Price of living in Costa Rica compared to United States

After all is said and done Costa Rica is a poor country with low labour costs. Buying locally is the key to make real savings. Living or retiring to Costa Rica will cost less than living in the United States, Europe or Canada but sticking to those home grown luxuries will bump up your costs.

If you do not want to buy a property for sale in Costa Rica but rent for a while and get a feel for the market then you can safely budget on around 1500 US dollars per month. You can rent a nice fully furnished home in a quiet area for an average of $400. This would be for an average home by US standards but the $1500 would allow some eating out, traveling and food costs.

A good strategy taken by many couples relocating to Costa Rica is to move to an area and rent for a while. Get to know the lay of the land, local prices and be on hand to buy up and bargain. Then buy a piece of land or property to live in. You could realize a return on this investment by building some cabanas to rent to visiting tourists. This can also be a nice way to keep busy.

As a price guide you can buy a lovely two bedroomed house for sale in Dominical for as little as 225,000 US dollars. For this you get a 2 bedroomed and 2 bathroomed property all ready to go. The house has no pool but amazing views across the mountains and out to sea. Plot size is generous at over 3,000 square meters and house size is again a very generous 1500 meters squared. With such a plot it would be easy to build a few cabanas and rent these out to traveling surfers.

Food prices in Costa Rica depend on your own preferences. Buying locally can safe a fortune over expensive imported products, and on the whole is much healthier. Restaurant prices are around $15 per head for a nice meal with wine.

As a general rule of thumb local produce and labour costs are lower but imported products much higher. Medical care is low and of a high level.

Uvita land for sale

In the South Pacific area of Costa Rica is a popular place known as Uvita. The famous Uvita land mark is the shape of its coastline created by a rocky outcrop it looks like and has been named the 'Whale Tail'.

Uvita is a quiet and unspoiled part of Costa Rica that is drawing some interest. You can buy a beach proximity house for sale in Uvita from as little as 150,000 US dollars. The property is only 400 metres from the local beach of Playa Chaman. Properties like these can be very well utilised as holiday homes or incomes can be gained renting them out to tourists. Others may decide to develop the property, install a swimming pool then sell for a nice profit. Prices are rising in the area and shrewd investors and showing interest.

Most of the Uvita area now has cell GSM coverage which means that phone and internet coverage are possible. This fact alone is drawing a lot of visitors that need constant access to their business via the internet.



A big portion of real estate interest is also land for sale in Uvita. Many people live with the dream of building their very own home to their own design in a dream location with sunset and beach views. Well in Uvita this is very possible at a budget that will surprise many. 79,000 US dollars can secure you an amazing tranquil sea view plot of land where you can build your ideal home. These plots have water and electricity ready to be connected to the house. For some year round access may need a four wheel drive car, but as the area flourishes this will no longer be the case. However these are the days when bargains can be had and dreams can become a reality.

Many of the plots of land in Uvita have local creeks and rivers with cascading waterfalls that can be enjoyed. The wildlife is truly stunning. Building costs for you new house will be very low as labour charges are minimal.

Buying a property or land in Dominical

Dominical is located at the southern end of Costa Rica in the province known as the South Pacific. The town still retains that laid back relaxed feel that Costa Rica is so well known and loved for.

Many people originally come to Dominical for a relaxing holiday to soak up the relaxing atmosphere, enjoy nature, spend some time on the beach and maybe even catch some waves.

Once the enchanting spell of the area has worked its magic the idea of actually owning a little piece of this paradise starts to appeal.

There is plenty of property on offer but we have noticed that many people after having a good look around at already built houses finally chose the option of building their own.

You can find a great plot of land for sale in Dominical from as little as $150,000. This would secure you a great plot with permissions to build with some great sea and sunset views.

As with most of the coast of Costa Rica as you go inland from the beach at Dominical the land slopes upward. Therefore there is a good chance that you can find a plot with some lovely views.

If you are looking to build a house then our advice is to find a plot with a nice sea view, these have the best re sale interest. The majority of buyers coming onto the market now have a budget in the region of $250,000. So if you want to build with a view to selling then keep this figure in mind. To give the property a big rental potential boost you should give serious consideration to building a pool. Holidaying families lay a lot of importance in a nice pool where they are staying. The warm Pacific ocean may only be a ten minute drive away but this does not take away from the luxury of their own private swimming pool.

Rest Assured your property can be cared for

Some people that are thinking of investing in a Costa Rica property for sale for a vacation home, vacation rental or investment may have reservations as to how this investment can be looked after whilst the owners are living in another country or continent. This should not put anyone off from having a dream home in Costa Rica, there are a few options the most obvious is a condo as there are on site property managers available, but if your dream home is to be in the mountains over looking a spectacular Ocean view then this is also easily resolved as there are reliable professional property managers that offer their services catering especially to these clients. There is a variety of services on offer, utility payments, monthly statements of account, inspecting the property and grounds regularly, arranging house cleaning, gardeners, pool services, property maintenance, repairs and improvements, inspecting the work and with aid of the internet, pictures can be easily sent to the owners for their inspection. Also a concierge service for renters, assistance from first contact to departure such as arranging tours, catering, maid service and they can give good local knowledge of local restaurants and services, etc.

Costa Rica Property

Costa Rica is a paradise mecca for many visiting Americans. It is only a short plane flight away. The climate is amazing. The beaches are unspoilt and tropical. The sea is like a bath. The cost of living is inexpensive. The atmosphere is relaxing. The list goes on...

Costa Rica is a perfect location to get some power relaxing done. With flights to San Jose from as little as $350 is does not cost too much either.

The most popular parts of Costa Rica are the coastal resorts. Whether you want to chose the Caribbean side in the East or the more rugged West coast is a matter of preference.

Many Americans after visiting Costa Rica a few times decide that buying their own property in their favourite area. In recent years this has become easier and easier. Whether its a large villa, a house or even an apartment you will probably find its easier than you think.

When and if you buy a property for sale in Costa Rica you will be using a different system to the US. It is a Spanish based system using a publicly appointed Notary. This is an idependantly hired official whose job it is to check that transactions are carried in a fair manner. He or she will check over all the paper work and monies changing hands and make sure there is no underhandedness going on.