The Global Expat Hub
Costa RicaCost breakdown
| Item | Estimate | Assumes |
|---|---|---|
| Scouting trip flights | $800 | one return trip, one to two people |
| Scouting trip stay | $2,000 | two to four weeks in the neighbourhoods you might live in |
| Visa, permits & translations | $1,250 | government fees, apostilles, translations; luxury adds an immigration lawyer |
| Relocation flights | $1,200 | one-way, with extra baggage |
| Moving & shipping | $3,150 | affordable: suitcases only; luxury: full container and white-glove |
| Housing deposit & first rent | $2,700 | deposit plus first month, scaled to the local rental market |
| Furnishing & setup | $1,650 | affordable leans on second-hand and furnished lets |
| Health insurance, first year | $2,200 | basic international cover through to premium global plans |
| Language classes | $550 | apps and group classes through to private tutoring |
| Local admin & first-month living | $2,250 | registration, SIM, transport, groceries before income settles |
| Contingency | $1,800 | 10% of the total above |
| Total setup, one adult | $19,550 | before ongoing rent and living costs |
Scaled to Costa Rica's price level (cost-of-living score 66). Add roughly 60–80% for a couple and 30–40% per child, more if international school fees apply.
Timeline
Decide & research weeks 1–6
Shortlist two or three cities, read every section here, book a consultation with a relocation agent, start language lessons.
Paperwork weeks 7–14
Documents, apostilles, translations; a lawyer or agent files the visa; comprehensive international health insurance arranged.
Scouting trip weeks 15–17
Two to four weeks across two neighbourhoods, in an aparthotel or boutique hotel. View apartments with an agent, tour schools if needed.
Move weeks 18–22
Partial shipment of furniture and personal items; sell the rest. Fly with pets in the hold or via a pet relocation service. Land in a serviced apartment.
Settle weeks 23–28
Agent handles registration and utilities. Lease signed within a month. Weekly private language lessons; join clubs and classes, not just expat groups.
Checklist
- City shortlist scored against the sections here
- Relocation agent or immigration lawyer engaged
- Visa filed with a tracked timeline
- Comprehensive international health insurance in place
- Scouting trip: two neighbourhoods, apartment viewings booked
- School applications submitted (if applicable)
- Moving quotes from three companies; partial shipment booked
- Pet relocation service booked
- Serviced apartment for the first month
- Bank account and money-transfer service opened
- Tax advice taken on residency timing
- Private language tutor booked
- Driving licence exchange researched
- Furniture and appliances plan for what's not shipped
- Contingency fund at 10% of the plan