Everything You Need To Know About Moving To Costa Rica From The UK
Are you considering a move to Costa Rica from the UK? If so, then keep reading as this is a comprehensive guide for all things Costa Rica and will tell you all you need to know before making the big move. This tropical paradise is one of the most well-liked locations for expats to live, study, work remotely, and retire.
The country’s stunning natural beauty, from its beaches to its tropical rainforests has something for all thrill-seekers alike. Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity, with its protected jungles teeming with wildlife from spider monkeys to jaguars. If you’re looking for an exciting change of pace, then Costa Rica is the place for you.
Reasons to move to Costa Rica from the UK
Costa Rica Is A Tropical Paradise
If you're considering a move to Costa Rica, there are a few things you should know about the country's natural assets. First and foremost, Costa Rica is an incredibly biodiverse country located in a tropical climate zone. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. From monkeys to butterflies and beaches to jungles and volcanoes, it offers nature lovers an abundance of things to do and places to see.
Costa Rica is well known for its national parks, which cover about a fifth of the country's total land area. The first national park in Costa Rica was created in 1971, and since then the country has continued to create new parks and preserve its existing ones. For Costa Ricans their national parks are a great source of pride.
Cost Of Living
One of the biggest benefits of moving to Costa Rica from the UK is the decreased cost of living. According to My Life Elsewhere, the United Kingdom is 82.8% more expensive than Costa Rica, with consumer, rent, grocery and transport prices all considerably lower than in the UK. According to their study, it was found that, on average, a basic meal with a drink in an inexpensive restaurant in the UK amounts to $16.45 compared to $6.40 in Costa Rica.
Everyday costs are significantly lower in Costa Rica, like transport costs which are 36.6% lower in Costa Rica compared to the UK. Monthly private preschool for one child in Costa Rica costs, on average, $320.07 compared to a whopping $1,113.22 in the UK. Enjoy a night out in Costa Rica for over half the price than in the UK, with local beer being 57% cheaper in Costa Rica and a ticket to the cinema being roughly $5.35 compared to $11.75 in the UK.
That Pura-Vida Lifestyle
Pura vida, its literal translation being ‘Pure Life’, is a national cliche for a reason. It is similar to saying ‘this is the life’, which is fitting for the Costa Rican lifestyle. Costa Rica has the best of both worlds, with both an urban and rural lifestyle available to you. Cities like San Jose have many great things to offer from food and markets, to the opera house and the fantastic Museo del Oro Precolombino in the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, Costa Rica has some of the best seaside towns with lots of surfing, beach bars and outdoor dining. Costa Rica’s warm, tropical weather mixed with its incredibly stunning coastlines makes for perfect seaside living. Its selection of mountains, volcanoes, and rainforests are perfect for active hikers.
The country’s annual temperature is between 70 degrees and 81 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a warm place to live. Also, the hot, tropical climate means exotic fruits thrive in Costa Rica, like dragon fruit, papaya and guava, which is bound to tickle your taste buds while also inspiring a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Housing in Costa Rica compared to the UK
Just like any country, housing prices depend on where you want to live, whether it be in rural or urban areas. However, compared to the UK, the Costa Rican housing market is more affordable. Housing prices in Costa Rica are 42.5% less than in the UK. Ordinarily, the more metropolitan areas are the most expensive, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing on average $450 - $480 per month. Although still expensive, it is a far cry from the price of a one-bedroom apartment in the UK, which averages at around $1,003.85 a month.
If you decide to live outside the city centers and prefer a more rural area, rent prices decrease dramatically. The average rent for a one-bedroom outside the city center comes in at around $311, according to Numbeo. Basic monthly utilities come in at a substantially lower price than the UK, like heat, water, cooling and garbage all coming in at around $57 per month in Costa Rica compared to $187 per month in the UK.
Owning your own home in Costa Rica is also a possibility as non-residents have the same rights as locals and are allowed to buy property. Owning your own home in the United Kingdom gets harder each year so, with the affordable housing prices in Costa Rica, you can become a homeowner easily.
Universal Healthcare In Costa Rica
A huge bonus with moving to Costa Rica from the UK is the easy access to healthcare. The healthcare system in Costa Rica is government-run and is frequently cited as one of the best in Central and South America. The healthcare system in Costa Rica is similar to that of the NHS in the UK, meaning you don't have to compromise on the healthcare standard you are accustomed to. Universal healthcare has been one of the leading factors in expats' decision to seek residency in Costa Rica, especially in their later years.
Moving Your Pet to Costa Rica From The UK
You couldn’t make the move to Costa Rica without your furry friend by your side! However, it is standard to have proper documentation for your pet before entering any country and Costa Rica is no exception. Up to five personal pets can be imported to Costa Rica without an import permit.
Within 14 days of entry to Costa Rica from the UK, a licensed veterinarian must complete the Veterinary Certificate for Costa Rica, as well as proof of vaccinations such as rabies shots. Costa Rica is regarded as a very pet-friendly country with many pet-friendly beaches and outdoor spaces, making it easy to incorporate your pet into your new lifestyle.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. Can UK citizens retire to Costa Rica?Yes, UK citizens can retire to Costa Rica. If retiring to Costa Rica, the Pensionado Program is best suited to your needs. This programme requires you to receive a minimum of $1000 in the form of income or pension payments and allows you the right to live in Costa Rica.
2. Can I live in Costa Rica as a UK citizen?
Yes, UK citizens can live in Costa Rica once they apply and get accepted for temporary or permanent residence. The process is lengthy and can be complicated and professional help with the application is advised.
3. How to move to Costa Rica with a pet?
When moving to Costa Rica with a pet you must have a licensed veterinarian complete the Veterinary Certificate for Costa Rica, and have proof of all necessary vaccinations such as rabies.
