Digital nomads Costa Rica โ Costa Rica has become a popular destination for digital nomads in recent years, thanks to its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and affordable cost of living.
But what is it like to work and live as a digital nomad in Costa Rica? In this article, weโll take a closer look at some critical aspects of digital nomad life in Costa Rica, including the internet facilities, weather, and where to find the best places to stay and work.
Costa Rica for Digital Nomads at a Glanceย
The first thing to note about Costa Rica is that it is a top-rated tourist destination, so youโll always have something to do or see. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and diverse wildlife. Costa Ricans are generally friendly and welcoming, making it easy to make new friends and build a social network.
On the downside, Costa Rica can be crowded during peak tourism season, making it difficult to find a quiet workplace. Additionally, the country is only sometimes as developed as some other popular digital nomad destinations, so you may have to deal with a few more inconveniences than you would in other countries.
Cost of Living in Costa Rica
One of the biggest draws of Costa Rica for digital nomads is its relatively low cost of living. You can get by on a budget of around $1,500 to $2,000 per month if youโre careful with your expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
Of course, this budget will vary depending on your lifestyle and location. If youโre planning to live in one of the more expensive parts of the country, such as Tamarindo or Jaco, youโll likely need to budget more. Similarly, if youโre planning to travel frequently, youโll need to factor in additional expenses for flights and accommodation.
Internet Facilities in Costa Rica
Internet connectivity is generally good in Costa Rica, with high-speed internet available in most parts of the country. However, itโs not always reliable, so itโs a good idea to have a backup plan in case of outages.
Many cafes, coworking spaces, and libraries also offer free Wi-Fi, so youโll always be close to a connection. However, the internet speed may sometimes be slower for heavy usage or video conferencing.
The Weather in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November). The dry season is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is generally sunny and dry. During the rainy season, you can expect more frequent rain and humidity.
Finding a Place to Stay
As a digital nomad, one of the most significant considerations is finding a place to stay. Costa Rica has a wide variety of accommodation options, including hostels, guesthouses, and apartments, and you can find something to suit your budget and preferences.
Airbnb is also popular in Costa Rica and can be a great way to find a comfortable and affordable place to stay. There are also plenty of digital nomad communities that you can join to find like-minded people to share accommodation with.
Finding a Place to Workย
There are plenty of places to work in Costa Rica, including coworking spaces, coffee shops, and libraries. Several coworking spaces cater to digital nomads in San Jose, the capital city. Many of these spaces offer flexible membership options, such as daily or weekly passes, as well as access to meeting rooms, printing facilities, and fast internet.
Selina CoWork San Josรฉ:
Selina CoWork San Josรฉ is a coworking space located in the heart of Costa Ricaโs capital city. The space features a variety of work areas, including private offices, dedicated desks, and open seating. The room also offers a variety of amenities, such as high-speed internet, printing and scanning facilities, and a shared kitchen. Selina CoWork San Josรฉ is a great option for digital nomads looking for a comfortable and productive place to work in the city.
Gracias Coffee & Cowork:
Located in Escazu, a suburb of San Jose, Gracias Coffee & Cowork is an excellent option for digital nomads looking for a cozy and friendly work environment. The space features a variety of seating options, including tables, desks, and comfortable armchairs. The space also offers high-speed internet, printing facilities, and a small cafรฉ serving delicious coffee and other drinks. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Gracias Coffee & Cowork makes it a great option for those looking to meet other like-minded professionals.
Puerto & Co. Coworking Space & Vegan Cafรฉ:
Puerto & Co. is a coworking and vegan cafรฉ in San Jose. This spot offers not only a comfortable and productive work environment but also a delicious vegan menu for their coworker and customer, which is one of the most popular spots in San Jose for health-conscious people.
The space offers a variety of work areas, including dedicated desks and open seating, as well as high-speed internet and printing facilities. The space also boasts a terrace area where you can take a break and enjoy a refreshing drink or a bite to eat.
Sand & Surf Co-working
Sand & Surf Co-working is a unique and vibrant co-working space located in the beautiful coastal town of Tamarindo, Costa Rica. The space is designed specifically for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and freelancers who are looking for a place to work and collaborate while enjoying the laid-back lifestyle of Costa Rica.
The co-working space features a variety of workspaces, including private offices, shared desks, and comfortable common areas. The space is equipped with all the amenities needed to be productive, such as high-speed internet, printing facilities, and a fully-stocked kitchen.
But what sets Sand & Surf Co-working apart from other co-working spaces is its location. Situated just steps from the beach, the space allows you to easily take a break from work and enjoy the warm tropical sun and the sound of the waves. Whether you want to take a walk on the beach, go for a surf, or simply relax with a cold drink, the beach is just a stoneโs throw away.
The community at Sand & Surf Co-working is also incredibly welcoming and supportive. The space regularly hosts networking events and workshops, giving you the opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals and learn new skills. Itโs the perfect place to grow both personally and professionally.
Address: Aqua Discotheque building, office 4, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica
LoCoworking:
LoCoworking is a coworking space in Samara, Costa Rica. It is one of the oldest spaces in San Jose and has been well-recognized by digital nomads and freelancers. The space is designed to be a comfortable, productive, and stimulating environment, with various work areas, including private offices, dedicated desks, and open seating. The space offers high-speed internet, printing and scanning facilities, and a shared kitchen. LoCoworking also organizes different events and activities that aim to facilitate exchanging ideas and networking among members.
Address: Patio Colonial, 2do Piso, Calle Principal, Guanacaste Province, Sรกmara, 50205, Costa Rica
Impact Hub San Josรฉ:ย
Impact Hub San Josรฉ is a coworking space located in the heart of the city, with a mission to support entrepreneurs and startups that aim to create positive social and environmental impact. The room offers a variety of work areas, including private offices, dedicated desks, and open seating, as well as high-speed internet and printing facilities. Impact Hub San Josรฉ also hosts various events, workshops, and networking opportunities to help members connect with like-minded individuals and organizations. The space also has a community-oriented atmosphere that fosters collaboration, creativity, and innovation among its members. Impact Hub San Josรฉ is a great option for digital nomads looking for a coworking space with a strong community and focus on social and environmental impact.
Address: Av. 12, Los Anonos, San Josรฉ, 10101, Costa Rica
Libraries are also a great option if youโre looking for a quiet and peaceful environment to work in. Public libraries such as โBiblioteca Nacionalโ and โBiblioteca Popular Francisco Morazรกnโ in San Jose are open to the public and offer free internet access.
Costa Rica Facebook Groups
Joining a Facebook group is a great way to connect with other digital nomads in Costa Rica. Several groups are dedicated to helping digital nomads find accommodation, work, and social activities, such as โDigital Nomads Costa Ricaโ, and โDigital Nomads Costa Rica Safe Accommodationsโ.
Digital nomads Costa Rica โ Places you have to visit and relax in:
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca:
Located on the Caribbean coast, this charming town is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and laid-back atmosphere. The main attraction here is the beautiful beaches, such as Playa Negra and Playa Chiquita, which are great for swimming and sunbathing. The town also has a variety of restaurants and bars serving delicious Caribbean-style food, such as coconut rice and beans, plantains, and seafood. In addition, there are several coworking spaces and cafes.
Samara:
This small town on the Pacific coast is a great place to relax and unwind. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque streets, Samara is perfect for digital nomads who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The town offers various activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and kayaking. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, jungle hikes, and wildlife watching in the nearby national park. For digital nomads, there are several coffee shops, bars, and restaurants to work.
Santa Teresa:
This town is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, and itโs known for its world-class surf, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. The city has a mix of bohemian and hipster vibes that attracts many surfers, yogis, and backpackers. Visitors can surf, sunbathe, relax on the beach, try a yoga class, or explore many restaurants, cafes, and bars. For digital nomads, there are several coworking spaces, cafes, and libraries.
Manuel Antonio
Another place you can add to the list of Costa Rica is Manuel Antonio โ A top tourist spot in the country, which is home to the Manuel Antonio National Park, a beautiful protected area with a variety of hiking trails, beaches, and wildlife. The town of Manuel Antonio is also home to several hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as several coworking spaces and cafes where digital nomads can work and network with others.
La Fortuna (Arenal)
La Fortuna Known for its proximity to Arenal volcano and many hot springs, this town is a great place for digital nomads who want to explore the great outdoors while also getting some work done. Itโs home to various coworking spaces and plenty of cafes with free Wi-Fi for those needing to work remotely.
Overall, Costa Rica is a great place to be a digital nomad, with its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and affordable cost of living. At the same time, it may not be as developed as some other popular digital nomad destinations, but the country more than makes up for it with its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. You can have a fantastic time as a digital nomad in Costa Rica with proper planning and preparation.
Costa Rica offers many options for digital nomads, each place with its unique features, culture, and attractions. It all depends on what youโre looking for, whether itโs a laid-back beach town, an adventure destination, or a bustling city with plenty of amenities.
ย Enjoy your stay!
- Improve your digital nomad skills
- Become a Digital Nomad
- To be my friend
