Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica

by Ralf E. Koklar

Costa Rica – the land of “Pura Vida” – attracts thousands of people from around the world every year who dream of a life surrounded by tropical beauty, nature, and a relaxed lifestyle.

But sooner or later, one important question arises:

Are you an investor looking for a solid return, or are you searching for a new place to call home?

And just as important:

Where should you buy property in Costa Rica?
On a hot Pacific or Caribbean beach, near Lake Arenal, or in the cooler, hilly inland regions?

Many people rely on recommendations from friends. Everyone usually means well — but the final decision is something only you can make. I want to help you make the right choice, and more importantly, encourage you to take your time before making the same mistake I did.

In this article, I’ll briefly share the advantages and disadvantages of living in Costa Rica, based on my own experience, to help you avoid the costly and emotional mistakes my family and I made when we moved here in 2016.

Where should I buy my house or land in Costa Rica?
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Here's a brief summary of our story, how we got our start in Costa Rica:

Moving to Costa Rica: Our Experience & Why Living on the Beach Isn’t Always Ideal

Moving to Costa Ricais a dream for many people: sunshine, beaches, nature and the famous Pura Vida lifestyle. We lived that dream ourselves—but our experience shows that owning a beach house in Costa Rica is not the best choice for everyone.

From Malta to Costa Rica – Our Beginning (2015–2016)

In 2015, we purchased a renovation-ready beachfront property at Playa Coyote (Guanacaste) and immediately started remodeling it, including the construction of a guesthouse. Thanks to our builder Wilmar, the 10-month construction period went smoothly.

In 2016, we moved in. Life by the ocean felt perfect: daily beach walks, untouched nature, peace and a deep sense of freedom.

Living on the Beach in Costa Rica – Dream vs. Reality

After a short time, we discovered what many people underestimate when buying real estate in Costa Rica:

Downsides of Beachfront Living

  • Extremely high humidity (up to 90%)

  • Constant heat (29–36°C / 84–97°F, even at night)

  • Sleeping without air conditioning is almost impossible

  • Very high maintenance costs due to salt and moisture

  • Rapid corrosion of air conditioners, vehicles, metal and windows

  • High electricity bills

  • During high season: traffic, noise and crowded beaches

Amazing for vacations—but for us, not sustainable as a permanent lifestyle.

Our Solution: Living Inland – Lake Arenal

After trying several locations, we moved toward Lake Arenal (Tronadora / San Luis) and found what we were looking for:

  • Pleasant, year-round mild climate

  • Better infrastructure for families

  • Outdoor activities: waterskiing, tennis, pickleball, hiking, yoga

  • Significantly lower maintenance costs

We intentionally rented a house for six months before buying a 3ha finca. Over time, this became our home: “Finca Pura Vida”— with guesthouses, reliable rental income and true quality of life.

Beach House or Inland Property? A Comparison

Advantages of Beachfront Property in Costa Rica

  • Strong value appreciation

  • High demand from investors

  • Unique ocean views and vacation atmosphere

Disadvantages

  • Very high purchase prices

  • Expensive ongoing maintenance

  • Accelerated wear and tear

  • Overcrowding in popular beach towns

  • Dependence on air conditioning

➡️ Many expats choose to live inland and visit the beach when they want to.

Real Estate Prices & Tourism in Costa Rica

Since 2021, tourism in Costa Rica has grown rapidly. Especially between Santa Teresa and Tamarindo, you’ll find:

  • Strongly rising property prices

  • Overloaded infrastructure

  • Heavy traffic during peak season

Today, buying a beach house in Costa Rica is mainly a question of budget, lifestyle and long-term experience.

Our Conclusion: Moving to Costa Rica with Clarity

There is no perfect paradise, but costly mistakes can be avoided:

✔ Rent before you buy
✔ Test the climate and infrastructure
✔ Prioritize quality of life over romance

“Very intelligent people learn from the mistakes of others.”

Today, we live year-round at Lake Arenal, feel truly at home for the first time, and enjoy Pura Vida in a conscious, relaxed and sustainable way.

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