Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.
All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.
196,946
77 km²
2,573 per km²
-
Spanish
56 km
Cartago features a tropical rainforest climate (Af) with consistently warm temperatures averaging around 19-23°C year-round and never dropping below 18°C monthly. High humidity persists throughout the year alongside substantial rainfall totaling about 2500 mm annually, with around 251 rainy days. A short dry season occurs in December-February, making it relatively sunnier then, though afternoon showers are common.
23°C
18°C
Tropical Rainforest
Rainy Days
251
Sunny Days
114
Humidity
68%
19-24°C
Spring brings increasing rainfall as the wet season begins, with warm days and frequent showers. Humidity rises while temperatures remain steady.
Moderate rainfall19-23°C
Summer marks peak wet season with heavy daily rains, high humidity around 89%, and consistent warm temperatures. Cloudy skies dominate with limited sunshine.
Very High rainfall19-24°C
Autumn continues the wet pattern with substantial precipitation and warm, humid conditions. Nights are cooler around 19°C.
Very High rainfall18-24°C
Winter offers the short dry season with lower rainfall, milder humidity around 60%, and pleasant warm days ideal for travel.
Low rainfallCartago offers a tranquil alternative to Costa Rica's more touristy destinations, with a mild highland climate and authentic Central Valley living. Located just an hour from San José, this historic city provides affordable urban amenities balanced by proximity to stunning natural landscapes, making it attractive for expats seeking a slower-paced lifestyle without complete rural isolation.
While infrastructure and English availability can be more limited compared to coastal expat hubs, Cartago compensates with lower living costs, a strong sense of local community, and excellent access to healthcare and transportation. Retirees and remote workers will appreciate the city's walkable layout, moderate temperatures, and cultural richness, though newcomers should expect a more traditional Costa Rican experience that requires some language and cultural adaptation.
Includes resilience and environmental factors
Safety Index
Safety from Crime
Safe Alone (Day)
Safe Alone (Night)
Safety from Violent Crime
Safety from Property Crime
Flood Risk
Sea Level
Earthquake
Wildfire
Heatwave
Healthcare Index
Healthcare Quality
Emergency Response
