With coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific, Costa Rica is a country well worth visiting. It's also one of the happiest countries in the world.
Known for its biodiverse rainforests, serene beaches, and fragrant coffee beans, this Central American country is a place that needs to be on the list of every digital nomad.
If you love the tropical climate and the idea of a peaceful country, book your tickets for the capital, San Jose. Especially if you are looking to be an adventure travel writer, Costa Rica might be the perfect country to start.
Here's some advice that might come in handy if you do decide to visit this eco-friendly country.
Table of Contents
Expenses
To begin with, Costa Rica is not an inexpensive place to live and work. It's not as affordable as many other Central American destinations, such as Guatemala and Nicaragua. However, this country has a lot to offer that offsets the high cost of living.
Costa Rica can offer all the facilities that you need to work remotely, in addition to a lush and serene environment. The exact cost of living will vary depending on your own choices and tastes.
Here is a rough idea of what you are looking at, in terms of expenditure per month, if you want to move to Costa Rica:
- $700 for accommodation.
- $400 for food.
- $75 for internet and phone.
- $150 for transport.
- $250 for entertainment.
That totals $1,575 per month, which is still significantly cheaper than the average monthly expense of $5,000 in the USA.
Internet
Costa Rica does not have the best internet, but it is not so bad that you can't work using it. The average internet speed in cities is 4.2 Mbps, and connections of up to 10 Mbps are readily available in all major cities.
Public Wi-Fi and internet connections in cafes or restaurants are often unreliable, so you'll need to rely on your mobile data connection when you're outside your accommodation.
Unlike in developed countries, an internet connection is not typically included when you rent an apartment. You'll have to get one separately. Local internet providers offer a 50 Mbps connection for $50.
Weather
Costa Rica is the perfect location if you want to escape the harsh winters. The climate is predominantly tropical, with no distinct winter season. There are two seasons, the dry and the rainy season.
If you happen to be in Costa Rica during the rainy season, ensure you have a battery backup and mobile internet to complete your work, as electricity can be unreliable during this period.
Expect to have many vibrant, sunny days when you are in Costa Rica. As the country is near the equator, it receives approximately 12 hours of sunlight per day, nearly all year round.
Accommodation
It might be hard to find an excellent place to live and work in Costa Rica, but with a little bit of searching, you can get a place that meets your needs. The three most feasible approaches to this problem for digital nomads are below.
Airbnb
This is the go-to solution for digital nomads worldwide. You can find anything from a private condo to a two-bedroom home in Costa Rica on Airbnb, where you can set up your living and working space.
Co-working Spaces
Some outstanding services in Costa Rica offer co-working facilities, providing a friendly and productive environment for your work. Not only will you find a shared working space with fellow digital nomads, but also an authentic Costa Rican living experience.
Hostels
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that also allows you to meet new people, hostels are the best choice. However, not all of these are available online, so you'd have to consult the locals to get to one. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can get a private or shared dorm in a hostel.
Destinations
Costa Rica might be expensive, it might not have the best internet, but when it comes to destinations, there is no lack of them in this Central American country.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
If you want to experience amazing Caribbean beaches, rich Costa Rican nightlife, and the biodiversity of Central America, this is the perfect destination for you.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small town near the Caribbean Sea where you can enjoy nature away from the fast-paced life of major cities.
San Jose
If you are not a beach person and prefer city lights, San Jose, the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, is the ideal choice for you.
It is filled with friendly locals and offers several cafes and other co-working spaces where you can get work done while experiencing Central American culture.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small town on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The Playa Grande beach on the northern side of the city is the natural habitat of leatherback turtles, where you can observe them in the most natural way possible. It's one of the top destinations in the country for backpackers and surfers.
Santa Teresa
For the digital nomads who want to escape the bustling cities and experience nature in its purest form, Santa Teresa is the place to go.
Originally a remote fishing village, this small coastal town boasts serene beaches with minimal visitor congestion, authentic local cuisine, and friendly locals.
Summary
Costa Rica is a tropical country in Central America, characterized by a moderately hot climate. The cost of living here is somewhat high, and internet connectivity is not the best, but it does offer some of the most serene beaches.
You can find accommodation via Airbnb or in hostels, or utilize services catering to digital nomads, which provide co-working spaces in their hotels.
While you are there, do not miss the city life of San Jose, the beaches of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Tamarindo, and the natural beauty of Santa Teresa. Pura vida!
