Before choosing Costa Rica for retirement, spend extended time in the country. There is a rainy season from May through November when rainfall is regular and sometimes dramatic.

Cost to Retire in Costa Rica The average retiree can expect to spend around $1,500 per month or $18,000 a year. Couples can live well on $2,000 a month.

Gisele Bundchen and Mel Gibson own homes in this corner of Costa Rica. Yet, this part of Costa Rica remains a budget-friendly choice. A couple could retire here on $1,500 per month or less.

The average cost to retire in Costa Rica totals around $1,500 per month or $18,000 a year for an individual retiree. The cost is typically given in a range from $1,300 to $1,700. If you and your ...

Puerto Limón, the capital city of Limon province, is another of the best places to retire in Costa Rica. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, Caribbean culture, and cultural diversity.

On the other hand, Costa Rica struggles economically, with 25.5% of its population living in poverty, compared to 18% in the U.S., according to 2024 World Bank data.

Costa Rica’s cost of living can feel very affordable to retirees relocating from the U.S. This country has been a popular place to retire overseas for more than 40 years.

Panama has claimed the top spot in International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index for 2025, unseating Costa Rica, which dropped to third place behind Portugal, according to the report released ...