What is the quality of life in Costa Rica?

The Quality of Life Index carried out by InterNations, the world's largest expat network that provides information on destinations all around the globe places Costa Rica among the 21 countries that provide a better quality of life.

Does Costa Rica have a good quality of life?

Costa Rica has made considerable progress in improving the quality of life of its citizens over the last decade. Notwithstanding, relative to other countries in the Better Life Index, Costa Rica underperforms the average in income, jobs, education, social connections, civic engagement, safety and life satisfaction.

What are the disadvantages of living in Costa Rica?

Though many aspects of Costa Rican living are decidedly first-world, the roads are not among them. Potholes, dips and cracks mark the roads so severely that cars can be damaged driving over them. Locals drive quickly and dangerously, passing where it is not safe to do so and not respecting the right of way.

What is the biggest problem in Costa Rica?

Violence towards children in Costa Rica is one of the most serious social problems of the region. The violence suffered by children can come as much from the family as from school. This physical, psychological, or even sexual violence has serious consequences on the health of the young.

What is living in Costa Rica like?

The country boasts an incredibly diverse set of climates. You could choose to live in a lush, temperate rainforest, or head to the beaches for a hammock and the slow life. Any way you slice it, expats living in Costa Rica have big love for the country's exquisite nature.

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Why you shouldn't live in Costa Rica?

Reasons not to retire in Costa Rica include the country having a lot of rain, and not having real summer or winter due to its proximity to the equator. Despite being one of the world's safest countries to visit, crimes do exist there. It is also not a cheap place to settle down in.

Why you shouldn't go to Costa Rica?

In Central America and The Caribbean overall, Costa Rica is ranked the number one most peaceful country in the region out of 12. However, the homicide rate increased from 11.9 homicides per 100,000 people to 12.3 in the last year, and crime is still a significant threat to travelers in Costa Rica.

How is medical care in Costa Rica?

The healthcare system in Costa Rica is frequently cited as one of the best in the world. The country is ranked 36th in the world by the World Health Organization, above the United States, Cuba, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, the United Nations places healthcare in Costa Rica within the top 20 in the world.

Why is Costa Rica so poor?

And without a doubt, income inequality is one of the main causes of poverty in Costa Rica. Urban Costa Ricans are largely outpacing rural Costa Ricans when it comes to income. The top 20 percent of earners make an average of $4,650 per month, while the bottom twenty percent make only $360.

Is Costa Rica considered a 3rd world country?

The Costa Rican economy still relies on financial aid from the First World Countries and remains a Third World Country but it is definitely no longer an Underdeveloped Country.

Why are expats leaving Costa Rica?

Feeling homesick and missing family while living abroad. The increasing crime rate in Costa Rica. Coping with negativity coming from the expat community. Adjusting to the extreme climate, unstable infrastructure, and cultural/lifestyle differences.

Is moving to Costa Rica a good idea?

With its gorgeous climate and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, Costa Rica is perfect for maintaining a healthy way of life. And as an expat moving to Costa Rica, you'll be surprised at the high standard of private hospitals. You'll get world-class treatment for a fraction of the price you'd pay elsewhere.

Does Costa Rica have free healthcare?

Costa Rica does have free public healthcare, but only for Costa Rican citizens who are most financially in need. This means that residents with a job and expats will have to pay for use of the public healthcare system (expats must provide proof of sufficient financial means in order to live in Costa Rica).

Is Costa Rica a poor or rich country?

It is considered an upper middle-income country, which has shown a steady economic growth over the past 25 years.

Does Costa Rica have the happiest people?

Costa Rica is officially the happiest and most sustainable country in the world, according to the Happy Planet Index (HPI). And it's no surprise to us! Spend just a little time in this tiny but majestic country, and you're going home with a smile on your face.

What is the main source of income in Costa Rica?

It is not surprising that tourism is Costa Rica's main source of income and hard currency. Costa Rica receives over 1.7 million tourists per year, the majority of whom come from the United States and Canada. Earnings from tourism amount to more than $1.7 billion US dollars per year.

Does Costa Rica have welfare?

The country also has a strong welfare system. Costa Ricans have access to free education and a guaranteed state pension. It is the only country in Central America where 100 percent of the population has access to electricity and a source of drinking water.

Is Costa Rica expensive?

Costa Rica can be expensive. At least, it can feel expensive to Westerners who expect to be able to have the same buying power as in places like India or Thailand. Costa Rica is ranked as the most expensive country in Central America and the sixth most expensive in North America and the Caribbean (2015).

Is Costa Rica good for retirees?

With one of the highest standards of living in Latin America and a variety of different climates to suit all tastes, Costa Rica is the perfect retirement destination. International Living has been researching and reporting on opportunities for expats for over four decades.

What diseases are common in Costa Rica?

Are hospitals in Costa Rica good?

Costa Rica is known for its world-class healthcare, amongst the best in Latin America. The private hospitals take a range of insurances, and if you are planning to spend time in the country, it is a good idea to make sure you are covered.

Can you drink the water in Costa Rica?

The short answer is yes. You can drink the tap water in Costa Rica safely in most every part of the country. In some rural areas, including the Caribbean and in non-touristy places, you may want to stick with bottled water.

Are there drug cartels in Costa Rica?

Colombian and Mexican drug cartels, which have been using Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador as drug-trafficking transit points, have added Costa Rica, according to The Wall Street Journal.

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

Regardless of where you settle down, the overall cost of living is relatively low when compared to the United States and much of Europe. Most expats in Costa Rica can live comfortably on $1,000 to $1,500 USD per month.