Jacó, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#1908
,
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Jacó is a vibrant beach town located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, known for surfing and eco-tourism. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 10,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 30-50 Mbps, with various service providers available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 600 CRC. ATMs are widely available, and most accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended in some areas. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Kolbi and Movistar, offering prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica are widely accepted, along with services like Wise. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachside hotels to vacation rentals; Airbnb is prevalent. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit/debit cards are widely accepted in stores and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa De Lis is a well-rated budget-friendly option. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Jacó, close to the beach and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Playa Hermosa, known for its tranquility and proximity to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Outpost Jacó is a popular coworking spot with strong wifi and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee House offers a relaxed atmosphere and good internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly Meetups at Outpost where digital nomads share experiences. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Jacó's Expats Facebook Group hosts regular social gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used, alongside local taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Playa Rentals offers scooters and bikes for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jacó Beach, known for surfing and vibrant nightlife. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air provides flights to nearby locations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines operate frequent flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Costanera Sur highway provides direct access to major cities and attractions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Jacó does not have a train system; travel is primarily via bus or car. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Regular bus services run to San José and other areas; no formal transit passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate regularly to San José, with ride-sharing options as well. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital CIMA is a well-equipped facility for emergencies and routine care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Pura Vida Wellness located in Jacó offers a range of yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 24 Hour Fitness in Jacó offers membership options for both short and long-term users. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Marina Laundry provides wash-and-fold services and self-service machines. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Rappi operate in the area, providing a variety of options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Casado, a traditional Costa Rican dish with rice, beans, and meat/vegetables. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Buddha Cafe offers a fully vegan menu with local organic ingredients. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Bakery offers delicious pastries and cakes, perfect for a sweet treat. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Supermercado Mas x Menos provides budget-friendly options for groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local marketplaces like MercaSanta and international platforms like Amazon are available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermaxi offers a grocery delivery service through their app. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Chill Pot and Monkey Bar are popular nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Costa Rican Craft brews local beers that are well-reviewed. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino Y Mar offers a curated selection of wines in a cozy atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along the beach serve fresh ceviche and tropical fruits. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | El Hicaco offers a fusion of seafood and Asian influences. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Jacó's vibrant beachfront promenade is a must for visitors. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Jacó Art Gallery features local artists and hosts regular exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old pier offers a glimpse into Jacó's fishing history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Catholic Church in Jacó is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Jacó Beach Festival held annually attracts visitors for music and dance. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown Jacó area hosts various shops and eateries showcasing local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Casa del Arte offers theatrical performances and local events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Jacó Farmers' Market takes place every Friday with local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is frequently hosted at venues like The Costa Rica Surf Club. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals throughout Jacó highlight local artists and culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Costa Rican Cooking School offers classes in traditional cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Sasso features contemporary art and local creators. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Waterfall property showcases Jacó's historical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Indigenous cultures of the area are celebrated in local art and performances. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Los Suenos Marina offers water activities and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Manuel Antonio National Park is a 30-minute drive, known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The beach promenade provides a scenic route for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Miro viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of Jacó Beach. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Carara National Park is famous for its birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated bonfire areas are located on the beach after dark. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Correos de Costa Rica have offices for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Jacó Tech Services offers device repairs at reasonable prices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Jacó Sports Center has a recreational area for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Cultural Language School offers Spanish classes tailored for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local community center features a quiet reading area. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Jacó Community Center hosts various classes and social events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Game Zone in Jacó features consoles and multiplayer setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The El Cortez Casino offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $76,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $138,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Costa Rica operates on a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax (VAT) is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Costa Rica enforces CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is 0.25% of the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1.5% for property transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from low living costs and favorable tax conditions. |