Hot Water in Costa Rica: What Nobody Tells You Before You Move

1. Hot and Cold Are Often Reversed

We've lost count of how many times the hot and cold handles were switched. Turn the faucet to "C" expecting cold water? You get scalding hot instead.

Why? We suspect installers see "C" and think "caliente" (Spanish for hot) instead of "cold."

Solution: Always test faucets gently before committing.

2. Upscale Doesn't Mean Hot Water

Don't assume that expensive = hot water. We've stayed in beautiful, modern homes with granite countertops and ocean views—and zero hot water.

Always ask landlords specifically:

• "Does this rental have hot water?"
• "Which faucets/showers have hot water?"
• "What type of water heating system is installed?"

3. Do You Actually Need Hot Water? (Spoiler: I Do!)

After six years in Costa Rica, here's my truth: I still love my hot water.

Many expats will tell you they adapted quickly and don't miss it. Some even prefer cold showers in the tropical heat. And honestly? The climate IS warm year-round, so cold showers aren't as miserable as they'd be back in North America.

But for me? Hot water isn't just about comfort—it's about quality of life. I prioritize it in every rental we choose, and I have zero regrets about paying a bit more for it.

You might be like me and NEED hot water if:

• You genuinely enjoy hot showers (no shame in that!)
• You live in the mountains (Monteverde, San Ramón, higher elevations get chilly)
• You have young children who don't adapt well to cold water
• You have health conditions that require warm water
• It's a non-negotiable comfort for your mental health and daily routine

You might be fine without it if:

• You adapt easily to new situations
• You don't mind cold showers (or even prefer them in the heat)
• You're trying to maximize your rental budget
• You're living on the coast where it's hot year-round

My advice? Don't let other expats shame you into thinking you "should" be fine without hot water. If it matters to you, make it a priority. You're moving to Costa Rica to improve your quality of life—not to be uncomfortable every day.

How to Test If You Need Hot Water

Still not sure if it's a dealbreaker for you? Try this experiment:

At home (before moving):

• Take cold showers for a week
• Wash dishes in cold water
• Notice how you feel

If you're miserable, make hot water a non-negotiable in your rental search. If you adapt easily, you'll have way more affordable housing options in Costa Rica.

For me? I tried cold showers. I hated them. Now I make sure every rental has a proper instant hot water heater, and I sleep better at night knowing I won't dread my morning shower.

What to Ask When Renting in Costa Rica

Before signing a lease or booking a long-term rental, ask:

1. "Does the property have hot water?"
2. "Which faucets/showers have hot water?" (shower only? kitchen too?)
3. "What type of water heater is installed?"
   • Tank heater (large unit that stores hot water)
   • Instant/on-demand heater (wall-mounted unit that heats water as it flows)
   • Electric shower head (also called "suicide shower"—heating element in the shower head itself)
   • No heater (cold water only)
4. "Are utilities included, or will I pay separately for electricity?" (this matters if there's a tank heater)

Final Thoughts

Hot water in Costa Rica isn't the standard—but it's also not the dealbreaker most people think it will be. After six years, we've lived in homes with tank heaters, instant heaters, suicide showers, and no hot water at all.

The lesson? Prioritize what truly matters to you, ask the right questions, and be willing to adapt. That's expat life in a nutshell.

Pura Vida!