Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Costa Rica Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Costa Rica Property Pack
Costa Rica offers some of the most promising land investment opportunities in Central America, with prices ranging from $8 per square meter in emerging regions to $250 per square meter in prime coastal areas.
The country's strategic location, political stability, and growing expat community make it an attractive destination for both investment and relocation purposes. Land prices have shown consistent growth of 5-12% annually in key regions, driven by tourism development and infrastructure improvements.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Costa Rica, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
The best land investment opportunities in Costa Rica are concentrated in Guanacaste Province ($25-85/sq.m), the Central Valley ($45-120/sq.m), and Manuel Antonio ($150-250/sq.m), offering different risk-return profiles for investors.
Land development costs range from $15,000-45,000 per hectare, while rental yields for developed properties average 6-9% annually across prime regions.
| Region | Price per sq.m (USD) | Annual Growth Rate | Rental Yield | Development Cost/hectare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guanacaste (Coastal) | $65-85 | 8-12% | 7-9% | $35,000-45,000 |
| Central Valley | $45-120 | 6-9% | 6-8% | $25,000-35,000 |
| Manuel Antonio | $150-250 | 5-8% | 8-10% | $40,000-55,000 |
| Monteverde | $35-65 | 7-10% | 6-8% | $30,000-40,000 |
| Dominical | $55-95 | 9-14% | 7-9% | $32,000-42,000 |
| Turrialba | $8-25 | 12-18% | 5-7% | $15,000-25,000 |
| Puerto Viejo | $45-75 | 10-15% | 6-8% | $28,000-38,000 |
How much does land cost per square meter in each promising region?
Land prices in Costa Rica vary significantly based on location, with coastal areas commanding premium rates while inland regions offer more affordable entry points.
Guanacaste Province, particularly around Tamarindo and Nosara, averages $65-85 per square meter for developable coastal land as of September 2025. The Central Valley, including areas near San JosĂ© and EscazĂș, ranges from $45-120 per square meter depending on proximity to the capital.
Manuel Antonio represents the premium end of the market at $150-250 per square meter for prime beachfront parcels. Monteverde offers mountain retreat opportunities at $35-65 per square meter, while emerging areas like Turrialba provide exceptional value at $8-25 per square meter.
Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast averages $45-75 per square meter, and Dominical on the Pacific side ranges from $55-95 per square meter. These prices reflect the current market conditions driven by increased foreign investment and tourism development.
It's something we develop in our Costa Rica property pack.
What is the typical lot size available in those areas?
Costa Rican land parcels vary considerably by region, with coastal areas typically offering larger lots to accommodate tourism development.
The national median lot size for residential development is approximately 2,500 square meters (about 0.62 acres). Guanacaste coastal areas commonly offer parcels between 5,000-20,000 square meters, ideal for resort or residential development projects.
Central Valley lots tend to be smaller, ranging from 1,000-5,000 square meters, reflecting higher land values and urban density. Mountain regions like Monteverde and cloud forest areas typically feature larger parcels of 10,000-50,000 square meters.
Manuel Antonio lots are generally smaller due to topographical constraints and high demand, averaging 1,500-8,000 square meters. Rural areas like Turrialba offer the largest parcels, often 20,000-100,000 square meters or more, suitable for agricultural or eco-tourism projects.
Minimum lot sizes are regulated by local zoning laws, typically requiring at least 5,000 square meters in coastal zones and 1,000 square meters in urban areas.
What are the average property tax rates and annual ownership costs in each location?
Costa Rica's property tax system is relatively straightforward, with rates based on declared property values and location-specific multipliers.
| Region | Property Tax Rate | Annual Maintenance Cost | Insurance Cost (per $100k value) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guanacaste (Coastal) | 0.25% of declared value | $800-1,500/hectare | $450-650 |
| Central Valley | 0.25% of declared value | $600-1,200/hectare | $350-500 |
| Manuel Antonio | 0.25% of declared value | $1,000-2,000/hectare | $500-750 |
| Monteverde | 0.25% of declared value | $500-900/hectare | $300-450 |
| Dominical | 0.25% of declared value | $700-1,300/hectare | $400-600 |
| Turrialba | 0.25% of declared value | $300-600/hectare | $250-350 |
| Puerto Viejo | 0.25% of declared value | $600-1,100/hectare | $350-500 |
What is the historical price growth rate of land in each region over the past 5â10 years?
Costa Rican land values have shown robust growth patterns, with tourism-driven areas leading appreciation rates.
Guanacaste coastal regions have experienced 8-12% annual appreciation over the past decade, driven by resort development and improved infrastructure. The Central Valley has shown more moderate but steady growth of 6-9% annually, supported by consistent domestic demand and business development.
Manuel Antonio has delivered 5-8% annual growth, with premium beachfront parcels outperforming inland properties. Emerging areas like Turrialba have shown exceptional growth of 12-18% annually as investors discover these previously overlooked regions.
Monteverde has achieved 7-10% annual appreciation, benefiting from eco-tourism growth and sustainable development initiatives. Dominical has recorded strong performance at 9-14% annually, while Puerto Viejo has shown 10-15% growth as Caribbean coast tourism develops.
These growth rates reflect increasing foreign investment, improved infrastructure, and Costa Rica's growing reputation as a stable investment destination in Central America.
Don't lose money on your property in Costa Rica
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
How much does it cost to develop basic infrastructure like water, electricity, and internet on the land?
Infrastructure development costs in Costa Rica depend heavily on location and existing utility access.
Water connection costs range from $3,000-8,000 per hectare for areas with nearby municipal service, while well drilling and private systems cost $8,000-15,000 per hectare. Electricity connection through ICE (the national utility) typically costs $2,000-5,000 per hectare for standard residential service.
Internet infrastructure varies significantly, with fiber optic connection costing $1,500-4,000 per hectare in developed areas, while satellite internet setup ranges from $500-1,500 per hectare for remote locations.
Road construction and improvement costs average $15,000-35,000 per kilometer for basic gravel access roads, while paved roads cost $45,000-80,000 per kilometer. Septic systems for developments typically cost $2,000-4,000 per unit.
Total infrastructure development costs typically range from $15,000-45,000 per hectare, with coastal and remote mountain areas requiring higher investments due to challenging terrain and distance from existing utilities.
What is the average rental yield for properties built on land in those areas?
Rental yields in Costa Rica reflect the country's strong tourism economy and growing expat residential market.
Guanacaste coastal properties deliver 7-9% annual rental yields, particularly vacation rentals and resort-style developments. Central Valley residential properties average 6-8% yields, benefiting from consistent domestic and expat rental demand.
Manuel Antonio achieves 8-10% yields for well-positioned vacation rental properties, though seasonal fluctuations can be significant. Monteverde eco-tourism properties average 6-8% yields, with sustainable tourism driving steady occupancy rates.
Dominical offers 7-9% yields for beachfront vacation rentals, while emerging areas like Turrialba provide 5-7% yields with significant appreciation potential. Puerto Viejo delivers 6-8% yields as Caribbean coast tourism continues developing.
It's something we develop in our Costa Rica property pack.
How far is each location from major cities, airports, and hospitals, measured in travel time and distance?
Costa Rica's compact size ensures most investment areas maintain reasonable access to essential services and transportation hubs.
San JosĂ©, the capital, serves as the central reference point with Juan SantamarĂa International Airport located 20 kilometers west. Guanacaste regions are 150-250 kilometers from San JosĂ© (2.5-4 hours driving), with Liberia Airport providing closer access at 45-90 minutes from most coastal areas.
Central Valley locations range from 20-80 kilometers from San José (30 minutes to 2 hours), offering the best access to hospitals and international airport. Manuel Antonio sits 150 kilometers south of San José (2.5-3 hours driving), with regional medical facilities available locally.
Monteverde is 150 kilometers northwest of San José (3-4 hours due to mountain roads), while Dominical is 180 kilometers south (3 hours driving). Turrialba lies 65 kilometers east of San José (1.5 hours), providing good access to services.
Puerto Viejo is 200 kilometers southeast of San José (4 hours driving), with limited local medical facilities but growing infrastructure development planned for the region.
What is the estimated cost of living per month in each region?
Living costs in Costa Rica vary significantly between urban, coastal, and rural areas, affecting both residents and rental market dynamics.
| Region | Monthly Living Cost (Individual) | Monthly Living Cost (Family of 4) | Housing Cost (Rent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guanacaste (Coastal) | $1,200-1,800 | $2,500-3,500 | $600-1,200 |
| Central Valley | $1,000-1,500 | $2,200-3,000 | $500-1,000 |
| Manuel Antonio | $1,400-2,000 | $2,800-4,000 | $700-1,400 |
| Monteverde | $900-1,300 | $2,000-2,800 | $400-800 |
| Dominical | $1,100-1,600 | $2,300-3,200 | $550-1,100 |
| Turrialba | $700-1,000 | $1,500-2,200 | $300-600 |
| Puerto Viejo | $1,000-1,400 | $2,100-2,900 | $450-900 |
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Costa Rica versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
How many months per year does each area have favorable weather conditions for living or tourism?
Costa Rica's tropical climate provides year-round warmth, but seasonal variations affect tourism and livability in different regions.
The dry season (December-April) offers the most favorable conditions nationwide, representing 5 months of optimal weather. Guanacaste experiences the most pronounced dry season with excellent conditions for 6-7 months annually, making it ideal for tourism development.
Central Valley enjoys 8-9 months of favorable weather due to its elevated location and moderate temperatures year-round. The rainy season (May-November) brings afternoon showers but remains livable.
Manuel Antonio and Pacific coastal areas have 7-8 favorable months, with intense but brief afternoon rains during the wet season. Monteverde experiences 6-7 good months, with cloud forest conditions creating unique microclimates.
Caribbean coast areas like Puerto Viejo have 6-7 favorable months, with different rainfall patterns than the Pacific side. Turrialba offers 7-8 good months, benefiting from its valley location and moderate elevation.
Tourism peaks during dry season months, directly impacting rental yields and occupancy rates for vacation rental properties.
What is the projected population growth rate and development plan for each area over the next 5â10 years?
Costa Rica's development plans focus on sustainable tourism, infrastructure improvement, and strategic economic zones.
Guanacaste Province expects 3-5% annual population growth driven by tourism development and the expanding Liberia airport. Major infrastructure projects include highway improvements and new marina developments along the coast.
Central Valley regions anticipate 2-3% annual growth, supported by technology sector expansion and improved transportation networks. The San José metropolitan area continues urban expansion with planned light rail systems.
Manuel Antonio faces controlled growth due to environmental protections, expecting 1-2% annual population increases with focus on sustainable tourism development. Monteverde emphasizes eco-tourism growth with 2-3% annual increases in sustainable accommodation capacity.
Emerging regions like Turrialba project 4-6% annual growth as infrastructure improvements make these areas more accessible. Puerto Viejo expects 3-4% growth as Caribbean coast development accelerates with improved road access.
Government initiatives include the National Development Plan 2022-2026, emphasizing sustainable development, digital infrastructure, and environmental protection across all regions.
What are the average transaction and legal fees as a percentage of the land price in each location?
Costa Rica maintains standardized legal fees nationwide, with slight variations based on property value and location-specific requirements.
Total transaction costs typically range from 3-5% of the purchase price. Transfer taxes account for 1.5% of the registered property value, while notary fees range from 1-1.5% of the transaction value.
Legal fees for due diligence and closing typically cost 0.5-1% of the purchase price. Registration fees at the National Registry average 0.5% of the property value. Survey and appraisal costs range from $500-2,000 depending on property size and complexity.
Additional costs may include environmental impact studies for coastal properties ($1,000-5,000), topographical surveys ($800-3,000), and municipal permits ($200-1,000). Foreign buyers often require additional legal representation, adding 0.25-0.5% to total costs.
Coastal and environmentally sensitive areas may require additional permits and studies, potentially increasing total transaction costs to 4-6% of the purchase price.
It's something we develop in our Costa Rica property pack.
How long does it typically take to resell land in each area, based on average days on market?
Land resale timeframes in Costa Rica depend heavily on location, pricing, and market conditions as of September 2025.
Prime Guanacaste coastal properties typically sell within 90-180 days when properly priced, benefiting from strong tourism demand and foreign buyer interest. Central Valley properties near San José average 120-240 days on market, depending on specific location and development potential.
Manuel Antonio land parcels generally require 150-300 days to sell due to higher prices and selective buyer pool. Well-positioned properties with ocean views or development permits sell faster than inland parcels.
Monteverde properties average 180-360 days on market, appealing primarily to eco-tourism investors and lifestyle buyers. Emerging areas like Turrialba may require 240-450 days to sell, though this is improving as infrastructure develops.
Dominical averages 120-240 days for beachfront parcels, while Puerto Viejo requires 180-300 days as the Caribbean coast market continues developing. Properly priced properties with clear title and development potential consistently sell faster across all regions.
Market conditions, property size, development potential, and access to utilities significantly impact sale timeframes in all areas.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Costa Rica's land market offers compelling opportunities for both investment and lifestyle purposes, with diverse regions catering to different budgets and objectives.
Success in Costa Rican land investment requires thorough due diligence, understanding of local regulations, and careful consideration of infrastructure development costs and timelines.
Sources
- Central America Data - Costa Rica Real Estate Market
- Global Property Guide - Costa Rica
- La RepĂșblica - Costa Rica Real Estate Market
- La NaciĂłn - Real Estate Market
- CR Hoy - Costa Rica Real Estate
- El Financiero - Real Estate Market
- ICE - Electricity Tariffs Costa Rica
- Visit Costa Rica - Climate Information