Grecia is a friendly, down-to-earth Central Valley town that many expats choose for its cooler climate, lower costs and real Costa Rican way of life. It sits at about 1,000 metres on the slopes of Poás Volcano in the province of Alajuela, roughly 20 km from the city of Alajuela and the international airport. It has its own public hospital, a lively town centre around its famous red metal church, and coffee farms all around. Here is what living in Grecia is like.
Looking at all your options? Read our complete guide to Costa Rica residency, with every category compared.
Why people choose Grecia
- A cooler, spring-like climate. At around 1,000 metres, Grecia is fresher than the lower towns of the western valley, and higher up the hills it gets cooler still.
- Its own hospital. Hospital San Francisco de Asís, part of the Caja (CCSS), is in Grecia, and the town has private clinics and doctors too.
- A real town, not a resort. Shops, banks, a market and a busy central park, used every day by local families.
- Close to the airport. Grecia is about 20 km from Alajuela, where Juan Santamaría International Airport is, so flights are usually under an hour away.
- Value. Expats often find Grecia more affordable than Escazú or Santa Ana.
The famous red metal church
Grecia’s landmark is the Church of Our Lady of Mercies, the red church on the central park. It was built in the late 19th century from imported Belgian steel plates riveted together, and it is one of the most photographed churches in Costa Rica. The park in front of it is the heart of town life.
Grecia’s seven districts
The canton of Grecia has seven districts: Grecia (the town centre), San Isidro, San José, San Roque, Tacares, Puente de Piedra and Bolívar. The centre has the hospital, shops and services; the other districts are more rural, with farms, quieter roads and many homes with valley views. Higher districts on the way up towards Poás are noticeably cooler, so visit at different times of day before you choose.
Healthcare
Having a public hospital in town is a big advantage. Hospital San Francisco de Asís serves Grecia through the Caja, which you will join as a legal resident, and there are private clinics, dentists and pharmacies in the centre. For specialist private care, many expats also use the private hospitals in the San José area, about an hour away. Our guide to healthcare in Costa Rica for expats explains how public and private care work together.
Daily life and day trips
Life in Grecia moves at a Costa Rican pace. Many expats say speaking some Spanish and carrying some cash makes daily life easier, since small shops and the market are very local. Coffee farms surround the town, Poás Volcano is up the road, and neighbouring Sarchí is famous for its painted ox carts. The central Pacific beaches are a day trip away.
Renting or buying a home in Grecia
You will find homes in town, houses with gardens in the nearby districts and small farms with views up in the hills. Many people rent first to learn which altitude and district suit them. Ask about water supply, internet at the exact address and how steep the access road is.
If you own a home in Grecia and want to sell, see GAP Real Estate’s page on how to sell your home in Grecia.
Moving to Grecia: residency
Grecia is popular with retirees, so the Pensionado category, with a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 a month, is a common route; Rentista and Investor are the other usual options. Our residency requirements guide explains each one. Comparing towns? See our guides to living in Atenas, living in Escazú, living in Santa Ana and Costa Rica’s mountain towns.
Frequently asked questions
Is Grecia a good place for expats to live?
For many people, yes, especially retirees who want a cooler climate, lower costs and a real Costa Rican town with its own hospital.
Is there a hospital in Grecia?
Yes. Hospital San Francisco de Asís, a public Caja (CCSS) hospital, is in Grecia, and the town has private clinics too.
How far is Grecia from the airport?
Grecia is about 20 km from the city of Alajuela, where Juan Santamaría International Airport is, so the airport is usually under an hour away.
Grecia or Atenas?
Grecia is higher and cooler, with its own hospital; Atenas is lower, warmer and closer to Route 27 and the beach. Visit both before you decide.
Sources: Grecia canton data (districts, elevation, church history), CCSS reporting on Hospital San Francisco de Asís and published local guides, checked 15 October 2026. Travel times depend on traffic.
Thinking about moving to Grecia? CRIE is an immigration law firm in Costa Rica with over 20 years of experience. Talk to our immigration expert, Johanna: WhatsApp +506 8373 2085 or email info@crie.cr.