New Jersey has a lot going for it — but low taxes and cheap living are not on the list. For many retirees, that is exactly why Costa Rica beckons. Here is your 2026 guide to trading Garden State costs for pura vida.
Getting There: Newark to Costa Rica
Newark (EWR), a major United hub, offers direct flights to San José in about 5.5 hours, several times a week. That direct connection makes New Jersey one of the easiest states to fly from. Costa Rica is in the Central time zone — one hour behind New Jersey — so there is no jet lag.
Escaping High Costs and Property Taxes
New Jersey consistently has among the highest property taxes in the nation — often well over 2% of a home's value. Costa Rica's annual property tax is just 0.25%. Combine that with far lower housing, healthcare, and everyday costs, and the savings are dramatic.
Cost of Living: New Jersey vs Costa Rica
| Expense | New Jersey | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Couple's monthly budget | $5,000–$7,500 | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Healthcare (per person) | $400–$1,000+ | $70–$150 (CAJA) |
| Rent (comfortable) | $2,000–$3,200 | $700–$1,200 |
| Property tax | 2%+ of value | 0.25% of value |
| Tax on retirement income | State + federal | None (foreign income) |
Your Social Security, pension, and investment income face no Costa Rican tax. See the cost of living guide and property tax guide.
Choosing Your Residency Path
- Pensionado — $1,000/month pension; Social Security qualifies. Details.
- Rentista — $2,500/month or a $60,000 deposit.
- Inversionista — $150,000+ investment.
- Vínculo — family ties to a Costa Rican citizen.
Compare Pensionado vs Rentista.
Your New Jersey Documents Checklist
- Certificate of conduct — the FBI Identity History Summary.
- Birth certificate — from the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry.
- Marriage certificate if applicable.
- Valid passport (12+ months validity).
- Proof of income or investment.
New Jersey state documents are apostilled by the NJ Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue; the FBI report goes through the US Department of State. All are translated to Spanish, must be issued within 6 months, and filed together. See our apostille guide.
Where New Jerseyans Settle
- Central Valley (Atenas, Grecia, Escazú) — mild climate and established expat towns. See living in Atenas.
- Guanacaste and the Pacific coast — sunny beaches with the largest North American presence. See living in Guanacaste.
Timeline and Next Steps
Residency currently takes about 9–10 months based on Immigration's backlog, with permanent residency available after 36 months. Many New Jerseyans fly down to scout, choose a town, then start with our team.
The Bottom Line
A direct flight from Newark, no jet lag, property taxes a fraction of home, and no tax on your US income — Costa Rica is one of the smartest financial moves a New Jersey retiree can make.
Request Your Free Consultation | Residency Services | Property Tax Guide
Call us: +506-8385-5008 | Email: legalresidencycostarica@outlook.com | Office: Santa Ana, Costa Rica
Ready to leave high taxes behind? Contact our team today.
