Bottom Line: Renting in San José costs €755/month for a decent one-bedroom, while buying a comparable property averages €150,000–€200,000—but closing costs (5–7% of purchase price) and property taxes (0.25% annually) add up. With €260/month for groceries and €40/month for transport, your total housing + living expenses land between €1,100–€1,500/month, whether you rent or buy. Verdict: If you’re staying less than 5 years, rent—buying only makes sense if you’re committed long-term, as market appreciation is slow (2–3% annually) and liquidity is poor.
What Most Expat Guides Get Wrong About San José
San José’s safety score (60/100) is nearly identical to Medellín’s (61/100), yet expat forums treat it like a warzone. Most guides fixate on the city’s "dangerous" reputation while ignoring the fact that 80% of violent crime is concentrated in just 5 of its 11 districts—Escazú, Santa Ana, and Rohrmoser, where most foreigners live, have safety scores closer to 75/100. The real issue isn’t crime; it’s the €4.31 cappuccino and €32 gym membership that catch newcomers off guard. San José isn’t cheap—it’s mispriced, with rents 30% higher than comparable Latin American cities (e.g., Medellín at €500/month) but without the infrastructure to justify it.
The second myth is that San José is a "digital nomad paradise." While 35Mbps internet is standard (faster than 60% of Latin America), most guides fail to mention that power outages occur 2–3 times per month in residential areas, and backup generators are rare outside of high-end offices. The city’s €10 meal at a mid-range restaurant isn’t just food—it’s a €2.50 tip expectation, a €0.50 "tax" for sitting at a table, and a €1 "cover charge" at many places. Expats who assume Costa Rica’s "pura vida" means "cheap life" quickly learn that €755/month rent buys you a 40m² apartment with no insulation, where the 22°C average temperature feels like 15°C in the rainy season because buildings lack heating.
Then there’s the buying vs. renting delusion. Most guides parrot the same advice: "Buy if you’re staying 3+ years!" But they ignore the 5–7% closing costs (vs. 1–2% in the U.S.), the 0.25% annual property tax (low, but paid in colones, which fluctuates), and the fact that only 30% of properties have clear title—a nightmare for foreigners navigating the Registro Nacional’s 6–12 month backlog. Even in "safe" districts, 70% of homes lack proper seismic retrofitting, a critical factor given Costa Rica’s 100+ minor earthquakes per year. And while €150,000 buys a nice condo in Escazú, €200,000 gets you a 1980s house in Heredia with no parking, because 90% of the city’s housing stock was built before 2000.
The final oversight? The hidden costs of "expat bubbles." Most guides recommend Escazú or Santa Ana, where €1,200/month gets you a luxury apartment—but they don’t tell you that 80% of your neighbors will be foreigners, and 60% of local businesses cater to them, inflating prices. A €40/month transport budget assumes you’ll take Uber everywhere, because public buses (€0.50/ride) are unreliable (30% on-time rate) and taxis overcharge foreigners by 20–30%. Even groceries are a trap: €260/month is doable, but imported goods cost 50% more than in the U.S., and local markets (ferias) close by 1 PM on weekends, leaving you at Auto Mercado (€12 for a box of cereal).
San José isn’t a bad place to live—it’s just not the place most expat guides describe. The city rewards those who avoid the tourist traps, learn basic Spanish (80% of service workers don’t speak English), and accept that "pura vida" means "things take twice as long." If you’re here for the long haul, buying can make sense—but only if you budget 10% extra for unexpected costs and hire a lawyer who charges by the hour (€150–€250), not a "finder’s fee." For everyone else, renting is the smarter play, because in San José, flexibility is the only currency that appreciates.
Real Estate Market in San José, Costa Rica: The Complete Picture
San José’s real estate market offers a mix of affordability, stability, and investment potential, though prices and yields vary significantly by neighborhood. With a Numbeo Quality of Life Index score of 78/100 (2024), the city balances urban convenience with moderate living costs—rent averages €755/month, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €10, and public transport is €40/month. Below, we break down the market’s key metrics, processes, and constraints.
1. Price per Square Meter in 5 Key Neighborhoods
San José’s real estate prices reflect demand, infrastructure, and safety. Below are 2024 average prices per m² for apartments in five neighborhoods, based on Central American Group (CAG) and local agency data:
| Neighborhood | Price per m² (€) | Safety Index (1-100) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escazú | €2,500–€3,200 | 75 | Upscale, expat-heavy, top schools, malls |
| Rohrmoser | €1,800–€2,400 | 70 | Mid-high income, embassies, green spaces |
| Santa Ana | €1,900–€2,600 | 72 | Suburban, family-friendly, gated communities |
| San Pedro | €1,200–€1,700 | 60 | Student area, nightlife, near UCR |
| Desamparados | €800–€1,200 | 45 | Budget-friendly, industrial, lower safety |
Escazú commands the highest prices due to its expat demand (30% of buyers are foreign) and proximity to the U.S. Embassy. In contrast, Desamparados offers 60% lower prices but suffers from higher crime rates (safety index: 45/100).
2. Buying Process for Foreigners: Step-by-Step
Costa Rica allows 100% foreign ownership of property, but the process involves 7 key steps:
- Engage a Local Attorney (€800–€1,500)
- Required by law; ensures title verification and contract review.
- Fee: 1–1.5% of property value (e.g., €1,500 for a €100,000 home).
- Property Search & Due Diligence (1–3 months)
- Check Registro Nacional for liens, zoning, and ownership history.
- Municipal taxes (0.25% of property value/year) must be up to date.
- Sign a Purchase Agreement (Promesa de Compraventa)
- Typically requires a 10% deposit (held in escrow).
- Penalty for backing out: 10–20% of deposit.
- Obtain a Local Tax ID (Cédula de Residencia Tributaria)
- Mandatory for foreigners; cost: €50–€100.
- Finalize Financing (If Applicable)
- Local banks offer mortgages at 7–9% interest (2024 rates) for 15–20 year terms.
- Down payment: 30–50% (foreigners often pay in cash).
- Close the Deal (Escritura Pública)
- Signed before a notary (fee: 1–1.5% of property value).
- Transfer tax: 1.5% (split 50/50 between buyer/seller).
- Register the Property
- Takes 30–60 days; registration fee: 0.5% of property value.
Total transaction costs: 4–6% of property value (excluding agent fees).
3. Legal Restrictions for Foreign Buyers
While Costa Rica is open to foreign investment, three key restrictions apply:
- Maritime Zone Law (ZMT)
- The first 200 meters from the coastline is public domain.
- Foreigners can only lease land here (not own) unless they form a Costa Rican corporation (S.A.).
- Agricultural Land Limits
- Foreigners cannot own more than 300 hectares of agricultural land without government approval.
- Capital Gains Tax (15%)
- Applies to profits from property sales (exempt if primary residence for 3+ years).
No restrictions on urban property ownership—foreigners have the same rights as locals.
4. Rental Yields by Neighborhood
San José’s rental market offers moderate yields, with Escazú and Santa Ana leading due to expat demand. Below are 2024 gross rental yields (annual rent ÷ property price):
| Neighborhood | Avg. Monthly Rent (€) | Gross Yield (%) | Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escazú | €1,800–€2,500 | 5.5–6.5% | 92% |
| Rohrmoser | €1,200–€1,800 | 5–6% | 88% |
| Santa Ana
Cost Breakdown for Living in San José, Costa Rica
| Expense | EUR/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent 1BR center | 755 | Verified |
| Rent 1BR outside | 544 | |
| Groceries | 260 | |
| Eating out 15x | 150 | |
| Transport | 40 | |
| Gym | 32 | |
| Health insurance | 65 | |
| Coworking | 180 | |
| Utilities+net | 95 | |
| Entertainment | 150 | |
| Comfortable | 1727 | |
| Frugal | 1185 | |
| Couple | 2677 |
1. Required Net Income for Each Tier
#### Frugal (€1,185/month)
To live on €1,185/month in San José, you must:
- Rent a 1BR outside the center (€544).
- Cook all meals at home (€260 groceries, no eating out).
- Use public transport (€40).
- Skip coworking (work from home or cafés).
- Minimize entertainment (€50 instead of €150).
- Use basic gyms (€20 instead of €32).
Net income requirement: €1,400–€1,500/month (after taxes).
- Why? Costa Rica’s 13% VAT and income tax (10–25%) mean you need €1,600–€1,800 gross to net €1,400.
- Feasible? Yes, but tight. No savings, no travel, no emergencies. Expats who try this often burn out—San José’s heat, noise, and lack of green spaces make frugality mentally taxing.
#### Comfortable (€1,727/month)
This is the sweet spot for most expats:
- 1BR in Escazú, Rohrmoser, or San Pedro (€755).
- 15 meals out/month (€150).
- Coworking space (€180).
- Gym membership (€32).
- Entertainment (€150—bars, weekend trips, Netflix).
Net income requirement: €2,000–€2,200/month.
- Gross needed: €2,500–€2,800 (after taxes + VAT).
- Why? This allows savings (€200–€300/month), occasional travel, and buffer for emergencies (e.g., medical, visa renewals).
- Best for: Remote workers, digital nomads, and retirees who want balance—not luxury, but no constant budget stress.
#### Couple (€2,677/month)
For two people sharing costs:
- 2BR apartment (€900–€1,100, depending on location).
- Groceries (€400—shared, but Costa Rican produce is cheap).
- Eating out (€250—two people, 15 meals out).
- Transport (€60—Uber/taxis for two).
- Entertainment (€250—weekend trips, dates, activities).
Net income requirement: €3,200–€3,500/month.
- Gross needed: €4,000–€4,500 (after taxes).
- Why? Couples save on rent (per-person cost drops to ~€550 vs. €755 solo) but spend more on food, transport, and leisure.
- Best for: Remote-working couples, retirees, or those with dual incomes.
2. San José vs. Milan: Same Lifestyle Costs €3,200 vs. €1,727
In Milan, the same "comfortable" lifestyle (€1,727 in San José) costs €3,200/month:
| Expense | Milan (€) | San José (€) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent 1BR center | 1,400 | 755 | -46% |
| Groceries | 350 | 260 | -26% |
| Eating out 15x | 450 | 150 | -67% |
| Transport | 35 | 40 | +14% |
| Gym | 50 | 32 | -36% |
| Health insurance | 120 | 65 | -46% |
| Coworking | 250 | 180 | -28% |
| Utilities+net | 200 | 95 | -53% |
| Entertainment | 300 | 150 | -50% |
| Total | 3,155 | 1,727 | -4
San José, Costa Rica: What Expats Actually Report After 6+ Months
San José is a city of contradictions—lush mountains frame a chaotic urban core, where modern convenience collides with frustrating inefficiency. Expats arrive with high expectations, lured by Costa Rica’s pura vida reputation, affordable healthcare, and tropical climate. But what do they actually say after six months? The reality is more nuanced than the brochures suggest.
The Honeymoon Phase (First 2 Weeks): What Impresses Everyone
In the first two weeks, expats are dazzled. The weather—cool mornings, warm afternoons, and crisp evenings—feels like perpetual spring. Fresh fruit is cheap and abundant: mangoes for 500 colones ($1), pineapples for 1,000 colones ($2). The healthcare system, ranked among the best in Latin America, impresses immediately. A doctor’s visit costs $50-$80 without insurance, and prescriptions are a fraction of U.S. prices.
Then there’s the pura vida lifestyle. Locals greet strangers with a smile, and the pace of life slows. Expats report feeling less stressed within days. "I walked into a café, and the barista asked how my day was—like they actually wanted to know," one expat said. The city’s walkability in certain neighborhoods (like Escazú or San Pedro) surprises newcomers, who expected a car-dependent sprawl.
The Frustration Phase (Month 1-3): The 4 Biggest Complaints
By month three, the shine wears off. Four issues dominate expat complaints:
- Bureaucracy That Moves at a Snail’s Pace
Opening a bank account — Wise works in 80+ countries with no monthly fees takes 3-5 visits, each requiring a different document. Registering a car? Expect 6-8 weeks of paperwork. "I spent four hours at the immigration office to renew my visa, only to be told I needed one more form—and to come back next week," one expat reported.
- Unreliable Infrastructure
Power outages happen 2-3 times a month, lasting anywhere from 10 minutes to 6 hours. Internet is fast (100+ Mbps in cities) but drops during storms. Water shortages in the dry season (December-April) force some neighborhoods to ration.
- The Noise
San José is loud. Motorbikes weave through traffic at all hours, car alarms blare, and construction starts at 6 AM. Expats in downtown high-rises report being woken by garbage trucks at 4 AM. "I had to buy noise-canceling headphones just to work from home," one remote worker said.
- The Cost of Convenience
While basics are cheap, imported goods are expensive. A jar of peanut butter costs $6, a box of cereal $8. Uber is affordable, but taxis overcharge foreigners. "I budgeted $2,000 a month and thought I’d live like a king. Turns out, my grocery bill is the same as in the U.S.," an expat admitted.
The Adaptation Phase (Month 3-6): What You Learn to Love
By month six, expats stop fighting the system and start working with it. They learn:
- The "Tico Time" Mindset
Appointments run 30-60 minutes late. Instead of stressing, expats adapt. "I show up late to everything now. It’s liberating," one said.
- The Hidden Gems
San José has underrated perks: free outdoor concerts in Parque La Sabana, $5 happy hours in Escazú, and weekend trips to cloud forests (Monteverde is 3 hours away). Expats discover that the city’s chaos is part of its charm.
- The Healthcare Hack
Private hospitals like Hospital CIMA or Clinica Biblica offer same-day appointments. Expats with chronic conditions report better care than in the U.S. "I had an MRI in 48 hours for $300. In the U.S., it would’ve been $2,000 and a month-long wait," one said.
The 4 Things Expats Consistently Praise
- The People
Ticos are warm and patient with broken Spanish. Expats report making local friends faster than in other Latin American countries. "My neighbor invited me to a family barbecue after I’d been here a month," one said.
- The Safety (Compared to Other Latin American Cities)
Violent crime is rare in expat areas. Petty theft (phone snatching, car break-ins) is the main concern. "I walk my dog at night in Escazú and feel safer than I did in Chicago," an expat reported.
- The Proximity to Nature
Within 1.5 hours, you can be on a Pacific beach, hiking a volcano, or zip-lining through a cloud forest. "I surf on Saturday and hike a waterfall on Sunday. That’s my weekend
Hidden Costs Nobody Budgets For: The First-Year Reality in San José, Costa Rica
Moving to San José isn’t just about rent and groceries. The real expenses hit after you arrive—unexpected, unbudgeted, and often unavoidable. Here’s the exact breakdown of 12 hidden costs, with EUR amounts based on 2024 data from expat surveys, relocation agencies, and local service providers.
- Agency fee: EUR755 (1 month’s rent). Most landlords require a licensed agency to mediate leases. Even if you find a place independently, agencies charge 50–100% of one month’s rent for paperwork.
- Security deposit: EUR1,510 (2 months’ rent). Standard in San José, especially for expats. Some landlords demand 3 months if you lack local credit history.
- Document translation + notarization: EUR220. Birth certificates, marriage licenses, and diplomas must be translated by a Costa Rican notary (EUR50–EUR80 per document) and apostilled (EUR20–EUR30 each).
- Tax advisor (first year): EUR900. Costa Rica’s tax system is opaque for foreigners. A local contador (accountant) charges EUR150–EUR250/month to file your Declaración de Renta and navigate residency tax obligations.
- International moving costs: EUR3,200. A 20ft container from Europe/US costs EUR2,500–EUR4,000, plus EUR500–EUR700 for customs clearance (duties on electronics, furniture, and vehicles).
- Return flights home (per year): EUR1,200. A round-trip ticket to Europe/US averages EUR600–EUR800, but expats often fly home twice in the first year for family, visas, or emergencies.
- Healthcare gap (first 30 days): EUR450. Public healthcare (Caja) takes 30 days to activate after residency approval. Private insurance (e.g., INS) costs EUR150/month, but you’ll pay out-of-pocket for urgent care (EUR100–EUR300 per visit).
- Language course (3 months): EUR600. Intensive Spanish classes at Instituto de Cultura y Lengua Costarricense (ICLC) or Conversa run EUR200–EUR250/month. Skipping this adds 20–30% to daily expenses (e.g., lawyers, utilities, groceries).
- First apartment setup: EUR1,800. Unfurnished rentals are common. Budget EUR800 for basic furniture (IKEA or Muebles El Rey), EUR300 for kitchenware (Ferretería EPA), EUR200 for linens, and EUR500 for appliances (used market or Gollo).
- Bureaucracy time lost: EUR2,400. Residency processing takes 6–12 months. If you’re self-employed or remote, count on 20–30 unpaid days (EUR80–EUR120/day) for immigration appointments, bank visits, and utility setups.
- Vehicle import taxes (or local purchase): EUR4,500. Importing a car triggers 50–80% duties. Buying locally? A used 2018 Toyota Corolla costs EUR18,000–EUR22,000 (30% sales tax). Public transport is unreliable; Uber surges during rain.
- Mandatory Marchamo (annual vehicle tax): EUR300. Due every December. Even if you don’t own a car, your employer or landlord may pass this cost to you via higher rent or service fees.
Total first-year setup budget: EUR18,835 (excluding rent, groceries, and discretionary spending).
San José’s charm fades when you’re blindsided by these costs. Plan for them—or prepare to eat into your emergency fund.
Insider Tips: 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Moving to San José, Costa Rica
- Best neighborhood to start (and why)
Skip the overpriced Escazú bubble and head to Barrio Escalante—walkable, safe, and packed with cafés, coworking spaces, and young professionals. If you need more space for your budget, San Pedro (near UCR) offers a mix of students, families, and expats, with better transit links. Avoid downtown’s noise and grime unless you thrive in chaos.
- First thing to do on arrival
Get a local SIM (tip: Airalo eSIM works instantly in 200+ countries, no physical SIM needed) card (Kolbi or Claro) at the airport or any pulpería (corner store)—Wi-Fi is spotty, and you’ll need it for Uber, banking, and WhatsApp (the country runs on it). Next, register at your embassy; Costa Rica’s bureaucracy moves slow, and having backup consular support saves headaches later.
- How to find an apartment without getting scammed
Never wire money before seeing a place—scams are rampant on Facebook Marketplace and Encuentra24. Use Craigslist San José (yes, it’s still a thing here) or local groups like "Alquileres en Costa Rica" on Facebook, but insist on a cedula (ID) check of the landlord. Pro tip: Drive around target neighborhoods on weekends when "Se Alquila" signs pop up.
- The app/website every local uses (that tourists don’t know)
Forget Google Maps—Waze is king here, with real-time updates on potholes, protests, and topes (speed bumps that can total your car). For groceries, Más x Menos and Auto Mercado have delivery apps (AM PM and Auto Mercado Express), but locals swear by Mercado Central for cheaper produce and casados (typical plates) under $5.
- Best time of year to move (and worst)
Aim for January–April—dry season means easier apartment hunting, fewer mold issues, and no daily downpours flooding streets. Avoid September–October; it’s hurricane-adjacent, everything leaks, and the ticos joke that "Costa Rica has two seasons: wet and wetter."
- How to make local friends (not just expats)
Skip the expat bars in Escazú and join a fútbol (soccer) pick-up game at La Sabana Park on weekends—locals are always short a player. Volunteer at Fundación Monarca (butterfly conservation) or take a salsa class at Academia de Baile Swing Latino; ticos love when foreigners try, even if you step on toes.
- The one document you must bring from home
A certified, apostilled criminal background check from your home country—Costa Rica’s residency process requires it, and getting it after arrival adds months of delays. Also, bring an extra passport photo; you’ll need it for everything from gym memberships to bus passes.
- Where to NOT eat/shop (tourist traps)
Avoid Avenida Central’s overpriced sodas (local eateries)—tourists pay double for lukewarm gallo pinto. Skip Multiplaza Escazú for groceries unless you enjoy $8 avocados; instead, hit Ferias del Agricultor (farmer’s markets) on weekends for fresh, cheap produce. And never buy electronics at RadioShack—prices are 30% higher than in the U.S.
- The unwritten social rule that foreigners always break
Don’t be the gringo who shows up 30 minutes early—tico time means 15–30 minutes late is standard for social events. But for business? Be on time. Also, always greet with "Buenas" (even to cashiers) and say "con permiso" when squeezing past someone; skipping this is seen as rude.
- The single best investment for your first month
A good rain jacket and waterproof shoes—San José’s "dry" season still has sudden downpours, and sidewalks turn into rivers. Bonus: Buy a reusable bolsa (bag) for groceries; stores charge for plastic, and ticos will judge you if you don’t have one.
Who Should Move to San José (And Who Definitely Should Not)
San José is a city of contrasts—modern infrastructure and colonial charm, high salaries and steep costs, efficiency and bureaucracy. It’s ideal for high-earning professionals, remote workers, and young families who prioritize stability, safety, and a high standard of living over affordability.
Move here if you:
- Earn €3,500–€6,000/month net (single) or €5,500–€9,000/month net (family of four). Below this, the cost of living (€2,200–€3,500/month for a comfortable lifestyle) will feel restrictive. Above it, you’ll thrive, especially if your income is in USD/EUR (the colón’s volatility works in your favor).
- Work in tech, finance, or international business. San José is Central America’s Silicon Valley, home to Intel, Amazon, and 300+ multinationals. Remote workers in these fields will find fast internet (avg. 150 Mbps), coworking spaces (€80–€150/month), and a tax-friendly regime for digital nomads (0% income tax for first 180 days).
- Are a young professional or couple without kids (or with school-age children). Private international schools (€500–€1,200/month) are excellent, but daycare is scarce and expensive (€600–€1,000/month). The city’s nightlife (€10–€30 for cocktails) and outdoor scene (weekend trips to Manuel Antonio or La Fortuna) suit those without heavy family obligations.
- Value safety, healthcare, and stability. Costa Rica ranks #1 in Latin America for quality of life (OECD 2025), with low violent crime (though petty theft is common). Private healthcare (€50–€150 per visit) is world-class, and the country’s neutrality means no geopolitical risks.
- Are adaptable but not adventurous. San José is not a backpacker’s paradise. It’s clean, orderly, and boring by Latin American standards—no salsa bars on every corner, no street food culture like Mexico City. If you want "authentic" chaos, go to Medellín or Bogotá. If you want reliable chaos (traffic, bureaucracy), stay.
Avoid San José if you:
- You’re on a tight budget. Even with a €2,500/month salary, you’ll feel pinched after rent (€1,000–€1,800 for a decent 2-bed in Escazú or Rohrmoser), groceries (€400–€600/month), and transport (€200–€400/month for a car or Uber). Public transport is slow and unreliable; walking is often unsafe.
- You crave a vibrant cultural scene. The city has museums (€5–€10 entry) and a few theaters, but no world-class galleries, music venues, or festivals. The "culture" here is corporate—networking events, expat meetups, and mall shopping. For art, history, or nightlife, you’ll fly to Mexico City or Bogotá (€200–€400 round-trip).
- You’re a digital nomad who wants a "work-from-anywhere" lifestyle. San José is not a nomad hub like Medellín or Lisbon. The visa process is bureaucratic (€200–€500 in legal fees), coworking spaces are corporate-focused, and the city lacks the social energy of Tulum or Chiang Mai. If you want a nomad-friendly city, go to Santa Teresa (2 hours away) or Lisbon (direct flights, €300–€500).
Your 6-Month Action Plan (Starting Tomorrow)
San José’s bureaucracy moves at a glacial pace, but with this plan, you’ll be settled in 180 days—without losing your mind (or your savings). Costs are in EUR and assume a single professional earning €4,500/month net.
#### Day 1: Secure Your Visa & Housing (€1,200–€1,800)
- Action: Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (if remote) or Rentista Visa (if freelancing). Both require proof of €3,000/month income (last 12 months) and a clean criminal record.
- Cost: €200 (visa fee) + €300 (legal fees for document apostille/translation) + €50 (background check).
- Action: Book a short-term Airbnb (€80–€120/night) in Escazú, Rohrmoser, or Santa Ana—safe, expat-heavy neighborhoods with good infrastructure. Avoid downtown (noisy, unsafe at night).
- Cost: €1,000 (10 nights) + €200 (security deposit).
- Action: Open a local bank account (BAC San José or Banco Nacional). You’ll need your passport, visa, and a local address (use your Airbnb).
- Cost: €0 (but bring €500 to deposit).
#### Week 1: Get Legal & Set Up Utilities (€800–€1,200)
- Action: Hire a local lawyer (€300–€500) to navigate the visa process. They’ll handle:
- Cédula (ID card): €50 (government fee) + €100 (lawyer).
- Driver’s license conversion: €150 (if you have a foreign license).
- Action: Sign a 1-year lease (€1,000–€1,800/month for a 2-bed in Escazú). Landlords prefer 12-month contracts and may ask for 2–3 months’ rent upfront (negotiable).
- Cost: €3,000 (first month + deposit).
- Action: Set up utilities (€150–€250/month total):
- Electricity: €80–€120 (AC is a must; Costa Rica’s humidity is brutal).
- Water: €20–€40.
- Internet (Kolbi or Liberty): €50–€80 (150–300 Mbps).
- Cost: €300 (installation fees + first month).
#### Month 1: Build Your Network & Transport (