Nicoya, GU, Costa Rica
The heart of Costa Rica's Blue Zone, a region known for the longevity of its residents and traditional way of life.
Below Average vs Costa Rica Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Nicoya vs Costa Rica Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 25.0%
- VAT: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₡6,500,000
- Unemployment: 11.0%
- Population: 50,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 250/year
- Summer High: 92°F
- Winter Low: 70°F
Housing
- Median Home: ₡50,000,000
- 1BR Rent: ₡160000/mo
Cost of Living
Nicoya's cost of living index is 85 (Costa Rica average = 100).
| Category | Nicoya | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: INEC / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₡50,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₡160000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₡200,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₡33,333 |
Data source: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Nicoya:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₡12000 | Based on ~300 kWh/month typical Costa Rican household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | ₡19178 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₡5000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₡8000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | ₡3000 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | ₡47178 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ARESEP, ICE, AyA 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Nicoya
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: ₡192,000/mo.
Nicoya Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: ₡176,000/mo.
East Nicoya
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: ₡144,000/mo.
West Nicoya
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: ₡152,000/mo.
Remote Work Score
Nicoya scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Nicoya has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 90°F | 70°F | 2.5" |
| April | 77°F | 85°F | 2.8" |
| July | 92°F | 67°F | 1.5" |
| October | 72°F | 88°F | 2.2" |
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 11.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Nicoya per 100,000 residents:
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 Nicoya, GU, Costa Rica?
The cost of living index in Nicoya is 85, which is Lower the Costa Rica national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Nicoya?
The median home price in Nicoya is ₡50,000,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Nicoya is approximately ₡160000/mo.
Does Nicoya, GU have income tax?
Nicoya is in GU, which has an income tax rate of 25%.
What is the climate like in Nicoya?
Nicoya enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 70°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.