Tennessee already offers a warm climate and no state income tax — so why do so many Tennesseans still look to Costa Rica? Lower healthcare costs, a slower pace, natural beauty, and a retirement dollar that stretches even further. Here is your 2026 guide.
Getting There: Nashville to Costa Rica
Nashville (BNA) connects to San José in about 5–6 hours with one easy stop through hubs like Atlanta, Houston, or Charlotte; Memphis (MEM) and Knoxville (TYS) connect similarly. Costa Rica is in the Central time zone — the same as most of Tennessee — so there is no time change and no jet lag.
Cost of Living: Tennessee vs Costa Rica
| Expense | Tennessee | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Couple's monthly budget | $3,800–$5,500 | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Healthcare (per person) | $400–$1,000+ | $70–$150 (CAJA) |
| Rent (comfortable) | $1,300–$2,200 | $700–$1,200 |
| Property tax | ~0.6% of value | 0.25% of value |
Tennessee is affordable by US standards, but Costa Rica goes further on healthcare and housing — and both places share one big perk: no tax on your retirement income (Costa Rica's territorial system exempts all foreign income). See the cost of living 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 Tennessee Documents Checklist
- Certificate of conduct — the FBI Identity History Summary.
- Birth certificate — from the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records.
- Marriage certificate if applicable.
- Valid passport (12+ months validity).
- Proof of income or investment.
Tennessee state documents are apostilled by the Tennessee Secretary of State; the FBI report goes through the US Department of State. All documents are translated to Spanish, must be issued within 6 months, and filed together. See our apostille guide.
Where Tennesseans Settle
- Central Valley (Atenas, Grecia, Escazú) — green hills and a mild climate that will feel familiar to anyone who loves the Tennessee countryside. See living in Atenas.
- Guanacaste and the Pacific coast — sunny beaches with the largest expat presence. See living in Guanacaste.
Timeline and Next Steps
Residency currently takes about 9–10 months based on Immigration's backlog, with permanent residency after 36 months. Many Tennesseans visit first, choose a region, then begin the paperwork with our team.
The Bottom Line
No time change, lower healthcare costs, green mountains and warm beaches, and no tax on your retirement income — Costa Rica gives Tennesseans an even more affordable, adventurous retirement.
Request Your Free Consultation | Residency Services | Document Checklist
Call us: +506-8385-5008 | Email: legalresidencycostarica@outlook.com | Office: Santa Ana, Costa Rica
Ready for pura vida? Contact our team today.
