🇨🇷 Central America
Cities & towns in Costa Rica
Where you land inside Costa Rica matters more than the country itself. Browse the most popular cities for American expats, or take a 60-second quiz to surface the top 5 that fit your lifestyle.
Find your city in Costa Rica
Answer 8 quick questions about pace, beaches, transit, and budget — we'll rank the top 5 cities.
San José
Pop. ~340,000
Inland capital — best healthcare and transit access, with a small expat community.
Walkability
6/10
Beach access
2/10
Expat community
6/10
Housing cost
5/10
Tamarindo
Pop. ~7,000
Pacific surf town with a heavy US/Canadian expat presence and beach lifestyle.
Walkability
7/10
Beach access
10/10
Expat community
9/10
Housing cost
6/10
Atenas
Pop. ~7,500
Small hill town famous for its climate — popular with US retirees.
Walkability
4/10
Beach access
4/10
Expat community
8/10
Housing cost
4/10
Nosara
Pop. ~5,000
Yoga and surf community on the Nicoya Peninsula — wellness-focused expat enclave.
Walkability
4/10
Beach access
10/10
Expat community
9/10
Housing cost
7/10
Escazú
Pop. ~70,000
Upscale suburb of San José with malls, international schools, and a large North American expat presence.
Walkability
5/10
Beach access
2/10
Expat community
9/10
Housing cost
7/10