Living in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Your complete guide to life in Manuel Antonio — from housing costs to expat community and everything in between.

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Why Expats Love Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is located in Costa Rica's Central Pacific and is known for its stunning national park area. With a hot and humid climate, it's one of the most popular destinations for expats looking to relocate to Costa Rica.

$800
Starting Monthly Rent
$200,000
Starting Property Price
0.25%
Annual Property Tax
$995
SIXPERCENT Listing Fee

Climate & Weather

Manuel Antonio enjoys a hot and humid climate year-round. The rainy season runs from May through November, with mornings typically sunny and showers in the afternoon. The dry season (December–April) offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

Real Estate Market in Manuel Antonio

Property prices in Manuel Antonio range from $200,000–$800,000+, with rental options from $800–$2,000/mo. Foreign ownership is fully permitted in Costa Rica — you have the same property rights as Costa Rican citizens. There's no MLS in Costa Rica, which means SIXPERCENT's AI aggregation of 2,000+ listings gives you a significant advantage.

Typical closing costs run 4–5.5% of the purchase price, and annual property tax is just 0.25% of the registered value — a fraction of what you'd pay in the US or Canada.

Highlights

monkeys, sloths, incredible beaches, top tourist destination. Manuel Antonio is best suited for nature lovers, rental investors.

Cost of Living

A couple can live comfortably in Manuel Antonio on $2,000–$3,500/month depending on lifestyle. This includes rent, groceries (shop at the local feria for the best prices), utilities, dining out at local sodas, and healthcare through the CCSS (Caja) system. The exchange rate is approximately 520 CRC per USD.

Healthcare Access

Costa Rica's universal healthcare system (CCSS/Caja) is available to all legal residents. Monthly contributions start around $120/month for retirees. Private healthcare is also excellent and affordable — a doctor visit costs $40–$100, and facilities like CIMA Hospital and Clínica Bíblica are world-class.

How SIXPERCENT Helps

Whether you're buying or selling in Manuel Antonio, SIXPERCENT's AI concierge streamlines the process:

Can foreigners buy property in Manuel Antonio?
Yes! Costa Rica allows full foreign property ownership with the same rights as citizens. The only exception is concession (beachfront) land within 50 meters of the high-tide line, which requires a lease arrangement. SIXPERCENT's concierge guides you through the entire process.

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