Many Reasons to Move to Costa Rica

Expats are moving to Costa Rica for its beautiful views, fantastic lifestyle,
and low cost of living.

Why would you want to move to Costa Rica? As thousands of expats will tell you, Costa Rica offers a fantastic lifestyle at a very reasonable cost. Not too mention that Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world…with a modern capital city, long stretches of deserted tropical beaches, cool mountain getaways, and pristine lake regions.

Moving to Costa Rica is particularly appealing because Costa Rica is a long-established democracy and politically stable, and for the most part, it is very safe. There is very low incidence of violent crime here; and outside the capital city of San Jose, there isn't much crime of any kind. Costa Rica is known as one of Latin America's most peaceful nations (and one of the most politically stable… it has enjoyed 59 years of uninterrupted democratic rule). José Figueres Ferrer, who led an armed uprising that ended a 44-day Civil War, was glorified for abolishing the army and drafting a constitution that guaranteed free elections with universal suffrage. Unlike many of its neighbors, Costa Rica never had another civil war.

Because the county has no army to support, it is able to provide money for universal medical care and free and subsidized educational programs. The well-run national health care system means that the country's people are strong and healthy. The average life expectancy is 76.3 years - one of the highest in the world. The country has an up-to-date medical system with hospitals, clinics and complete medical services in all major cities and some towns. Costa Rica is considered to have one of the best low-cost medical care systems in the world. Dental care and cosmetic surgery is affordable, and Costa Rica's plastic surgeons are considered among the world's best. 

There's not much you will leave behind when you move to Costa Rica

You'll find a wide variety of inexpensive housing, and a wealth of every imaginable activity to keep you busy and happy. There are two excellent English-language newspapers, cable and DirectTV with all of the U.S. channels and a myriad of exciting business opportunities for the enterprising entrepreneur. And consider this: if you move to Costa Rica, you can live very comfortably on $1,000 - $2,000 per month, depending on your lifestyle. A full-time maid costs around $10 per day. Utilities - like telephone, electricity, and water are much lower than in the U.S., Canada, or Europe. Public transportation is excellent and very inexpensive, so you don't really need a car.

There are also many tax advantages you can enjoy after moving to Costa Rica. Investors pay no capital gains taxes on real estate, business taxes are minimal, and high-interest bank accounts are tax free. Property taxes are also reasonable when compared to the U.S. and elsewhere.

When you take into account all of these factors and the fact that in Costa Rica you will surely enjoy a more peaceful and laid back way of life, it's hard to understand why everyone isn't moving to Costa Rica.