Living in Guanacaste: A Practical Guide for Expats
What you need to know about establishing yourself on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, from beach town differences to infrastructure realities and everyday logistics.
Who This Guide Is For
- Expats seeking beach lifestyle over urban infrastructure
- Remote workers who can work from anywhere with decent internet
- Surfers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those drawn to coastal living
- Anyone researching Pacific coast options before visiting or moving
At a Glance
Typical ranges for Guanacaste. These are estimates and vary based on location, lifestyle, and circumstances.
Typical rent (2BR)
$1,000–2,000/mo
Beach proximity drives price; inland options cheaper
Typical rent (house)
$1,500–3,500/mo
Premium for ocean views; varies dramatically by town
Groceries (monthly)
$450–700
Higher than Central Valley; limited selection in smaller towns
Healthcare
Limited locally
Basic clinics; serious care requires Liberia or San José
Climate
Hot and dry season
Dry December-April; green season May-November; consistently warm
Internet
Variable by town
Tamarindo/Nosara have fiber; rural areas struggle
What to Know Before You Arrive
Key considerations that affect your timeline and planning.
Guanacaste beach towns vary significantly
Tamarindo is developed with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Nosara is wellness-focused with yoga studios and organic cafes. Playas del Coco is more local and budget-friendly. Samara is laid-back and family-oriented. Each attracts different expat demographics and offers different amenities. Visiting before committing is essential.
Infrastructure is limited compared to the Central Valley
Healthcare, banking, and government services are concentrated in Liberia (the regional capital) rather than beach towns. Serious medical issues require travel to San José. Some beach towns have limited grocery options. Accept that you're trading infrastructure for lifestyle.
The dry season transforms the landscape
Guanacaste has Costa Rica's most distinct dry season (December-April). The region turns brown and dusty—very different from the lush green images in tourism photos. Many people prefer this weather, but it surprises those expecting year-round tropical green. The green season brings afternoon rains but cooler temperatures.
Real estate and rental costs can exceed expectations
Popular beach towns like Tamarindo and Nosara have seen significant price increases. Ocean-view properties command premiums. The most affordable options are often inland or in less-developed towns. Budget more than you might expect for beach proximity.
Neighborhoods & Areas
Guanacaste stretches along Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast. Each beach town has developed its own character and attracts different types of expats. The region is connected by improving roads, though distances between towns can be significant. Liberia serves as the regional hub for services, with its own international airport providing direct flights from the US.
For detailed cost breakdowns, see the Costa Rica cost of living guide.
Tamarindo
Most developed beach town. Surfing, restaurants, nightlife. Tourist-heavy but good infrastructure. Higher prices. International community; English widely spoken.
Nosara
Wellness and yoga capital. Health-conscious community. Less developed than Tamarindo. Attracts remote workers and families. Premium pricing for the lifestyle.
Playas del Coco
More local feel than Tamarindo. Fishing village roots. More affordable. Good diving access. Mix of Ticos and expats. Less polished but authentic.
Samara
Quiet, family-friendly beach town. Laid-back vibe. Less developed infrastructure. More affordable than northern towns. Growing expat community.
Playa Flamingo
Upscale resort area. Marina access. Higher-end development. Quieter than Tamarindo. Popular with boaters and retirees.
Liberia
Regional capital inland. Not a beach town but has services, hospital, airport. Some expats base here for affordability and access. Hot climate.
Setup Priorities
Key areas to research and plan for when setting up in Guanacaste. Each involves tradeoffs worth understanding before you arrive.
Visas & Residency
Immigration matters require trips to San José. Some services available in Liberia. Plan for travel time when handling paperwork.
Distance from San José means more planning for immigration appointments; but manageable with preparation.
View guideBanking
Major banks have branches in Liberia and larger beach towns. ATM availability varies. Some smaller towns have limited banking access.
Fewer options than Central Valley; many expats rely on US accounts and ATM withdrawals.
View guideHealthcare
Basic clinics in beach towns. Hospital in Liberia. Serious care requires San José. Private insurance with air evacuation is common among expats.
Limited local healthcare is a real consideration; proximity to Liberia hospital matters for emergencies.
View guideCost of Living
Beach towns can be expensive, especially for housing. Inland and less-developed areas more affordable. Import costs affect groceries.
Beach lifestyle comes with premium pricing; budget carefully if cost is a primary concern.
View guideCommon Pitfalls & Misconceptions
Issues that frequently affect expats settling in Guanacaste.
- Choosing a town based on photos without visiting—each has very different character
- Underestimating healthcare limitations—serious issues require significant travel
- Expecting Central Valley infrastructure and selection in a beach town
- Not budgeting for beach town premiums—housing and groceries cost more than inland
- Assuming all beach towns have reliable internet—verify before signing a lease
- Moving during dry season and being surprised by green season rains (or vice versa)
- Not having a car—public transit is very limited in Guanacaste
Key Things to Verify
Before committing to Guanacaste, confirm these items based on your specific situation.
- Visit your target town during both dry and green seasons if possible.
- Test internet speeds at potential housing—essential for remote work.
- Understand distance and drive time to Liberia hospital. Learn more
- Research grocery and supply availability in smaller towns.
- Confirm the expat community matches your lifestyle preferences.
- Verify rental availability—popular areas book far in advance, especially dry season.
Common Next Steps
Continue your research with these related guides.
Costa Rica Country Guide
Broader context on Costa Rican bureaucracy and nationwide considerations.
Living in San José / Central Valley
Compare with Costa Rica's capital region.
Living on the Caribbean Coast
Compare with the other coastal option.
Cost of Living in Costa Rica
Understand regional cost differences.
Related Guides
Explore our topic guides for detailed information on each aspect of expat life.
Important: This guide provides general information for planning purposes. Neighborhood characteristics, costs, and availability change frequently. Always visit areas in person, verify current information, and consult qualified professionals before making housing or financial decisions. This is not legal, tax, or real estate advice.