San Jose
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A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.
Information
A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.
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Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.
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Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.
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The total monthly cost of living in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings), combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Calculated by summing all values in the cost breakdown object, reflecting a typical expat budget.
Information
The total monthly cost of living in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings), combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Calculated by summing all values in the cost breakdown object, reflecting a typical expat budget.
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Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.
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Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.
About San Jose
San José, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica, is nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, offering a unique blend of urban convenience and proximity to natural wonders. With a metropolitan population of approximately 2.5 million, it serves as the economic and cultural hub of the country, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads and expats seeking a balance between work and exploration. The city’s modern infrastructure, including reliable internet and coworking spaces, caters well to remote workers.
The city boasts a growing expat community and a supportive environment for digital nomads, with affordable living costs and a tropical savanna climate that ensures warm temperatures year-round. San José’s pedestrian-friendly streets and vibrant cafe culture provide ample opportunities for both productivity and leisure. Its proximity to natural attractions like volcanoes and rainforests adds an adventurous appeal for those looking to explore beyond the city limits.
San José’s internet infrastructure is robust, with high-speed connectivity and multiple providers ensuring reliability for remote work. The city hosts a variety of coworking spaces and has a burgeoning tech scene, making it a practical choice for professionals. Additionally, the availability of a digital nomad visa since July 2022 enhances its appeal, offering flexibility for long-term stays without local tax burdens.
The lifestyle in San José combines urban amenities with a laid-back Central American vibe. Safety is generally good, though caution is advised in some areas, and the city’s nightlife, creative scene, and scenic viewpoints enrich the expat experience. With easy access to the Juan Santamaría International Airport and affordable public transport, San José is a well-rounded destination for digital nomads and expats alike.
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Map & Location
Cost of Living
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Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area, in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings). Calculated using cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.
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Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area, in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings). Calculated using cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.
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Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan, in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings). Derived from expat cost estimates and local utility rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.
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Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan, in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings). Derived from expat cost estimates and local utility rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.
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Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout, in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings). Based on cost-of-living data tailored to a moderate expat lifestyle, rounded to the nearest dollar.
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Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout, in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings). Based on cost-of-living data tailored to a moderate expat lifestyle, rounded to the nearest dollar.
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Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing, in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings). Sourced from local fare information and usage patterns.
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Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing, in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings). Sourced from local fare information and usage patterns.
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Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions, in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings). Estimated from coworking directories and typical nomad expenses.
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Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions, in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings). Estimated from coworking directories and typical nomad expenses.
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Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities, in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings). Compiled from lifestyle cost data, representing a balanced expat budget.
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Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities, in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings). Compiled from lifestyle cost data, representing a balanced expat budget.
Internet & Connectivity
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Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.
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Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.
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The dominant mobile network generation in the city (e.g., 4G, 5G). Determined from telecom provider information and current network deployment status.
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The dominant mobile network generation in the city (e.g., 4G, 5G). Determined from telecom provider information and current network deployment status.
Nomad Community
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Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.
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Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.
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The number of coworking spaces available in the city. Counted from coworking directories and local guides, indicating work options for nomads.
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The number of coworking spaces available in the city. Counted from coworking directories and local guides, indicating work options for nomads.
Weather & Climate
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Monthly breakdown of average temperatures in Celsius (convertible to Fahrenheit in Account Settings) and precipitation in millimeters (convertible to inches in Account Settings), providing detailed insights into seasonal variations. Each month's data is represented with intuitive weather icons indicating temperature extremes and precipitation levels, helping you plan your stay around optimal weather conditions.
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Monthly breakdown of average temperatures in Celsius (convertible to Fahrenheit in Account Settings) and precipitation in millimeters (convertible to inches in Account Settings), providing detailed insights into seasonal variations. Each month's data is represented with intuitive weather icons indicating temperature extremes and precipitation levels, helping you plan your stay around optimal weather conditions.
Visa Information
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Duration of a tourist visa stay in days, often extendable. Sourced from official immigration policies and visa guides for common nationalities.
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Duration of a tourist visa stay in days, often extendable. Sourced from official immigration policies and visa guides for common nationalities.
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Cost of a tourist visa in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings), if applicable. Verified via immigration data, noting waivers for certain countries.
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Cost of a tourist visa in USD (convertible to your preferred currency in Account Settings), if applicable. Verified via immigration data, noting waivers for certain countries.
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Indicates whether the country offers a specific visa for digital nomads. Based on official government policies and visa regulations.
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Indicates whether the country offers a specific visa for digital nomads. Based on official government policies and visa regulations.
Travel Advisory
Check the latest travel advisory and safety information for Costa Rica.
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