San José, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#920
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, known for its vibrant culture and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million people live in the Greater San José area. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25-50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Costa Rican Colón (CRC). 1 USD ≈ 600 CRC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable but bottled water is recommended in some areas. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like BAC Credomatic, Banco Nacional, and Scotiabank accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Affordable options include Airbnb, local apartments, and co-living spaces. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, though cash is preferred in some markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular choices for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Pangea and La Casa de las Flores are good budget-friendly options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Escalante and Amon are popular neighborhoods for tourists, offering vibrant nightlife and dining options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Santa Teresa and San Pedro are popular areas for long-term stays among digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub in San José offers top-notch facilities and a community for networking. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café del Barista is known for its excellent coffee and work-friendly atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech events and meetups are frequently held at venues like Café Ruta Santa. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out the Expats in Costa Rica Facebook group for community events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in San José, offering reliable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike provides bike rental services across major districts. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jaco Beach is approximately 1.5 hours away from San José. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines is the main regional carrier within Costa Rica. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta Airlines provide multiple flights to and from San José. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route 27 connects San José to the Pacific coast and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | San José's main bus terminal is Terminal 7-10 with routes across the country. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport cards can be purchased for bus services across the city. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available to nearby cities like Alajuela and Heredia, with cheap rates. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Mexico is one of the leading hospitals in San José. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House San José offers a variety of classes for different skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 24/7 Gym provides various fitness programs and memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Clean Laundry offers quick and reliable laundry services in central San José. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Domicilios.com are popular choices for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto, a rice and beans dish, is a must-try local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like Café de los Deseos and Café Brasil offer great plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | L’atelier de Michel serves some of the finest pastries and desserts in the city. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central offers a variety of local food products and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online marketplaces include MercadoLibre and Linio. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Automercado offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Barrio Escalante area is known for its vibrant nightlife and numerous bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Costa Rica's Craft Brewing Co. is a popular local beer producer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Concha de la Lora is a trendy wine bar worth visiting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The street food scene around Plaza de la Cultura offers a variety of local eats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante Silvestre serves a fusion of international flavors with local ingredients. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum are highlights. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte Costarricense houses an extensive collection of Costa Rican art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The National Museum of Costa Rica is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de La Soledad is a beautiful historic church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiesta de la Dulces Tradiciones is celebrated every December. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Barrio Amon is known for its artsy vibe and historical architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Melico Salazar hosts various performances and concerts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Artesanal offers handcrafted goods and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Jazz Café features live music and attracts a vibrant crowd. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The streets in the downtown area are filled with vibrant murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at Casa de la Cultura offer a taste of local culinary techniques. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Costarricense showcases local artists and their work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The National Theater and the Post Office Building are architectural gems. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Guanacaste Flag represents Costa Rican culture and history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | La Sabana Metropolitan Park offers green space and recreational activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Poás Volcano National Park is approximately 1.5 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths around La Sabana park provide great walking and biking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints in Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo offer breathtaking landscapes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The La Paz Waterfall Gardens are great for spotting diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks like La Sabana allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable shipping services in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Store La Costa Rica in Escazú offers electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports facilities at Parque La Sabana have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural offers Spanish classes for expats and travelers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional de Costa Rica is a great spot for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano hosts cultural events and language classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | E-sports venues like PlayZone are available for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Fiesta offers a range of gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident taxes are based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Max personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Costa Rica has CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is approximately 0.25% of the property's value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is 1.5% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads may benefit from 0% tax on foreign income if not tax-resident. |