This week’s lineup is a fun one, with something a little different mixed in. We’ve got a turnkey juice bar in Ojochal for $92,000, if you’ve ever fantasized about ditching the desk job for something small and income-producing.

On the home side, we’ve got a trio of Samara properties, including one that comes with a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe thrown into the deal (yes, really), plus a Lake Arenal retreat with volcano views that’s hard to stop looking at.

The editorial this week covers how to actually transport your pet down here without the stress, and how to open a Costa Rican bank account without making the same mistake we did early on.

Spoiler: skip the international bank. We learned that one the hard way.

And Thomas has a bank-scare story from our early years here that’s worth reading just for the “wait, what?!?” factor.

Let’s get into it!

1. Casa 40, Grecia — $345,000 Perched at nearly 4,000 feet in a gated country-club community outside Grecia. The backyard has its own private orchard of ten fruit and ornamental trees, and residents get river trails, pools, and BBQ ranchos on top of it all.📍 Grecia, Alajuela | 🏡 4 bed | 🛁 3 bath | 📐 820 m² lot | 🏠 220 m² living area | 👉 View Listing

2. 4-Unit Investment Property, Huacas — $299,000 A two-story building with three apartments plus an independent unit, already generating rental income near Playa Grande and Tamarindo. Modern finishes, A/C, and separate utility meters make this one turnkey for a hands-off landlord.📍 Huacas, Guanacaste | 🏠 4 units / 8 bedrooms total | 👉 View Listing

3. Beautifully Renovated Home in Downtown Atenas — $350,000 | Atenas
A single-level home right in the heart of downtown Atenas, fully renovated with a new insulated roof, high-end sound-dampening doors and windows, and a landscaped garden framed by stonework. Set back at the end of a private driveway, it feels quiet and secluded despite being walkable to shops, restaurants, cafés, and banks, sold fully furnished and equipped, just bring a suitcase.📍 Atenas, Alajuela | 🏡 3 bed + office | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 1,733 sqft | 📐 0.17 acres | 👉 View Listing

4. Mi Corazón Juice Bar — $92,000 | Ojochal, Puntarenas (Business Listing)
An established organic cold-pressed juice and smoothie bar in the heart of Ojochal’s dining scene, with a loyal following and a grab-and-go fridge model that keeps overhead light. Turnkey for anyone wanting a small, income-producing business rather than a fixer-upper.📍 Ojochal, Puntarenas | 🏠 Turnkey business | 👉 View Listing

5. Casa Teresita — $339,000 | Santo Domingo, Samara
Built around a bright central patio in the village of Santo Domingo, this 3-bed home lets the breeze move straight through the house. Brand-new kitchen appliances, a rainwater collection system, and space in the garden for a future pool round it out.
📍 Santo Domingo, Samara | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 2,153 sqft | 🏠 Built 2023 | 👉 View Listing

6. Casa Jungle Tree — $349,000 | Buena Vista, Samara
Eight minutes from Samara Beach, this custom-built home hides behind a bamboo fence with a double swimming pool, waterfall, and rancho for shaded lounging. Bonus: the sale includes a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe with a nearly-new engine, plus approved plans and water permits to add a second home on the front lot.
📍 Buena Vista, Samara | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 1,391 sqft | 🏊 Double pool | 💰 $349,000 (car included) | 👉 View Listing

7. Casa Hippie — $264,000 | Los Monos, Samara
A fully renovated Costa Rican-style home in Los Monos, seven minutes from downtown Samara and close to the new international school. Teak floors, a small plunge pool with outdoor shower, and A/C throughout.📍 Los Monos, Samara | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📐 1,130 sqft | 🏊 Pool | 👉 View Listing

• 🌴 Thinking about visiting Costa Rica before you make the leap? That’s exactly what we’d recommend and costaricavibes.com is the perfect place to start planning. We’ve been writing about Costa Rica since 2017.

• 🚗 Renting a car for your trip? We recommend Adobe Rent-a-Car. Book through our link and save over 10%.

• 🗓️ Staying more than a month? Fill out our long-term rental form here and we’ll get you an even better discount on a monthly rental.

Read more

This week’s lineup has a great value pick at the top: a pre-sale apartment in Curridabat for just $152,100, our standout listing of the week. From there it ranges all the way up to a jungle-view fixer-upper in Ojochal with room to add a full pool and yoga deck, if you’re the type who likes a project.

We’ve also got two business listings this week if that’s ever crossed your mind. A turnkey 4-room boutique hotel in Escazú and a commercial space in downtown Tamarindo that comes with an active liquor license already in place.

And for the editorial this week, we’re tackling something a lot of you have asked about directly, what actually happens if you move here before you’ve sorted out residency? Border runs, the 180-day stamp, and what we wish we’d known during our own first year doing exactly this. It’s below the listings.

Let’s get into it!

1. Charming 2 Bedroom Casita — $298,000 | Bahía, Uvita
A casita in a serene, tropical corner of the Bahía community, surrounded by lush fruit trees offering shade and tranquility. Electric gate, private pool, fully landscaped and furnished, AC. Close to beaches, the highway, national park, restaurants, and shopping.📍 Bahía, Uvita, Puntarenas | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📐 480 m² / 0.11 acres | 🏠 1,500 sqft | 🏊 Pool | 👉 View Listing

2. Charming 2 Bedroom Home with Mountain Views — $250,000 | Ojochal
A fixer-upper with exceptional potential on the exclusive Finca Marañon road, sitting on 1.3 acres with breathtaking jungle and mountain views that climb over 1,300 meters. Blue morpho butterflies, toucans, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and sloths are regular visitors. Small wading pool, spacious lot with plenty of room to add a guest house, full pool, jacuzzi, or yoga deck. 📍 Finca Marañon, Ojochal, South Pacific | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 1.3 acres | 🏊 Wading pool | 👉 View Listing

3. Charming 3-Bedroom Home with Private Pool — $349,000 | Ojochal
A spacious two-level home in the Ojochal community, built 2021 on a titled lot with a private pool. 📍 Ojochal, South Pacific | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2.5 bath | 📐 418 m² / 0.1 acres | 🏠 149 m² | 🏊 Pool | 👉 View Listing

4. Beautiful 2 Bedroom Home in a Coastal Paradise — $295,000 | Playa Venado
Open kitchen and living area with sliding glass doors opening onto a large outdoor terrace. Spacious garden with room to build a pool or guest house. Eight minutes to Playa Venado and Playa Lagarto, 15 to Marbella, 25 to Playa Negra, 40 to Tamarindo.
📍 Venado, Veintisiete de Abril, Guanacaste | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 1,007 m² | 🏠 117 m² | 👉 View Listing

5. Casa Bamboo — $319,000 | Villarreal, Tamarindo
A modern 2023-built residence in the coveted Gold Coast, positioned between Tamarindo/Playa Langosta and Playa Avellanas, with Playa Grande and several hidden beaches minutes away. High ceilings, natural light through carefully placed skylights, custom solid teak furniture, saltwater pool, and an extensive landscaped garden with room to add a guest house.📍 Villarreal, Tamarindo, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 495 m² | 🏠 215 m² | 🏊 Saltwater Pool | 👉 View Listing

6. Exclusivity — New Furnished Villa — $329,000 | Matapalo, Santa Cruz
A brand new fully furnished villa in a highly sought-after Matapalo residential project, with builder warranty. Rancho for barbecues, terrace, pool, two outdoor showers, and parking for two vehicles. A few hundred meters from Matapalo village with restaurants, supermarkets, and schools. 📍 Matapalo, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 289 m² | 🏠 80 m² | 🏊 Pool | 👉 View Listing

7. Apartment in Pre-Sale, Cipreses de Granadilla — $152,100 | Curridabat, San José
A pre-sale apartment in the exclusive Cipreses de Granadilla condominium in Curridabat — the standout value listing this week. Pool, social areas, garden, 24/7 security, event hall, pet-friendly. High-value area close to shops, schools, and green spaces, with easy access to major routes.📍 Curridabat, San José | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 73 m² | 👉 View Listing

• 🌴 Thinking about visiting Costa Rica before you make the leap? That’s exactly what we’d recommend and costaricavibes.com is the perfect place to start planning. We’ve been writing about Costa Rica since 2017.

• 🚗 Renting a car for your trip? We recommend Adobe Rent-a-Car. Book through our link and save over 10%.

• 🗓️ Staying more than a month? Fill out our long-term rental form here and we’ll get you an even better discount on a monthly rental.

Read more

This week’s lineup of cheap homes for sale in Costa Rica has some range. On one end you’ve got a fully furnished one-bedroom villa in a Guanacaste eco development for $75,000 (yes, you read that right). On the other, a brand new architectural home in Bahía Ballena with handcrafted wood furnishings for $299,500. In between, there’s a lot to love from a Chirripó-view retreat outside San Isidro, a jungle villa near Puerto Viejo, and a cloud forest cottage.

We’re also finally talking about the Caribbean coast. If you’ve only ever pictured yourself on the Pacific side, this week’s editorial might change your mind, or at least get it on your radar.

Let’s get into it.

1. Casa Libélula, Turnkey Home with Chirripó Mountain Views — $299,000 | San Isidro del General A plunge pool, covered veranda with bar top, and views toward Chirripó National Park and Los Crestones. Starlink internet, walking distance to restaurants and a local brewery. 📍 San Isidro del General, Pérez Zeledón | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 0.25 acres | 🏊 Plunge Pool | 👉 View Listing

2. New Architectural Gem in Bahía Ballena — $299,500 | Bahía Ballena A brand new 2023 build 10 minutes’ walk from the beach and 5 minutes from Uvita, with handcrafted wood furnishings and a master suite with ensuite bathroom. Gated and private pool. 📍 Bahía Ballena, Playa Uvita/Playa Ballena, Puntarenas | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2.5 bath | 📐 0.07 acres | 🏊 Pool | 👉 View Listing

3. Casa Azul, House & Cabina — $339,000 | Tamarindo A main house plus a fully detached 1BR/1BA guest house on the same lot, seven miles from Tamarindo and Avellanas Beaches. Private pool, high ceilings, no HOA fees. 📍 Tamarindo, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed (2 main + 1 guest) | 🛁 3 bath | 📐 323 m² | 🏊 Pool | 👉 View Listing

4. Brand-New Jungle Villa with Pool — $300,000 | Near Puerto Viejo, Caribbean Completed July 2026 on a fully titled 520 m² lot, fully furnished with a unique designer style, private pool, and outdoor kitchen. Ten minutes to Puerto Viejo and Playa Negra, 20-25 minutes to Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo. 📍 Near Puerto Viejo, Limón | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 520 m² | 🏊 Pool | 👉 View Listing

5. Cloud Forest Cottage, Pedregoso — $99,900 | Pérez Zeledón
A brand-new 2026-built cottage tucked in the cloud forest above San Isidro del General, with mountain and greenbelt views right from the property. Fully furnished with an interior jacuzzi and BBQ grill, on paved road access with city water.📍 Pedregoso, San Isidro del General, San José | 🏡 1 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 🏠 646 sqft | 📐 2,368 sqft lot | 👉 View Listing

6. Casa Solana, Loma Verde Lot 69 — $379,000 | Tamarindo A turnkey investment 10 minutes from Tamarindo, with a natural stone kitchen island, a pool with a cascading water feature, and a detached third-bedroom suite with independent access for guests or rental income. 📍 Loma Verde, Tamarindo, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 3 bath | 🏠 164 m² | 🏊 Pool | 👉 View Listing

7. Charming Cabin Surrounded by Nature and Mountain Views — $295,000 | Agua Buena, Golfito A two-story wooden cabin on 959 m² just seven minutes from Wilson Botanical Garden, fully furnished with granite kitchen surfaces, a fireplace, and an island with minibar. 📍 Agua Buena, Golfito, Puntarenas | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 0.24 acres | 🏠 1,615 sqft | 👉 View Listing

• 🌴 Thinking about visiting Costa Rica before you make the leap? That’s exactly what we’d recommend and our website costaricavibes.com is the perfect place to start planning. We’ve been writing about Costa Rica since 2017.

• 🚗 Renting a car for your trip? We recommend Adobe Rent-a-Car. Book through our link and save over 10%.

• 🗓️ Staying more than a month? Fill out our long-term rental form here and we’ll get you an even better discount on a monthly rental.

📷 Daily listings: @cheaphomes.cr
🌴 More CR: @costaricavibe

Read more

We’ve got twenty listings this week spanning the Central Valley, Guanacaste, the Central and South Pacific, the Osa Peninsula, and the Caribbean. This list also has one of the more unusual properties we’ve ever featured, a turnkey eco-lodge steps from Corcovado National Park.

On the editorial side, paid subscribers get two things we get asked about constantly: whether it makes more sense to build or buy in Costa Rica, and the info on where to actually buy furniture once you’ve made the move.

Let’s get into it.

— Sarah & Thomas

1. Modern Loft-Style Home with Private Plunge Pool — $330,000 | Tamarindo A beautifully designed two-level loft home in a community of only three residences, a 12-minute walk from Tamarindo Beach. The main level has an open-concept kitchen with breakfast bar, dining, and living flowing onto a front terrace. Upstairs the loft bedroom opens to views of tropical greenery. Out back, a private plunge pool in a peaceful enclosed garden. Fully furnished, AC, washer/dryer, one secure parking space. 📍 Tamarindo, Guanacaste | 🏡 1 bed | 🛁 1.5 bath | 🏠 856 sqft | 🏊 Plunge pool + rooftop terrace | 👉 View Listing

2. Casa Verde Hone Creek, Fully Furnished New Build with Pool — $300,000 | Puerto Viejo, Limón Brand new in 2026 and fully furnished, Casa Verde sits in Hone Creek on 519 m² with a private pool, covered BBQ terrace, and a water infrastructure setup that means you will never worry about supply. Electric gate, fully fenced, AC, parking for three.📍 Hone Creek, Puerto Viejo, Limón | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 519 m² lot | 🏠 77 m² + 40 m² terrace | 🏊 Pool | 👉 View Listing

3. Rustic-Modern Paradise with Pool and Stunning Views — $299,000 | La Tigra, San Carlos A two-storey rustic-modern home on 1.73 acres with its own water source, a private pool, a covered BBQ rancho, and an outdoor jacuzzi. Thirty minutes from La Fortuna, minutes from supermarkets and nearby towns. 📍 La Tigra de San Carlos, Alajuela | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 7,000 m² / 1.73 acres | 🏊 Pool + jacuzzi | 👉 View Listing

4. Casa Paz, 3BR Home in the Hills — $250,000 | Abangares, Guanacaste Built in 2019, 205 m² of living space, AC throughout, solid construction. Forty-five to sixty minutes to the beaches of Nicoya, one hour to Liberia Airport.📍 Abangares, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 2,408 m² lot | 🏠 205 m² / 2,207 sqft | 👉 View Listing

5. Surf Ranch, 9BR Turnkey Hotel + Café 🏢 BUSINESS— $275,000 Steps from Tamarindo Beach on the main road, this 9-bedroom Airbnb hotel with an attached café has dropped from $325,000 to $275,000. The operation is fully automated. Guests receive check-in codes directly based on how they booked, requiring minimal daily staffing (one maid, one manager, one cook, one server for the café). All nine rooms are listed and performing on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia. The café holds a coveted liquor license. The sale includes all furniture, the booking system integrations, established social media accounts, a professionally designed website, and all business licenses. The buyer can take over existing corporations or establish new ones. 📍 Tamarindo main road, Guanacaste | 🏡 9 bed | 🍽️ Café + liquor license | 👉 View Listing

6. Charming Single-Level Home with Garden & City Views — $305,000 | Santa Eulalia, Atenas A charming single-level 3BR/2BA just 10 minutes from downtown Atenas in the peaceful community of Santa Eulalia, on a quiet dead-end street. Solid concrete construction on a 500 m² lot with a spacious backyard and real potential to add a swimming pool, guest casita, or expand the existing butterfly garden. 📍 Santa Eulalia, Atenas, Alajuela | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 500 m² lot | 🏠 126 m² | 👉 View Listing

7. Renovated 4BR Home on Over an Acre — $310,000 | Altos de Naranjo, Atenas
Roughly 40-year-old construction with the comforts of a recent renovation: master bedroom with private bathroom, hot water throughout, living and dining rooms, storage closet, laundry area, and a 2-car garage. Fully fenced with an electric gate, surrounded by extensive green space with room to develop gardens or simply enjoy the country setting. 📍 Altos de Naranjo, Atenas, Alajuela | 🏡 4 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 4,367 m² | 💰 $310,000 👉 View Listing

• 🌴 Thinking about visiting Costa Rica before you make the leap? That’s exactly what we’d recommend and costaricavibes.com is the perfect place to start planning. We’ve been writing about Costa Rica since 2017.

• 🚗 Renting a car for your trip? We recommend Adobe Rent-a-Car. Book through our link and save over 10%.

• 🗓️ Staying more than a month? Fill out our long-term rental form here and we’ll get you an even better discount on a monthly rental.

Read more

This week we have twenty affordable homes for sale in Costa Rica across the Central Pacific, Guanacaste, the Caribbean, and La Fortuna. Plus we are bringing back our businesses-for-sale section with ten turnkey opportunities, and an editorial on the most common and successful businesses foreigners start in Costa Rica.

Let’s get into it!

1. 2BR Solar-Powered Home Near Playa Bandera — $249,000 PRICE REDUCED | Quepos area A two-story 2BR/2BA near the beach designed for entertaining. The lower level has a large pool, bar, kitchenette, and BBQ area. The upper floor has the full kitchen, living area, both bedrooms, and a large covered terrace. 📍 Near Playa Bandera, Quepos, Puntarenas | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 0.12 acres | 🏊 Pool | 👉 View Listing

2. Furnished Jungle Home with Private Pool on 1,250 m² Lot — $250,000 | Playa Negra, Puerto Viejo Fully furnished, private pool, AC, private water well, high-speed WiFi, fully fenced yard, and security cameras. Two kilometers from the beach, 4.3km from Puerto Viejo town. The generous lot has room to add guest houses or additional rental units without touching the existing home. 📍 Playa Negra, Puerto Viejo, Limón | 🏡 1 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📐 1,250 m² lot | 🏠 120 m² | 🏊 Pool | 👉 View Listing

3. Single-Level Townhome in Ciudad del Mar, One Block from the Beach — $360,000 | Jacó Custom covered outdoor kitchen and wet bar with built-in grill. HOA of $375/month covers 24/7 security, massive resort pool, lap pool, gym, sand volleyball, tennis, pickleball, basketball, soccer field, yoga deck, mini golf, and more.📍 Ciudad del Mar, Jacó, Puntarenas | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 238 m² lot | 🏠 1,281 sqft | 💰 $360,000 + $375/mo HOA 👉 View Listing

4. Fully Furnished 3BR Contemporary Coastal Pool Home — $350,000 | Esterillos A fully furnished 3BR/2.5BA contemporary home on 0.27 acres in Esterillos with a private pool.📍 Esterillos, Puntarenas | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2.5 bath | 📐 0.27 acres | 🏊 Pool | 💰 $350,000 👉 View Listing

5. Modern Villa with Container Apartment Income Unit — $330,000 | La Tigra, near La Fortuna High ceilings, open-concept layout. Included on the property: a completely separate container apartment ideal for Airbnb income or long-term rental, plus a large storage container. Fully fenced, covered carport. Furniture negotiable. 📍 La Tigra de San Carlos, Alajuela | 🏡 3 bed + container apartment | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 802 m² lot | 👉 View Listing

6. Casa Boho, Modern Pool Home Near Top Guanacaste Beaches — $339,000 | Santa Rosa, near Tamarindo Pool with waterfall feature, large sliding doors onto covered terrace, insulated block construction with a 3-year warranty. Electric gate, fully equipped kitchen. Ten minutes from Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Playa Conchal, and Playa Avellanas. 📍 Santa Rosa, near Tamarindo, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 600 m² lot | 🏠 150 m² | 🏊 Pool | 👉 View Listing

7. Casa Miramar, Oceanview Caribbean Retreat in Cahuita — $295,000 | Cahuita, Limón Elevated wooden home with stunning Caribbean Sea views on a 1.25-acre property surrounded by lush tropical forest. Fully furnished with a spa jacuzzi, jungle views, and parking. Just a short walk to Cahuita's beaches, restaurants, and town center. Built in 2017. 📍 Cahuita, Limón | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 🌴 1.25 acres | 🏠 145.3 m² | 🛁 Jacuzzi | 👉 View Listing

📷 Daily listings: @cheaphomes.cr 🌴 More CR content: @costaricavibe

🌴 Thinking about visiting Costa Rica before you make the leap?

Our website Costa Rica Vibes is the perfect place to start planning. We have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017.

• 🏡 Find vacation rentals that make sense for your trip: From jungle villas with pools to laid-back beachfront homes.

• 🚗 Save 10% on your car rental: Plus free second driver, 0% deductible, and genuinely great service (this is who we use ourselves).

• 🚐 Compare shuttles & private transfers: Easy airport pickups and point-to-point rides anywhere in Costa Rica. Use code: SARAHMC5 at checkout.

• ✈️ Compare flights: We use Skyscanner to compare routes, prices, and flexible dates, especially helpful when flying into or out of Costa Rica’s different airports.

Read more

We’ve got twenty listings this week across the Caribbean coast, Guanacaste, the Nicoya Peninsula, the Central Valley, Lake Arenal, La Fortuna, Turrialba, and more.

On the editorial side, paid subscribers get something a little more personal this week; things I wish someone had told me before we moved to Costa Rica. This is not a list of the practical stuff, but the weird, unexpected adjustments that I really did not expect. We arrived with six weeks notice and had never been to a Central American country before. There was a lot we figured out the hard way.

Let’s get into it!

— Sarah & Thomas

1. Las Palmas de Tamarindo 201F, 3BR Condo — $339,000 | Tamarindo
Beautifully remodeled and fully furnished with a private balcony overlooking the resort-style pool and tropical gardens. High ceilings, open-concept living, AC, all appliances included. Community amenities: large swimming pool, rancho, squash court, 24/7 security. Close to Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Avellanas, and the Hacienda Pinilla golf course.📍 Las Palmas de Tamarindo, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 93 m² | 👉 View Listing

2. 3BR Mountain Home in Jardín de Dota — $126,000 | San José Province
The most affordable listing in this week’s issue and one of the most interesting locations. Jardín de Dota sits in the highlands of Dota County above San Isidro, in the cloud forest zone most famous for quetzal sightings and exceptional coffee.
📍 Jardín de Dota, Dota, San José Province | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 1.71 acres | 🏠 85 m² | 👉 View Listing

3. Casa Nantiri, Turnkey Beach House Steps to Playa Blanca — $350,000 | Playa Negra, Guanacaste Built in 2025, fully furnished with handcrafted furniture, private pool, and an 8-minute walk to Playa Blanca. Solid concrete construction, AC, gated entry, parking for 2. 📍 Playa Negra, Veintisiete de Abril, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 430 m² lot | 🏠 120 m² | 👉 View Listing

4. URBN Sabana, PH Sirena — ~$330,000 | La Sabana, San José A penthouse unit in the URBN tower in La Sabana with a balcony angled to capture sunset views and a marine-themed interior designed for Airbnb and executive rental performance. Gym, pool, co-working areas, dog park, lounge, and meeting rooms all in-building.
📍 La Sabana, San José | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 80 m² + 30 m² parking | 👉 View Listing

5. New Courtyard Villa with Multi-Level Pool — $349,000 | Quepos
Every room in this villa opens onto a central courtyard centered around a stunning multi-level pool with a tanning ledge, built-in bench seating, and natural stone finishes. Brand new, just minutes from Quepos hospital, supermarkets, and the airport.📍 Quepos, Puntarenas | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 3 bath | 📐 0.05 acres | 🏊 Multi-level pool | 👉 View Listing

6. Casa Tranquila, 3BR Home Near Playas del Coco — $245,000 | Sardinal, Guanacaste A charming fully furnished 3BR/2BA in the Villas Nacazcol community in Sardinal — five minutes to Playas del Coco, five minutes to Playa Hermosa, thirty minutes to Liberia International Airport. No HOA. 📍 Villas Nacazcol, Sardinal, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 423 m² lot | 🏠 110 m² | 👉 View Listing

7. Cenizaro Tree House, Cozy Home Near Playa Grande — $246,000 | Matapalo, Guanacaste No HOA, fiber optic, laundry, parking for two to three vehicles, and room at the rear for future construction.📍 Matapalo, near Playa Grande, Guanacaste | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 64 m² | 👉 View Listing

🌴 Thinking about visiting Costa Rica before you make the leap?

That’s exactly what we’d recommend and costaricavibes.com is the perfect place to start planning. We’ve been writing about Costa Rica since 2017 and have destination guides, itineraries, and practical tips covering every corner of the country.

When you’re ready to book:

• 🚗 Save 10% on your car rental: Plus free second driver, 0% deductible, and genuinely great service (this is who we use ourselves).

• 🚐 Compare shuttles & private transfers: Easy airport pickups and point-to-point rides anywhere in Costa Rica. Use code: SARAHMC5 at checkout.

• 🏨 Browse our hand-picked hotels: Search stays we actually recommend; with smart filters, clear locations, and plenty of free-cancellation options.

• 🏡 Find vacation rentals that make sense for your trip: From jungle villas with pools to laid-back beachfront homes.

• ✈️ Compare flights: We use Skyscanner to compare routes, prices, and flexible dates, especially helpful when flying into or out of Costa Rica’s different airports.

Read more

Big listing week this time. We’ve got 20 homes across the Caribbean coast, Sámara, Pérez Zeledón, La Fortuna, the Nicoya Peninsula, and the Central Valley.

On the editorial side, paid subscribers get this week’s area highlight on the hills above Alajuela, which We think is one of the most underrated places to live in Costa Rica. Plus a practical guide to the path to permanent residency and what it actually unlocks when you get there.

Let’s get into it!

🏠 This Week’s Listings

1. Torres Paseo Colón 13, 13th Floor Corner Condo — $240,000 | San José Corner unit on the 13th floor of the prestigious twin tower Torres Paseo Colón — facing the pool with no road noise, no side-by-side neighbours, and three-exposure views of the San José valley, Escazú mountain skyline, and beautiful sunsets.📍 Paseo Colón, San José | 🏡 1 bed (2BR convertible) | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 87 m² | 👉 View Listing

2. Casa Valverde, Bamboo Mountain Retreat — $250,000 | Rivas, Pérez Zeledón A bamboo-crafted two-story home in the mountains with multiple terraces, two grilling areas, mature fruit trees, and a loft-style guest suite. Already a proven Airbnb with documented rental income.📍 Rivas, Pérez Zeledón, San José Province | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 177 m² | 👉 View Listing

3. Casa Colina de Serenidad, Modern Jungle Retreat with Casita & Pool — $339,000 | Sámara Built in 2023, this home has soaring ceilings, natural woodwork, large windows, AC throughout, and a covered terrace overlooking the shared inground pool. A fully detached casita included for guests or rental income. . 📍 Sámara, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed + casita | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 630 m² lot | 🏠 114 m² | 👉 View Listing

4. Casa Monte Sereno, Luxury Cabin on 4.5 Acres in Biological Corridor — $320,000 | Cajón, San José Province Inside the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor, this luxury cabin features teak wood ceilings and floors, custom Guanacaste furniture, modern kitchen, and a large bedroom with dedicated office corner. Property has a perennial creek, spring-fed water supply, private well, and abundant fruit trees. 📍 Cajón, San José Province (Southern Zone) | 🏡 1 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📐 1.8 ha / 4.53 acres | 🏠 94 m² | 👉 View Listing

5. Casa Selva, 3-Unit Beachside Income Property — $341,000 | Sámara Three independent units — each with its own bedroom and bathroom. Live in one, rent the other two, or run all three as vacation rentals. 📍 Sámara, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 beds total / 3 independent units | 🛁 3 bath | 📐 1,086 m² lot | 💰 $341,000 👉 View Listing

7. Modern Jungle Home, Walk to Beach — $250,000 | Cahuita Large windows, contemporary design, open living and dining area with good indoor-outdoor flow, front and back yard, on-site parking, and room for future expansion including pool potential. Already operating as a turn-key rental with solid performance and no HOA fees. Cahuita National Park, restaurants, cafés, and local shops are all nearby.
📍 Cahuita, Limón | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 1,000 m² lot | 🏠 110 m² | 👉 View Listing

📷 Daily listings: @cheaphomes.cr

🌴 More CR content: @costaricavibes | costaricavibes.com

Read more

Two topics on the editorial side this week that we get asked about constantly: how to actually build a community after you move to Costa Rica, and a conversation about Spanish (what you need, what you can get away with, and what nobody tells you until you’re standing in a fabric store trying to explain what you want in a language you’re still learning).

On the listings side: seven free properties this week across the Caribbean coast, Guanacaste highlands, the South Pacific, and Lake Arenal.

Paid subscribers get 13 more plus the full editorial.

Let’s get into it!

🏠 This Week’s Free Listings

1. Villa Tenorio, Volcano View Mountain Estate — $345,950 High ceilings with exposed cedar beams, a dual-sided fireplace, natural ventilation that eliminates the need for AC, and covered terraces all around. with unobstructed views of Volcán Tenorio and the valley below. 📍 Nueva Guatemala, Cañas, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 23,653 m² / 5.84 acres | 🏠 200 m² | 💰 $345,950 👉 View Listing

2. Iguana Villas #4, Turnkey Townhome — $331,000 | Playa Junquillal A beautifully maintained 2BR/2BA townhome in the boutique 10-villa gated community of Iguana Villas. Shared pool, pickleball court, BBQ area, fiber optic, 24/7 security, covered parking, and landscaped tropical gardens. 📍 Playa Junquillal, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 163 m² / 1,761 sqft | 💰 $331,000 + $475/mo HOA 👉 View Listing

3. Penshurst Riverfront Oasis, Price Drop — $349,900 | Near Cahuita, Caribbean Was $449,900 — now $349,900. Main house is 2BR/2BA with a gourmet kitchen, river views from the upper terrace, a pool with a waterfall feature, a luxurious master suite, and an outdoor patio below. Plus a separate 1BR/1BA income-generating apartment.📍 Penshurst, near Cahuita, Limón | 🏡 2BR main + 1BR apartment | 🛁 3 bath total | 📐 6,990 m² lot | 🏊 Pool 👉 View Listing

4. 3BR Ocean View Home with Jacuzzi, Near Cahuita — $299,000📍 Near Cahuita, Limón | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📐 5,072 m² / 1.25 acres 👉 View Listing

5. Newly Constructed Lake Arenal View Home — $329,000 📍 Puerto San Luis, Tronadora, Guanacaste | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 2,874 m² lot | 🏠 1,080 sqft 👉 View Listing

6. 2BR Brand New Home on 1.25 Acres Backing Onto Jungle — $299,000📍 Ojochal, South Pacific | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📐 5,000 m² / 1.25 acres | 🏠 877 sqft | 🏊 Pool 👉 View Listing

7. Casa Karu, Modern Pool Home — $310,000
Single-level 2BR/2BA with 1,485 sqft of open-plan living, a private pool at the centre of a landscaped tropical yard, covered terrace with ambient lighting, 2-car garage, and fully furnished.
📍 Santa Rosa Estates, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 380 m² lot | 🏠 1,485 sqft | 🏊 Pool | 💰 $310,000 👉 View Listing

📷 Daily listings: @cheaphomescostarica

🌴 More CR content: @costaricavibes | costaricavibes.com

Read more

This week we’re properly introducing ourselves for those of you who are new here, because we’ve been getting a lot of new subscribers and realizing we never actually told you who we are.

We’re Sarah and Thomas. We moved to Costa Rica in 2016 after Thomas got a job offer here in San Jose, and we said yes a little spontaneously, without a master plan.

Sarah has been running our travel website Costa Rica Vibes since 2017. If you’re planning a trip before your move, it’s the place to read up on everything you need to know.

Nearly a decade later, we’re still here, still writing, and still loving tropical life.

Cheap Homes Costa Rica came from a question we kept getting: is it actually possible to buy something here on a normal budget? The answer is yes, but only if you know where to look. We are not real estate agents. We don’t get paid if you buy something. We just know Costa Rica, and we like helping people find it.

Paid subscribers get 12 more listings plus our editorial content this week.

Let’s get into it.

🏠 This Week’s Free Listings

1. 3-Unit Airbnb Investment Property — $345,000 | Downtown Puerto Viejo Three independent apartments on a 596 m² titled lot in the center of Puerto Viejo de Limón. Each unit is currently rented with a proven Airbnb track record. The building is fully remodeled (2019), sold fully furnished, Starlink-ready, with a landscaped garden, parking for 4, and room for future expansion. 📍 Downtown Puerto Viejo, Limón | 🏡 6 beds total / 3 units | 🛁 4 bath | 📐 596 m² lot | 🏠 240 m² 👉 View Listing

2. 3BR High-Income Pool Home, Playa Negra — $345,000 | Puerto Viejo area Built in 2024 and already generating consistent rental income. This concrete 3BR/2.5BA home near Playa Negra has a private 3×7m pool, covered outdoor terrace with BBQ and wet bar, fiber optic internet, a full security camera system, and comes completely furnished.📍 Playa Negra, Puerto Viejo area, Limón | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2.5 bath | 📐 400 m² lot | 🏠 150 m² 👉 View Listing

3. Casa Serenidad, Ocean View Home with Pool — $337,700 | Lagarto, Guanacaste Set on 1.25 acres, this 2BR/2BA home has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, mountains, and tropical forest. Private pool, generous terrace, fully furnished and turnkey, room for a second home on the lot. Near Playa Junquillal, San Juanillo, Marbella, and Tamarindo. 📍 Lagarto, Guanacaste, North Pacific | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 5,000 m² / 1.25 acres | 🏠 185 m² 👉 View Listing

4. Brand New 2BR Home on 1.25 Acres — $198,000 | Rancho Las Lomas | Parrita Brand new construction on one of the larger lots in the Rancho Las Lomas community — 1.25 acres of flat, tropical land with plenty of room to expand. The house itself is a compact 2BR/1BA but the real value is the land and what you can do with it over time. Ten minutes from Bejuco beach, 35 from Jacó. Community pool and round-the-clock security. 📍 Rancho Las Lomas, Parrita, Central Pacific | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📐 1.25 acres 👉 View Listing

5. La Puesta del Sol Apartment, Sabana — $315,000 | Metropolitan Tower, San José This apartment in the Metropolitan Tower sits across from Parque La Sabana, San José’s central park. Contemporary urban living, good transport links, close to restaurants and services. For buyers who want Costa Rica with a city lifestyle rather than a beach town. 📍 Metropolitan Tower, La Sabana, San José 👉 View Listing

6. Modern 3BR Jungle Retreat — $139,000 | Parrita, Central Pacific A 3-bedroom home in a gated jungle community in Rancho Las Lomas, 10 minutes from the beaches of Bejuco and Esterillos, 35 minutes from Jacó. Almost completely finished, only the kitchen design is left for you to personalize. Community pool and 24/7 security. Two hours from SJO airport. 📍 Rancho Las Lomas, Parrita, Central Pacific | 🏡 3 bed 👉 View Listing

7. Cabañas Tarantela, 4 Jungle Tiny Homes — $340,000 | Samara Four individually contained jungle “tiny homes” on an 800 m² lot, five minutes from Samara Beach. Each unit has its own bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, AC, and bathroom — and they all share a pool. Currently income-producing with strong rental history.📍 Samara, Guanacaste | 🏡 4 beds total / 4 units | 🛁 4 bath | 📐 800 m² lot | 🏠 150 m² 👉 View Listing

📷 Daily listings: cheaphomes.cr

🌴 More CR content: costaricavibe | costaricavibes.com

Free subscribers see 7 listings. Paid subscribers get 13 more listings, info on the new tourism chief and what that means for new homebuyers, plus, our guide to making your rental actually get booked.

Subscribe now

^{Cheap Homes Costa Rica is not affiliated with any listings shared. We are not real estate agents, sellers, or listing representatives — we curate publicly available listings we think our readers will love.}

^{The information in this newsletter, including the editorial content, is general guidance based on our personal experience as expats in Costa Rica since 2016. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Always work with a licensed Costa Rican attorney and qualified professionals before any real estate or business transaction.}

Read more

We’re back with a fresh batch of Costa Rica property listings! We’ve got 8 free, 8 paid, and for the first time we’re adding a businesses for sale section to our paid newsletter section. We’ve been getting a lot of questions about buying into a working business here as a way to fund the move.

Whether you want a beachfront condo, a mountain home with views, a jungle fixer with upside, or a turnkey business in Tamarindo, there’s something for everyone in this issue.

Let’s get into it.

— Sarah & Thomas

This Week’s Free Listings

1. Casa Mango, Playa Grande — $299,000 A surf home in one of Guanacaste’s most protected and underrated beach towns. Recently remodeled with new flooring, kitchen, and bathroom tiles, Casa Mango sits on an 1,100 m² lot just 7 minutes from the beach. The lot is large enough for a pool and a guest house. Partially furnished and move-in ready.📍 Playa Grande, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 1,100 m² lot | 🏠 1,078 sqft | 💰 $299,000 👉 View Listing

2. Las Delicias Beautiful Tropical Home | Nicoya Peninsula — $282,000 Las Delicias sits in the hills above Montezuma on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. This area is one of the last pockets on the Peninsula where the lifestyle still feels authentic and the prices haven’t fully caught up.📍 Las Delicias, near Montezuma, Nicoya Peninsula 👉 View Listing

3. German-Designed Villa with Plunge Pool, Hojancha — $325,000 Slightly above our usual ceiling, but worth checking out. Designed by a German architect and built to European standards, this 2-bedroom villa in Hojancha has a private plunge pool integrated into the main terrace and a dedicated sunset view deck.📍 Hojancha, Guanacaste | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 ~80 m²| 💰 $325,000 👉 View Listing

4. Modern Organic Mountain Home, Rivas — $275,000 A beautiful home in a village in the southern zone that most people drive through on the way to the coast and never think to stop in. Custom woodwork throughout, an open-concept layout that flows onto a wrap-around deck with mountain views, a spring-fed water supply, and a back patio made for morning coffee. Three minutes from a Waldorf-inspired private school.📍 Los Ángeles de Rivas, San José Province | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📐 542 m² lot | 🏠 186 m² | 💰 $275,000 👉 View Listing

5. Penthouse Forest View Condo, Santa Ana — $165,000 San Nicolás de Bari, Santa Ana is a comfortable, accessible location with city infrastructure and nature right outside your window. Move-in ready. For anyone eyeing the Central Valley on a tight budget, this is worth a direct look. 📍 San Nicolás de Bari, Santa Ana, San José | 💰 $165,000 👉 View Listing

6. Casa Papaya el Villaggio II, Playa Potrero — $149,000 💰 Price Drop A fully renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom villa in the Villaggio II complex in Playa Potrero — turnkey, tastefully decorated, walkable to the beach and restaurants. HOA is $260/month. No expansion potential (it’s a condo), but as a vacation home, rental property, or low-maintenance beach base, this price point in this location is rare. 📍 Playa Potrero, Guanacaste | 🏡 1 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 🏠 387 sqft | 💰 $149,000 👉 View Listing

7. Blue Zone Cozy Cabana with Pool, Hojancha — $135,000 In the heart of Costa Rica’s Blue Zone region, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Santa Marta de Hojancha sits on a flat, fully fenced 773 m² lot with a private in-ground pool. Short drive to Sámara and Carrillo when you need the beach. 📍 Santa Marta, Hojancha, Guanacaste | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 773 m² lot | 💰 $135,000 👉 View Listing

8. Escazú Village 1BR Condo with Expansive Terrace One of the last available 1-bedroom units in the Escazú Village complex. The private terrace is definitely the standout here. Amenities include an Olympic pool, kids’ pool, rooftop beer and wine garden with BBQ, media room, and lounge. 📍 Escazú Village, San Rafael, Escazú | 🏡 1 bed | 🛁 1 bath 👉 View Listing

📷 Daily listings on Instagram: @cheaphomes.cr

🌴 More CR content: @costaricavibe | costaricavibes.com

Free subscribers see 8 listings. Paid subscribers get the full issue every week. This week they get 8 more property listings and the businesses for sale section.

Subscribe now

Read more

This week we’re talking about something I wish someone had spelled out for me before we moved here: the pre-move scouting trip. No pressure or anything. You’re just determining where you want to live in a country with many great places to live.

We’re also getting into buying a car in Costa Rica with info on the costs, the process, the common mistakes, and why most people should not try to import from home.

Plus 23 listings across the Caribbean, Pacific coast, South Pacific, and Central Valley.

Let’s get into it.

— Sarah & Thomas

🏠 This Week’s Free Listings

1. 1BR Condo, Flamingo Marina — $299,000 This 1-bedroom condo in the Marina Real complex is an affordable entry points on the Gold Coast. Walkable to the water and restaurants. Good rental potential if you’re not there full-time. 📍 Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste | 🏡 1 bed 👉 View Listing

2. 2BR WOW-View Hideaway — $269,000 Puriscal keeps coming up in conversations with people who want Central Valley prices without Central Valley traffic. This 2-bedroom hideaway is private, quiet, and is perfect for epic views. 📍 Grifo Alto, Puriscal, San José | 🏡 2 bed 👉 View Listing

3. 2BR Off-Grid Mountain Getaway with 1km of Riverfront — $275,000 | San Isidro area Five acres near San Isidro with a full kilometer of private riverfront, swimming holes, and a waterfall on the property. The house itself is modest at 900 sqft, but the land is the major draw here. 📍 Near San Isidro del General, South Pacific | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📐 5 acres | 🏠 900 sqft 👉 View Listing

4. 3BR Single-Level Family Home with Plunge Pool — $299,000 Easy, low-maintenance home just outside Marina Pez Vela. Two thousand square feet, one level, manicured lawn, and a private plunge pool. Fully furnished and turn-key. 📍 Quepos, South Pacific | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 2,000 sqft 👉 View Listing

5. 1BR Mountain Sanctuary at 1,800m — $199,000 This is a different Costa Rica than most people picture. Perched at 1,800 meters with panoramic views of Chirripó National Park, a river, and surrounding peaks, this two-story contemporary home was built in 2022 and comes fully furnished. 📍 San Jeronimo, San Isidro del General | 🏡 1 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 1.85 acres | 🏠 2 floors 👉 View Listing

6. 2BR Fixer with Jungle Views, Finca Marañon Road — $250,000 This is listed as a project. It for sure needs work. But the location is excellent and the lot has room for expansion, a guest house, or a pool. Wildlife from the property includes morpho butterflies, toucans, macaws, monkeys, and sloths.📍 Finca Marañon, Ojochal | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 1.3 acres 👉 View Listing

7. 2BR Jungle Home, Valle Pura Vida — $299,000 The terrace looks directly into the canopy where monkeys and macaws show up regularly. Open-plan kitchen and living, close to town and the beach. Move-in ready. 📍 Valle Pura Vida, Manuel Antonio | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 0.24 acres 👉 View Listing

8. 1BR Airbnb-Ready Income Property — $279,000 Already a successful Airbnb! Built in 2023, modern compact design on 1.2 acres between the village and the jungle, with forest-view patios and riverside trails. Flat land out front leaves room to add a second unit. 📍 Ojochal, South Pacific | 🏡 1 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📐 1.2 acres 👉 View Listing

9. Casa Emerald Heights, Mountain Side — $265,000 Escazú is what you choose when you want the Costa Rica lifestyle with real-city infrastructure — private hospitals, international schools, and good restaurants. 📍 West San Antonio, Escazú | 💰 $265,000 👉 View Listing

📷 Daily listings on Instagram: @cheaphomescostarica

🌴 More CR content: @costaricavibe | costaricavibes.com

Read more

This week we’re going into something a lot of you have been asking about: buying property in Costa Rica as an investment.

I’m talking, Airbnb vs. long-term, who actually manages it, and the underrated “caretaker setup”.

We’re also spotlighting the town of Atenas this week. It is one of the most consistently recommended expat destinations in all of Costa Rica, and for good reason.

Plus 20 listings between under $300k across the Caribbean, Pacific, Mountains, and Central Valley.

Let’s get into it.

— Sarah & Thomas

🏠 This Week’s Free Listings

1. Casa Armonia, Tamarindo — $299,000
Fully renovated and furnished 2BR/2BA in Santa Rosa with a brand-new 3.5×10m pool, smart AC, two large terraces, and indoor carport for 2 cars. 12 minutes from Tamarindo Beach. 📍 Santa Rosa, near Tamarindo, Guanacaste | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 1,615 m² | 🏠 155 m²
👉 View Listing

2. 5 Acres + 2BR Mountain Home, San Isidro — $299,000
2-hectare (4.94 acres) mostly flat property at 2,625 ft elevation above Cajón. 125m² home with high ceilings and open-concept layout, plus a 25m² workshop. Sold partially furnished.
📍 Cajón, near San Isidro, South Pacific | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2.5 bath | 📐 5 acres | 🏠 125 m²
👉 View Listing

3. Fully Furnished Beachfront Condo, Bejuco — $285,000
2nd-floor beachfront condo in Vistas de Bejuco with ocean views. Fully furnished, built 2021, with full resort-style amenities: pool, tennis court, clubhouse, elevator, BBQ area, 24/7 security.
📍 Bejuco, Puntarenas | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 ~63 m²
👉 View Listing

4. Casa Verde, Sámara — $255,000
Fully remodeled in 2025 with custom wood finishes by local artisans using Guanacaste hardwood. 3BR/2BA in the quiet hills above Sámara with high-speed internet, AC, and a separate office/guest room.
📍 Sámara, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 167 m²
👉 View Listing

5. Mountain Retreat with Pool + Studio, Pérez Zeledón — $315,000
A unique 1.7-acre property with a main home, separate studio apartment, and refreshing pool in lush Santa Elena. Two fish ponds, established fruit trees, two entrances, and room to subdivide.
📍 Santa Elena, Pérez Zeledón | 🏡 9 rooms total | 🛁 4 bath | 📐 6,990 m² (1.7 acres)
👉 View Listing

6. Mountain Home + Orange Grove, Naranjas — $275,000
Stunning 2023-built 3BR/1.5BA home on 1.25 acres with 50+ mature orange trees and a small coffee plantation.
📍 Naranjas, Guanacaste | 🏡 3 bed | 🛁 1.5 bath | 📐 5,000 m² (1.25 acres) | 🏠 210 m²
👉 View Listing

7. Volcano View Home, Lake Arenal Gated Community — $285,000
Vaulted ceilings, atrium lounge, recently renovated with new electrical, plumbing, water filtration, and Starlink internet. Mature fruit trees including oranges, lemons, pineapples, and mulberries. Room to add a second 2BR home or guest house.
📍 Tilarán, Guanacaste | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 6,711 m² (1.65 acres) | 🏠 ~111 m²
👉 View Listing

8. Jungle Home with Pool + Creeks, Ojochal — $265,000 Jungle home in Ojochal with a private pool, creeks running through the property, and strong rental potential. Immersed in nature but steps from amenities.
📍 Ojochal, South Pacific | 🏡 4 bed | 🛁 3 bath
👉 View Listing

📷 Daily listings on Instagram: @cheaphomes.cr

🌴 More CR content: @costaricavibe | costaricavibes.com

Read more

This week we’re doing something a little different. There’s a Costa Rica residency rule that’s ticking toward a deadline and it directly affects anyone thinking about buying property here. So we’re using this week’s free section to break it down for you.

After that, you’ll find this week’s free listings (five homes between $185K and $299K across the Caribbean, Northern Mountains, and Southern Zone).

Paid subscribers, scroll down for: a deep-dive on living in Turrialba (one of our favorite underrated towns), 17 more listings across every region, and a business-for-sale opportunity.

Let’s get into it! — Sarah & Thomas

🏡 This Week’s Topic: Get Residency by Buying Property

Okay, real talk. If you’ve been thinking about buying property in Costa Rica, read this section.

In Costa Rica, you can actually get legal residency by buying property. It’s called the Inversionista (Investor) category, and right now the minimum you have to invest is $150,000.

If you buy a qualifying property, file the paperwork, and you’re on a path to living here legally with access to public healthcare, the right to bring your stuff over duty-free, and eventually permanent residency.

But, that $150,000 threshold is about to go away.

See, back in 2021, Costa Rica passed a law (Law 9996, if you want to Google it) to attract foreign buyers after the pandemic crushed tourism. It dropped the investor residency threshold from $200,000 to $150,000, and threw in some really juicy tax perks on top. The catch was always that the window was temporary and would last for five years.

What you lose if you don’t apply before July 14:

• The $150K threshold goes back up to $200,000. That’s an extra $50K you have to come up with and spend when buying a property.

• The one-time household goods import exemption disappears. (If you’ve ever priced shipping a container to Costa Rica, you know this is substantial)

• The two-vehicle tax-free import benefit is gone. Costa Rica’s import tax on a car can be 50% or more of the vehicle’s value. Bringing two cars from the US? That benefit alone is often $20K–$50K in savings.

• The professional equipment import exemption is also gone.

So if you’re planning to actually move here (packing up your house, bringing your car, maybe a second vehicle, all your stuff) we’re talking about a combined difference that can easily clear $100,000.

Keep in mind:

• The property has to be in your personal name on the Costa Rican title. Not a Sociedad Anónima (S.A.), corporation, or holding company.

• Most foreign buyers in Costa Rica historically bought through an S.A. for liability and estate planning reasons. That structure doesn’t qualify for the investor residency under this law.

The timeline:

July 14 is the application submission deadline, not the approval deadline. So you don’t need to be fully approved by then, you just need to have submitted. But submitting requires a property already closed and titled, plus a stack of apostilled documents from your home country (background checks, birth certificates, etc.), plus your attorney’s prep work.

Realistically? If you haven’t started picking a property yet, you’re at the outer edge of what’s still doable.

Subscribe now

🏠 This Week’s Free Listings

1. Designer Home with Pool, Playa Negra — $255,000 Architect-designed Caribbean home built in 2025, fully furnished and move-in ready. Private pool with sun deck, two en-suite bedrooms, tropical garden, AC throughout, and strong Airbnb income potential.

📍 Playa Negra, Puerto Viejo, Caribbean Coast | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 500 m² lot | 🏠 130 m² 👉 View Listing

2. Jungle Wood Home + Extra Lot, Puerto Viejo — $185,000 Native Laurel wood construction in a private gated community above Hone Creek. Elevated jungle setting with covered terrace and direct rainforest views. Built 2021 and comes with an extra building lot.

📍 Puerto Viejo, Limón, Caribbean Coast | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 0.51 acres | 🏠 136 m² 👉 View Listing

3. Volcano View Home, El Castillo — $299,000 A modern two-story home facing Arenal Volcano. Rich wood ceilings, custom hardwood furniture, fireplace, fully furnished and turnkey. Consistent 5-star Airbnb rating with strong rental history. Upper section of lot has development potential for a casita or guesthouse.

📍 El Castillo, La Fortuna, Alajuela | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📐 1,084 m² lot | 🏠 92 m² 👉 View Listing

4. Modern Mountain Home, Rivas — $275,000 Custom woodwork, wrap-around deck, and mountain views in a walkable village setting near a Waldorf school and local plaza. Spring-fed water, open-concept layout, and a tranquil back patio.

📍 Los Ángeles de Rivas, South Pacific | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📐 542 m² lot | 🏠 186 m² 👉 View Listing

5. Turn-Key Mountain Retreat, Chirripó — $279,000 Fully gated home with private balconies on each bedroom, freestanding outdoor tub, upstairs office, and a detached greenhouse. Two full bathrooms, open-concept living, fully landscaped.

📍 San Gerardo de Rivas, Chirripó | 🏡 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 🏠 223 m² 👉 View Listing

📷 Daily listings on Instagram: @cheaphomes.cr

🌴 More CR content: @costaricavibe | costaricavibes.com

Read more

We’re Sarah and Thomas, and we’ve been living in Costa Rica since 2016. Every week we scroll through dozens of real estate sites across the country so you don’t have to and pull together the most interesting affordable listings, organized by region.

This week we’re heavy on the Northern Mountains / La Fortuna area, which is one of the most underrated regions for value right now. We’ve also got a cloud forest eco retreat in Cartago, a massive eco property on the Osa, and our best stretch property yet. You’ll know it when you see it. 😉

Let’s get into it.

1. Cozy 2BR Home Near Cahuita & the Beach — $185,000 💰 Best Value This Week Built in 2023 with a unique open-air bathroom, 6 minutes from the beach and Cahuita National Park with an optional adjacent 418 m² riverfront lot for $35K more.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Cahuita, Caribbean Coast | 📐 120 m² lot | 🏠 120 m² | 👉 View Listing

2. Casa Coyotes — Cloud Forest Eco Retreat, Cartago — $255,000 Sustainable home built from reforested wood on 4,500 m² backed by 35+ hectares of protected forest, with 360° volcano views, solar power, and quetzals as neighbors.

🛏 3 bed (incl. mezzanine) | 🛁 1 bath | 📍 Cartago Province | 📐 4,500 m² lot | 🏠 160 m² |👉 View Listing

3. Casa Colores — 3BR Near Samara — $299,000 Built in 2024, fully furnished on a 1,980 m² jungle lot with mature fruit trees, AC, and space for 3 cars. Close to Playa Sámara with the neighboring home also available.

🛏 3 bed | 🛁 1.5 bath | 📍 Samara, Guanacaste | 📐 1,980 m² lot | 🏠 150 m² | 👉 View Listing

4. Charming 3BR Fire Sale, Garita Vieja — $159,000 🔥 Dropped from $199K. 3-bedroom with garden, walled fence, and shaded terraces, 12 minutes from Playa Grande and 20 minutes from Tamarindo.

🛏 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Garita Vieja, near Tamarindo, Guanacaste | 📐 475 m² lot | 🏠 121 m² | 👉 View Listing

5. Riverfront Home with Workshop, La Tigra/La Fortuna — $259,000 🔥 Price Reduced Fully renovated on 1.4 acres with a year-round river, brand new roof and electrical, granite kitchen, AC, and a 2,000 sqft workshop. Upper level has independent access perfect for a rental suite.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 La Tigra, near La Fortuna, Alajuela | 📐 1.4 acres | 🏠 1,181 sqf | 👉 View Listing

6. Coastal Jungle Sanctuary with Ocean Views, Lagunas/Dominical — $299,000 Totally remodeled 2-bedroom on 0.8 acres in the hills above Dominical with sweeping Pacific views, dual en-suite bedrooms, private spa, AC, and toucans and sloths at the window.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Lagunas, near Dominical, Puntarenas | 📐 0.8 acres | 👉 View Listing

7. 14-Acre Eco Home with Ocean View & Riverfront, Osa — $290,000 14 pristine acres adjacent to Corcovado National Park with a 2-bedroom solar-powered home, gravity-fed water, river frontage, Golfo Dulce ocean views, and a 15-bed hostel structure ready for eco-lodge development.

🛏 2 bed + 15-bed hostel | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Golfo Dulce, Osa, Puntarenas | 📐 14 acres | 👉 View Listing

8. 6-Unit Multi-Family Rental Property, Pan Dulce/Puerto Viejo — $295,000 Five fully furnished rental units on a 439 m² titled lot just outside Puerto Viejo — all currently operating as long-term rentals with a covered garage and wood-fired pizza oven on site.

🛏 6 bed | 🛁 5 bath | 📍 Pan Dulce, near Puerto Viejo, Caribbean Coast | 📐 439 m² lot | 🏠 302 m² | 👉 View Listing

9. Big 3BR with Saltwater Pool, near Puerto Viejo — $300,000 Built in 2024, this spacious family home has a 6x4m saltwater pool, outdoor kitchen, fiber optic internet, and strong Airbnb potential. 1.8 km from the beach.

🛏 3 bed | 🛁 3.5 bath | 📍 Playa Negra area, near Puerto Viejo, Caribbean Coast | 📐 500 m² lot | 🏠 115 m² | 👉 View Listing

✨ This Week’s Stretch Property — The Only “Up” House in Costa Rica, La Fortuna — $390,000 The only Pixar Up-inspired home in all of Costa Rica. Fully booked on Airbnb, instantly recognizable, with no direct competition and a proven track record minutes from Arenal Volcano.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 La Fortuna, Alajuela | 📐 290 m² lot | 👉 View Listing

Read more

Every week we pull together the most interesting affordable listings we can find from across the country. We do the scrolling so you don’t have to.

This is Issue #2, and we’ve got a big one for you. Listings are organized by region this week, so whether you’re dreaming of Guanacaste, the Southern Pacific, or somewhere off the beaten path entirely, scroll to your zone and dig in.

Read until the end. This week we also have a list of 7 businesses for sale under $300,000 for paid sunscribers.

Let’s get into it…..

Let’s start with the properties we shared on Instagram this week:

1. 2-Bedroom Tropical Villa | 3-Min Walk to Beach & Town — $270,000

Prime location, serious charm, and strong rental potential. This fully furnished villa in the heart of Puerto Viejo is a 3-minute walk from the beach, town center, restaurants, and shops. Private dip pool, open-air inner courtyard, lush tropical greenery, high-speed internet, and a bedroom with its own private entrance and kitchenette.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2.5 bath | 📍 Puerto Viejo, Caribbean Coast 👉 View Listing

2. Casa Diria — Turnkey 2BR Near Tamarindo Beaches — $299,000

Built in 2023, fully furnished, and already earning as an active Airbnb with rental records available. This smart home (yes, Alexa-controlled) sits on a spacious 1,522 m² fenced lot surrounded by farmland and mountains, with a 7x4 meter pool, BBQ area, and a playground. 15 minutes to Tamarindo Beach, and within easy reach of Avellanas, Flamingo, and Conchal.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📍 Near Tamarindo, Guanacaste 👉 View Listing

3. Affordable Chontales Home with Mountain & Ocean Views — $299,000

Tucked into the gated community of Sueños del Trópicos in Chontales, this 3-bedroom home has handcrafted wood furnishings, AC throughout, large sliding glass doors, panoramic mountain and valley views, a pocket ocean view at sunset, and a heart-shaped pool. Just 30 minutes from Ojochal.

🛏 3 bed | 🛁 3 bath | 📍 Chontales, near Ojochal, Puntarenas 👉 View Listing

4. Turnkey Home in Ojochal with Pool & Mountain Views — $289,000

Brand new, move-in ready, and furniture, appliances, and household goods all included. This smart 2-bedroom home in Ojochal sits right off the main coastal highway with 2WD access, a private pool with a waterfall feature, mountain views from the second-story balcony, and steel-framed beams on the lower level already in place for easy future expansion.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📍 Ojochal, Puntarenas 👉 View Listing

5. Unique 2BR Dome Home with Pool, Walking Distance to the Beach — $225,000 Built in 2025 and already pulling a 4.86 rating on Airbnb — this 7-meter-tall dome home near Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita is unlike anything else on this list. Custom bamboo and wood furniture designed specifically for the space, private pool, BBQ area, two levels with a private upstairs bedroom, and a 10-minute walk to the national park entrance.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Uvita, Puntarenas (near Marino Ballena National Park) 👉 View Listing

6. Artistic River Home in the Rainforest — $225,000

This bohemian treehouse-inspired home on the banks of the Río Barú — 5 minutes from Dominical — is one of the most unique listings we’ve ever come across. Intricate bamboo and tile designs, rich wood beam ceilings, a wraparound hardwood deck, a pool with rainforest views, and a lower-level suite that’s perfect for Airbnb or a caretaker. Scarlet macaws, howler and white-face monkeys, toucans, and butterflies are regular visitors. Built by a North American craftsman, fully updated, and turn-key.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 3 bath | 📍 Río Barú area, Dominical, Puntarenas 👉 View Listing

7. Modern Home with Pool in Linderos — $299,990 A clean, modern 3-bedroom on a generous 1,008 m² lot in Linderos, just 10 minutes from Tamarindo. Private 32 m² pool with a 4 m² jacuzzi, AC throughout, high-quality finishes, and room at the front of the lot for future expansion — additional rental units, a garden, or an entertainment area. 15 minutes to Tamarindo, Langosta, Avellanas, and Playa Grande.

🛏 3 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Linderos, near Tamarindo, Guanacaste 👉 View Listing

8. Surfside Container Home — Turnkey 2BR with Mixed-Use Potential — $245,000 A fully furnished, two-story container home in Playa Negra, Guanacaste — 1 mile from the beach, steps from a popular surf café and skate park, and 30 minutes to Tamarindo. The 40 m² covered patio with outdoor bar and Argentine-style BBQ is made for post-surf afternoons. Mixed-use zoning means you can live here, rent it out, run a surf retreat, or even open a small business. Gated entry, large storage, and built in 2021 with everything in excellent shape.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Playa Negra, Guanacaste 👉 View Listing

9. Bohemian-Inspired Home with Arenal Volcano Views — $185,000 A former doctor’s office lovingly transformed into a soulful tropical retreat in El Castillo — one of the most charming communities in all of Costa Rica, perched above Lake Arenal with the iconic volcano visible from virtually every corner. Hammock terrace, floor-seating lounge, fruit tree gardens, a private guest suite with its own entrance (perfect for rental income), and slow-living energy that’s genuinely hard to put a price on. Minutes from Arenal Volcano National Park, the Mistico Hanging Bridges, and La Fortuna Waterfall.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 El Castillo, La Fortuna, Alajuela 👉 View Listing

10. Turnkey Tropical Retreat Near the Beach — $215,000 A modern, move-in ready 2-bedroom home in the new Altos de Bejuco development. Coming soon to the community: a resort-style pool, restaurant, bar, and gym through the Bejuco Beach Club. Strong vacation rental potential in a growing beachside area that still has real value.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Altos de Bejuco, Bejuco, Puntarenas 👉 View Listing

11. Easy Access 2BR Home with 1 Acre & Creek — $299,000

Brand new construction in the hills of Platanillo with jaw-dropping valley views from every window, floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors in the open-concept kitchen and living room, two bedrooms with brand new AC units, a split floor plan for privacy, and a constant cool breeze that means you may rarely need the AC anyway. On a full acre with a creek, room to add a pool, and space to expand.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Platanillo, near Dominical, Puntarenas 👉 View Listing

and now for the rest of the listings that we didn’t share on Instagram…which, speaking of the gram, be sure to follow us there for daily homes cheaphomes.cr

Read more

This week we’ve got listings from the Caribbean coast, the hills near San José, the wild Southern Pacific, and more. Let’s get into it!

🏠 This Week’s Listings

1. Casa Del Rio — $149,000 💰 This Week’s Best Value

A rustic, fully furnished riverside home tucked into the authentic mountain community of Santa Marta — just 25 minutes from the stunning and uncrowded Carrillo Beach. Outdoor kitchen, forest views, a pool, river access nearby, and a cooler climate year-round. This is simple, beautiful, affordable Costa Rica living at its best.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 1 bath | 📍 Santa Marta, Guanacaste (near Sámara) 👉 View Listing

2. Caribbean-Style Hostel/Investment Property — $295,000 🔥 Price Drop!

Brand new (2024), 6 rooms, 7 bathrooms, private pool, lush gardens, Starlink internet, and owner financing available — all 400 meters from the beach in the heart of Cahuita. Whether you want to live here, run it as a hostel, or lease it out, the numbers work.

🛏 6 bed | 🛁 7 bath | 📍 Cahuita, Caribbean Coast 👉 View Listing

3. Charming Country Home with Outdoor Kitchen — $295,000

Peaceful countryside living just 18 minutes from Puriscal, with panoramic hill views, a spacious outdoor kitchen, and a lush tropical garden. Quiet, private, and close enough to San José to make it practical.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Ojo de Agua, Puriscal (near San José) 👉 View Listing

Subscribe now

4. Villa Oasis in Central Puerto Viejo — $265,000

Private pool with a bar, two inner courtyards, yoga garden, hammock area, and a short walk to the beach, restaurants, and shops. Built in 2021 and performing well as a vacation rental. This one has serious charm.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Puerto Viejo, Caribbean Coast 👉 View Listing

5. Jungle Paradise with Ocean Access — $295,000

Monkeys at breakfast, a pool in the jungle, and your own titled land that runs all the way to the shoreline — this is the Dominical dream on a real budget. The 2-bedroom home sits on over half an acre of lush rainforest in the Dominicalito community, with a massive deck, bamboo gardens, AC, and an in-ground pool. Fully titled (non-concession), vacation rental ready, and sitting in one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after pockets of the Pacific coast. Also has potential to be purchased as part of a larger package with an adjacent boutique hotel and colonial ocean-view home if you’re thinking bigger.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Dominicalito, Dominical, Puntarenas 👉 View Listing

6. Mango Moon Bungalow — $275,000

Brand new (2024), fully furnished, and move-in ready — this modern 2-bedroom sits right at the south entrance of Cahuita National Park. Saltwater pool, lush tropical yard, jungle views from the balcony, AC, and appliances all included. Easy access to both Cahuita town and Puerto Viejo. A turnkey home or vacation rental with serious appeal.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Puerto Vargas, Cahuita, Caribbean Coast 👉 View Listing

7. Hillside Home with Panoramic Mountain Views — $288,000

Loft-style primary suite with jacuzzi and balcony, open-concept living, multiple decks, nearly 1 acre of land, and spectacular mountain views — just 7 minutes from downtown Grecia. This is the kind of property that feels way more expensive than it is. Also available to rent at $1,800/month if you want to test the waters first.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 2 bath | 📍 Grecia, Alajuela (Central Valley) 👉 View Listing

8. 100% Off-Grid Cabin with Solar & Spring Water Pool — $219,000

This is not your average listing. This fully turn-key, 100% off-grid cabin runs on a brand new solar system, has a pool fed directly by a natural spring, over 5 acres of jungle land loaded with fruit trees, and a bonus garage apartment perfect for Airbnb or a caretaker. It’s also less than 10 minutes from Ciudad Cortés — groceries, a hospital, and amenities all within reach. Deep jungle living without the sacrifice.

🛏 2 bed | 🛁 3 bath | 📍 Cortés, Osa Peninsula 👉 View Listing

9. Casa Río — Modern Coastal Home with River Views — $299,000

5 minutes from Playa Dominical, this stunning 3-bedroom home built in 2022 hits every note — indoor pool, fiber optic internet, a fully equipped granite kitchen, river views out the back, and a bonus upper-floor suite with its own independent entrance perfect for rental income. The architecture is all high ceilings, cross ventilation, and open-concept living designed for the tropical climate without needing AC. Surrounded by the natural wealth of the South Pacific, with Marino Ballena, Corcovado, Uvita, and Pérez Zeledón all within easy reach. Primary home, vacation retreat, or short-term rental — this one works for all three.

🛏 3 bed | 🛁 3 bath | 📍 Hatillo, near Dominical, Puntarenas 👉 View Listing

🗺️ Area Spotlight: Dominical

If you’ve never been to Dominical, picture this: jungle-covered mountains tumbling straight into the Pacific, a beach town of about 1,200 people (a good chunk of them expats), a farmers market, a medical clinic with English-speaking staff, fiber internet, and some of the best surfing in the country. Plus, this is all without the overdevelopment that has swallowed up places like Tamarindo or Jaco.

Dominical sits at the northern tip of Costa Rica’s Southern Zone, which also includes Uvita and Ojochal, and it has been becoming one of the most interesting real estate markets in the country. It’s still raw enough that you can find real value with riverfront acreage, jungle homesteads, and ocean-view lots at prices that would be unthinkable farther north, but it is developed enough that you can actually live comfortably.

The lifestyle here is bohemian and nature-forward: surfing, hiking, waterfalls, yoga, and a tight-knit local-expat community.

Families are drawn by an international school nearby.

Remote workers appreciate the reliable internet and co-working options.

Retirees love the pace and the scenery.

The drive to San Isidro (the nearest major city) takes about 45 minutes, and the road in has improved dramatically over the last few years.

Is it for everyone? No. If you need a Costco and a mall, this is not the spot. But if you want space, nature, a real community, and a property that could double in value as the Southern Zone continues to grow, Dominical deserves a serious look.

💬 From Sarah & Thomas

We’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about whether it’s still possible to find truly cheap homes in Costa Rica, or whether the market has priced everyone out. The honest answer: it depends entirely on where you look. The Caribbean coast and the Southern Pacific still have real opportunities under $300K, you just have to be willing to be a little flexible on location or move-in condition. That’s what we’re here for.

Pura vida 🌿 Sarah & Thomas Costa Rica Vibes | Cheap Homes Costa Rica

Note: We are not sellers or listing agents. We curate properties we think are worth your attention and connect you with the agents who can help.