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Property prices in Costa Rica vary dramatically by location and property type, with beachfront properties commanding the highest prices per square meter.
As of September 2025, the national average price sits at $1,021 per square meter, but this ranges from $500 per square meter in rural areas to over $6,000 per square meter for luxury beachfront properties. San José condos average $1,724-$2,343 per square meter while houses typically cost $1,110-$1,180 per square meter.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Costa Rica, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Costa Rica's property market shows significant price variation, with urban and beachfront properties commanding premium rates while rural areas remain affordable.
The market has experienced 60% growth over five years, with continued strong demand from foreign buyers and favorable rental yields averaging 7.8-8.4%.
| Location Type | Price Range ($/m²) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $1,021 | Mid-2025 baseline for all property types |
| San José (Condos) | $1,724-$2,343 | Capital city premium, high demand |
| Beachfront Properties | $2,725-$3,298 | Popular coastal zones (Tamarindo, Nosara, Jaco) |
| Luxury Coastal | $5,000-$6,300 | High-end resort areas and luxury builds |
| Rural/Caribbean | $500-$971 | Most affordable options, emerging markets |
| Central Valley | $1,180-$2,025 | Suburban premium areas, expat-friendly |
| Guanacaste | $2,221-$2,896 | Tourist region with strong rental potential |
What is the average price per square meter in Costa Rica right now?
The average price per square meter in Costa Rica currently stands at $1,021 as of September 2025.
This national average represents a significant increase from previous years, with the market experiencing substantial growth since 2020. The price has risen from $639 per square meter in 2020 to the current level, marking a 60% increase over five years.
However, this national average masks considerable variation across different regions and property types. Urban areas like San José command much higher prices, while rural and less developed regions offer significantly more affordable options. The market continues to show strong momentum driven by both international demand and domestic economic factors.
It's something we develop in our Costa Rica property pack.
How much does the price vary between urban, suburban, and rural areas?
Price variation between urban, suburban, and rural areas in Costa Rica is dramatic, with urban properties costing three to four times more than rural equivalents.
| Area Type | Houses ($/m²) | Condos/Apartments ($/m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban (San José) | $1,110-$1,180 | $1,724-$2,343 |
| Suburban (Central Valley) | $1,180 | $2,025 |
| Guanacaste (Tourist) | $2,221 | $2,896 |
| Central Pacific | $1,500-$2,000 | $1,800-$2,500 |
| Caribbean Coast | $971 | $1,133 |
| Rural Areas | $500-$800 | $600-$900 |
What are the highest and lowest price ranges per square meter in the country?
The highest prices per square meter in Costa Rica reach $6,302 in luxury sectors of Guanacaste, particularly around Tamarindo.
These premium properties represent the absolute top tier of the market, featuring luxury villas and high-end resort developments in the most desirable coastal locations. Most city centers typically see prices ranging from $1,100 to $2,000+ per square meter, while popular beachfront areas command $2,725 to $3,300 per square meter.
At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest observed prices start around $500 per square meter for inland, rural, or less developed locations. These areas often lack infrastructure and are located far from major cities or tourist zones. The Caribbean coast and some rural inland regions consistently offer the most affordable options, with many properties available under $1,000 per square meter.
What is the average price per square meter for beachfront properties?
Beachfront properties in Costa Rica average between $2,725 and $3,300 per square meter in high-demand coastal areas.
Popular beachfront destinations like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco represent the core of this price range. These areas benefit from established tourism infrastructure, international airport access, and strong rental potential. Properties with direct beach access or ocean views command premium pricing within this range.
Luxury beachfront developments can reach significantly higher prices, with some exceptional properties in Guanacaste reaching $5,000 to $6,300 per square meter. These represent the absolute premium of the beachfront market, featuring world-class amenities and prime positioning. More affordable beachfront options exist along the Caribbean coast and some Pacific areas, where prices can start around $1,500 to $2,500 per square meter.
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What is the average price per square meter for properties in the capital, San José?
Properties in San José show a clear distinction between condos and houses, with condos commanding significantly higher prices per square meter.
Condos and apartments in San José range from $1,724 to $2,343 per square meter, with city center properties regularly exceeding $2,000 per square meter. These higher prices reflect the premium for urban living, proximity to business districts, and the convenience of city amenities. Modern buildings with security features and parking command the highest prices within this range.
Houses in San José average $1,110 to $1,180 per square meter, making them more affordable on a per-square-meter basis than condos. This price difference reflects the different target markets and the fact that houses often include land value, which can vary significantly based on location within the metropolitan area.
How have price trends per square meter changed over the past 5 years?
Costa Rica's property market has experienced remarkable growth over the past five years, with prices increasing by almost 60% nationally.
The market started from $639 per square meter in 2020, reaching $877 per square meter by 2023, and continuing to the current $1,021 per square meter in 2025. This represents a 16% increase just in the past two years, demonstrating sustained upward momentum. The growth has been driven by increased international demand, particularly from North American buyers, and domestic economic recovery.
However, the market has not grown uniformly across all segments. Some coastal luxury areas experienced corrections of 20-40% from pandemic highs, as speculative buyers exited the market. Meanwhile, emerging suburban and urban areas continue showing steady growth of 5-10% annually. The overall trend remains strongly positive, with infrastructure improvements and government stability supporting continued price appreciation.
What are the current prices per square meter for new builds compared to older properties?
New construction commands significantly higher prices per square meter compared to older properties, reflecting modern amenities and construction standards.
New modern apartments and condos typically cost $1,700 to $2,600 per square meter in urban centers, with luxury new builds reaching $2,700 to $6,000+ per square meter. These properties feature contemporary designs, energy-efficient systems, modern security features, and often include amenities like pools, gyms, and parking. The premium for new construction reflects both higher construction costs and buyer preferences for turnkey properties.
Older stock properties, particularly those that haven't been renovated, often fall in the $900 to $1,200 per square meter range. These properties may require updates to plumbing, electrical systems, or structural elements, which explains the lower per-square-meter pricing. However, well-maintained older properties in premium locations can still command higher prices, especially if they offer unique character or larger lot sizes.
It's something we develop in our Costa Rica property pack.
How does the price per square meter differ between houses, condos, and land?
Condos and apartments consistently command higher per-square-meter prices compared to houses, especially in key cities and expat-focused zones.
1. **Condos/Apartments**: Higher per-square-meter pricing due to location premiums, shared amenities, and maintenance-free living2. **Houses**: Lower per-square-meter costs but include land value, offering more space and privacy3. **Land**: Wide price variation with some areas showing 30%+ annual growth in development-ready zones4. **Luxury Properties**: Premium locations can command exceptional prices regardless of property type5. **Tourist Zones**: Both condos and houses show elevated pricing due to rental income potential
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 are the average rental yields based on price per square meter in different regions?
Rental yields in Costa Rica average 7.8-8.4% gross for apartments nationally as of September 2025.
| Region | Gross Rental Yield | Property Type |
|---|---|---|
| San José (Condos/Apartments) | 8.35% | Urban apartments |
| Central Valley Suburbs | 7.0-8.4% | Houses and condos |
| Heredia, Escazú, Santa Ana | 7.0-8.5% | Expat-targeted properties |
| Tourist Regions | 5.0-8.0% | Long-term rentals |
| Short-term Tourist Rentals | Up to 12% | Vacation properties |
| National Average | 7.8-8.4% | All apartment types |
What taxes or fees should be added to the price per square meter when buying property?
Buyers should budget an additional 3.75-4.5% of the purchase price for closing costs and fees when buying property in Costa Rica.
1. **Transfer tax**: 1.5% of sale price (mandatory government fee)2. **Legal fees**: 1.25% (attorney representation required)3. **Notary fees**: 1.00% (document authentication and filing)4. **Agent commission**: 2.5-5% (typically paid by seller)5. **Annual property tax**: 0.25% of municipal appraised value6. **Luxury tax**: Additional tax for homes over $250,000How do foreign buyer restrictions, if any, impact the price per square meter?
Costa Rica imposes no general restrictions on foreign property ownership, giving foreigners the same rights as citizens for most properties.
The only significant restriction applies to the Maritime Zone, which covers the first 200 meters from the high tide line along all coastlines. In this zone, the first 50 meters constitute public land with no private ownership allowed, while the next 150 meters permits only 49% foreign ownership through concession agreements rather than direct ownership.
This restriction can impact beachfront property prices by limiting the buyer pool for prime coastal properties. However, most foreign buyers can work around this through legal structures or partnerships with Costa Rican nationals. No residency requirements exist for property ownership, though investments of $150,000 or more can qualify buyers for investor residency status.
It's something we develop in our Costa Rica property pack.
What is the expected annual price growth per square meter for the next 3 to 5 years?
Mainstream residential properties in San José and Central Valley suburban markets are expected to experience 4-10% annual growth over the next 3-5 years.
This growth projection reflects continued strong demand from both international buyers and domestic purchasers, supported by Costa Rica's political stability and growing economy. Infrastructure improvements, including airport expansions and road development, should continue supporting property values in key markets.
Luxury beach markets are expected to see continued stabilization and modest price recovery after recent corrections from pandemic highs. These areas may experience more moderate growth of 2-5% annually as the market finds equilibrium between supply and demand. The overall outlook remains positive, with Costa Rica's appeal to retirees and remote workers providing sustained demand for quality properties.
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 property market offers diverse opportunities across a wide price spectrum, from affordable rural properties to luxury beachfront estates.
The combination of stable growth, favorable rental yields, and minimal foreign ownership restrictions makes it an attractive destination for both investment and relocation purposes.
Sources
- Costa Rica Property Market Analysis Video
- Costa Rica Housing Market Report
- Costa Rica Price Forecasts
- Costa Rica Legal Real Estate Market Analysis
- Average Home Cost Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Real Estate Market Overview
- Costa Rica Real Estate 2025-2028 Outlook
- Costa Rica Real Estate Forecast
- Guanacaste Costa Rica Property Analysis
- Costa Rica Rental Yields Guide