Skyline of Liberia
Cost of Living: 98 100,000

Liberia, GU, Costa Rica

The gateway to Guanacaste's beaches and national parks, a hot city with a strong cowboy tradition.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 98

Below Average vs Costa Rica Avg (100)

Housing Index 110

Above Average

Median Income ₡9,500,000

Household income

Unemployment 9.0%

Job market health

Liberia vs Costa Rica Average

Cost of Living
Liberia: 98
Costa Rica Avg: 100
Housing Index
Liberia: 110
Costa Rica Avg: 100
Income Tax
Liberia: 25%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 25.0%
  • VAT: 13.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: ₡9,500,000
  • Unemployment: 9.0%
  • Population: 100,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 260/year
  • Summer High: 92°F
  • Winter Low: 72°F

Housing

  • Median Home: ₡85,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: ₡280000/mo

Cost of Living

Liberia's cost of living index is 98 (Costa Rica average = 100).

CategoryLiberiaNational AverageDifference
Overall98100-2.0%
Housing110100+10.0%

Data source: INEC / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price₡85,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)₡280000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)₡350,000/mo
Price per Sq Ft₡56,666

Data source: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

%
$90,000 down
%
%

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Liberia:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity₡12000Based on ~300 kWh/month typical Costa Rican household usage
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating
Cooling (AC)₡22356Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water₡5000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)₡8000Broadband average
Garbage / Trash₡3000Private service
Total Utilities₡50356Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: ARESEP, ICE, AyA 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Liberia

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: ₡336,000/mo.

Liberia Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: ₡308,000/mo.

East Liberia

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: ₡252,000/mo.

West Liberia

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: ₡266,000/mo.

Remote Work Score

Liberia scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
98
Rent
₡280000
Sunny Days
260
Tax
25%
Unemployment
9.0%
Climate
92°F / 72°F

Climate

Liberia has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January92°F72°F2.5"
April77°F87°F2.8"
July92°F67°F1.5"
October72°F90°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 25%
  • VAT: 13%
  • Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 9.0%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Liberia per 100,000 residents:

80.0
Violent Crime
400.0
Property Crime
11.5
Homicide

City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Liberia, GU, Costa Rica?

The cost of living index in Liberia is 98, which is Lower the Costa Rica national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Liberia?

The median home price in Liberia is ₡85,000,000. The housing index is 110.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Liberia is approximately ₡280000/mo.

Does Liberia, GU have income tax?

Liberia is in GU, which has an income tax rate of 25%.

What is the climate like in Liberia?

Liberia enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 72°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: INEC / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026
  • Income & Employment: INEC Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities ARESEP, ICE, AyA 2025

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.