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Determining the Budget for Building a Home in Costa Rica


Building your dream home in Costa Rica is an exciting journey, but one of the most crucial steps is determining your construction budget. To ensure a successful project that aligns with your vision, it’s essential to understand the factors influencing your costs. In this article, we’ll provide expert insights to help you navigate the budgeting process and make informed decisions, whether you’re planning to build in Pérez Zeledón, Guanacaste, or other regions of Costa Rica.


Key Questions Before Starting

Common questions arise when planning a construction project, such as:

  • How much does it cost to build a house in Costa Rica?
  • How much money is needed to build a 100m² house?
  • What does an architect charge for a design in Costa Rica?
  • How much does it cost to build a 4×4 room?

Here, we’ll address these questions and more, breaking down the critical factors influencing construction costs.


Factors Affecting Construction Costs



If building a house isn’t what you’re looking for, explore our Homes for Sale section! We offer a wide range of options to suit your preferences:

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for land to build your dream home, visit our Lots for Sale section to find the perfect property!

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Cost of Construction Per Square Meter in Costa Rica

The cost of construction per square meter in Costa Rica can vary significantly depending on the project’s location, the type of construction, and the materials chosen. Here’s an overview of the general price ranges:



Architectural Fees

Architectural services in Costa Rica are essential for designing a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and legally compliant structure. The cost of these services depends on the complexity and scope of the project:



Construction Supervision

Once the design phase is complete, professional supervision ensures that the construction adheres to plans, schedules, and quality standards. This service is typically provided by architects or engineers, and fees are calculated as a percentage of the total construction cost:

  • 5% to 15% of Total Construction Cost:
    The percentage depends on the complexity of the project, the level of oversight required, and the experience of the supervising professional. This service includes regular site visits, progress evaluations, and problem resolution to ensure the project remains on track and meets quality standards.

Here are three examples of home construction in Costa Rica, based on different cost ranges and finish levels. These include estimates for architectural design, supervision, and construction costs per square meter:


1. Low-Cost House

Description: A basic 80 m² home designed for small families, with simple finishes and budget-friendly materials.

  • Architectural Design: $3,000
  • Construction Supervision: 10% of construction cost ($44,000 x 10%) = $4,400
  • Construction Cost: $550/m² x 80 m² = $44,000
  • Total Estimate: $51,400

Key Features:

  • Basic ceramic tile flooring.
  • Concrete or block walls with simple paint finishes.
  • Zinc sheet roofing or similar material.
  • Standard aluminum windows.
  • Functional layout: living room, dining area, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom.

2. Mid-Range House

Description: A modern 150 m² home with standard finishes and personalized design.

  • Architectural Design: $6,000
  • Construction Supervision: 8% of construction cost ($135,000 x 8%) = $10,800
  • Construction Cost: $900/m² x 150 m² = $135,000
  • Total Estimate: $151,800

Key Features:

  • Porcelain or mid-range ceramic flooring.
  • Concrete walls with more detailed interior and exterior finishes.
  • Modern roofing designs with thermal insulation.
  • Higher-quality aluminum window frames.
  • Layout includes 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, dining area, kitchen, terrace.

3. Luxury Home

Description: A 300 m² luxury home in a prime location, with exclusive architectural design and high-end finishes.

  • Architectural Design: $15,000
  • Construction Supervision: 5% of construction cost ($390,000 x 5%) = $19,500
  • Construction Cost: $1,300/m² x 300 m² = $390,000
  • Total Estimate: $424,500

Key Features:

  • Flooring made of marble, natural wood, or luxury porcelain.
  • Walls with custom finishes like natural stone or decorative panels.
  • High ceilings with architectural details.
  • Panoramic tempered glass windows.
  • Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances.
  • Pool, spacious terraces, and professional landscaping.