3 Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica
A land of lush, verdant jungles, picturesque beaches, and rugged mountains, Costa Rica is a paradise for any adventurous traveler who loves getting to know a new country through its natural beauty spots.
With the introduction of a robust remote workers visa in 2020, Costa Rica has grown quickly to become one of the most popular digital nomad destinations in Latin America.
If you’re considering Costa Rica for your next digital nomad adventure, here’s an introduction to what you can expect from the country and three of the best cities for digital nomads in Costa Rica.
Why be a Digital Nomad in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s famous natural beauty is just one of the things that has made this Central American country a magnet for digital nomads.
Here’s some of the main benefits you can expect as a digital nomad in Costa Rica:
Tax Benefits
One of the biggest stand-out benefits of being a digital nomad in Costa Rica is the country’s unique tax benefits.
Thanks to Costa Rica’s territorial taxation system, digital nomads will pay no tax whatsoever on their income, provided that it comes from foreign business activities and isn’t made through a business registered in Costa Rica.
Aside from not having to account for income tax, digital nomads are also exempt from import taxes on any equipment they need to carry out their work, such as laptops and accessories.
Reliable Internet
Internet connections can be spotty at best in some areas of Central America, but in Costa Rica this won’t be an issue.
Costa Rica has a well-developed internet infrastructure across its major population centers, and nomads anywhere in the country can generally expect average download speeds of 43.32 Mbps.
Even if you’re outside the larger cities and decide to stay in one of Costa Rica’s many laid-back beach towns, you’ll have no problem finding the fast and reliable connection you need to stay on top of your work.
The influx of digital nomads in Costa Rica has stimulated the country’s travel-adjacent industries. This means that no matter which city you go to, you’ll never be too far away from comfortable, well-equipped accommodation and co-working spaces.
Getting Off the Beaten Path
Costa Rica is one of the few places left in the world where travelers can reliably find large stretches of unspoiled natural beauty just waiting to be explored.
Boasting coastlines on both the Pacific ocean and the Caribbean sea, there’s an abundance of stunning beaches for nomads to explore and unwind at after a long day of work.
A little further inland, you’ll find quaint villages, sparkling lakes, and awe-inspiring volcanoes for some of the best photo ops anywhere in the world.
This abundance of natural beauty spots, combined with pleasant weather all year round, makes Costa Rica ideal for getting off the beaten path and escaping the furore of big cities.
Top 3 Cities for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a number of cities and towns offering a fantastic experience for digital nomads, each with its own distinct features you may be more attracted to depending on your interests and needs.
Here’s three of the best cities for digital nomads in Costa Rica to consider for your trip.
Santa Teresa
Set in the peaceful solitude of the Nicoya Peninsula, the quiet beach town of Santa Teresa is one of the most popular places for digital nomads in Costa Rica.
The great wave conditions makes it a fantastic spot for both novice and experienced surfers, while the town’s popularity among international travelers makes it easy to join an active digital nomad community and make meaningful connections with people from al walks of life.
Santa Teresa’s popularity among digital nomads makes it easy to find accommodation to suit your needs. There’s an abundance of comfortable hotels and Airbnbs for you to set up shop, with reliable internet and practical workspaces readily available for travelers.
San Jose
If you’re attracted to Costa Rica’s natural beauty but you like to experience the action of a big city too, San Jose should certainly make your list of possible destinations.
One of the nation’s older settlements, San Jose is a great place to soak in Costa Rica’s interesting history, with an abundance of museums and historical buildings where you can sate a thirst for knowledge.
As Costa Rica’s capital city, San Jose makes it easy to tap into a thoroughly developed internet infrastructure and find essential amenities, while the thriving nightlife and large population is ideal for solo travelers who want to make new connections.
With a mix of both high-end eateries and authentic street food, San Jose is also a great destination for digital nomads in Costa Rica who love to sample the local cuisine wherever they are.
Puerto Viejo
Another beach town on the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Viejo is a bohemian enclave that exudes a laid-back beach vibe, perfect for digital nomads who want to join a community of their fellow travelers.
Though Puerto Viejo isn’t a big city by any stretch, it’s well-serviced by all the amenities you could need in your home-away-from-home, including banks, laundries, pharmacies, and co-working spaces.
Aside from the chilled-out beach life and the great sense of community, Puerto Viejo is also a great place for digital nomads in Costa Rica who are interested in animals. The area just inland of Puerto Viejo is a haven for the country’s diverse wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, toucans, and a variety of colorful birds.
Exploring Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s stunning nature, modern infrastructure, and nation-spanning community of expats makes it one of the best places in the western hemisphere for digital nomads seeking a new adventure.
If you’re setting a course for Costa Rica, we hope this guide has given you a better idea of what to expect from the country, and helped you find a destination that ticks your boxes.
If you’re looking for insurance for your Costa Rican adventure, be sure to check out some of our global insurance plans for digital nomads.