Nearshore Americas

How and Where to Buy a Home in San Jose, Costa Rica

Is Costa Rican living right for you? Buying a home is never an easy prospect, and when that purchase is in a foreign country it can be a much harder decision and process.

San José, the country’s capital located in the Central Valley, is where most of Costa Rica’s excitement is. A relatively small city with a population of just under 300,000, San José is a modern metropolis and the center of political power and business negotiations, boasting a tempting international dining scene, stimulating museums, theater and music, proximity to stunning beaches and the abundance of Costa Rica’s famed nature. In 2006 the city was designated the Ibero-American Capital of Culture by the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities (UCCI).

Real Estate Options

Just like anywhere else, exploration is the key to finding the right neighborhood and residence. Whether you are looking for a penthouse with stunning views, a golf course condo, a townhome in a gated community or a bungalow-style house in an older neighborhood, San José has plenty of homes suited for you and your family.

Most foreigners tend to be attracted to the following neighborhoods:

Barrio Amón/Barrio Escalante:  This is San José’s historic section where you can find fine restaurants, lovely parks, and cultural life. This area is navigable by foot but it is also a hub of sex tourism and can be a bit dodgy.

Belén: A western suburb that has earned the reputation as being the best managed municipality in Costa Rica. With its proximity to the headquarters of multinational companies and the airport, and with access to two major highways, this safe neighborhood is home to many families.

Escazú/Santa Ana: Some of the most costly real estate in Costa Rica is found in these suburbs which are populated by high condominium buildings and high-end apartment complexes. As would be expected, amenities include modern shopping centers and trendy restaurants and bars, attracting dynamic and wealthy residents. Easy commutes to San José, Escazú and Santa Ana make the area even more attractive.

Heredia: If you are looking for stunning city views, the single-family homes on the mountainside of Heredia might be for you. But this is also an area that is home to many university students and traffic tends to be a problem.

Los Yoses: Something of an “emabassy row” Los Yoses is a tranquil residential neighborhood with easy access to supermarkets, culture and transportation.

Rohrmoser/La Sabana: Close to San José’s center, this area draws a large population of young professionals with its proximity to La Sabana park and lively bars and restaurants.

San Pedro/Curridabat: The Universidad de Costa Rica and the Universidad Latina are focal points in this area and there is a definitive “frat house” feel here, where the average resident is in their twenties and partying is as much a part of life as studying.

Houses and apartments in these areas can cost from as little as $100,000 USD to above $2 million USD. Once you have decided which barrio is right for you, engage the services of a qualified real estate agent and an attorney to help guide you through the purchasing process.

Living La Vida Costa

Living in Costa Rica gives you the freedom to spend almost as little or much as you choose; while many things are inexpensive, North American-style luxuries can add up. Despite this fact, life in Costa Rica is generally less expensive than an equivalent lifestyle in the United States, Canada or Europe, as many expatriates will happily attest.

It is possible to live on as little as $1,500 USD or less per month which includes basic transportation, trips to the farmers’ market and some meals in modestly priced restaurants. If you prefer luxurious living, that will cost about $3,000 USD and upwards per month.

Dining out can cost as much as in the US, for example at a casual restaurant a salad, main course and glass of wine will cost $15 USD to $20 USD per person. Typical Costa Rican spots are called sodas where a full meal including a natural fruit drink typically costs between $2 USD to $4 USD.

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What you will pay for groceries depends largely on personal tastes and if you buy local or imported products. Shopping weekly at the local farmers’ market, where you can find everything from fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, will cost on average between $20 USD and $40 USD for a small family. However, the same amount of food can cost upwards of $200 USD at Auto Mercado, a grocery chain that specializes in high-end products.

Healthcare Costs

There are three healthcare options: private insurance, subscription to the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS – Costa Rican Social Security) or a combination of the two. Through the National Insurance Institute, private health insurance costs from $60 USD to $130 USD per person per month. Through the CCSS’s public service, (which is compulsory) insurance for a family (two adults and their under-18 dependents) costs between $30 USD to $50 USD per month. For those under age 55, CCSS payments also include a mandatory pension payment, which will be paid out beginning at age 65.

Of course there are many other considerations such as security and schools, but this primer will help put you on the road to San José and possibly a new life.

Patrick Haller

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