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
This blog post covers the current housing prices in Costa Rica across different budget levels, from $100,000 to over $750,000.
We constantly update this article with fresh data from authoritative sources so you always have the most accurate picture of what properties actually cost in Costa Rica in 2026.
Whether you are looking for a small condo in the Central Valley or a beachfront property in Guanacaste, we break down exactly what your money can buy.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Costa Rica.
What can I realistically buy with $100k in Costa Rica right now?
Are there any decent properties for $100k in Costa Rica, or is it all scams?
Yes, there are decent $100,000 properties (about 52 million colones or 92,000 euros) in Costa Rica, but you will need to target smaller condos, older homes in secondary towns, or land lots rather than expecting a turnkey family home in a prime location.
The best value neighborhoods in Costa Rica for a $100,000 budget include Central Valley "value belts" like Desamparados, Goicoechea, Moravia (outer parts), and Alajuelita, as well as commuter towns in Heredia and Alajuela such as San Francisco de Heredia, Grecia, Atenas, and San Ramon where your money goes further.
In true upscale areas of Costa Rica like Escazu (San Rafael or Trejos Montealegre) and Santa Ana (Lindora), $100,000 is usually not enough for a nice move-in-ready unit, so you would be looking at very small studios, distressed older inventory, or properties with compromises like busy roads or no parking.
To avoid scams, always verify the title and liens at the Costa Rica National Registry before any money moves, use an independent lawyer or notary (not the seller's), and if the property is "beachfront," confirm it is titled land rather than a Maritime Zone concession which has different legal rules for foreigners.
What property types can I afford for $100k in Costa Rica (studio, land, old house)?
For $100,000 (about 52 million colones) in Costa Rica, you can realistically look at three main options: a small condo or studio apartment of 35 to 45 square meters in normal Central Valley districts, an older small house of 70 to 90 square meters if you accept secondary locations, or a serviced land lot in commuter towns like Grecia, Atenas edges, or parts of Cartago.
At the $100,000 price point in Costa Rica, expect properties that need some work: condos may only require cosmetic refreshes like paint and appliances, but older houses often need roof or waterproofing repairs, plumbing and electrical touch-ups, and kitchen or bathroom updates, so budget an extra 5% to 25% of the purchase price for renovations.
Land lots tend to offer the best long-term value at this budget in Costa Rica because you maintain full control over what gets built, and construction costs, while rising according to INEC indices, can be managed over time compared to overpaying for a dated structure in a weak location.
What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Costa Rica as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the realistic minimum budget to get a comfortable, move-in-ready property in Costa Rica is around $160,000 (about 83 million colones or 148,000 euros) for a one-bedroom condo in a good Central Valley building with proper security and amenities.
Most buyers looking for comfortable living in Costa Rica need a budget range of $160,000 to $260,000 for a Central Valley condo or $250,000 to $450,000 for a small family home with two to three bedrooms in a decent neighborhood, while beach lifestyle markets typically start even higher.
In Costa Rica, "comfortable" generally means a property that is move-in ready with modern finishes, located in a safe neighborhood with reasonable commute times, and includes amenities like security, parking, and reliable utilities, plus being in a building or community with good management.
The required budget can vary dramatically by neighborhood in Costa Rica: in premium areas like Escazu or Santa Ana, you might pay 50% to 100% more than in Cartago or outer Heredia for a similar property, so location choice has a huge impact on what your money buys.
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What can I get with a $200k budget in Costa Rica as of 2026?
What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Costa Rica as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a $200,000 budget (about 104 million colones or 185,000 euros) in Costa Rica opens the door to normal, livable options like practical one to two bedroom condos in good Central Valley locations or small family homes in commuter-friendly towns like Heredia, Alajuela, or Cartago.
For $200,000 in Costa Rica, you can typically expect a condo of 70 to 90 square meters in San Jose metro areas, or a house with 120 to 160 square meters of construction if you look in less premium locations where land costs are lower, such as Cartago (Paraiso or El Guarco) or outer Heredia.
By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Costa Rica.
What places are the smartest $200k buys in Costa Rica as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the smartest $200,000 buys in Costa Rica are found in Central Valley commuter-friendly areas like Curridabat, Moravia, San Francisco de Heredia, Santo Domingo, and well-connected parts of Alajuela, as well as Cartago towns like Paraiso and El Guarco where your money buys significantly more space.
These areas are smarter buys because they combine strong local demand (meaning better resale liquidity), good infrastructure and amenities, reasonable commute times to employment centers, and lower per-square-meter prices compared to premium zones like Escazu or Santa Ana.
The main growth factor driving value in these smart-buy areas of Costa Rica is sustained local demand from Costa Rican families and middle-class buyers, combined with ongoing infrastructure improvements and the stability that comes from being part of the Central Valley economic hub rather than dependent on tourism cycles.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Costa Rica. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What can I buy with $300k in Costa Rica in 2026?
What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, moving from $200,000 to $300,000 (about 156 million colones or 277,000 euros) in Costa Rica typically buys you upgrades in location, building quality, or outdoor space, and you can usually pick two of those three factors rather than compromising on all fronts.
Yes, $300,000 can buy a property in a newer building in Costa Rica, especially in Central Valley condo submarkets where newer, well-managed towers with elevators, security, and modern amenities become consistently available at this price point compared to the tighter inventory at lower budgets.
At the $300,000 level in Costa Rica, features that typically become available include gated community access, better finishes like granite countertops and quality cabinetry, townhome layouts, usable terraces or small yards, and buildings with pools, gyms, or 24/7 security.
Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Costa Rica in 2026 in good areas?
As of early 2026, yes, $300,000 can often buy a two-bedroom property in good areas of the Central Valley in Costa Rica, and sometimes in secondary coastal markets too, though premium neighborhoods like top-tier Escazu or prime Tamarindo may require tradeoffs on size or building age.
Specific good areas in Costa Rica where $300,000 reaches two-bedroom territory include Curridabat, Montes de Oca (select zones), San Francisco de Heredia, Santo Domingo, and parts of Alajuela, where you can find family-sized condos or townhomes in secure, well-serviced communities.
A $300,000 two-bedroom in Costa Rica typically offers 80 to 120 square meters (roughly 860 to 1,300 square feet) in the Central Valley, though exact size varies by building age, location within the neighborhood, and whether the property includes dedicated parking or storage.
Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Costa Rica as of 2026?
At $300,000 in Costa Rica, you can seriously start shopping in desirable areas that were out of reach at lower budgets, including select parts of Escazu (older two-bedrooms or smaller units), some Santa Ana condos and townhomes, and better-located beach-adjacent inventory near popular coastal zones.
These newly accessible areas are desirable compared to $200,000 options because they offer closer proximity to premium amenities like international schools, upscale shopping, quality restaurants, and top medical facilities in Costa Rica, plus stronger expat communities and often better resale liquidity.
In these newly accessible areas of Costa Rica, $300,000 typically buys a well-maintained condo in a quality building with good security, or a townhome in a gated community, rather than the compromise properties you would face at lower budgets.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Costa Rica.
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What does a $500k budget unlock in Costa Rica in 2026?
What's the typical size and location for $500k in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, a $500,000 budget (about 260 million colones or 462,000 euros) in Costa Rica typically unlocks properties of 150 to 250 square meters (1,600 to 2,700 square feet) in prime Central Valley neighborhoods or serious coastal lifestyle properties in Guanacaste or the Pacific coast.
Yes, $500,000 can definitely buy a family home with outdoor space in Costa Rica, especially in Heredia, Alajuela, or Cartago premium pockets, or even in parts of Escazu and Santa Ana, where you can find homes with gardens, terraces, or small yards rather than just condo living.
At $500,000 in Costa Rica, the typical property offers three to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms, often with features like a carport or garage, a terrace with views, quality finishes, and location in a gated community or established residential neighborhood.
Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Costa Rica here.
Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Costa Rica in 2026?
At $500,000 in Costa Rica, premium neighborhoods that open up include Escazu areas like San Rafael, Trejos Montealegre, and zones near Avenida Escazu, Santa Ana's Lindora corridor and nearby gated communities, higher-demand Curridabat condo zones, and Guanacaste lifestyle spots like Playas del Coco and Flamingo.
These neighborhoods are considered premium in Costa Rica because they offer the best infrastructure, including proximity to international schools, world-class hospitals like CIMA, upscale shopping at Multiplaza and lifestyle centers, fine dining, and easy highway access to both San Jose and Pacific coast beaches.
For $500,000 in these premium Costa Rica neighborhoods, buyers can realistically expect a quality three-bedroom condo in a top building with full amenities, a townhome in an exclusive gated community, or in some cases a smaller detached home with a yard in a sought-after residential area.
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.
What counts as "luxury" in Costa Rica in 2026?
At what amount does "luxury" start in Costa Rica right now?
In Costa Rica, the luxury property market realistically begins around $750,000 to $1,000,000 (about 390 to 520 million colones or 690,000 to 920,000 euros) where you start seeing consistent high-end design, premium views, privacy, and prime locations.
At the entry point to luxury in Costa Rica, defining features include architect-designed layouts, high-quality imported finishes, smart home technology, infinity pools, expansive terraces with valley or ocean views, and locations in exclusive gated communities or private estates.
Compared to other markets, Costa Rica's luxury threshold is lower than major US or European cities but similar to other popular Central American and Caribbean destinations, making it relatively accessible for North American and European buyers seeking high-end tropical living.
For mid-tier luxury in Costa Rica, expect to spend $1,000,000 to $1,500,000, while top-tier luxury properties typically start above $1,500,000 and can reach well beyond $3,000,000, with Coldwell Banker reporting a luxury median sold price of around $1,600,000.
Which areas are truly high-end in Costa Rica right now?
The truly high-end areas in Costa Rica right now are Escazu (particularly San Rafael and Trejos Montealegre), Santa Ana (especially Lindora and exclusive gated communities), and premium coastal enclaves in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula near top beaches and resort infrastructure.
These areas are considered truly high-end in Costa Rica because they combine the best of everything: proximity to international airports, top-rated bilingual schools, world-class hospitals, fine dining, upscale retail, stunning natural views, and established expat communities with excellent security.
The typical buyer profile for high-end areas in Costa Rica includes successful North American and European executives, retirees with substantial assets seeking quality tropical living, business owners wanting a base near corporate centers, and investors looking for trophy properties with strong rental potential.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Costa Rica
Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Costa Rica in 2026?
What are the total closing costs in Costa Rica in 2026 as a percentage?
As of early 2026, total closing costs for a straightforward residential property purchase in Costa Rica typically run between 3.5% and 5% of the purchase price for buyers, covering all standard transaction fees.
The realistic low-to-high range that covers most standard Costa Rica property transactions is 3.5% on the efficient end (when everything goes smoothly) up to about 5% when you include some buffer for unexpected administrative costs or more complex transactions.
The specific fee categories that make up this total in Costa Rica include the transfer tax (1.5% of the declared value), registry stamps and registration costs (roughly 0.8% to 1.3%), and legal/notary fees (typically 1% to 1.25%), plus minor administrative expenses.
To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Costa Rica.
How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, notary and legal fees in Costa Rica typically cost about 1% to 1.25% of the purchase price (for a $200,000 property, that is roughly $2,000 to $2,500 or about 1,040,000 to 1,300,000 colones or 1,850 to 2,300 euros), while registration and stamp costs add another 0.8% to 1.3%.
Combined, these fees typically represent about 1.8% to 2.5% of the property price in Costa Rica, making them a significant but manageable part of your overall closing costs budget.
In Costa Rica, the transfer tax at 1.5% is technically the single largest fee, but among notary, registration, and legal fees specifically, the legal/notary fee is usually the most expensive component because Costa Rica requires all property transfers to be formalized through a licensed notary-attorney who handles the documentation.
What annual property taxes should I expect in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, annual property tax in Costa Rica is 0.25% of the registered municipal value, so for a typical property with a registered value of $200,000 you would pay about $500 per year (roughly 260,000 colones or 460 euros).
This 0.25% rate is set by Costa Rica's property tax law and represents one of the lower annual property tax rates in the Americas, making Costa Rica attractive for property owners compared to many US states or European countries.
Property taxes in Costa Rica can vary based on location and property type: luxury homes above certain value thresholds may trigger the additional "Impuesto Solidario" (solidarity tax), and different municipalities handle assessments slightly differently, though the 0.25% baseline rate applies nationwide.
There are potential exemptions or reductions for certain buyers in Costa Rica, particularly for properties used for specific purposes or owned by certain categories of residents, so it is worth discussing your situation with a local tax advisor.
You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Costa Rica here.
Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Costa Rica right now?
Obtaining a mortgage as a foreigner in Costa Rica is possible but challenging, and most foreign buyers still plan for cash purchases or financing from their home country because local bank requirements are strict and approval is significantly harder than for residents.
Foreign buyers in Costa Rica can typically expect loan-to-value ratios of 50% to 70% (meaning 30% to 50% down payment required) with mortgage interest rates generally ranging from 7% to 10% for USD-denominated loans, with non-residents usually facing the higher end of both ranges.
To qualify for a mortgage in Costa Rica, foreign buyers typically need extensive documentation including proof of income from foreign sources, local banking relationships, possibly legal residency status for better terms, and substantial asset documentation, plus patience for a longer approval process than you might expect from home.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Costa Rica.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Costa Rica compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What should I predict for resale and growth in Costa Rica in 2026?
What property types resell fastest in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property types that resell fastest in Costa Rica are well-located Central Valley condos with good security and amenities, mid-priced family homes in commuter-friendly towns like Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago, and properties with clean titles, easy access, and reliable utilities.
The typical time on market to sell a property in Costa Rica varies significantly: well-priced mainstream homes and condos often sell within 3 to 9 months, while premium coastal properties and luxury listings can easily take 9 to 15 months or longer based on current absorption rates.
Properties sell faster in Costa Rica when they are priced realistically from the start, because the market has elevated days-on-market across all regions (Central Valley averages around 343 days, condos around 342 days), so presentation and accurate pricing matter more than ever.
The slowest properties to resell in Costa Rica right now are overpriced luxury listings (averaging 467 days on market), Central and South Pacific properties in oversupplied areas (around 406 days), and coastal properties in Guanacaste that were purchased at peak prices and haven't adjusted to current market reality.
If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about Costa Rica.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Costa Rica, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica Ministry of Finance (Hacienda) | Official government tax authority explaining the transfer tax process. | We used it to anchor the 1.5% transfer tax rate. We built our closing cost estimates around this mandatory component. |
| Global Property Guide | Long-running international housing research publisher with clear data sources. | We used it for provincial price-per-square-meter tables for apartments and houses. We converted these into "what you can buy" size estimates at each budget level. |
| Coldwell Banker Costa Rica | Major brokerage network publishing data-backed market snapshots. | We used it for days-on-market figures and luxury pricing thresholds. We aligned our resale speed guidance to their absorption timelines. |
| Costa Rica National Registry | Official institution running the country's property registry system. | We used it to ground the title verification steps for avoiding scams. We explained how registry checks reduce fraud risk for foreign buyers. |
| Encuentra24 | Major regional marketplace showing transparent listing-based price trends. | We used it as the main pricing dataset for advertised asking prices. We cross-checked patterns with Global Property Guide summaries. |
| Municipality of La Union | Local government page quoting the nationwide 0.25% property tax rate. | We used it to confirm the baseline annual property tax rate. We translated it into simple annual dollar examples for buyers. |
| Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) | Central bank's official portal for financial and economic indicators. | We used it as the base layer for financing environment in 2026. We paired it with mortgage rate data to assess if financing is viable for foreigners. |
| LX Costa Rica | Established Costa Rica real estate platform with clear fee breakdown. | We used it to triangulate typical closing cost components into percentage ranges. We kept estimates conservative to avoid underbudgeting. |
| Costa Rica Maritime Zone Law (Ley 6043) | The actual law text hosted on a government territorial information site. | We used it to explain coastal concession rules for foreigners. We showed how this affects beachfront buying decisions. |
| INEC (Costa Rica statistics agency) | National statistics institute publishing official construction price methodology. | We used it as a proxy for build and renovation cost pressures. We justified renovation buffer recommendations based on this data. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Costa Rica. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.