Is Costa Rica Expensive to Live In? (2025 Cost Breakdown You Haven’t Heard)

Arcadia
Jul 18
2 min read

Short answer? It depends where—and how—you live. Costa Rica can be expensive... if you stick to tourist zones and buy like you're on vacation. But just 25 minutes off the coastal strip? You’ll find a very different reality—and a six-figure difference in both cost of living and property prices.

🏡 Where to Live in Costa Rica Without Breaking the Bank

Let’s compare two towns, 25 minutes apart:

In Ojochal, modern ocean-view homes often run $350,000–$500,000+
In Balsar? You can find titled homes with jungle and ocean views for under $300K, plus raw land with utilities for much less.

✅ Same lush wildlife.✅ Same sunsets.✅ Still 25 minutes from Playa Ventanas and central services.Just not priced like a luxury enclave.

🛒 The Real Cost of Living—Tourist vs. Local Zones

Groceries in tourist towns often cost 20–40% more than in rural markets.

Local areas like Balsar offer:

Lower utility bills
Local produce and farm eggs
Fewer imported goods, more real food
No HOA fees, no gated rules

💡 The more local you go, the more affordable (and peaceful) life becomes.

🌿 What “Pura Vida” Really Costs

Gentrified towns feel safe—familiar even. But they often come with:

Inflated property taxes
More traffic and restrictions
Imported expectations

In contrast, Balsar still lives slow:🌴 Jungle walks, dirt roads, $2 pineapples, and coffee with neighbors—not tourists.

🏡 Featured Property: Ocean-View Jungle Home in Balsar

Just listed:

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Private mountain setting
Ocean-view deck + jungle breezes
Full access to resort amenities (optional)
$279,000 USD — titled, move-in ready→ View Listing (insert direct link)

📍 Why We Recommend Balsar

Location: 25–30 min from Ojochal, Uvita, and Playa Ventanas Access: Easy road, electricity, and internet Savings: Comparable homes near the beach cost $100K+ more

📦 It’s the best of both worlds—coastal living without the coastal markup.

📘 Final Thought

If your dream is nature, space, and simplicity—not a resort version of your old life—Costa Rica doesn’t have to be expensive. You just have to know where to look.