The Your Pura Vida Blog
Honest, on-the-ground guides to moving to and living in Costa Rica — from visas and cost of living to culture, towns, and the realities no one tells you.
VideoPreparing for the Rainy Season in Costa Rica
How to prepare for the rainy season in Costa Rica. Power backups, drainage, mold, driving, dengue, and the mindset shift that makes the wet season simple.
VideoIs Costa Rica One of the Happiest Countries in the World? The 2026 Rankings, Explained
Costa Rica ranked #4 in the 2026 World Happiness Report. Is it really one of the happiest places on earth, and will moving here make you happy? We break down the myth vs reality.
VideoShopping in Costa Rica: A Guide to Groceries, Hardware, Home Goods, and More
Shopping in Costa Rica is one of the biggest lifestyle adjustments people face when they move here. It is also one of the most misunderstood. If you are coming from the United States, Canada, or…
VideoCosta Rica Blue Zones: Myth vs Reality and How to Actually Live Longer
If you have spent any time researching a move to Costa Rica, you have probably come across the concept of blue zones. The Nicoya Peninsula, one of only five designated blue zones in the world, is…
VideoTransportation in Costa Rica: Your Most Common Questions Answered
Everything you need to know about getting around Costa Rica as a newcomer: from buying a car locally to navigating insurance, registration and Marchamo, and public transit. 📆 Book a free…
VideoWhen to Start Scouting Costa Rica: Why the Right Time Is Earlier Than You Think
When is the right time to start scouting Costa Rica for your move? Hint: it is earlier than you think. Patrick and Aaron break down how to use the months (or years) before moving to Costa Rica to…
VideoDrug Crime in Costa Rica: Cartels, Safety, and What You Actually Need to Know Before Moving Here
Is Costa Rica safe? With everything happening in Mexico, we are getting flooded with questions about drug crime, cartels, and whether Costa Rica is becoming dangerous. In this video, we give you…
VideoCosta Rica Q&A: Currency Exchange, Airbnb Taxes, Walkability, Remote Jobs & How to Fit In
Aaron and Patrick answer real questions from people considering Costa Rica — covering currency exchange for retirees, Airbnb taxes, walkability, remote work, gentrification, and how to fit in.
VideoGlobal Uncertainty Got You Thinking About Moving to Costa Rica?
Thinking about moving to Costa Rica because of global uncertainty? Before you act on fear, read this honest guide about what it really takes to relocate successfully.
VideoUnlocking the WHY: Your Key to Moving to Costa Rica
➡️ Want to talk through your WHY? Book a free call with Aaron and Patrick: https://www.yourpuravida.com/schedule/team/intro Let’s delve into the critical importance of understanding your *WHY*…
VideoAnswering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: December 2025 Edition
In this Q&A session, we address various questions about living in Costa Rica, covering topics such as the Rentista visa, cash needs for scouting trips, driving culture, employment realities, and…
VideoWhen Real Life Crashes Into Your Costa Rica Dream (Patrick’s Personal Update)
Life abroad is beautiful, life-changing… and also incredibly real. In this video shot a couple of months ago, Patrick shares a deeply personal update: what it actually looks like to navigate…
VideoRelocating to Costa Rica FAQs: Can I open a bank account? And more!
In this episode, we discuss essential banking information for expats living in Costa Rica. And we cover topics such as opening bank accounts as non-residents, international money transfers,…
VideoNavigating Healthcare in Costa Rica: What You Need to Know
Everything you need to know about healthcare in Costa Rica — from the public CAJA system to private insurance, costs, and coverage options for every stage of your move.
VideoCan You Really Work in Costa Rica? The Truth About Foreigners and Jobs
Thinking about finding a job in Costa Rica? 🇨🇷 Before you pack your bags, watch this episode of What You Need to Know to Live in Costa Rica with Aaron Bailey and Patrick Jager. They break down…
VideoLive October 23: Ask questions about moving to Costa Rica, real estate, immigration & schools
Thinking about moving to Costa Rica? Curious about real estate, residency, schools, or daily life here? Join Patrick and Aaron along with a team of trusted experts for a live Q&A session on…
VideoRelocating to Costa Rica FAQs: Renting Houses and Apartments
Let’s answer your frequently asked questions about renting a house or apartment for those relocating to Costa Rica. We cover essential topics such as whether to rent or buy, understanding rental…
Costa Rica Residency After Rentista: Pensionado, Investor, and Other Options
At Your Pura Vida, we’ve worked with many clients who move to Costa Rica and focused on getting their immigration through the Rentista visa. For many years, it was a strong option, especially for…
VideoTop 10 Reasons People Leave Costa Rica: Unmet Expectations, Cost of Living, Language & More
Why do 30-50% of expats leave Costa Rica within the first two years? Discover the top 10 reasons internationals leave and how to avoid the same mistakes before you relocate.
VideoMoving to Costa Rica vs. Florida: Let’s compare two popular destinations for retirees
Patrick and Aaron compare the lifestyles, costs, and cultural differences between moving to Costa Rica and moving to Florida. They discuss various aspects such as climate, cost of living,…
VideoLGBTQ+ Life in Costa Rica: Is it safe? Tolerant? Can you find community?
Discover what LGBTQ life in Costa Rica is really like — from marriage equality and daily acceptance to finding community, dating, and the best places to live.
Speak in Spanish: You’re Not Just Visiting, You’re Becoming Part of Something
You’re not just passing through Costa Rica, you’re building a life here. That mindset shift matters. Whether you’re here on a scouting trip, planning a sabbatical, or beginning your relocation…
VideoExpat vs. Immigrant in Costa Rica: Understanding Your Role as a Good Neighbor
In this conversation, Patrick Jager and Aaron Bailey discuss what it means to be a good immigrant in Costa Rica. They explore the differences between being an expat and an immigrant, emphasizing…
VideoMoving to Costa Rica vs: Guatemala: We compare the two popular Central American destinations.
Costa Rica vs. Guatemala: Which Country Is Right for You? Thinking about relocating to Central America? In this video, Aaron & Patrick compare Costa Rica and Guatemala across key categories that…
Is a Scouting Trip to Costa Rica Right for You?
If you’re thinking about moving to Costa Rica, the best first step you can take is a scouting trip. It’s your chance to test-drive everyday life before making a major relocation decision. But…
VideoHow to Relocate to Costa Rica with Your Pura Vida
Your Pura Vida provides comprehensive and customized assistance for individuals and families relocating to Costa Rica. During the process, we customize plans for each client: real estate,…
VideoAnswering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: March 2025 Edition
In this (long overdue) Q&A session, Patrick and Aaron address a variety of questions related to living in Costa Rica. They discuss the challenges of finding medicine, the pros and cons of shipping…
VideoBeach vs. Mountains vs. Central Valley: Where to Live in Costa Rica?
Beach, mountains, or Central Valley? Compare cost of living, climate, community, and lifestyle to decide where to live in Costa Rica.
Living Abroad: A Realistic Guide to Thriving as an Immigrant
Living abroad isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. It’s not tourism; it’s a conscious choice to relocate to a new and, for many, foreign land and language to seek out a new sense of self, balance,…
VideoAnswering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: November 2024 Edition
In this Q&A session, Patrick and Aaron address various questions from you about living in Costa Rica. They discuss the healthcare system, compare Costa Rica with Panama, provide insights on…
VideoMoving to Costa Rica After the Election: What You Need to Think About First
Thinking about moving to Costa Rica after the U.S. election? Before you pack your bags, here is what you actually need to consider — from intention to income to integration.
VideoHow to Scout Costa Rica with Your Pura Vida
If you’re dreaming about a move to Costa Rica, but have never visited or have only been on vacation here, it can be difficult to see what communities you could move to based on the lifestyle you…
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VideoWhat is the cost of living in Costa Rica? [Updated for 2024]
In this episode, Aaron Bailey and Patrick Jagger discuss the cost of living in Costa Rica in 2024. They emphasize that Costa Rica is not a cheap country to live in and debunk the misconception…
VideoAnswering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: August 2024 Edition
In this episode, Aaron and Patrick answer questions from you about living in Costa Rica. They cover topics such as visa requirements, comparing Costa Rica to other countries, selling art in Costa…
VideoMoving to Costa Rica: Safety, Work, Schools, Towns, Visas and More!
Discover why Costa Rica consistently ranks as one of the best countries to retire in the world. In this video, we explore the factors that make Costa Rica an attractive destination, from its…
Your Ultimate Guide to Costa Rica Visas: Find the Perfect Fit for You
Here’s a rundown of the various temporary and permanent visas for residency in Costa Rica, along with the pros and cons of each.
VideoAnswering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: July 2024 Edition
In this episode, we answer: ❓ Please do a episode on retiring in Costa Rica. My family will be visiting Tamarindo during my daughter’s college break to scope out the area for retirement. We’ve…
VideoTop 8 Essentials for Retiring in Costa Rica: Cost, Residency, Healthcare & More
Retiring in Costa Rica can be an incredible adventure, but it’s important to plan carefully to ensure a smooth transition and a fulfilling retirement. In this video, we dive into the top 8…
VideoMoving to Costa Rica: How to Handle Unexpected Challenges
Relocating to Costa Rica with your family is an exciting adventure, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether it’s a flat tire, a plumbing leak, an electricity outage, or just not feeling safe,…
The Politics of Moving Abroad: Escaping to vs. Living in Costa Rica
It’s politics season and we know with the negativity and polarized positions that bombard the airwaves, moving abroad sounds pretty nice. Not a day goes by that we don’t hear from someone…
VideoAnswering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: June 2024 Edition
In this episode, we answer: ❓ Can you take advantage of Healthcare in Costa Rica if you live in Panama? ❓ When might you do a Cartago video? ❓ You guys should add something more about cost of…
VideoCan you escape politics and move to Costa Rica? Yes, but that’s NOT the right reason to move here!
With the election year in the US in full swing, election results in the EU showing a greater divide and political tension happening around the world, many people are considering a move to Costa…
Video12 Qualities to Consider When Moving Abroad: Have you considered them in moving to Costa Rica?
We recently a viewer sent us an article “12 Key Qualities of Countries to Consider When Moving Abroad” by psychologist Dr. Tamara Goldsby (link below) and we thought it’d be interesting to discuss…
VideoMeet the Team: Aaron Bailey, Co-Founder of Your Pura Vida
As our community grows, we’re showcasing our team members, starting with our co-founders. Learn more about Aaron’s life in San José and how his business development expertise drives our mission…
VideoMeet the Team: Patrick Jager, Co-Founder of Your Pura Vida
As our community grows, we’ll be showcasing all our team members, starting with our co-founders. Discover Patrick’s journey and background in media, and learn how his (and our team’s) experience…
VideoAnswering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: May 2024 Edition
In this episode, we answer: 1. We clarify some questions about moving your pets to Costa Rica. 2. For retired folks wanting to be near good healthcare services, is San José the only realistic…
VideoHow to navigate Costa Rica’s school system: a conversation with our new education specialist Andrea.
We’re welcoming a new member to the Your Pura Vida team! Meet Andrea Lasso de la Vega Moreno, an educator and expert in Costa Rica’s school system. Andrea will help our families moving to Costa…
VideoRANT: Don’t buy real estate in Costa Rica until you consider the life you want to live here first.
If you want a vacation home in Costa Rica, sure, call a real estate agent first. But if you truly want to build a life here, don’t start your search with real estate. In this video, Patrick and…
VideoMoving Your Family to Costa Rica? Here Are 8 Things to Consider.
As a single person or couple moving to Costa Rica, there are a number of factors to consider: where and how to live. But when kids are coming with you, the move becomes far more complicated: the…
VideoMoving to Costa Rica vs: Colombia: We compare the two popular expat destinations
Many Americans, Canadians and Europeans looking at moving out of their countries consider moving to Costa Rica and Colombia. For us, we chose Costa Rica, but in this video, we compare and contrast…
VideoAnswering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: April 2024 Edition
Find us: 📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com 🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready 💻 Blog posts and other…
VideoAdapting to Life in Costa Rica: Things We Still Can’t Understand Yet!
After many years in Costa Rica, we still don’t understand a few things about life here. (Spoiler: the way Ticos drive is a big one!). But we know that we have to adapt to life here, and not the…
VideoIf you’re serious about moving to Costa Rica… don’t explore like a tourist!
So often, families come to Costa Rica on vacation to see if Costa Rica is the right place to move to. This is the wrong approach. Instead of coming on a vacation, come to Costa Rica and explore…
VideoAnswering Your Questions About Life in Costa Rica: February 2024 Edition
Pura vida to all of you who have watched our videos and commented or emailed in questions about moving to and living in Costa Rica. Each month we’re going to answer some of your questions. This…
VideoAaron’s Trip to the Emergency Room in Costa Rica: Did he live to tell the story?
Aaron ended up in the emergency room at Hospital CIMA in Escazú, Costa Rica for some pain in his side (no, it wasn’t from Patrick’s bad jokes). In this video, Aaron discusses his emergency room…
The 2026 Best Places for Expats in Costa Rica
We’ve crunched the numbers, listened to your inquiries, and analyzed search trends to bring you our top 13 picks for the best places for expats to consider in 2024.
VideoTop Destinations People Are Moving To in 2024: A Breakdown of the Best Countries
“We reviewed four major ‘best places to move abroad’ lists for 2024 and break down where people are actually relocating — from Portugal and Mexico to Costa Rica and beyond.
VideoCosta Rica Real Estate Trends 2024: We talk with a 25-year veteran real estate agent in Costa Rica
What’s it like to buy a house in Costa Rica in 2024? What are the trends shaping the real estate market this year? What should you expect when you start shopping for real estate? Patrick and Aaron…
Video2023 in Review: Our Gratitude for You and Costa Rica
Thank you so much for everyone who has watched, commented, emailed, and become a member of Your Pura Vida. We’re excited to continue this journey in 2024. Happy New Year and Pura Vida!
VideoMoving Pets to Costa Rica: The cost and process to move Patrick’s dogs Ace and Bowie.
Recently Patrick moved his dogs, Bowie and Ace, from Denver, Colorado, to Atenas, Costa Rica. In this video, he discusses how he found the right movers to the process from door to door. Now, the…
VideoTico Time and Other Expectations of Living in Costa Rica. Can you adapt to these ways?
Let’s talk about some uniquely Costa Rican customs, things that Ticos do and things they don’t. We’ll discuss some customs and expectations we’ve noticed living in Costa Rica. How can we better…
Costa Rican Slang 101: Some Tico Words Everyone Should Know
Embarking on a new life in Costa Rica involves more than just packing your bags; it’s about immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of language and culture. Slang, a linguistic treasure trove,…
VideoIs Costa Rica Safe? Is crime on the rise? Let’s talk about it openly and honestly.
There have been a few big news articles about rising drug-related violence in Costa Rica in 2023. In this video, Patrick and Aaron discuss these articles, their personal experience living in Costa…
VideoHow to Retire to Costa Rica
¡Bienvenido al paraiso! Costa Rica has been a favorite international retirement destination for years, attracting expats from various countries like the United States, Canada, the Netherlands,…
VideoIs owning an Airbnb short-term rental property in Costa Rica worth it? Let’s discuss!
In 2001, Aaron and a friend purchased a rental property in Costa Rica. Since then, there have been lots of ups and downs. In this video, we discuss what it’s like to own and manage a short-term…
Where to Buy Appliances in Costa Rica (While Saving a Ton of Money)
Here’s where you can buy appliances in Costa Rica and how you can save a ton of money.
VideoWhy do expats leave Costa Rica? Things to know before you make the move!
The majority of all expats living in Costa Rica will eventually move out of Costa Rica. Yes the majority! Why? What is it about Costa Rica that makes it not a good fit? In this video we explore…
VideoWorking from Costa Rica: Can you be just as productive here as you can be in your home country?
Most non-retired expats who move to Costa Rica need to work online to make a living. But how easy is it to work from Costa Rica? In this video, Patrick and Aaron explore getting your home…
VideoDriving in Costa Rica – Know these things before you get behind the wheel!
Driving in Costa Rica isn’t like driving in North America or Europe. It can be a little crazy, and even terrifying at first. In this video we discuss our opinions on driving in Costa Rica and what…
Embrace the Rainy Season: Why I Loving Living in Costa Rica
When we envision a tropical getaway, we often picture sunny beaches and clear skies. However, there’s a hidden charm that lies within Costa Rica’s rainy season.
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VideoOur Biggest Mistakes In Moving to Costa Rica [We’ve made some big ones!]
Ooof! We’ve made some massive mistakes when we moved to Costa Rica. Let’s talk about them and what we would have done differently so that you can learn from our mistakes.
VideoBuying a Car in Costa Rica: We breakdown the options.
Let’s talk about the ins and outs of car ownership and insurance in Costa Rica. If you move to Costa Rica full-time and live in an area without public transportation, you’ll definitely want to buy…
VideoMoving to Costa Rica vs: Mexico: We compare the two popular expat destinations
Many Americans, Canadians and Europeans looking at moving out of their countries consider moving to Costa Rica and Mexico. For us, we chose Costa Rica, but in this video, we compare and contrast…
VideoMoving to Costa Rica vs. Panama: We compare the two popular expat destinations
Many Americans, Canadians and Europeans looking at moving out of their countries consider moving to Costa Rica and Panama. For us, we chose Costa Rica, but in this video, we compare and contrast…
VideoMoving to Costa Rica vs. Portugal: We compare the two popular expat destinations
Many Americans, Canadians and Europeans looking at moving out of their countries consider moving to Costa Rica and Portugal. For us, we chose Costa Rica, but in this video, we compare and contrast…
VideoHow to Research Moving to Costa Rica
When you are considering moving to Costa Rica, there are a few ways most people research how to make the big move. Some people go on group tours, while others come to Costa Rica and take seminars…
Why You Shouldn’t Trust Curated Images on Social Media for a True Picture of Costa Rica
To truly understand what it’s like to live in Costa Rica and ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to go beyond the glossy images and delve deeper into comprehensive research.
VideoBanking Challenges in Costa Rica: What Everyone Needs to Know
Banking in Costa Rica (like so many day-to-day items) comes with a unique set of hassles, but the system is designed to protect you. In this video, we talk about banking and answer questions like:…
VideoWhat are the best places to live in Costa Rica in 2023?
Costa Rica offers a variety of diverse regions, each with its own unique characteristics. Often people want to know the best place, but we are here to tell you that’s not a simple question. We…
VideoShould you buy or rent when you move to Costa Rica? Advice for living in Costa Rica
🏠 The decision to buy or rent a house in Costa Rica depends on various factors and personal circumstances. In this video, we talk about some considerations to help you make an informed choice. We…
VideoCommon Mistakes When Moving to Costa Rica
Truth Bomb: We’ve made a bunch of mistakes since deciding to move to Costa Rica. From where and how, to day-to-day problems, we have stories to tell! And yet, we’re still standing (and thriving!).…
VideoWhat is the cost of living in Costa Rica?
Understanding the cost of living is crucial for planning to relocate to Costa Rica. People ask us all the time about expenses like housing, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and other…
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VideoDo you need residency in Costa Rica in 2023? [5 options for long-term living]
Do you need residency to live in Costa Rica? And how do you obtain residency if you want it? Patrick and Aaron discuss when and if you need to obtain a visa and if residency is right for you. They…
How to Make Friends in Costa Rica
Moving to Costa Rica doesn’t have to be lonely. Here are ways I’ve found to make new friends in my new country.
VideoMoving to Costa Rica: What you need to know to thrive!
Is living in Costa Rica safe? Can I work there? Are the schools good? Can I get a visa? We answer your questions about moving to Costa Rica in 2023! Find us: 📬 Email us your questions:…
VideoWeird Myths We’ve Heard about Costa Rica
This is a fun one! Nope, Costa Rica is not an island in South America. That’s just one of the myths we bust in this video. Others include: – is the food good? – what’s with the roads? – can you…
VideoWhy did we move to Costa Rica? …and the horror stories we’ve lived to tell about life here.
Hey, we’re Patrick Jager and Aaron Bailey, two friends from the US who moved to Costa Rica, separately. Together we developed Your Pura Vida to help others considering a move. Patrick lives in…
Do I Need Residency to Live in Costa Rica?
Here are the options for obtaining residency, or not!
Is Costa Rica Safe for LGBTQ+ Persons?
Costa Rica has extensive anti-discrimination laws for the LGBTQ+ community, though challenges remain due to political and social bias. Additionally, there are thriving queer-friendly bars,…
Sloths are Awesome! (a poem)
In the lush jungles of Costa Rica, Where the sun dapples the leaves, Lives a creature so endearing, That my heart simply heaves.
How to Live a Long, Healthy Life in Costa Rica
Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is a Blue Zone where people have an average life expectancy of 90+ due to their healthy diet, active lifestyle, and strong social connections; adopting some of their…
How to Successfully Move to Costa Rica: An Explorer’s Guide
Introducing our Explorer Service, comprehensive research and planning tools for those exploring a move to Costa Rica.
Reality Check: 8 Common Mistakes When Moving to Costa Rica
Eight of the most common mistakes you need to keep in mind before you move.
Reality Check: Why is it so hard to find quality service providers in Costa Rica?
Your Pura Vida was created to help our members deal with the day-to-day challenges of living in Costa Rica and to answer the question of “why is it so hard to find good vendors for projects I need…
Reality Check: Living in Paradise Can Be a Nightmare (but It Doesn’t Have to Be)
Living here, how do we get past the challenges that might derail our goals? How do we live the dream we are developing?
Top Reasons to Move to Costa Rica
The climate, incredible nature, the laid back “pura vida” lifestyle, and the proximity to the States are a few of the many reasons why you should move to Costa Rica.
How to Live Your Best Life in Costa Rica
Your Pura Vida is focused on simplifying the challenges that every international citizen faces when they move here but we all need to adapt to Costa Rica in order to thrive. Here’s how.
Animal Diversity in Costa Rica: An Overview
With 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica has some of the world’s most incredible wildlife.
12 Spectacular Waterfalls in Costa Rica
A curated list from expat recommendations of the top waterfalls around Costa Rica.
How to Live Like a Local: A Beginners Guide to Tico Culture
What does it mean to live like a local in Costa Rica? Here are a few ideas that you can adopt to more fully embrace life in our adopted home.
10 Myths about Costa Rica We Need to Bust
Our favorite myths about living in Costa Rica and what we’ve found to be true.
10 of Our Favorite Beaches in Costa Rica
A list of some of our favorite beaches to get you excited to explore even more of this incredible country.
What We Believe
Your Pura Vida is building something unique in Costa Rica: a nationwide membership network of vetted service providers curated to make moving to Costa Rica and living in Costa Rica easier. Your…