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Life project · Costa Rica

Moving to Costa Rica with your family

Start by testing ordinary weekdays in two places you could live. Compare school runs, healthcare access, housing and the cost of daily life. At the same time, check which residency category fits your plans.

Before signing a lease or setting a move date
A house opening onto a garden with the sea in the distance

Three steps to test your plans before moving

  1. Shortlist

    Compare two places you could actually live

    If you are weighing the Central Valley against Guanacaste, pick a specific town in each. Write down your non-negotiables: time to school, access to care or a connection you can work from.

  2. Try it

    Spend an ordinary week there

    Do the school run from the home you are considering at the actual time you would travel. Test the internet at that address. Ask schools about places, term dates, costs and the documents they need.

  3. Decide

    Budget for everyday life before committing

    Separate one-off moving costs such as travel, the rental deposit and basic setup from monthly rent, groceries, school, healthcare and transport. Leave a buffer and a way back if the trial does not work out.

Before signing a lease or setting a move date

  • For each area, keep a shortlist address you have visited, a journey you have timed and a written budget. Compare towns, not just regions.
  • Ask the school to confirm what applies to your child and your timeline.
  • Check your circumstances with Costa Rica’s immigration authority before making a long-term commitment.

Official sources to check

Sources checked on .

Questions to ask before moving

Where should I live in Costa Rica with children?
Start with schools and access to healthcare, then look for housing nearby. A town that works with your commute and budget is more useful than a general ranking of regions.
Is a scouting trip useful before relocating?
Yes, if you use it to try the routine you are planning: groceries, school runs, appointments and, if you work remotely, a full workday from the property.