Jacó, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#1908
9.615636, -84.628125
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Jacó is a beach town located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, known for its surf culture and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 10,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 35 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Costa Rican Colon (CRC). 1 USD ≈ 630 CRC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, recommend using bottled or filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers are Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Banco Nacional and BAC Credomatic are widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to vacation rentals on Airbnb and local hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo offer numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Pochote is a popular choice for budget travelers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Outpost Jacó offers excellent coworking facilities with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Mar provides a great atmosphere for working with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular expat meetups are organized through Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Jacó Community Facebook page is a hub for gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available and commonly used in Jacó. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals like Jacó Bike Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jacó Beach is the main beach with easy access. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines provides regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major carriers include American Airlines and United Airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Costanera Sur Highway connects to San José and other coastal towns. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Jacó does not have a train service, public buses are the main transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses run frequently between cities; passes are generally not needed. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like Puntarenas and Manuel Antonio are easily accessible. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital CIMA in San José is the best for emergencies; local clinics available in Jacó. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Cielo Yoga offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Centro Jacó provides fitness facilities with various classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Servicios de Lavado Jacó offers laundry services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is the most popular choice for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto is a must-try traditional dish, commonly available in local sodas. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Pura Vida Restaurant offers vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Join Cafe has a great selection of pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local farmer's market has fresh fruits and vegetables at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon ships to Costa Rica with some limitations. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Fresh Market Jacó offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The main nightlife center is in Downtown Jacó with bars like Jaco Blu. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Costa Rica's Craft Brewery in nearby Playa Hermosa offers tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bar La Trattoria has a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the empanadas from street vendors near the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Los Amigos serves a blend of Latin and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Jacó Rainforest is a must-visit for nature lovers. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Costa Rica Art Museum is a short drive away in San José. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the 19th-century Church of Our Lady of the Sea. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Antonio is significant in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Jacó Day Festival in August celebrates local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Jacó's beachfront area is vibrant with local shops and performances. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Teatro Municipal in nearby Playa Jaco hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Jacó Farmers Market operates weekly on Fridays. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues like Hotel Pochote feature live music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout the downtown area, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Los Cuatro Restaurant offers cooking workshops on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Jacó Art Gallery features local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic church has roots dating back to the early 1900s. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The town reflects a rich blend of indigenous and Caribbean culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Carara National Park is a nearby haven for nature enthusiasts. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Manuel Antonio National Park is a top destination for wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic coastal paths are great for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Hermosa Beach offers stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Carara National Park is ideal for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beachfront areas allow bonfires, check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos de Costa Rica is the national postal service. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | DigiPro offers phone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local sports clubs have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools like Intercultura offer immersion programs. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Biblioteca de Jacó has a small selection of books and quiet study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura Jacó hosts community activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Croc's Resort & Casino offers gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $192,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $168,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial taxation for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to offshore income for residents. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 0.25% of the property value annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% on property transfers. |