Costa Rica for Americans: visa, cost of living and safety

Getting in on a US passport

No visa needed. Officers can give up to 180 days, but that isn't guaranteed, and you must show a return or onward ticket. Tourist extensions go through Migración as a separate application and aren't automatic; the State Dept lists no entry-rule changes for 2025–2026.

Staying longer

The digital nomad visa needs $3,000 a month in foreign income ($4,000 with family) and lasts 1 year, renewable once. Pensionado residency needs a $1,000 monthly pension, and rentista residency needs $2,500 a month in guaranteed income.

What a month costs

Lean: about $1,770 a month. Comfortable: about $1,950 a month. One person, rent included.

San José. Numbeo (updated Sep 11, 2026): $1,007 a month single-person costs without rent, plus a 1-bed outside the centre at $760 (low) or in the centre at $943 (comfortable).

Where to base yourself

San José area (Escazú/Santa Ana)

These suburbs are close to SJO airport, private hospitals and big supermarkets, and they're where many long-stay foreigners rent.

Tamarindo

It's a Pacific beach town with a big English-speaking crowd, about an hour and a quarter from Liberia (LIR) airport, but it costs more than the rest of Guanacaste.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

It's a Caribbean-coast town in Limón province with Afro-Caribbean roots and cheaper rooms, but it's a long drive from either airport.

Heads up

Rip currents kill dozens of US citizens every year, so swim only at beaches with lifeguards. Never leave anything in a parked car, and check the doors by hand, because thieves use signal blockers on key fobs.

Emergency numbers

Police: 911
Ambulance: 911
Tourist police: None nationally (patrols in central San José, airports and main beaches); call 911
Anti-trafficking: 911, or the OIJ (judicial police) anti-trafficking unit at 2256-5702 / 2256-5703 or its confidential line 800-8000-645
US Embassy: +506-2519-2000

Level 2 – Exercise increased caution due to crime (issued April 2, 2026). No regions are singled out at a higher level.

Practical

Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC)
Plugs: A, B (120 V, 60 Hz – same as US)
Nonstop flight from the US: Yes
Typical door-to-door from LAX: about 6 hours

18+ only. If you see anyone who looks underage, or anyone being forced to work, call the anti-trafficking number above or the police. Rules change: check the embassy and immigration sites before you book.