One of the most common questions we hear from people planning a move to Costa Rica is simple: “Can I actually work from there?” The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that it takes a bit of planning, the right expectations, and a willingness to adapt to a slightly different rhythm. But once you have your setup dialed in, working remotely from Costa Rica is not only possible — it can be genuinely enjoyable.
In this post, we break down everything you need to know about working remotely from Costa Rica, from internet options and co-working spaces to home office essentials and real monthly costs.
Remote Work Is the Default for Most People Who Move Here
Before we get into the logistics, it is important to understand one thing: most people who move to Costa Rica from the United States, Canada, or Europe are not looking for a local job. They are already working remotely for an international company, running their own business, or freelancing. That is the reality for the vast majority of the foreign community here.
Getting a physical job in Costa Rica as a foreigner is complicated. You would need a work visa, and Costa Rican labor law generally requires that employers demonstrate that no local citizen can fill the position. It is not impossible, but it is a difficult path. If you want to learn more about that side of things, we wrote a detailed post about whether foreigners can actually work in Costa Rica.
For most people reading this, though, the question is not about finding a job here. It is about whether you can keep doing the job you already have while living in a new country. And the answer to that is a confident yes.
Internet in Costa Rica: Better Than You Think
One of the biggest surprises for people who arrive in Costa Rica is how solid the internet actually is. This is not the jungle outpost some people imagine. Costa Rica is a well-wired country, and in many areas, the internet connectivity rivals or exceeds what you would find in parts of the United States.
Cable and Fiber Internet
Cable internet is widely available in both urban and beach areas. In the Central Valley — cities like Escazu, Santa Ana, and Heredia — you can get fiber-optic service with excellent speeds. Beach towns have also seen significant improvements in recent years.
Aaron has cable internet at both his city home and his beach property, and it runs about $60 per month at each location. That gets you a reliable, fast connection that handles Zoom calls, large file transfers, and everything in between.
Cell Coverage
Cell phone coverage is surprisingly good across the country. Patrick has noted that he experiences fewer dead spots in Costa Rica than he did living in Los Angeles. WhatsApp is the default communication app here, and it works seamlessly on the cell networks. A cell phone plan runs about $25 per month.
Starlink Changes Everything
Starlink has arrived in Costa Rica, and it is a game changer for people living in areas where fiber or cable is not available. Some communities — particularly those with private roads or unusual layouts — have not been wired for fiber. Starlink fills that gap perfectly. It also serves as an excellent backup for anyone who already has cable internet and wants a redundancy option for mission-critical work.
Co-Working Spaces Across the Country
If working from home is not your style, or if you simply want to be around other people during the workday, Costa Rica has a growing network of co-working spaces.
WeWork has two locations in Escazu, and Aaron maintains a membership there for the days when he wants a more structured work environment.
Beyond WeWork, there are co-working options in almost every area where foreigners tend to settle. The point is that you have options. Whether you prefer a dedicated desk with fast internet in a professional setting or a more casual cafe-style environment, you can find what works for your style of working.
Setting Up Your Home Office
Both of us work from home most of the time, and getting your home office set up properly is one of the most important things you can do for your productivity.
Equipment and Supplies
Office Depot has multiple locations throughout Costa Rica and carries monitors, keyboards, printers, and general office supplies. If you need Post-it notes, a whiteboard, or a new mouse, you can find it without any trouble.
That said, laptops and computers are more expensive here because they are imported. Our recommendation: buy your main computing hardware in the United States or Canada and bring it with you. Smaller peripherals and supplies are fine to purchase locally.
Power Backup Is Essential
Power outages happen in Costa Rica, and if your work depends on staying online, you need a backup plan. Here are two approaches that work well:
Battery backup (UPS): Aaron keeps a battery backup unit on his cable modem and Wi-Fi router at both of his homes. These cost about $150 at PriceSmart or Office Depot and keep your internet running through brief outages. This is the minimum we would recommend for anyone working remotely.
Solar power: Patrick has invested in a solar backup system with battery storage that provides roughly two and a half days of backup power. It does not cover the entire house, but it does keep the essentials running: the kitchen, refrigerator, hot water, security system, Wi-Fi, office computers, and the TV. Solar is a bigger investment upfront but provides peace of mind.
With either approach — or both combined with Starlink as an internet backup — you can create a setup that keeps you working through nearly any disruption.
The Pace of Life Is Different (and That Is Okay)
One thing we want to be honest about: Costa Rica operates at a different pace than what most North Americans are used to. Meetings might not start exactly on time. People are more relaxed about schedules. This is part of what many people love about living here, but it does take some adjustment if you are used to the intensity of a major city.
We have written about this cultural shift in our post on adapting to life in Costa Rica, and it is worth reading if you are someone who thrives on strict punctuality. The good news is that you can absolutely maintain your own work discipline while embracing the slower pace of everyday life. The two are not in conflict — you just need to set boundaries around your work hours.
Real Costs: What to Budget
Here is a straightforward breakdown of the monthly costs associated with working remotely from Costa Rica:
| Expense | Approximate Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Cable internet | $60 |
| Cell phone plan | $25 |
| Co-working membership (optional) | $100-$300 |
| Battery backup (one-time) | $150 |
These costs are comparable to — or lower than — what most people pay in the United States. You are not paying for bundled cable TV packages here. Most people use streaming services like Netflix instead of traditional cable television.
For a broader look at everyday expenses, check out our detailed cost of living in Costa Rica guide.
Tips for Staying Productive
Based on our own experience and the experiences of the clients we have worked with, here are a few practical tips for staying productive while working remotely from Costa Rica:
- Designate a workspace. Whether it is a spare room at home or a co-working desk, having a dedicated space makes a real difference.
- Invest in backup power and internet. A UPS on your router plus Starlink or a mobile hotspot as a backup ensures you are never caught off guard.
- Set clear work hours. The relaxed pace of Costa Rica can creep into your workday if you let it. Set boundaries and stick to them.
- Use WhatsApp for communication. It is the standard here and works beautifully on Costa Rican cell networks.
- Buy your tech at home. Bring your laptop, monitors, and any specialized equipment. Buy consumables and small peripherals locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the internet in Costa Rica fast enough for video calls?
Yes. Cable and fiber internet in most populated areas of Costa Rica handles video conferencing with no problems. Both of us run multiple Zoom calls per week without any issues. In areas without cable or fiber, Starlink provides an excellent alternative.
Can I get a job working for a Costa Rican company?
It is possible but difficult. Costa Rican labor law requires a work visa, and employers must prove that no local citizen can fill the role. Most foreigners living in Costa Rica work remotely for companies outside the country. We cover this in detail in our post about working in Costa Rica as a foreigner.
What internet options are available in beach towns?
Beach towns in Costa Rica have cable internet with speeds and reliability that continue to improve. Starlink is also available nationwide and is particularly valuable in areas where cable infrastructure has not yet reached. Cell coverage is strong in most beach communities as well.
Do I need a special visa to work remotely from Costa Rica?
Costa Rica offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers earning income from outside the country. You can also work remotely while on a tourist visa during your 90-day stay, or apply for residency through the Rentista or other categories.
How reliable is the power grid in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica generates the vast majority of its electricity from renewable sources and has a generally reliable power grid. Brief outages do happen, especially during the rainy season. A battery backup unit on your modem and router is inexpensive insurance, and solar or Starlink provide additional redundancy for uninterrupted productivity.
Take the Next Step
If you are thinking about making the move to Costa Rica and want to understand how your work life will look on the ground, we would love to help you plan. We work with people at every stage of the process, from early research all the way through settling in.
Book a free scouting call and let us help you figure out the right location, setup, and timeline for your move.