The Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica

Not surprisingly, Costa Rica is an increasingly popular destination for those who travel while working remotely. In addition to bustling cities and quiet villages on the shores of the Caribbean or the Pacific, Costa Rica boasts excellent infrastructure and all kinds of services adapted to this lifestyle. In case you are thinking of taking your digital nomad adventure to Costa Rica, this article is for you. Here, we reveal the best cities in Costa Rica to live in.

We will take a look not only at the cities best suited to host remote workers, but also at the best towns in the country to enjoy the “pura vida” outlook on life. We’ll leave you in no doubt as to why you should consider setting up your base in this enchanting country. Will you join us?

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Top 5 best cities to live as a digital nomad in Costa Rica

If you take a look at the most popular online communities of digital nomads, you’ll see that Costa Rica is at the top of all the best places to live. It has established itself as one of business travellers’ favourite destinations to visit thanks to its infrastructure and services, but also thanks to the diversity of its regions, towns and villages. Although there are many corners of the country ready to meet the needs of people working remotely, we have managed to come up with a list of the five best cities in Costa Rica to live as a digital nomad.

5. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is known for its bohemian atmosphere and interesting cultural mix. This small coastal town attracts those looking for a relaxed and multicultural lifestyle, in an environment where nature and the sea play the lead roles.

Puerto Viejo is perfect if you are looking for an authentic connection to the local community and nature, without the hustle and bustle of a big city. Although the internet may not be as fast as in other places, most accommodation and co-livings offer connections sufficient for remote work. It is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy surfing, ecotourism and a more leisurely life in contact with nature.

What makes Puerto Viejo de Talamanca special:

• Multicultural atmosphere and international community: the mix of cultures and nationalities creates a very open and welcoming environment. It is easy to make connections and meet people with similar interests here, such as surfing, yoga and contact with nature.
• Affordable living costs: although a popular destination, Puerto Viejo offers affordable rents. A small flat near the beach can cost between $500 and $800 per month. There are also co-livings such as The Lazy Loft and Casa Moabi, which provide accommodation with shared services at reasonable prices.
• Coworkings in a natural environment: spaces such as Puerto&Co and Work It Puerto Viejo are designed for remote working, with adequate internet, common areas and a quiet and inspiring atmosphere.
• Ecotourism and wellness activities: Puerto Viejo is a nature lover’s paradise, with surfing at Playa Cocles, snorkelling at Manzanillo and hiking at the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. For those looking to relax, Om Yoga Studio and Cashew Hill Jungle Lodge offer daily yoga classes in the middle of the jungle.
• Slower pace of life and connection with the environment: in Puerto Viejo, the pace of life is slower, ideal for those who wish to disconnect and enjoy a simple and authentic lifestyle.

4. Saint Theresa

Santa Teresa is the ideal place if you are looking for a mix of surf, nature and tranquillity. Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, this small coastal town has attracted an international community of digital nomads, surfers and yogis seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. Here, life revolves around white sandy beaches and a bohemian atmosphere, where everything seems to flow at a leisurely pace and connected to the natural environment. Santa Teresa has no large buildings or shopping centres, but it does have a series of spaces designed to work remotely while enjoying a unique natural environment.

This is a perfect destination for those who want to reduce stress and connect with a like-minded community in a natural environment. Although the internet infrastructure is not quite as stable as in the capital, the city has several coworking and co-living options well suited to the needs of digital nomads.

Why Santa Teresa is one of the best cities to live in Costa Rica:

• Natural and healthy lifestyle: Santa Teresa is known for its surfing beaches and its yoga schools, such as Horizon Yoga Centre and Pranamar Villas, which offer classes in the middle of nature. If you want to start your day with a surf or a yoga class before work, this place is ideal.
• Adapted coworking and co-living spaces: options such as Selina and Outsite Santa Teresa have fast internet and comfortable workspaces. There are also co-living alternatives such as Beach Break Co-living, where you can stay and share with other nomads in a relaxed environment close to the sea.
• Accommodation near the beach: although prices can be higher than in other areas, you can find basic studios and flats for between US$800 and US$1,200 per month.
• Adventure activities and disconnection: in addition to surfing, in Santa Teresa you can take trips to nearby waterfalls, go hiking or relax on secluded beaches after a week of work.
• Community: the expatriate community is active and open. In such a location it is easy to make connections and meet other professionals while sharing activities or working in a coworking space.

3. Liberia

Known as “The White City” for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, Liberia is one of the best cities in Costa Rica to live in. Especially if you are looking for a quiet base but well connected to other destinations. Located in the Guanacaste region, it is ideal for those who wish to work in a relaxed environment with easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Its proximity to Daniel Oduber International Airport makes Liberia a convenient option for those seeking mobility both within and outside Costa Rica.

Although the pace of life in Liberia is slower than in San José, its infrastructure is suited to remote work, with coworking options and reliable internet connections. The quality of life is another of its strong points, with rents being more affordable than beachside areas and an environment that makes it easier for newcomers to adjust. In addition, its proximity to national parks and the Guanacaste coastline gives digital nomads the opportunity to enjoy nature at weekends.

What makes Liberia special:

• Affordable living costs and accommodation: in Liberia, rents for a room in the centre of town are around US$600-800 per month. Co-livings like Dreamsea Costa Rica offer shared accommodation with fast internet and common areas for those who prefer to share space and socialise.
• Coworking with good facilities: spaces such as Selina CoWork Liberia and WorkWell provide stable connections, networking areas and meeting rooms. These coworking spaces facilitate productivity in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Safe and friendly environment: Liberia is peaceful and has a welcoming community that facilitates integration for expatriates. Here, you can enjoy a slower pace of life without sacrificing comfort.
• Natural getaways just minutes away: it’s only an hour from some of Costa Rica’s best beaches, such as Playa Hermosa and Playa Panama. In addition, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is ideal for hiking, hot springs and wildlife watching.
• Good connectivity for exploring the country: with Daniel Oduber International Airport just a few kilometres away, Liberia is a great choice for those who plan to travel frequently.

2. Tamarindo

Can you imagine working with a sea view, with the sound of the waves in the background and an international community of professionals around you? Tamarindo, located in the province of Guanacaste, is one of the most popular cities for digital nomads seeking a lifestyle in contact with nature and the beach. This small coastal town combines the beauty of the Pacific beaches with the infrastructure for hassle-free remote working. Over the years, it has become a meeting point for locals, expatriates and travellers. A multicultural environment has taken shape which is very attractive for those who wish to integrate into an active community.

Although the cost of living is higher compared to other parts of Costa Rica, many digital nomads value the quality of life in the city.

What makes Tamarindo one of the best destinations in Costa Rica to live:

• Coworking spaces and internet connection: you will find many options, such as Selina Tamarindo and Costa Rica Makers Lab, both equipped with high-speed internet and both individual and communal work areas.
• Accommodation near the sea: rents in Tamarindo are usually between US$1,000 and US$1,500 per month for a beachside flat. If you prefer to share space and reduce costs, Tamarindo Co-living offers accommodation with basic services and common areas for socialising.
• Accessible environment and services for expatriates: it has supermarkets, shops, pharmacies and everything you need to live comfortably. It also has a wide variety of cafés and restaurants where you can work while enjoying the surroundings.
• Active and healthy lifestyle: surfing is the most popular activity, with waves for all levels and specialised schools. You can also enjoy boat trips, sport fishing and excursions to Las Baulas National Marine Park, where you can observe leatherback turtles in their natural habitat.
• Social and nightlife: The expat and traveller community makes Tamarindo’s nightlife lively, with bars and restaurants offering live music and a relaxed atmosphere to connect with other nomads.

1. San José

Coming in at the top is San José, the capital. It has positioned itself as one of the best destinations for digital nomads in Central America thanks to its ever-improving infrastructure and urban environment. In addition to being the cultural and economic centre of the country, it has a wide range of coworking spaces and co-livings that make integration with the expatriate and Costa Rican community much easier.

Living in San José allows digital nomads to enjoy a good internet connection, a wide range of leisure activities and easy access to nature. From the centre, beaches, mountains and national parks can be reached within a few hours, making San José a perfect base for exploring the rest of the country.

What makes San José special:

• Well-located and accessible coworking facilities: there are options such as WeWork and Selina San José, both located in central areas. These coworking spaces offer everything from private offices to common areas and meeting rooms, ideal for working in a professional environment.
• Fast and stable internet connection: with connections of up to 100 Mbps, San José is perfect for those who depend on high-speed internet. Most coworking spaces and accommodation have reliable connections, ensuring a trouble-free working experience.
• Accommodation is varied and affordable: rents for one-bedroom flats in the centre are around US$800 to US$1,200 per month. Co-livings such as Outsite and Casa 69, on the other hand, are more affordable.
• Culture and urban life: San José is the cultural heart of Costa Rica. From the National Theatre to the restaurants of Barrio Escalante, the city has many options to enjoy after work.
• Nature escapes: less than two hours from the city you can enjoy trips to places such as the Poás Volcano or the Braulio Carrillo National Park. This proximity allows you to take advantage of the weekends to disconnect in nature.

Best towns to live as a digital nomad in Costa Rica

In addition to cities that are ideal for living and working remotely, Costa Rica also has towns with all kinds of services. These destinations are ideal for those seeking a more leisurely and affordable pace of life, allowing them to enjoy a more intimate and local community. These are the best towns to live as a digital nomad in Costa Rica.

• Nosara: Located on the Pacific coast, Nosara is known for its yoga retreats and tranquil atmosphere. With a growing international community, it offers an ideal environment to balance work and personal well-being. Spaces such as The Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort and Selina Nosara provide well-equipped accommodation and coworking facilities for digital nomads.
• Montezuma: On the Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma is known for its bohemian atmosphere and secluded beaches. It is a perfect place for those who are looking for an inspiring and calm environment to concentrate on their projects. Co-livings such as Montezuma Co-living and El Pargo Feliz offer affordable accommodation options, while the Anamaya Yoga Retreat coworking space offers inspiring spaces and wellness activities.
• Ojochal: Located on the southern Pacific coast, Ojochal is noted for its expatriate community and gastronomic offerings. Perfect for digital nomads who value tranquillity and want to enjoy good food in a natural environment. Co-livings such as La Palapa Eco Lodge Resort and Casa del Sol offer cosy accommodation with stable internet connection.
• La Fortuna: close to the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is a tourist destination with a welcoming atmosphere and outdoor activities. Although it is an area that focuses greatly on tourism, it offers accommodation and coworking facilities such as Arenal Co-living and Coworking Arenal, perfect for working whilst surrounded by nature. Hiking and thermal baths are popular plans in this area to relax after a week’s work.

Why live as a digital nomad in Costa Rica?

Can you imagine working from a tropical beach, surrounded by nature and with a stable connection? Costa Rica makes this combination possible. In its towns and cities you will not only find all kinds of services aimed at digital nomads, but also a very active community of expats and remote workers.

• Digital Nomad Visa: Costa Rica has a visa designed for digital nomads. It will allow you to reside in Costa Rica for one year, with the option of renewing it if you decide to stay longer. Don’t miss our guide to the digital nomad visa in Costa Rica.
• Quality of life and safety: it is one of the safest countries in the region. As for its health care system, it is well rated among expatriates. In addition, there are special private health insurances for foreigners that cover all needs.
• Connectivity and internet access: internet connection is stable in major cities and tourist areas, you will have a smooth connection for working remotely. And with a Holafly eSIM, you’ll be connected from anywhere in the country without worrying about connection outages.
• Coworking and co-living spaces: there are numerous coworking and co-living spaces ideal for connecting with other digital nomads. In areas such as San José and the coasts of Guanacaste, you will find many of these services.
• Diversity of activities and tourism: Costa Rica is not just a place to work, it is an exciting destination. At the end of your day, you can go surfing, explore nature parks, hike through jungles or visit volcanoes.

Frequently asked questions when choosing the best city to live as a digital nomad in Costa Rica

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