eager to return to their northern climes.

Which Costa Rica Region is Right for You?

Region Best For Challenges

Central Valley City conveniences, schools, healthcare Traffic, no beaches

Guanacaste Dry, sunny beaches, luxury expat life Expensive, can feel touristy

Southern Pacific Nature, wildlife, adventure Remote, rough roads

Caribbean Coast Laid-back, reggae vibes, affordability Rainy, fewer modern amenities

Final Thoughts? If you’re a family looking to relocate, Costa Rica is a fantastic choice—but where you settle depends on your priorities. Do you want beaches or mountains? Convenience or adventure? Dry or rainy?

Whatever you choose, pura vida awaits! Just don’t forget a good rain jacket, a 4x4, and a sense of humor—because if there’s one thing Costa Rica loves more than sloths, it’s keeping life interesting.

One final note… don’t let this guide, or the Internet, substitute a boots on the ground experience! Try it before you buy it. Come visit and have a look around before making BIG decisions! You’ll thank me.