Costa Rica absolutely blew my mind during my month-long stay exploring the country. Between catching up on emails from a beachfront cafe in Tamarindo and joining local coworking meetups in San José, I discovered this isn’t just another tropical paradise. What really got me was how perfectly set up places like Santa Teresa are for remote work, with reliable fiber internet right next to world-class surf breaks. Wild, right?
After checking out spots across the country, I’m excited to share the best places in Costa Rica for digital nomads to call home. From beach towns with thriving expat communities to mountain villages with perfect year-round weather, these 12 locations nail that sweet spot between work and life in paradise. And yes, the wifi is way better than you’d expect!
Best Places to Live in Costa Rica for Digital Nomads
Looking to live in Costa Rica as a digital nomad? Explore Atenas, known for its perfect climate and laid-back lifestyle. Discover Cartago, a historic city with stunning colonial architecture. Enjoy the beachside charm of Dominical, a paradise for surfers and remote workers alike. Experience the modern comforts of Escazú, a vibrant area with excellent infrastructure. For those who love nature, Guanacaste offers breathtaking landscapes and a relaxed coastal vibe. Whether you seek adventure or tranquility, these are some of the best places for digital nomads in Costa Rica.
- Best for a perfect climate: Atenas
- Best for history and culture: Cartago
- Best for surfing and beaches: Dominical
- Best for luxury and expats: Escazú
- Best for beach life and adventure: Guanacaste
- Best for education and family life: Heredia
- Best for Caribbean culture: Limón
- Best for eco-tourism and nature: Monteverde
- Best for city life and business: San José
- Best for beach town living: Tamarindo
- Best for wildlife and tranquility: Uvita
1. Atenas
If you’ve ever dreamed of living somewhere with perfect weather year-round, Atenas might just be your place. Tucked in the rolling hills of Costa Rica’s Central Valley, this charming town boasts what National Geographic once called the best climate in the world—mild, breezy, and never too hot or too cold.
Life here moves at a slower pace, with a welcoming community of locals and expats who embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle. You’ll find fresh produce at the weekly farmers’ market, breathtaking mountain views at every turn, and cafés where coffee is practically an art form.
Though it’s a peaceful escape, Atenas is just a short drive from San José, making city conveniences easily accessible. If you’re looking for a warm, friendly town with stunning scenery and a laid-back vibe, Atenas is as close to paradise as it gets.
2. Cartago
Once the capital of Costa Rica, Cartago is a city where history meets mountain landscapes. Just 40 minutes from San José, it’s home to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, a major pilgrimage site, and the Ruins of Santiago Apóstol, a striking reminder of its colonial past. Walking through the city, you’ll find a mix of historic architecture, colorful markets, and a strong sense of community.
Beyond its historical charm, Cartago offers easy access to Irazú Volcano, where you can stand above the clouds, and lush coffee farms perfect for weekend trips. The city has a relaxed pace, with traditional markets, excellent schools, and a lower cost of living than San José—making it ideal for families and retirees.
With a cool climate, stunning views, and strong community ties, Cartago blends nature, culture, and everyday Costa Rican life, offering a peaceful retreat while staying well-connected to the capital.
3. Dominical
Ah, Dominical—a beach town where time slows down, the surf is always up, and nature feels untouched. This Pacific Coast gem is a haven for surfers, adventurers, and free spirits who trade city chaos for barefoot beach days and starry jungle nights.
The waves here are legendary, drawing surfers from around the world, but there’s more to Dominical than its swells. Hike to Nauyaca Falls, where turquoise pools invite you for a swim, or visit Marino Ballena National Park, home to migrating humpback whales and pristine beaches. The town itself is effortlessly cool, with organic cafés, yoga studios, and a tight-knit expat community.
Despite its rising popularity, Dominical refuses to be tamed—no high-rises, no crowded resorts, just raw beauty and a laid-back lifestyle. If you’ve ever dreamed of swapping traffic for tide charts, this is where it happens.
4. Escazú
Dubbed the Beverly Hills of Costa Rica, Escazú is where modern luxury meets mountain serenity. Just minutes from San José, this upscale neighborhood is known for its high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and top-tier healthcare—all framed by stunning mountain views. It’s a hotspot for expats, professionals, and retirees seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle without sacrificing nature’s beauty.
Beyond its gated communities and sleek condos, Escazú still embraces its roots. The historic San Miguel Church stands as a symbol of the town’s past, while lively festivals and farmer’s markets bring a sense of community. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, golf courses, and scenic viewpoints, making it more than just an urban retreat.
With international schools, world-class hospitals, and a welcoming expat scene, Escazú offers the best of both worlds—sophistication with a touch of pura vida charm.
✈️ My #1 Hack for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel upgrade I’ve ever made.
5. Guanacaste
If endless sunshine, golden beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle sound like paradise, Guanacaste might be your perfect match. Located on Costa Rica’s northwest coast, this region is famous for world-class surf, dry tropical forests, and a thriving expat scene. It’s one of the best places to live for beach lovers who still want modern conveniences.
The province boasts some of Costa Rica’s most sought-after beach towns, including Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and Nosara, each offering a unique vibe. Spend your days catching waves, horseback riding through rolling hills, or indulging in fresh seafood at a beachfront café—life here is all about embracing the Pura Vida way.
International schools, easy access to Liberia’s airport, and a variety of housing options make Guanacaste a top choice for families, retirees, and digital nomads looking to soak up the sun year-round.
6. Heredia
Known as the City of Flowers, Heredia is a charming blend of colonial history, lush coffee farms, and modern comforts. Located just 20 minutes from San José, it’s a top choice for those wanting a peaceful suburban lifestyle with easy access to the capital.
The city is home to Costa Rica’s oldest university, the National University (UNA), which gives it a youthful, intellectual energy. Its streets are lined with vibrant markets, cozy cafés, and historic buildings, while the surrounding mountains provide a scenic escape. Coffee lovers will appreciate the region’s famous coffee plantations, where you can tour farms and taste some of the best brews in the country.
Mild climate, strong sense of community, and proximity to top-rated schools and hospitals—Heredia is perfect for families, students, and professionals who want the best of both city and nature.
7. Limón
If you’re looking for a place with Afro-Caribbean culture, vibrant energy, and lush jungle landscapes, Limón is a one-of-a-kind gem. Sitting on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, this port city is rich in history, music, and some of the country’s most unspoiled beaches.
Unlike the Pacific side, Limón moves at a slower, more relaxed pace, with reggae beats filling the air, colorful festivals, and Creole cuisine that’s second to none. The area is also a gateway to Cahuita National Park and Tortuguero, where you’ll find sea turtles, coral reefs, and untouched rainforest.
Limón is less developed than other regions, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a place for those who embrace adventure, diversity, and a deeper connection with nature. If you want a low-cost, culturally rich lifestyle surrounded by pristine beaches and tropical wildlife, Limón is hard to beat.
8. Liberia
The gateway to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Liberia is a city of opportunity, adventure, and convenience. Often called the White City for its sun-bleached colonial buildings, it offers a perfect balance between traditional charm and modern growth.
Unlike some of the country’s slower-paced beach towns, Liberia stands out as Costa Rica’s second-largest city, providing international schools, shopping centers, hospitals, and an international airport. Yet, it’s still just a short drive from Guanacaste’s world-class beaches, making it an ideal home base for both work and play.
Outdoor lovers will appreciate its proximity to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where you can hike to volcanic hot springs, chase waterfalls, and explore wildlife-rich forests. The city’s affordable housing, growing economy, and well-connected location attract retirees, entrepreneurs, and families alike. Whether you’re looking for a fresh start or a laid-back lifestyle with easy access to nature, Liberia is a place to call home.
9. Monteverde
High in Costa Rica’s Tilarán Mountains, Monteverde is where nature takes center stage. Mist drifts through the treetops, the calls of exotic birds echo through the forest, and life moves at a slower, more intentional pace. This isn’t just a place to live—it’s an experience, one where sustainability and community go hand in hand.
Monteverde’s main draw is its breathtaking cloud forest reserves, home to sloths, toucans, and the elusive resplendent quetzal. The town itself has a cozy, artistic vibe with local coffee shops, organic farms, and a tight-knit community that values sustainability. Thanks to its cooler climate and slower pace, it’s also a great retreat from the tropical heat.
While life here is more remote and rustic, the trade-off is unparalleled beauty and tranquility. If you’re someone who thrives in nature, enjoys hiking, and wants to live in an eco-conscious community, Monteverde is pure magic.
10. San José
Love the buzz of city life but still want those mountain views? San José, Costa Rica’s capital and largest city, is the heartbeat of the country, offering endless entertainment, top-tier healthcare, and a booming business scene.
Living here means having access to world-class restaurants, vibrant nightlife, museums, and cultural festivals. The city’s neighborhoods vary widely, from trendy Barrio Escalante, known for its hip cafés and craft breweries, to historic Barrio Amón, with its colonial charm. Plus, with excellent hospitals, international schools, and reliable infrastructure, it’s an easy place for expats to settle.
While San José doesn’t have beaches, you’re just a quick weekend trip from either the Pacific or Caribbean coast. If you want a fast-paced, dynamic lifestyle with all the conveniences of a major city, this is the place to be.
11. Tamarindo
Imagine living in a town where the ocean is your backyard, the surf is always up, and the vibe is as laid-back as it gets—that’s Tamarindo. This iconic beach town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is one of the best places to live for surfers, digital nomads, and sun-seekers.
Tamarindo is famous for its consistent waves, golden beaches, and buzzing social scene. It’s packed with international restaurants, boutique shops, and a lively nightlife, making it one of the most developed beach towns in Costa Rica. Despite its popularity, there’s still plenty of room to find a quiet spot to watch the sunset or enjoy fresh ceviche by the shore.
With plenty of expat-friendly amenities, international schools, and a mix of high-end and budget housing, Tamarindo is an ideal spot for those looking to blend tropical relaxation with modern conveniences.
12. Uvita
Wrapping up this list is Uvita, a hidden coastal gem where lush rainforests meet untouched beaches. Located on the Southern Pacific Coast, this laid-back town is famous for Marino Ballena National Park and the iconic Whale’s Tail sandbar, making it a paradise for nature lovers and beach dwellers alike.
Uvita embraces sustainable, off-the-grid living. Instead of big resorts, you’ll find eco-lodges, organic markets, and a tight-knit community that values nature over nightlife. Here, days are spent spotting humpback whales, hiking to waterfalls, or practicing yoga with an ocean view.
While Uvita is more remote than other beach towns, it offers modern amenities and a peaceful atmosphere. If you’re looking for a place where life moves slowly, nature is your playground, and sustainability is a way of life, this tranquil escape might be exactly what you need.
- Read Next: 9 Top Destinations to Fly into Costa Rica
