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Thoughtful guidance for life, property, and transition in Costa Rica.
Buyer’s Guide
A thoughtful overview of purchasing property in Costa Rica — written for international buyers seeking clarity, not pressure.
Resource Library
Articles, guides, videos, and local insight designed to help you move thoughtfully.
Life in Atenas
Climate, culture, daily rhythms, healthcare, connectivity, and what life actually feels like here.
About Dennis & Gerardo
Two decades of local experience, trusted guidance, and boutique representation in Atenas.
Thoughtful answers for those considering life in Costa Rica
Purchasing property in Costa Rica isn’t so different than making a purchase in the United States or Canada. We’ve simplified the process with 11 simple steps to help make buying your dream home in Atenas a reality.
- Choose a professional real estate agent.
- Choose a reputable real estate attorney.
- Start the home search.
- Narrow the search.
- Make an offer.
- Sign the Purchase Agreement.
- Open an escrow account.
- Take title.
- Final walk through.
- Closing.
- Closing costs.
Even though the purchasing process is rather straightforward, we’ve expanded upon these 11 points for a more detailed explanation. Click here to read the detailed article.
Property taxes are relatively low in Costa Rica when compared to other areas of the world. In Atenas, our municipal property tax rate is 0.25% of the homes' declared value. This translates to $250 for every $100,000. For example, a $400,000 home will pay $1,000 per year in municipal property taxes.
In addition to the municipal property tax, some properties are also required to pay the so-called luxury property tax. The luxury property tax structure is convoluted and can be very confusing. This is a subject best discussed in person with your real estate agent and attorney. Having said that, in simple terms, this tax can range from 0.25%-0.55% of the property’s value. However, this only applies to properties with a value of $250,000 or more. The caveat? How a home’s value is calculated is complicated. Confused yet? We thought you might be. This tax is something you need to be aware of, but thankfully, it’s not as common in Atenas as it is in other areas of Costa Rica.
The typical annual insurance costs in Costa Rica start at 0.25% of the property’s insured value. This will include a predetermined amount for contents and liability coverage. A property with a $400,000 value can expect to pay $1,000 for insurance annually.
For more information, consult the Instituto Nacional de Seguros.
Costa Rica is known for having one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Offering both a public and a private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is commonly known as the CAJA, which stands for Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social. The CAJA is mandatory for foreign residents and the monthly costs typically range from 7% to 11%, based on your declared income. Included in the monthly CAJA premium are doctor's visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, and medications.
In addition to the public healthcare system, Costa Rica boasts a world-class private healthcare system with a wide range of doctors and specialists. In addition, several state-of-the-art medical facilities like Hospital CIMA, Clinic Biblica, and Hospital Metropolitano. You can purchase private insurance or opt to pay out of pocket for private healthcare.
To learn more about the following resources, click on the names below:
Check out one of our clients personal experience with the Costa Rican healthcare system here.
The cost of living in Atenas is relative and depends on where you’re coming from. Many of our clients from the United States find the cost of living 20%-30% less than what they spend back home.
One thing we try to remind our clients of is that the name-brand products that they are used to back home are imported to Costa Rica and are often more expensive. It’s best to search out and opt for a locally produced, comparable product.
NUMBERO is a good resource for the cost of living in Costa Rica.
Atenas is a small village of less than 30,000 inhabitants. Crime is low, especially when compared to large cities and urban areas of the other Central American countries and the United States. The most common crimes are petty theft and non-violent offenses. Atenas is a popular expat haven and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and smiling, friendly locals.
Since 2021, Costa Rica has become one of the world’s top destinations for digital nomads. The small, Central American nation is high-tech and offers excellent Wi-Fi access with an array of service providers. Speeds range from 100mbps up to 1000 mbps.
Companies such as Kölbi provide fiber-optic internet, while CRWIFI, a private local company, provides line-of-site internet service. This past year, Starlink launched a satellite service in Costa Rica. Let’s just say, we’ve got a connection for everyone!
For more information about internet options, click on the name of the service provider below: