Life in Costa Rica, explained by someone who lives it
Find your way to a life in Costa Rica.
I’m Dave. I’ve lived here since 2008. I help future retirees understand the costs, communities and everyday realities—so you can decide what works for you.
18 years of lived experience · Based in Orosi · Rent first. Test first.
A useful place to begin
How prepared is your plan?
28 questions. Eight planning areas. A private summary showing your strengths and what to research next.
Make the decision in the right order
Learn. Experience. Decide.
You can be excited about Costa Rica and still ask difficult questions. Take the time to find out what an ordinary week would feel like.
Understand Costa Rica
Explore climate, culture, geography and the local differences that shape everyday life.
Explore this step →02Build a practical plan
Work through budget, healthcare, residency, safety and transportation before narrowing your location.
Explore this step →03Test it for yourself
Use a flexible checklist to plan a trial stay, collect evidence and keep your options open.
Explore this step →Answers for the decisions ahead
Research one question at a time.
Practical guides, specific questions to ask and links to the institutions responsible for important details.
Cost of living
Build a household budget with clear assumptions, setup costs and room for surprises.
Read the guide →Healthcare
Compare access, prepare coverage questions and plan for future needs.
Read the guide →Where to live
Compare the provinces, load the map and investigate neighborhoods.
Read the guide →Residency
Organize your research, documents and questions for professional review.
Read the guide →Safety
Examine crime information alongside everyday precautions and local conditions.
Read the guide →Banking & payments
Plan reliable access to income, transfers and more than one payment method.
Read the guide →Meet Dave Melnick
I came to learn Spanish.
Costa Rica became home.
I arrived in Orosi on January 6, 2008, expecting to stay about six months. Today I’m a dual U.S.–Costa Rican citizen, sharing what I’ve learned through ordinary life here.
My experience is rooted mainly in Orosi and Paraíso. I combine that perspective with researched information and clear boundaries about questions that need a qualified professional.
More about my story →Free tools to keep you moving
Take something useful with you.
A conversation can bring clarity
What are you trying to decide?
Tell me your biggest questions or ask about consultation availability and scope.