Living the Pura Vida: Our Journey as Expats in Costa Rica
Welcome to our travel blog! For the past nine years, Costa Rica has been our home. What began as an unexpected decision turned out to be life-changing, reshaping our entire path. We took a leap of faith, sold everything we owned, and walked away from high-paying jobs and the comforts of modern life in Singapore. Once stuck in the corporate grind, we made the bold decision to leave it all behind and follow a new dream. Our vision? To embrace a life full of adventure, immerse ourselves in the Pura Vida lifestyle, and create lasting memories with our family in a place where nature, culture, and freedom are at the heart of daily life.
This journey wasn’t just about changing locations—it was about being bold, stepping out of our comfort zone, and embracing new experiences. We took on the challenge of owning a boat, navigating business in a foreign country, and, most importantly, giving our kids the chance to explore a completely different world. We wanted them to embrace new cultures, learn new languages, and gain fresh perspectives—all while truly living in the moment.
In this blog, we’ll share our experiences, insights, and lessons learned as expats in Costa Rica. From the challenges of moving here to the beauty of daily life, we hope our journey will inspire you to take the leap toward your own dream lifestyle. Whether you're thinking about moving to Costa Rica or just curious about expat life, we’ve got plenty of tips and stories to guide you along the way.
Why We Left Corporate Life for Costa Rica
Leaving behind our corporate careers wasn’t an easy decision, but when Benn’s insurance company shut down and made everyone redundant, it became clear that we needed to follow a different path. Benn has always dreamed of owning a fishing business, managing a boat, and being a captain, taking people out on fishing trips. We realized that, for years, we had been stuck in the corporate grind, living 9-to-5 lives with little time to spend with our daughter. The pressures of modern life were taking a toll, and we knew it was time for a change.
As we started to explore options, we thought about relocating and possibly teaming up with other boat owners to learn more about the fishing industry. Our journey took us to Vanuatu, a beautiful country in the South Pacific, where we spoke to locals about owning land, boats, and starting a fishing business. From there, we considered Watamu, a coastal town in Kenya, where we visited several times and loved the amazing fishing scene. But after much thought and deliberation, we narrowed our choices down to Costa Rica, a country we had visited on a backpacking trip pre-kids. It felt like the perfect balance: close to the U.S. and Canada, with beautiful natural landscapes, a developing country with a slower pace of life, and great potential for a fishing business.
Nine years later, we’re confident that we made the right choice. Costa Rica has given us exactly what we were looking for: more family time, a slower pace, and the opportunity to expose our kids to a different world full of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and endless adventure. Owning a sportfishing boat has allowed us the freedom to explore Costa Rica’s pristine beaches, spend more time together on the water, and teach our kids the importance of living in harmony with nature.
This move has taught us that life isn’t about chasing high-paying jobs, climbing the corporate ladder, or living in fast-paced cities. It’s about slowing down, reconnecting with the people and the natural world around you, and creating unforgettable memories with the ones you love. Embracing a simpler, more meaningful lifestyle has been a transformative journey, reminding us that true happiness comes from the moments we share, not from material things, jobs, money, or the house we’ve achieved.
Our First Few Years Starting Life in Costa Rica
When we first moved to Costa Rica, we settled in the charming town of Herradura, just a short drive from the beach town of Jaco and only an hour away from the city, San Jose. We instantly fell in love with the natural beauty of the area. Over the next few months, we ventured across Costa Rica, exploring places like the Pacific Coast, Limon, Guanacaste, Arenal, and Monteverde—each region offering its own unique beauty and culture. We spent countless hours soaking up the breathtaking scenery, relaxing at the beach with our 2-year-old daughter, and getting acclimated to our new home.
Having family and friends visit us from all over the world during those early years was a true blessing. Their presence helped us stay connected to home and provided much-needed support as we navigated the challenges of adjusting to life in a new country. While their visits were invaluable, we still encountered many difficulties. One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier. At the time, our Spanish was limited, which often made us feel like outsiders. Simple tasks like opening a bank account, buying a boat, or handling legal matters felt overwhelming, and we frequently sensed that we were being charged more than others due to our lack of language skills and status as foreigners.
One of the best decisions we made was hiring a fantastic lawyer to guide us through the process. In Costa Rica, having a lawyer who will fight for you, be transparent, and provide solid advice is crucial. Thanks to their help, we were finally able to secure our boat. It wasn’t where we initially wanted it to be, in Los Suenos, but having it in Marina Pez Vela in Quepos turned out to be a pleasant surprise, better than we could have imagined!
Making friends with other expat families was relatively easy at first, and we met many great people. My daughter quickly made friends at school, and playdates became a regular part of our life. However, after a year or two, we realized that integrating into already-established social groups wasn’t always as easy as it seemed. We often felt like outsiders trying to break into tight-knit communities. Meanwhile, our daughter was thriving socially, building her own little world of friends. This left us to find our own group of like-minded people who shared our values and lifestyle. It took some time, but eventually, we found that group of people we truly connected with—folks we loved and respected, and who reciprocated those feelings. We shared incredible years together, but as often happens in the expat world, they eventually had to return to the States. It was a bittersweet farewell, but that’s just part of the expat life—people come and go, and we must adapt and move forward to find our next group.
Starting a new life in Costa Rica also came with its fair share of challenges. Dealing with boat maintenance, engine issues, technical problems, and learning the ins and outs of the fishing business proved tough at first. Benn worked tirelessly to fit into the local Tico community around the Marina, striving to earn their acceptance, and we’re happy to say he did an amazing job. It wasn’t always easy, but the process has been one of continuous learning. We're still discovering what works, what doesn’t, and how to adapt to Costa Rica’s diverse cultures and customs.
Living in Costa Rica has been an incredible journey of growth and transformation. While the first few years were certainly difficult, they laid the foundation for a life filled with adventure, new experiences, and invaluable lessons. We've learned to embrace the ups and downs of this beautiful, sometimes challenging, life in Costa Rica and continue to grow together as a family. Every day here is an opportunity for learning, adventure, and making new memories.
Cost of Living in Costa Rica Compared to the Modern World
Living in Costa Rica has definitely been more affordable than living in places like Dubai, Hong Kong or Singapore. Back in Asia, I was accustomed to living in a gated community, so when we moved to Costa Rica, I initially looked for a similar setup. However, in Quepos/Manuel Antonio, gated communities are much less common, and there are only a few to choose from.
While Costa Rica is still relatively affordable compared to major cities in the modern world, it’s becoming more expensive as it gains international recognition and grows in popularity with tourists. Over the years, we’ve had to adjust our spending, especially since we don’t have a regular salaried income anymore. Owning a business means we have to be extra mindful of every expense and always plan ahead.
One thing that’s been a challenge is dealing with unexpected boat engine problems. Sometimes, those issues have set us back financially, leaving us reliant on the success of our business to get by. It’s taught us to live more frugally and be resourceful, as we can’t count on a steady paycheck. While it hasn’t always been easy, it’s part of the adventure, and we’re learning how to navigate life on our terms, one step at a time.
What We’ve Learned About Life in Costa Rica
Living in Costa Rica has taught us some life-changing lessons we never would have learned in our corporate jobs. From the slower pace of life to the deep connection with nature, our time here has been transformative. Reflecting on our journey, here are 10 things we wish we'd known before making the move:
This photo was taken by a random photographer in Manuel Antonio beach.
The Pace of Life is Slower – The first thing we noticed was how much slower life moves here. The “Pura Vida” lifestyle is all about savoring the moment and not rushing through life. It’s been a huge shift for us, but something we’ve come to truly appreciate.
Rainy Season is Real – The rainy season from May to November isn’t just light rain—it’s torrential! Expect daily downpours that can last for hours. Our house, where we live, has flooded a few times, and the rain can have a significant impact on rural areas and houses close to the roads. It’s important to be prepared, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors.
Cost of Living Can Vary – While some things, like fresh produce, are incredibly affordable, imported goods can be expensive. We quickly learned that planning and budgeting according to local pricing is essential to managing expenses.
Healthcare is Excellent and Affordable – We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of healthcare here. With both public and private options available, it’s much more affordable than what we were used to back home. We made sure to plan ahead, especially when our son was born in San José, and the experience exceeded our expectations.
Learning Spanish is Essential – While many people speak English here, learning Spanish really enhances your experience. It makes everyday life easier, more enjoyable, and helps you connect with locals in a more meaningful way.
Wildlife is Everywhere – One of the most exciting things about living in Costa Rica is the constant opportunity to share space with its incredible wildlife. From howler monkeys to sloths, you never know what animal might appear outside your door or during a beach day. It’s an everyday adventure!
The Internet Isn’t Always Reliable – While connectivity is improving, it can still be spotty, especially in remote areas. We’ve had to learn to be flexible with our work and activities, adjusting to the flow of internet connectivity.
Transportation is Different – Roads can be tricky, and public transportation isn’t always as reliable as in some other countries. The first thing we did when we first arrived was to buy a car in San José. For tourists, renting a car or hiring private transport is often necessary if you plan to explore more remote areas of the country.
Patience is Key with Paperwork – Whether it’s residency applications, licenses, medical reports, car inspections, or document renewals, things move slowly here. It can be frustrating, especially when visiting government offices. We’ve learned to embrace patience and go with the flow.
Community is Everything – Costa Rica has both expat and local communities that are incredibly welcoming. We’ve found that connecting with both sides—expats and Ticos—has made our experience here so much richer and more rewarding. Building relationships with both groups has helped us feel truly at home.
Embracing New Opportunities in Costa Rica
Living in Costa Rica has opened doors for us that we never expected. Beyond the stunning landscapes, we’ve experienced immense personal growth. Our kids are learning to appreciate different cultures and adapting to a life full of new experiences. Costa Rica has become a place where we’ve reconnected as a family, focusing on love, nature, and adventure as the cornerstones of our lives.
Whether you're considering a move to Costa Rica or simply curious about life as an expat, we hope our story inspires you to dream big, seek out new opportunities, and find your own path to "Pura Vida." Stay tuned for more travel tips, insights into expat life, and our ongoing family adventures in this beautiful country!
