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.

Remote Work in Costa Rica: Jungle Wi-Fi, Time Zones, and the Digital Nomad Life

Waymon Hudson
23 hours ago
4 min read

Laptop, coffee mug, and notebook on a wooden table overlooking the Costa Rican jungle and ocean — a scenic remote work setup in Costa Rica.

Working remotely from Costa Rica sounds like the dream — until your Zoom freezes mid-presentation and your boss gets a full HD close-up of your “why won’t this connect” face.

Don’t panic. You can work from paradise — toucans, ocean views, and all — if you know how to do it right. And I’m here to tell you what’s real, what’s myth, and how not to be that expat crying over a Wi-Fi router.

1. The Time Zone Perk (and the Daylight Savings Curveball)

Close-up of a laptop showing a Zoom call with multiple people and a ceramic coffee mug beside it, representing remote work life in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica runs on Central Standard Time (UTC -6) year-round — no daylight savings. That means:

Perfect overlap for remote workers with U.S. Central and Eastern teams.
Twice a year, you’ll have a few confused meetings when your coworkers “spring forward” or “fall back.”

💡 Pro tip: Let them adjust — your new schedule revolves around the surf report, not their daylight savings drama.

2. Internet Speeds: Yes, We Have Fiber

Two technicians installing fiber-optic internet cables in the Costa Rican jungle, showing modern infrastructure supporting remote work.

Gone are the days of “jungle Wi-Fi” horror stories (mostly). Costa Rica has solid infrastructure — especially in cities and mid-sized towns. Heck- I live in the literal jungle and have fiber internet. Monthly cost: $40–$80.

Fiber Internet: 100–500 Mbps (and faster in some areas)
Monthly cost: $40–$80 USD
Best providers: Kolbi, Liberty, Tigo

💡 Real talk: Choose your home based on Wi-Fi first, ocean view second. Because that 8 a.m. stand-up call won’t care how nice your hammock looks.

3. Backups, Backups, Backups

This is where smart digital nomads separate from the “I just wing it” crowd.

Starlink satellite internet dish set up on green grass in Costa Rica, representing reliable backup internet options for remote workers and digital nomads.

Starlink: Satellite system that works nearly anywhere, with 100+ Mbps speeds.
Local SIM + Hotspot: Get prepaid data from Kolbi, Claro, or Liberty.
Coworking Spaces: Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Nosara, Uvita, and San José all have thriving hubs with backup generators, AC, and good coffee.

🌴 Pro tip: Have a backup for your backup. Power outages are common, especially in rainy season — I once led a meeting powered entirely by my phone hotspot and prayer.

That means get a rechargable battery backup (avaiable at most stores, ususally arond $50-$100 depending on the strength). Most can power your internet router and laptop for 4-6 hours on battery back up alone.

Person using a laptop on a wooden table near turquoise ocean water in Costa Rica, symbolizing digital nomad and work-from-paradise lifestyle.

4. Myth: You’ll Work From the Beach Every Day

Reality check: sand, humidity, and laptops don’t mix.

Still, a shady café by the ocean or a terrace overlooking the jungle? That’s the real Costa Rica setup. Save the beach for your after-work unwind or a cheeky “look at my office view” Instagram post. (Yes, we see you.)

5. The Joy of Work-Life Balance (Pura Vida Edition)

Waymon Hudson smiling and raising arms in a waterfall pool surrounded by lush Costa Rican jungle, representing post-work Pura Vida balance.

The real reason remote work thrives here isn’t the Wi-Fi — it’s the lifestyle. Costa Rica practically forces you to unplug.

When work ends, you can: 🌅 Watch the sunset from the beach 🌿 Hike to a waterfall 🎤 Sing karaoke with your neighbors 🐶 Take your dog for a jungle walk

Work-life balance isn’t a buzzword here. It’s culture. And honestly? Once you get a taste of that “Pura Vida” rhythm, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Infographic detailing Costa Rica residency options including Pensionado, Rentista, Inversionista, and Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers.

6. Taxes, Visas, and the Digital Nomad Program

If you’re planning to stay long-term, Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa is a game-changer.

Here’s what you need:

Income: $3,000/month (individual) or $4,000/month (family)
Valid health insurance
Remote work for a foreign company (not local employment)

Benefits:

Legal residency for up to 2 years (renewable)
Tax exemptions on foreign income
Import your laptop and gear tax-free

💡 Pro tip: Apply online through the Costa Rican immigration site — and hire a local immigration attorney.

Learn more residency pathways in my Costa Rica Residency Explained blog.

Waymon Hudson surfing a wave in Costa Rica, showing the work-life balance and adventure possible for remote workers living in Costa Rica.

7. Real Talk: What I’ve Learned

When I first moved here, I thought my Wi-Fi anxiety would be my downfall. Turns out, the jungle has better bandwidth than some big cities.

But the real shift wasn’t technical — it was mental. I stopped living to work and started working to live.

Costa Rica will do that to you.

Quick Takeaway:

You can run your business or job from Costa Rica — you just need:

✅ Reliable internet (and backups)

✅ A flexible schedule

✅ A little patience when the power blinks

✅ A good sense of humor

Because if your “office” has monkeys outside the window and sunsets on demand, a few Wi-Fi hiccups feel like a small price to pay.

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: Remote Work in Costa Rica

Is remote work possible in Costa Rica?

Yes! With widespread fiber internet, coworking spaces, and strong mobile coverage, Costa Rica is a top destination for digital nomads and remote professionals.

Does Costa Rica have good internet?

Absolutely. Most cities and towns offer high-speed fiber with speeds up to 500 Mbps. Remote regions can use Starlink or mobile hotspots for backup.

Can I work remotely from Costa Rica legally?

Yes — the Digital Nomad Visa allows foreign remote workers to live and work in Costa Rica for up to 2 years while enjoying tax exemptions.

What are the best places for remote work in Costa Rica?

Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Uvita, Atenas, and Escazú are popular for reliable internet, coworking spaces, and strong expat communities.

Is the time zone good for U.S. jobs?

Yes! Costa Rica’s Central Standard Time overlaps perfectly with most U.S. work schedules, with no daylight savings adjustments locally.