Published on Tuesday, December 2, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica is the second-best country in the Americas for retirees, according to the 2026 Global Retirement Index.

The report, published by International Living and produced by research firm Mercer, analyzed more than 40 countries to determine which offer the most favorable retirement conditions, including cost of living, access to health care, climate and ease of integrating into local communities.

In the Americas, Costa Rica ranked second behind Panama, which took the top spot. Mexico placed third, according to the index.

The report estimates that monthly living expenses in Costa Rica range from about $1,500 for a single person to roughly $4,000 for a couple seeking a comfortable lifestyle.

Housing prices vary widely by region, the index found. Two-bedroom condos can list for around $280,000, while a newly built three-bedroom home near the beach may cost about $348,000. Property taxes are low, at about 0.25% of the purchase price or assessed value.

Costa Rica’s public and private health care systems are described as highly affordable. The report notes that wait times for non-emergency appointments in the public Social Security System can be long, but private clinics offer faster scheduling and lower costs compared with those in the United States.

The country also offers travel advantages for North American visitors. U.S. and Canadian citizens can stay for up to 180 days without a visa, as long as they show proof of onward travel.

Residency is considered accessible but time-consuming, typically taking six to 18 months. The index outlines those options:

• Pensionado applicants must show at least $1,000 per month in pension income.

• Rentista applicants must deposit $60,000 and transfer $2,500 per month for two years.

• Inversionista applicants must invest $150,000 in real estate or other approved categories.

Access to the country is also convenient, with frequent international flights into Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela.

Costa Rica’s tropical climate is highlighted as another advantage, with distinct regional variations. Guanacaste is “the driest region, with no rain for about five months,” the report says. The Nicoya Peninsula and the Central and Southern Pacific coasts are lush, where “jungle meets the sea.” The Caribbean coast sees "its best weather in September and October, when much of the rest of the country experiences peak rainfall." Many areas offer a consistent, spring-like climate for most of the year.

“The most important part of choosing where to retire is finding a place that truly feels like home,” the report says.

Globally, the index ranked Greece as the top retirement destination for 2026. Other countries in the top 10 include Portugal, Italy, France, Spain, Thailand and Malaysia.

----------------
What steps should Costa Rica take to strengthen its advantages and offer better conditions for foreign retirees?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com