Almost Local #46 | Moving to Costa Rica: The Real Cost, Visas & ”Pura Vida” Reality

Thinking of moving to Costa Rica? It’s not just beaches and sloths. In this episode of Almost Local, Zach Gerth from Start Abroad breaks down the honest reality of relocating to Central America.

From his time in the Peace Corps to building a life in Kenya and now Costa Rica, Zach shares the "Expat Curve" that everyone goes through—from the honeymoon phase to the "what have I done" panic. We discuss the real cost of living (it's not as cheap as you think!), the frustrations of bureaucracy, and the specific residency hacks—including how having a child in Costa Rica can fast-track your citizenship.

If you are considering moving to Costa Rica, Panama, or Portugal, this conversation is your reality check on what it really takes to build a home abroad.

🎙️ Guest: Zach Gerth
Co-founder of Start Abroad, an international relocation service that helps individuals and families navigate the complexities of moving to Costa Rica, Panama, and Portugal. Drawing from his own experiences living in the Dominican Republic, Kenya, and now Costa Rica, he specializes in guiding expats through the emotional and logistical realities of building a new life overseas.

🔗 Guest Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/start_abroad/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartAbroad/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@startabroad4592
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startabroad/
Website: https://startabroad.com/aff/almostlocal/

🔗 StartAbroad 5% coupon
Website: https://startabroad.com/aff/almostlocal/
Code: ALMOSTLOCA

Send us a message!

StartAbroad
Personalized relocation services for professionals, retirees, families, and digital nomads.

Slate and Key
The Key To Your New Life. A experience to curate the life of your dreams in the Portugal.

Level8 Luggages
Use code LEVEL8Expat10 at checkout for 10% off your next travel companion!

PodMatch
Like a dating app by matching hosts and guests for podcast interviews with process automations.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥:
https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstories

Follow us on social media 📲:
https://www.instagram.com/almostlocalstories
⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@almostlocalstories
⁠https://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories

🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!