What Costa Rica Actually Is: 5?

5.2 million people; bordered by Nicaragua north and Panama south; Pacific west, Caribbean east

What Costa Rica Actually Is: Abolished army in 1948; uninterrupted democracy since; among most stable governments in Latin America?

Abolished army in 1948; uninterrupted democracy since; among most stable governments in Latin America

Pensionado: $1,000/month lifetime pension income — most common retiree pathway

Rentista: $2,500/month foreign income for 2 years OR $60,000 deposited in CR bank

CAJA public system mandatory for residents — full coverage, but wait times for non-urgent specialist care

Hospital CIMA (Escazú) and Hospital Clínica Bíblica (San José) are flagship private hospitals

Couple in Atenas/Grecia/non-tourist zones: $2,500-4,000/month all-in including housing

Couple in Tamarindo/Escazú/Manuel Antonio: $4,000-6,500/month and up

Foreign buyers have same property rights as citizens; no local partner or entity required

Standard process: offer, 10% earnest money in escrow, 30-45 day due diligence, closing

Territorial taxation — Costa Rican residents pay tax only on Costa Rican-source income

US citizens still pay US tax on worldwide income — Costa Rica residency doesn't relieve this

Name: Costa Rica
Address: Costa Rica

Honest guide to living in Costa Rica for foreign buyers — cost of living, Pensionado visa, healthcare, regions, and the real trade-offs.