Nosara, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#923
9.979954, -85.652837
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nosara is a coastal town located in Guanacaste Province, known for its surf culture and wellness retreats. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 5,000 residents |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Up to 50 Mbps, with fiber internet available in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1,000 CRC; ATMs are available, and most accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Filtered; generally considered safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Kölbi and Movistar are popular local providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most major credit cards accepted; international banking options available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and long-term rentals; prices range from $400 to $1,500 per month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, though cash is still favored in smaller shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Furnished properties on platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Nosara Tico Surf School with prices starting at $20 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Wave Nosara - offers flexible desks, meeting rooms, and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Burgers and Beer - known for its strong coffee and fast Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out local meetups and events posted on social media groups for expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Nosara Yoga Institute organizes community events and workshops regularly. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in nearby cities, but local taxis are also available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at Nosara Bike rental with prices starting at $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Guiones - a popular surf beach located just minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines offers flights to and from Liberia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta serve Liberia International Airport (LIR). |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via Route 160 from Liberia. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nosara does not have a train station; buses connect to nearby towns. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus services operate to neighboring towns; no official pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shuttles are available to major hubs like Tamarindo and Liberia. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Nosara Family Medical Center for primary care and emergencies. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Nosara Yoga Institute offers a range of classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Gym Nosara offers modern equipment and various fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and services available with drop-off and pick-up options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | WoW Foods is a local delivery service offering eats from various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto - a traditional rice and beans dish, commonly served for breakfast. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Bamboo Sushi Club offers vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Ginna's Place - a popular bakery known for its pastries and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Nosara Organic Market for fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Nosara, and local markets have an online presence. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local service Cangrejo organizes grocery deliveries, mostly organics. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Luna - casual beachfront bar with live music events. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brew Lab offers craft beers brewed locally on-site. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa Tucan offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various taco stands and local vendors near Playa Guiones with authentic food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Sunset Lounge offers a mix of seafood and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Nosara Wildlife Rescue is focused on rehabilitation and care for local fauna. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Bamboo Art Gallery features local artisans' work and products. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Nosara Historical Center showcases the town's past and development. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Our Lady of Sions Church is a central place of worship in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Nosara Surf Festival - an annual surfing event known for attracting talent. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Yoga District, centered around wellness and holistic living. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Costa Rica Yoga Spa often hosts live music and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Nosara Farmers Market every Tuesday showcasing local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events can be found at places like Cafe Naranja. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals throughout the town highlight the local culture and community spirit. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Nourish Nosara offers hands-on cooking classes focusing on local ingredients. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Nosara Art Gallery showcases works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The original Nosara school building still stands as an important community marker. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The culture of surfing and wellness is deeply integrated into the local identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ostional National Wildlife Refuge is nearby and known for turtle nesting. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Rincon de la Vieja National Park offers hiking and hot springs. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the beach and through the town promote walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points along the coastal cliffs provide stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby wetlands and forests are home to diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Playa Guiones has designated bonfire areas for beachside gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services and private couriers like Correos de Costa Rica for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops offer mobile phone and computer repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have recreational tables for ping pong. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Opportunities are available through local schools and community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited library services; many cafes provide quiet spaces for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host events and classes for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Larger cafes often have games and social gatherings, especially on weekends. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Nosara; nearest located in larger cities like Tamarindo. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $138,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, certain rules apply to foreign corporations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax based on registered value, usually around 0.25%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1.5% to 2% transaction tax when buying property. |