What is the downside to living in Costa Rica?

The main downsides are imported goods costs, infrastructure gaps, and the rainy season. Imported foods, electronics, and cars carry 50 to 100 percent markups because of import duties, which makes a familiar Western lifestyle significantly more expensive than the headline cost figure suggests. Roads outside the central valley range from poor to genuinely difficult, particularly in rural and coastal areas. Internet and electricity reliability varies by location. Rainy season runs May through November and is intense, with regular flooding and landslides in some regions. Healthcare through the Caja system is excellent but can have long wait times for non-urgent care. Petty crime exists in tourist areas. Bureaucracy is slow, and getting things done often takes longer than expected. For the full picture, see our Costa Rica page.