Is Costa Rica expensive to live in?

Costa Rica isn’t the cheapest country in Central America, but it’s not outrageous either. Daily life costs less than in most major U.S. cities — especially if you adapt to local food and lifestyle. Where it gets pricey is rent in beach towns, imported goods, and electricity if you blast the A/C all day.

What is the average rent in Costa Rica?

Rent depends on location. In San José, a two-bedroom apartment runs $600–$1,200/month. In popular beach towns or suburbs, expect $800–$1,800/month. Rural areas can be as low as $400/month — but you’ll trade off some conveniences.

How much money do I need to live comfortably in Costa Rica?

A single person can live modestly on $1,200–$1,500/month. For more comfort (A/C, private healthcare, imported snacks), budget $2,000–$3,000/month. Couples usually spend $1,500–$2,500+ depending on lifestyle and location.

What’s the cost of food in Costa Rica?

Local produce, coffee, and seafood are affordable (think avocados for $0.50, pineapples for $1, fresh fish at local markets). Imported items, though, are expensive — a jar of peanut butter can be $8 and wine can sting your wallet. Sticking to the local diet saves money and makes you healthier.

Pets in Paradise: Bringing Your Dog or Cat to Costa Rica — and Why You Might Adopt One Here

Waymon Hudson
Oct 1
5 min read

Updated: Oct 16

Expat hiking in Costa Rica with his dog wearing an orange vest near a jungle waterfall — pets in Costa Rica enjoying outdoor adventures.

Everyone dreams of moving to Costa Rica for the beaches, the sunsets, the pura vida.

But the first question I get isn’t about visas or housing. It’s: “Can I bring my dog?” (Yes.)

The second? “Will I want to adopt another once I get there?”(Also yes. Ask Daisy, Rose, and Iris — my three jungle rescue pups — who now run my life.)

1. Bringing Your Pet from Abroad

The good news: Costa Rica makes it fairly easy to import dogs and cats. No quarantine for healthy pets from the U.S., Canada, or Europe.

Small dog in red sunglasses holding a plane ticket with a suitcase at the airport — traveling with pets to Costa Rica.

Checklist:

✅ Health Certificate (issued within 10 days, USDA-certified in U.S.)
✅ Rabies vaccine (at least 30 days old, valid up to 3 years with boosters)
✅ Standard vaccines (distemper, parvo, etc.)
✅ Parasite treatment (internal & external, documented)
✅ Airline crate that meets IATA standards
✅ Microchip (not required, but smart)

💡 Pro Tip: Non-stop flights are your best friend. Less stress = fewer gray hairs (for both of you).

White fluffy dog sitting on a plane looking out the window — flying pets to Costa Rica without quarantine.

2. Costs for Importing Pets

Vet health certificate: $50–$200
USDA endorsement (U.S. only): $38–$173
Airline pet fee: $125–$500
Travel crate: $60–$300

Veterinarian examining a happy dog in Costa Rica — affordable pet healthcare and checkups for expats.

3. Living with Pets in Costa Rica

🏠 Housing: Many rentals allow pets, but always ask. Some landlords adore dogs, others act like fur is toxic waste.
🩺 Vet Care: Affordable and solid quality. Routine exams $25–$40. Spay/neuter $50–$150.
🦴 Supplies: Available, but imported pet food/toys can be pricey. Stock up if your pup only eats boutique kibble.

4. Adopting in Costa Rica (The Rescue Scene)

Volunteer surrounded by hundreds of rescued street dogs at Territorio de Zaguates, Costa Rica’s famous Land of the Strays sanctuary.

Costa Rica has a huge community of rescues, shelters, and everyday locals helping street dogs (zaguates) and cats.

Standouts:

🐶 Territorio de Zaguates — the legendary “Land of the Strays” sanctuary in the mountains.
🐕 Local rescues — from Tamarindo to Puerto Viejo, small orgs do life-saving work.
🦜 Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center — mainly wildlife, but supports pets too.

Why adopt here?

Three rescued Costa Rica jungle dogs — Daisy, Rose, and Iris — curled up sleeping together in a cozy pile, symbolizing local dog adoption.

You save a life.
Most rescues are already spayed/neutered and vaccinated.
Your new pet becomes an ambassador — nothing starts conversations like walking a rescue in your neighborhood.

✨ My story: I brought my U.S. rescue Maggie here — then Daisy, Rose, and Iris came into my life through Costa Rican rescues. I thought I’d just have one dog. The jungle said, “Try three.”

5. Travel Back with Pets

Check airline rules every trip (they change often).
Heat embargoes in summer can stop cargo pets.
Always confirm entry rules for your destination country.

6. Jungle Dogs & Beach Cats: The Reality

Brown dog playing in the ocean waves on a Costa Rica beach, squinting with water splashing around — pets in Costa Rica enjoying pura vida life.

Yes, your dog will live its best beach life. But there will also be:

Mud (lots).
Ticks and fleas (year-round).
The occasional poisonous frog your dog really shouldn’t lick.

Invest in preventatives, vet visits, and patience. It’s paradise — with paw prints.

Also, every store, restaurant, beach, and neighborhood has local jungle dogs that wander around freely. They are almost alway friendly and just want love (and food), but make sure to get your pet used to other dogs. Acclimatiung your pet to new friends will go a long way to making those beach stroll with Fido more peaceful.

7. Quick Takeaway

You can absolutely bring your pets to Costa Rica — and you might just meet your next best friend here. Between affordable vet care, vibrant rescue groups, and a culture that loves animals, pets in Costa Rica are part of the pura vida fabric.

Your reward? Muddy paws, sand in your sheets, and sunsets with your pack. Worth it.

Also check out the rest of the Pura Vida Diaries Blog Series:

Or check out the Pura Vida Diaries YouTube series!

Basically? If you’ve ever Googled “Can I really move to Costa Rica?” …this series is your sign.

FAQ: Pets in Costa Rica

Can I bring my dog or cat to Costa Rica?

Yes! Healthy pets from the U.S., Canada, and most of Europe don’t face quarantine. You’ll need health certificates, rabies vaccines, and parasite treatments.

How much does it cost to bring pets to Costa Rica?

Between $250–$1,000 per pet, depending on vet fees, airline charges, and crate costs.

What’s vet care like in Costa Rica?

Affordable and high quality in most towns. Routine exams are $25–$40, spay/neuter $50–$150.

Can I adopt a pet in Costa Rica?

Yes — rescues like Territorio de Zaguates and local shelters are always seeking homes. Adoption is rewarding and helps save lives.

What challenges do pets face in Costa Rica?

Heat, mud, fleas, ticks, and curious wildlife. Preventatives and regular vet care are essential.

💡 P.S. — this is just the beginning.

Every Wednesday I’ll be dropping a new article in my Pura Vida Diaries series. Think of it as your jungle survival (and thrival) guide.

We’re going to cover it all:

🛂 Residency + visas (aka: how not to get deported)
💸 Living expenses + budgets (yes, you can afford it — even with your avocado toast addiction)
🏥 Healthcare (Caja vs. private, and what it’s really like)
💻 Remote work realities (including jungle Wi-Fi myths)
🥑 Food, culture, & community (the farmers’ market, the friends, the pura vida)
🐕 Pets & rescues (because jungle dogs deserve love too)
🌍 How to Be a Good Immigrant (gentrification, humility, supporting locals — aka don’t be “that” expat)

Basically? If you’ve ever Googled “Can I really move to Costa Rica?” …this series is your sign.

📲 Follow Me

Want more than just the weekly blog drop? Let’s hang out everywhere:

🎥 YouTube → deep-dive videos of each blog (perfect for bingeing with coffee)
📸 Instagram → my daily life here (sunrises, dogs, jungle sweat, and a few shirtless selfies)
🎬 TikTok → the fun, fast, and slightly thirsty version of this expat adventure
👥 Facebook → where community + conversation actually happen
📰 Substack → longer reflections, essays, and behind-the-scenes of this wild queer jungle life