Moving to Escazu, Costa Rica - City Guide

Escazú is the address of choice for expats who want upscale living without leaving the San José metro area. Perched on the western slopes of the Central Valley, this wealthy canton (municipality) blends gated communities, high-end shopping, and a large North American community with the remnants of a traditional Costa Rican town. It is not a budget destination — it is one of the most expensive areas in Costa Rica — but it delivers a quality of life that rivals many U.S. suburbs at a fraction of the price. If you are moving to Costa Rica and want private healthcare, bilingual schools, imported groceries, and neighbors who speak English, Escazú is likely where you will end up.

Escazú at a Glance

Why Move to Escazú

Private, world-class healthcare: Hospital CIMA San José is a JCI-accredited private hospital right in Escazú with English-speaking specialists, and Clínica Bíblica is a short drive east in downtown San José.
Established expat infrastructure: Decades of North American immigration mean bilingual services, imported goods, international schools, and community organizations are already in place.
Pacific coast access: Route 27 connects Escazú directly to Jacó, Herradura, and the Pacific coast in roughly 90 minutes (outside rush hour).
Cooler mountain climate: At roughly 1,100 meters elevation, Escazú sits slightly higher than downtown San José, with daytime temperatures of 22–28 °C and noticeably cooler evenings.
Bilingual everything: From dentists to plumbers to school administrators, finding English-speaking service providers in Escazú is far easier than anywhere else in Costa Rica outside the expat beach towns.
Strong property values: Escazú consistently holds its real estate value better than almost any other area in Costa Rica, making it a sound choice for those buying property.

Finding Housing in Escazú

Average Rents

How to Find Housing

Encuentra24.com: The most widely used real estate platform in Costa Rica; filter by Escazú canton for apartments, condos, and houses.
Craigslist Costa Rica (costarica.craigslist.org): Still active for expat-to-expat rental listings, especially furnished short-term places.
Facebook groups: "Escazú Rentals" and "Costa Rica Expats Housing" have daily postings from landlords and property managers.
Local realtors: International agencies like RE/MAX and Coldwell Banker have offices and agents in the San José metro area who cover Escazú and speak English. Local Escazú-based agencies such as GAES and Encuentra24 Properties also serve the area.
Word of mouth: Many of the best rental deals in Escazú never appear online. Once you are in the area and connected to expat networks, ask around — landlords often prefer renting through personal referrals.
Walking the neighborhood: In Escazú Centro and San Antonio, look for "se alquila" (for rent) signs in windows. Sm landlords do not advertise digitally.

Tips for Expats

Landlords in Escazú commonly ask for a fiador (a Costa Rican guarantor who owns property). If you do not have one, be prepared to pay 2–3 months' rent as deposit or negotiate a seguro de arrendamiento (rental insurance policy) through a local insurer like INS.
Furnished apartments are easy to find in Guachipelín and near Avenida Escazú but command a 15–25% premium over unfurnished.
Many condos in the Guachipelín area include cuota de condominio (HOA fee) covering security, pool, and gym — confirm whether rent includes this or it is billed separately (typically ₡50,000–₡150,000/month).
Short-term rentals (1–3 months) through Airbnb are a smart way to explore neighborhoods before signing a year-long lease.

Neighborhoods Guide

Guachipelín: The commercial and residential heart of modern Escazú. Walking distance to Multiplaza Escazú, Avenida Escazú, Automercado, and dozens of restaurants. Dense with luxury condos and mid-rise apartment buildings. Best for professionals who want walkability and amenities. Rents are at the high end of the Escazú range.
Escazú Centro: The traditional town center around the Catholic church and municipal building. A mix of older homes, small apartment buildings, and local businesses. More authentic Tico atmosphere with sodas (small Costa Rican eateries) and pulperías (corner stores). More affordable but fewer expat-oriented services. Good for couples and retirees seeking a quieter, local feel.
San Antonio de Escazú: The historic hillside area on the southern edge of the canton. Known for its steep, narrow streets, coffee farms, and views across the Central Valley. Larger properties, including some remodeled farmhouses. Less walkable — a car is essentially required. Popular with families who want space and privacy.
Río Oro: An upscale residential area just south of Guachipelín. Gated communities and luxury single-family homes dominate. Home to several of the most expensive properties in the San José metro area. Very safe and quiet, but you will drive everywhere.
Hacienda Los Laureles: One of the most prestigious gated communities in Escazú, located in the hills above the commercial district. Large homes, clubhouse, tennis courts, and panoramic views. Primarily owner-occupied rather than rented. Suitable for executives and families on corporate relocation packages.
Trejos Montealegre: A primarily commercial and office district between Escazú Centro and Guachipelín. Home to medical offices, coworking spaces, and professional services. Limited residential options but very convenient for those who work in the area and want to live within walking distance of their office.

Cost of Living in Escazú

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Day-to-Day Costs

Coffee at a café: ₡1,500–₡3,000
Casado (traditional lunch plate) at a local soda: ₡2,500–₡4,000
Uber from Escazú to downtown San José: ₡4,000–₡8,000
Beer at a bar: ₡2,000–₡3,500
Movie ticket at Multiplaza: ₡4,500–₡6,000
Monthly gym membership (premium): ₡40,000–₡70,000
Imported groceries at Automercado: roughly 20–40% more than local brands at Mas x Menos
Domestic beer (Imperial or Pilsen) at a supermarket: ₡900–₡1,500
Lawn care / gardening service (weekly): ₡15,000–₡30,000 per visit
House cleaning service (weekly, 4 hours): ₡20,000–₡35,000 per visit
Veterinary consultation at a private clinic: ₡25,000–₡50,000

Costs to Watch Out For

Electricity: CNFL (the local utility) rates spike with heavy air conditioning use. Bills of ₡80,000–₡150,000 are common in condos running AC all day. Fans and natural ventilation keep costs closer to ₡30,000.
Imported goods: Anything imported — cars, electronics, wine, cheese — carries a hefty markup due to Costa Rican import duties (often 30–60%). A mid-range TV that costs $400 in the U.S. can cost $650+ in Costa Rica.
Private school tuition: International schools charge ₡5,000,000–₡12,000,000 per year per child, which is the single largest expense for many expat families after housing.
Vehicle costs: Import taxes on cars are steep. A $20,000 used SUV in the U.S. may cost $30,000–$35,000 after duties and registration in Costa Rica. Gasoline is also more expensive than in the U.S., typically ₡700–₡800 per liter.

Getting Around Escazú

Public transport: Escazú is served by San José's red bus network. Routes connect the main road (Calle Vieja) to downtown San José for ₡350–₡700 per ride. Buses are cheap but crowded at peak hours and do not serve the hillside neighborhoods well.
Rideshare: Uber and DiDi both operate extensively in Escazú. A ride from Guachipelín to San José center costs ₡4,000–₡8,000 depending on traffic. This is the most practical option for short trips without a car. Uber Comfort and Uber Select are available for those willing to pay slightly more for newer vehicles.
Driving: Most expat families in Escazú own at least one vehicle. Parking at Multiplaza and Avenida Escazú is free or inexpensive. Traffic on Route 27 and the main roads in and out of Escazú is severe during rush hours (6:30–8:30 AM, 4:30–7:00 PM). Plan commutes accordingly. During peak times, what is normally a 15-minute drive to San José can take 45 minutes or more.
Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela is approximately 25–40 minutes from Escazú via Route 27 and the airport expressway, depending on traffic.
Intercity: Route 27 connects Escazú westward to the Pacific coast (Jacó in ~1.5 hours, Manuel Antonio in ~3 hours). Eastbound, the Próspero Fernández Highway connects to the rest of the San José metro area. Route 32 (Guápiles Highway) provides the main route northeast to the Caribbean coast (Limón).
Cycling: Not common for commuting due to steep hills and narrow roads, but recreational cycling is popular on weekend mornings when traffic is lighter. The road up to San Antonio de Escazú is a favorite local route.

Healthcare in Escazú

Hospital CIMA San José: A private, JCI-accredited hospital located in Guachipelín. Offers emergency care, surgery, maternity, and specialist consultations. Most physicians speak English. Consultations typically cost ₡60,000–₡120,000 without insurance. This is the primary hospital for expats in Escazú.
Clínica Bíblica: A well-regarded private hospital about 15 minutes east in downtown San José. Offers a full range of specialties and has a dedicated international patient department.
CCSS public system: The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is Costa Rica's public healthcare system. All legal residents must enroll and contribute based on income. Public clinics in Escazú (EBAIS) provide basic care but have long wait times for specialists. Most expats use CCSS as a backup and rely on private care for day-to-day needs.
Pharmacies: Farmacia La Bomba and Farmacia Fischel have branches in Escazú with well-stocked shelves. Many medications that require prescriptions elsewhere are sold over the counter in Costa Rica. The Farmacia Fischel at Multiplaza is open late and carries a wide range of both local and imported medications.
Dental care: Escazú has several well-regarded private dental clinics offering cosmetic and restorative work at a fraction of U.S. prices. A dental implant that costs $3,000–$5,000 in the U.S. typically costs $1,000–$1,800 in Escazú.
Emergency number: 911 (nationwide). CIMA also has a direct emergency line.

Culture and Lifestyle

The three Escazús: The canton is divided into three distinct zones — the historic hillside town of San Antonio de Escazú, the traditional Escazú Centro around the old church and park, and the modern commercial and residential belt of Guachipelín and its surroundings. Each has a different feel, and newcomers should explore all three before deciding where to live.
Shopping and dining: Multiplaza Escazú is one of the largest shopping malls in Central America, anchored by Almacenes El Rey, Pequeño Mundo, and dozens of international brands. Avenida Escazú, an upscale mixed-use development adjacent to Multiplaza, offers restaurants, offices, a cinema, and luxury apartments in a walkable open-air layout. The restaurant scene is among the most international in Costa Rica — Japanese, Indian, Italian, Lebanese, and American options are all within a 10-minute drive.
Outdoor life: Escazú's western-facing slopes catch spectacular sunsets over the mountains. Parque Nacional La Sabana — often called the "Central Park of Costa Rica" — is a 10-minute drive east and offers running trails, paddle boats, and open green space. For weekend trips, the beaches of the Pacific coast are accessible via Route 27, and mountain destinations like Poás Volcano and Chirripó National Park (for serious hikers) are within driving distance.
Supermarkets with imported goods: Automercado in Guachipelín stocks U.S. and European products — from peanut butter to craft beer — at a premium. Pricesmart (a Costco-style membership warehouse) in nearby Escazú/Santa Ana is popular for bulk buying. Mas x Menos and Walmart also have locations in the area for local-brand groceries.
Coworking and remote work: Several coworking spaces operate in Escazú, including Regus at Avenida Escazú and independent coworking offices in Trejos Montealegre. Most offer day passes (₡10,000–₡15,000) and monthly plans (₡100,000–₡200,000). Reliable fiber internet is available throughout the canton via Tigo, Cabletica, and Kölbi.

Food and Dining

Traditional Costa Rican food is available at sodas throughout Escazú Centro and San Antonio. Expect casados (rice, beans, plantain, salad, and a protein) for ₡2,500–₡4,000.
The Avenida Escazú and Guachipelín corridor has the highest concentration of international restaurants in the San José metro area outside of downtown.
For budget-friendly options, look for the weekly feria (farmers' market) in Escazú Centro on Saturday mornings for fresh produce at a fraction of supermarket prices.
Automercado's prepared food section is popular with expats who do not want to cook — rotisserie chicken, salads, and hot meals are available daily. Expect to pay ₡4,000–₡7,000 for a prepared meal.
Craft beer has taken off in Escazú; several bars around Avenida Escazú serve local Costa Rican microbrews alongside imports. A craft pint costs ₡3,000–₡5,000.

Expat Community

The North American community in Escazú is one of the largest in Costa Rica. Organizations like the Association of Residents of Costa Rica (ARCR) and various women's clubs and Rotary chapters are active in the area.
Facebook groups like "Expats in Escazú" and "Costa Rica Expats" are the primary channels for real-time advice, recommendations, and social events.
The Costa Rica Country Club, located in the San Rafael district of Escazú, is a social hub for many expat families with golf, tennis, swimming, and dining facilities.
English is widely spoken in businesses throughout Guachipelín and the commercial areas, making daily errands straightforward for non-Spanish speakers.
The InterNations San José chapter organizes monthly social events that draw heavily from the Escazú expat community. Meetup.com also lists language exchange groups that meet at cafés in Avenida Escazú.
Religious services in English are available at several churches in the area, including the International Baptist Church and the English-speaking congregation at the Escazú Christian Church.

Job Market in Escazú

Main industries: Multinational shared services (HP, IBM, and Procter & Gamble all have operations in the greater San José metro area), tech, finance, tourism, and real estate.
Major employers: CIMA Hospital, companies in the nearby Zona Franca (free trade zone) in Heredia and Coyol, multinational call centers and BPOs, and the service sector catering to the expat community.
Average salaries by sector:
Job search resources: LinkedIn is the dominant platform for professional roles. Computrabajo.cr and Indeed Costa Rica also list openings. The BPO sector actively recruits bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates and frequently posts on Facebook expat groups.
Remote work: Escazú is well suited for remote workers earning foreign income. Fiber internet is reliable, the time zone aligns with U.S. business hours (CST/CDT), and the expat community provides a built-in professional network. Many digital nomads and remote professionals choose Escazú for this combination.

Education in Escazú

Country Day School: An American international school now located in Santa Ana (approximately 15–20 minutes from Escazú). Moved to its current LEED-certified campus in 2016. Offers U.S.-accredited curriculum from pre-K through 12th grade. Tuition ranges from ₡5,000,000–₡10,000,000 per year depending on grade level. Popular with American expat families.
Blue Valley School: Located in the Escazú area, offering a bilingual program with international accreditation. One of the most convenient school options for families living in Escazú.
Pan-American School: Located in the greater San José metro area, offering bilingual instruction. IB accreditation and programming should be confirmed directly with the school.
Universities: Universidad Latina and Universidad Latina de Costa Rica have campuses within driving distance in San José and Heredia. The main campus of the University of Costa Rica (UCR) in San Pedro is roughly 20 minutes away. Universidad Veritas, known for its architecture and design programs, is also nearby.
Language schools: Numerous private Spanish tutors and small language schools operate in Escazú. Many expats hire tutors for in-home lessons at ₡15,000–₡25,000 per hour. The Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI) has a campus in nearby Heredia offering intensive Spanish programs.
Preschools and daycare: Several bilingual preschools operate in Escazú, including Kid's World and Children's House. Monthly tuition for full-day preschool runs ₡250,000–₡500,000.

Moving Checklist for Escazú

Before Arriving

[ ] Research and apply for the appropriate residency category (Pensionado, Rentista, or Temporary Residence) through the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (Costa Rican Immigration). Processing takes 3–12 months; enter on a tourist visa while your application is pending if needed.
[ ] Gather documents: birth certificate, police background check, and marriage certificate (if applicable) — all apostilled and translated into Spanish by an official translator.
[ ] Request a DIMEX (Documento de Identidad Migratoria para Extranjeros) appointment in advance. The DIMEX is your foreign-resident ID card and is required for banking, phone contracts, and most official transactions.
[ ] Book a customs broker (agente aduanal) if shipping household goods; items must be owned for 6+ months to qualify for duty-free import under Costa Rican customs regulations.
[ ] Arrange pet health certificates and rabies vaccinations if bringing animals; Costa Rica requires microchipping and a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
[ ] Purchase private health insurance (through INS or an international provider) to cover the gap before CCSS enrollment is processed.
[ ] Set up a Costa Rican bank account appointment — Banco Nacional and BAC Credomatic are popular with expats. You will need your passport and proof of address.
[ ] If you plan to bring a vehicle, research Costa Rican import duties and the revisión técnica (mandatory vehicle inspection) requirements before shipping. Import taxes can add 40–80% to the vehicle's value.
[ ] Make copies of all important documents and store them separately. Costa Rican bureaucracy frequently requires original documents, photocopies, and sometimes notarized translations.

First Week

[ ] Register your address with the local Tributación Directa (Costa Rican tax authority) to obtain a NIT (Número de Identificación Tributaria) if you will be earning income locally.
[ ] Visit the nearest CCSS office to begin enrollment in the public health system, which is mandatory for all residents.
[ ] Get a prepaid SIM card from Kölbi (the state telecom) or Claro at Multiplaza Escazú — postpaid plans require a DIMEX or Costa Rican ID.
[ ] Open a bank account; bring your passport, proof of address (utility bill or lease), and a reference letter from your home bank if possible.
[ ] Explore neighborhoods on foot and by Uber to decide where you want to sign a long-term lease.
[ ] Register with your home country's embassy in San José for emergency notifications.
[ ] Download the WhatsApp desktop app — nearly all communication with landlords, service providers, and community groups in Escazú happens through WhatsApp.

First Month

[ ] Sign a lease and set up utilities: electricity (CNFL), water (AyA), and internet (Tigo, Cabletica, or Kolbi).
[ ] If driving, get a revisión técnica (vehicle inspection) and register your car with the Registro Nacional; foreign licenses are valid for 90 days, after which you must convert to a Costa Rican license at COSEVI.
[ ] Enroll children in school — international schools often have waitlists, so apply as early as possible.
[ ] Join expat Facebook groups and the ARCR for local recommendations and social connections.
[ ] Establish a relationship with a primary care physician at CIMA or Clínica Bíblica for ongoing healthcare needs.
[ ] Set up recurring payments for rent and utilities via Costa Rican online banking (BN Usuarios, BAC en Línea, etc.).
[ ] Apply for a marchamo (annual vehicle tax and insurance) if you own a car — it is mandatory and due every December via the INS website or at Banco Nacional.
[ ] Hire a local attorney (notario) if you plan to buy property; Costa Rican real estate transactions require a notary public to draft and register the deed at the Registro Nacional.

Related Guides

Moving to Costa Rica — comprehensive country guide
Moving to Santa Ana — adjacent upscale canton with a slightly different character

Moving to Escazu