Can I own beachfront property in Costa Rica as a Canadian?

Not as freehold title. Costa Rica's Zona Marítimo Terrestre (ZMT) law reserves the 200-metre coastal zone as national public land. Within this zone, properties are held on government concession leases — not freehold title. Foreigners who have not been legal residents of Costa Rica for at least five consecutive years are limited to a 49% ownership share in ZMT concession properties (the remaining 51% must be held by a Costa Rican citizen or qualifying corporation). After five years of legal residency, this restriction lifts. Concession leases have fixed terms (typically 5–20 years), must be renewed, and can theoretically be revoked. Many Canadian buyers have successfully held concession beachfront properties in Costa Rica for years without issue — but the legal structure is fundamentally different from freehold ownership, and the risks are real. Properties outside the 200-metre ZMT zone are freehold and can be owned directly. In the Dominican Republic, beachfront freehold is available with no equivalent restriction — a meaningful structural difference.

What is CONFOTUR and how does it compare to any equivalent in Costa Rica?

CONFOTUR (Dominican Law 158-01) is a tourism promotion law that grants qualifying new developments a 15-year package of tax exemptions: zero transfer tax at purchase (normally 3%), zero annual IPI property tax (normally 1% above a threshold), zero capital gains tax on sale (normally 27% on net gain), and zero rental income tax (normally 27%). This is extraordinary by Caribbean standards. Costa Rica has no equivalent blanket incentive program for foreign property buyers. Costa Rica does have a Free Zone regime for certain business activities and a Pensionado visa with some tax benefits for qualifying retirees, but there is no CONFOTUR-style property tax holiday. For yield-focused investors comparing the two markets, CONFOTUR in the DR provides a structural advantage: a $300,000 USD CONFOTUR-approved condo generates rental income tax-free in the DR for up to 15 years; the same property in Costa Rica triggers Costa Rican rental income tax from day one.

Costa Rica's Pensionado visa vs DR's investment residency — which is better for Canadians?

These are very different pathways suited to different financial profiles. Costa Rica's Pensionado visa is one of Latin America's most accessible retirement visas. The requirement is $1,000 USD/month in provable pension or annuity income — for Canadians, CPP and OAS combined typically meets or approaches this threshold. The Pensionado grants temporary residency that is renewable, and Pensionado holders get discounts on many services (healthcare, entertainment, transportation). The process is well-worn for Canadians through the ARCR. The DR's investor residency requires $200,000 USD invested in Dominican real estate or business — a property purchase at the entry level of the popular markets meets the threshold, but the income-poor retiree with only CPP and OAS who cannot afford a $200,000 property cannot qualify this way. The DR does have a standard residency process (pensionado-style) with lower income requirements, but it is slower and less structured than Costa Rica's. For moderate-income Canadian retirees who prioritize living in their destination country: Costa Rica's Pensionado is the more accessible pathway.

Is Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic better for nature and outdoor lifestyle?

Costa Rica wins this comparison without contest. Costa Rica has designated approximately 25% of its territory as protected national parks, biological reserves, and wildlife refuges. The biodiversity is extraordinary — over 500,000 species, including 900+ bird species, making it one of the world's top birding destinations. Activities available to residents and visitors include surfing (Tamarindo, Nosara, Pavones, Dominical), sport fishing, whitewater rafting, canopy zip-lining, volcano hiking, sea turtle nesting observation, and year-round wildlife encounters. The rainforest environment is defining. The Dominican Republic is primarily a beach and resort destination. It has attractive beaches and limited nature tourism (the Samaná Peninsula has whale watching in season, and there are some inland areas), but it is not a nature-first destination in the way Costa Rica is. For a Canadian who moved abroad for the outdoors, hiking, surfing, and biodiversity, Costa Rica is the clear choice. For a Canadian who moved abroad for warm water, white sand, and resort amenities, the DR is more suited.

How do the short-term rental markets compare?

The Dominican Republic has the volume advantage. The DR receives over 10 million annual tourists — the most in the Caribbean — primarily through Punta Cana International Airport. Resort condos in the Bávaro/Punta Cana corridor operate in a high-volume tourist market with year-round demand from North American and European visitors. Gross yields in well-managed CONFOTUR properties in Punta Cana typically run 6–10% annually. Under CONFOTUR, rental income is tax-free in the DR for 15 years — dramatically improving net yield. Costa Rica receives approximately 3 million annual tourists. The STR market is smaller in absolute volume but supports premium pricing in the right locations. Tamarindo, Nosara, and Manuel Antonio attract high-spending eco-tourism and surf travelers who generate strong per-night rates. Yield estimates in these premium areas: 6–9% gross for well-managed vacation rentals. Costa Rica's STR income is subject to Costa Rican rental income tax without an equivalent to CONFOTUR's exemption. For investors prioritizing rental income optimization, the DR's CONFOTUR market provides a structural advantage.

What are the healthcare options in each country for Canadian expats?

Costa Rica has the more established healthcare system by a significant margin. The public CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) system is accessible to legal residents and provides coverage for everything from primary care to major surgery. Quality varies by location — San José and major cities have better resources. Private hospitals in San José (Clínica Bíblica, Hospital Cima, Hospital La Católica) are excellent by Latin American standards and attract medical tourism. Private health insurance for a Canadian couple in their 60s in Costa Rica runs approximately $300–$500 USD/month. The Dominican Republic's public healthcare system (SENASA) is weaker and less accessible to expats. Private hospitals in Santo Domingo (Hospital General Plaza de la Salud, Centro Médico UCE) provide adequate care for most needs. Punta Cana has international-facing clinics in the resort zone. For serious medical needs, many DR expats travel to Miami or Puerto Rico. Private health insurance in the DR for a couple in their 60s runs approximately $250–$450 USD/month. For retirees who consider healthcare access a primary factor in destination choice, Costa Rica's better public system and established private hospitals give it the edge.

What are the closing costs when buying in each country?

Costa Rica: The main closing costs for a standard resale property are the transfer tax (Impuesto Traspaso de Bienes Inmuebles) at 1.5% of the registered property value (which is often below market value), notary fees of 1.25–1.5%, and legal fees of 1–2%. Total effective closing costs run approximately 3–5% of the purchase price. An attorney (abogado) is mandatory for title verification through the Registro Nacional. Annual property tax (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) is 0.25% of the registered value — among Latin America's lowest. ZMT concession properties have annual concession fees payable to the municipality. Dominican Republic (non-CONFOTUR): Transfer tax of 3%, notary and legal fees of approximately 2–3%. Total closing costs run approximately 5–7%. Annual IPI property tax of 1% of assessed value above ~USD $165,000. Dominican Republic (CONFOTUR): Transfer tax is waived, reducing closing costs to approximately 2–3% (legal/notary only). Annual IPI also waived. For buyers comparing total acquisition cost: Costa Rica is lower on closing costs; CONFOTUR DR is competitive; non-CONFOTUR DR is slightly higher than Costa Rica.

Which country should a Canadian choose: Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic?

Choose Costa Rica if: you are drawn to nature, wildlife, surfing, hiking, and an active outdoor lifestyle; you want a well-established North American expat community with real infrastructure; you value Costa Rica's higher-quality healthcare system; you qualify for the Pensionado visa (CPP + OAS likely gets you there without a large property investment); or you are comfortable with the ZMT concession structure for beach-proximate property and understand its risks. Choose the Dominican Republic if: you are a beach-resort lifestyle buyer — white sand, clear water, resort amenities, golf; you want to benefit from CONFOTUR's 15-year zero-tax package on a new purchase; you are comparing purchase prices and the DR's lower entry point matters; you want beachfront freehold title without concession risk; or you are an investor prioritizing rental yield (CONFOTUR's rental income tax exemption is a meaningful structural advantage). The worst outcome is choosing the wrong destination for your motivation — a nature-and-outdoor buyer in an all-inclusive DR resort zone, or a beach-lifestyle buyer in a surf town who doesn't surf. Be clear about what you actually want from the property and the lifestyle, then match the destination accordingly.

Can I own beachfront property in Costa Rica as a Canadian?

Not as freehold title. Costa Rica's Zona Marítimo Terrestre (ZMT) law reserves the 200-metre coastal zone as national public land. Within this zone, properties are held on government concession leases — not freehold title. Foreigners who have not been legal residents of Costa Rica for at least five consecutive years are limited to a 49% ownership share in ZMT concession properties (the remaining 51% must be held by a Costa Rican citizen or qualifying corporation). After five years of legal residency, this restriction lifts. Concession leases have fixed terms (typically 5–20 years), must be renewed, and can theoretically be revoked. Many Canadian buyers have successfully held concession beachfront properties in Costa Rica for years without issue — but the legal structure is fundamentally different from freehold ownership, and the risks are real. Properties outside the 200-metre ZMT zone are freehold and can be owned directly. In the Dominican Republic, beachfront freehold is available with no equivalent restriction — a meaningful structural difference.

What is CONFOTUR and how does it compare to any equivalent in Costa Rica?

CONFOTUR (Dominican Law 158-01) is a tourism promotion law that grants qualifying new developments a 15-year package of tax exemptions: zero transfer tax at purchase (normally 3%), zero annual IPI property tax (normally 1% above a threshold), zero capital gains tax on sale (normally 27% on net gain), and zero rental income tax (normally 27%). This is extraordinary by Caribbean standards. Costa Rica has no equivalent blanket incentive program for foreign property buyers. Costa Rica does have a Free Zone regime for certain business activities and a Pensionado visa with some tax benefits for qualifying retirees, but there is no CONFOTUR-style property tax holiday. For yield-focused investors comparing the two markets, CONFOTUR in the DR provides a structural advantage: a $300,000 USD CONFOTUR-approved condo generates rental income tax-free in the DR for up to 15 years; the same property in Costa Rica triggers Costa Rican rental income tax from day one.

Costa Rica's Pensionado visa vs DR's investment residency — which is better for Canadians?

These are very different pathways suited to different financial profiles. Costa Rica's Pensionado visa is one of Latin America's most accessible retirement visas. The requirement is $1,000 USD/month in provable pension or annuity income — for Canadians, CPP and OAS combined typically meets or approaches this threshold. The Pensionado grants temporary residency that is renewable, and Pensionado holders get discounts on many services (healthcare, entertainment, transportation). The process is well-worn for Canadians through the ARCR. The DR's investor residency requires $200,000 USD invested in Dominican real estate or business — a property purchase at the entry level of the popular markets meets the threshold, but the income-poor retiree with only CPP and OAS who cannot afford a $200,000 property cannot qualify this way. The DR does have a standard residency process (pensionado-style) with lower income requirements, but it is slower and less structured than Costa Rica's. For moderate-income Canadian retirees who prioritize living in their destination country: Costa Rica's Pensionado is the more accessible pathway.

Is Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic better for nature and outdoor lifestyle?

Costa Rica wins this comparison without contest. Costa Rica has designated approximately 25% of its territory as protected national parks, biological reserves, and wildlife refuges. The biodiversity is extraordinary — over 500,000 species, including 900+ bird species, making it one of the world's top birding destinations. Activities available to residents and visitors include surfing (Tamarindo, Nosara, Pavones, Dominical), sport fishing, whitewater rafting, canopy zip-lining, volcano hiking, sea turtle nesting observation, and year-round wildlife encounters. The rainforest environment is defining. The Dominican Republic is primarily a beach and resort destination. It has attractive beaches and limited nature tourism (the Samaná Peninsula has whale watching in season, and there are some inland areas), but it is not a nature-first destination in the way Costa Rica is. For a Canadian who moved abroad for the outdoors, hiking, surfing, and biodiversity, Costa Rica is the clear choice. For a Canadian who moved abroad for warm water, white sand, and resort amenities, the DR is more suited.

How do the short-term rental markets compare?

The Dominican Republic has the volume advantage. The DR receives over 10 million annual tourists — the most in the Caribbean — primarily through Punta Cana International Airport. Resort condos in the Bávaro/Punta Cana corridor operate in a high-volume tourist market with year-round demand from North American and European visitors. Gross yields in well-managed CONFOTUR properties in Punta Cana typically run 6–10% annually. Under CONFOTUR, rental income is tax-free in the DR for 15 years — dramatically improving net yield. Costa Rica receives approximately 3 million annual tourists. The STR market is smaller in absolute volume but supports premium pricing in the right locations. Tamarindo, Nosara, and Manuel Antonio attract high-spending eco-tourism and surf travelers who generate strong per-night rates. Yield estimates in these premium areas: 6–9% gross for well-managed vacation rentals. Costa Rica's STR income is subject to Costa Rican rental income tax without an equivalent to CONFOTUR's exemption. For investors prioritizing rental income optimization, the DR's CONFOTUR market provides a structural advantage.

What are the healthcare options in each country for Canadian expats?

Costa Rica has the more established healthcare system by a significant margin. The public CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) system is accessible to legal residents and provides coverage for everything from primary care to major surgery. Quality varies by location — San José and major cities have better resources. Private hospitals in San José (Clínica Bíblica, Hospital Cima, Hospital La Católica) are excellent by Latin American standards and attract medical tourism. Private health insurance for a Canadian couple in their 60s in Costa Rica runs approximately $300–$500 USD/month. The Dominican Republic's public healthcare system (SENASA) is weaker and less accessible to expats. Private hospitals in Santo Domingo (Hospital General Plaza de la Salud, Centro Médico UCE) provide adequate care for most needs. Punta Cana has international-facing clinics in the resort zone. For serious medical needs, many DR expats travel to Miami or Puerto Rico. Private health insurance in the DR for a couple in their 60s runs approximately $250–$450 USD/month. For retirees who consider healthcare access a primary factor in destination choice, Costa Rica's better public system and established private hospitals give it the edge.

What are the closing costs when buying in each country?

Costa Rica: The main closing costs for a standard resale property are the transfer tax (Impuesto Traspaso de Bienes Inmuebles) at 1.5% of the registered property value (which is often below market value), notary fees of 1.25–1.5%, and legal fees of 1–2%. Total effective closing costs run approximately 3–5% of the purchase price. An attorney (abogado) is mandatory for title verification through the Registro Nacional. Annual property tax (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) is 0.25% of the registered value — among Latin America's lowest. ZMT concession properties have annual concession fees payable to the municipality. Dominican Republic (non-CONFOTUR): Transfer tax of 3%, notary and legal fees of approximately 2–3%. Total closing costs run approximately 5–7%. Annual IPI property tax of 1% of assessed value above ~USD $165,000. Dominican Republic (CONFOTUR): Transfer tax is waived, reducing closing costs to approximately 2–3% (legal/notary only). Annual IPI also waived. For buyers comparing total acquisition cost: Costa Rica is lower on closing costs; CONFOTUR DR is competitive; non-CONFOTUR DR is slightly higher than Costa Rica.

Which country should a Canadian choose: Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic?

Choose Costa Rica if: you are drawn to nature, wildlife, surfing, hiking, and an active outdoor lifestyle; you want a well-established North American expat community with real infrastructure; you value Costa Rica's higher-quality healthcare system; you qualify for the Pensionado visa (CPP + OAS likely gets you there without a large property investment); or you are comfortable with the ZMT concession structure for beach-proximate property and understand its risks. Choose the Dominican Republic if: you are a beach-resort lifestyle buyer — white sand, clear water, resort amenities, golf; you want to benefit from CONFOTUR's 15-year zero-tax package on a new purchase; you are comparing purchase prices and the DR's lower entry point matters; you want beachfront freehold title without concession risk; or you are an investor prioritizing rental yield (CONFOTUR's rental income tax exemption is a meaningful structural advantage). The worst outcome is choosing the wrong destination for your motivation — a nature-and-outdoor buyer in an all-inclusive DR resort zone, or a beach-lifestyle buyer in a surf town who doesn't surf. Be clear about what you actually want from the property and the lifestyle, then match the destination accordingly.

Last updated: March 26, 2026

Reviewed on March 2026 by the Compass Abroad editorial team

Costa Rica vs Dominican Republic for Canadians: 2026 Comparison

Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic are both open to Canadian buyers with full ownership rights — but they serve very different buyer motivations. The DR wins on price (lower entry point, stronger resort rental market), beachfront freehold title (no ZMT concession risk), and CONFOTUR's 15-year zero-tax package. Costa Rica wins on nature and lifestyle (rainforest, surfing, biodiversity), healthcare quality, Pensionado visa accessibility (CPP + OAS typically qualifies at $1,000 USD/month), and a more established North American expat community. Neither country has a tax treaty with Canada — both charge 25% on CPP and OAS.

The ZMT (Zona Marítimo Terrestre) is Costa Rica's most important ownership risk: the 200-metre coastal zone is government concession land, not freehold. Beachfront Costa Rica buyers get concession leases, not titles. The DR has no equivalent — beachfront freehold is available. CONFOTUR's 15-year zero-tax window on new DR developments is the Dominican Republic's signature buyer advantage: zero transfer tax, zero annual property tax, zero CGT, zero rental income tax for 15 years.

Key Takeaways

Both Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic allow full freehold ownership for Canadians with no restrictions — no local partner, no trust, no government approval required. Both are among the most open foreign ownership environments in the Caribbean-adjacent region.
Neither country has a comprehensive income tax treaty with Canada. CPP and OAS paid to Canadians resident in either country face the standard 25% withholding rate — the same as Greece and higher than Mexico (15%), Portugal (10%), and Panama (15%). This is a key shared disadvantage compared to treaty destinations.
The Dominican Republic's CONFOTUR incentive is the DR's most powerful buyer advantage: qualifying new developments receive 15-year exemptions from transfer tax, annual property tax, capital gains tax, and rental income tax. Costa Rica has no equivalent blanket incentive program.
Costa Rica's ZMT (Zona Marítimo Terrestre) is the market's most important ownership risk. A 200-metre maritime zone along the Costa Rican coast is government-owned concession land — foreigners cannot own it outright. Beachfront and near-beach properties in Costa Rica require concession leases (not freehold title), which carry expiration, renewal, and revocation risks. The Dominican Republic has no equivalent restriction — beachfront freehold is available.
Costa Rica is significantly more expensive than the Dominican Republic. A beachfront condo in Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio runs CAD $350,000–$700,000+; an equivalent beachfront property in Punta Cana or Bávaro runs USD $200,000–$500,000. Costa Rica's cost of living is higher too — in some areas approaching Canadian levels.
Costa Rica is a nature-first destination: primary rainforest, biodiversity, national parks, surfing, sport fishing, and eco-tourism are its identity. The Dominican Republic is a beach-resort destination: all-inclusive tourism, Caribbean beach lifestyle, golf, and resort infrastructure. The lifestyle is genuinely different — choose based on what you actually want to experience.
Both countries have established direct flight connections from Canada. Air Canada and WestJet serve San José (Costa Rica) and Punta Cana/Santo Domingo (DR) from multiple Canadian cities. The DR has a slight flight frequency advantage for Canadian beach travelers, particularly in winter high season.
Costa Rica's Pensionado visa is one of Latin America's most attractive — requiring only $1,000 USD/month in provable pension income (CPP + OAS typically qualifies). Costa Rica's medical system is rated among Central America's best. The DR's residency-by-investment program requires $200,000 USD minimum.
The DR's rental market is larger in absolute volume — 10+ million annual tourists drive demand for resort rentals in Punta Cana. Costa Rica's tourist volumes are lower (~3 million annually), but premium eco-tourism and surf-focused rentals in Tamarindo, Nosara, and Manuel Antonio can generate strong yields on well-positioned properties.
Costa Rica has a more mature expat infrastructure for North Americans — larger community, more English-language professional services, ARCR (Association of Residents of Costa Rica) support network, and a longer history of Canadian/American retirement. The DR is growing but the North American infrastructure is less developed outside of Punta Cana.

Lifestyle: Nature vs Beach Resort

This is the most fundamental difference between Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, and it is often underweighted by buyers who frame the comparison primarily in financial terms. Costa Rica has a nature-first identity: 25% of its territory is protected national park or biological reserve, 500,000+ species, 900+ bird species, year-round surfing at Tamarindo, Nosara, and Pavones, and an eco-tourism infrastructure that has been built over 40 years.

The Dominican Republic is a beach-resort destination. Punta Cana and the Bávaro corridor represent one of the Caribbean’s highest-density resort zones — hotel rooms, all-inclusives, golf courses, and Caribbean beach infrastructure built for mass tourism. Las Terrenas and Cabarete offer a more boutique, European-expat-influenced beach character, but the DR is fundamentally a beach and sea destination, not an outdoor adventure one.

Be honest about this question: do you want to hike, surf, birdwatch, and be surrounded by rainforest? Choose Costa Rica. Do you want Caribbean beach, warm water, resort amenities, and tourism infrastructure? Choose the Dominican Republic.

The ZMT: Costa Rica’s Beachfront Ownership Risk

Costa Rica’s Zona Marítimo Terrestre (ZMT) reserves the 200-metre coastal zone as national public land. Properties within this zone are held on government concession leases — not freehold title. Non-residents cannot hold ZMT concession property at all; foreigners who have been legal Costa Rican residents for at least five years can hold up to 49% of a concession (the remaining 51% must be Costa Rican).

Concession leases have fixed terms, require renewal, and can be subject to dispute. Many Canadian buyers have held ZMT-adjacent properties successfully for years — but the structure is fundamentally different from freehold, and due diligence on the concession status, municipality, and renewal history is non-negotiable.

The Dominican Republic has no equivalent restriction. Beachfront freehold title is fully available to Canadian buyers under the Deslinde land registry system. For buyers who specifically want beachfront property with clean title, the DR has a structural advantage.

CONFOTUR vs No Equivalent in Costa Rica

The Dominican Republic’s CONFOTUR program (Law 158-01) provides qualifying new developments a 15-year package of property tax exemptions: zero 3% transfer tax at purchase, zero 1% annual IPI property tax, zero 27% capital gains tax on exit, and zero rental income tax. Costa Rica has no equivalent program.

For a $300,000 USD CONFOTUR-approved Punta Cana condo generating 8% gross yield ($24,000/year): in the DR under CONFOTUR, that rental income is tax-free for 15 years. In Costa Rica, the same property income would be subject to Costa Rican rental income tax from day one. Over 10 years, CONFOTUR’s rental income tax exemption alone can save $50,000–$100,000 USD on a mid-range investment property.

Visas: Pensionado vs Investment Residency

Costa Rica’s Pensionado visa requires only $1,000 USD/month in provable pension or annuity income. Most Canadians with CPP and OAS can meet or approach this threshold, making Costa Rica one of the most accessible retirement destinations in Latin America from a visa perspective.

The Dominican Republic’s Express Residency requires $200,000 USD invested in Dominican property or business — achievable for buyers at the mid-range of the DR market, but out of reach for income-only Canadian retirees without significant capital. The DR does have alternative residency pathways, but none as clean and accessible as Costa Rica’s Pensionado.

Full Comparison: Costa Rica vs Dominican Republic

Costa Rica vs Dominican Republic for Canadian buyers — 12-factor comparison 2026
Factor	Costa Rica	Dominican Republic	Edge
Foreign ownership rights	Same as Costa Rican citizens — full freehold title outside ZMT zone	Same as Dominican citizens — full freehold title (Deslinde)	Equal (both fully open to Canadian buyers)
Beachfront ownership	ZMT restriction: 200m maritime zone is government concession — no freehold beachfront. Concession leases available but carry risk.	Full freehold beachfront available — no equivalent concession restriction. CONFOTUR applies to qualifying beachfront developments.	Dominican Republic (freehold beachfront; Costa Rica concession leases carry renewal and revocation risk)
Major tax incentive	No equivalent blanket incentive for foreign buyers	CONFOTUR: 15-year zero transfer tax, IPI, CGT, and rental income tax on qualifying projects	Dominican Republic (CONFOTUR is one of the Caribbean's most generous buyer incentive packages)
Canada tax treaty	No comprehensive treaty — 25% withholding on CPP/OAS	No comprehensive treaty — 25% withholding on CPP/OAS	Equal (both at 25%; compare to Mexico's 15%)
Residency visa threshold	Pensionado visa: $1,000 USD/month provable pension income — CPP + OAS typically qualifies	Residency by investment: $200,000 USD minimum in real estate/business	Costa Rica (much lower income threshold; Pensionado is one of Latin America's most accessible retirement visas)
Entry price (popular market)	CAD $280K–$600K (Tamarindo, Nosara, Manuel Antonio condos and homes)	USD $150K–$400K (~CAD $210K–$560K) Punta Cana / Las Terrenas resort condos	Dominican Republic (lower entry price in the primary tourist markets; better value per sq ft)
Cost of living	Higher — approaching Costa Rica premium: Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio among the most expensive in Central America	Lower — Punta Cana and Las Terrenas offer Latin American cost of living; groceries, dining, and services cheaper than CR	Dominican Republic (materially lower cost of living; budget stretches further daily)
Lifestyle character	Nature-first: rainforest, biodiversity, surfing, sport fishing, eco-tourism, hiking. Slower, more rustic in non-resort zones.	Beach resort: Caribbean beach, all-inclusive infrastructure, golf, clear water, resort amenities. More developed tourism zones.	Depends on buyer — nature and eco-tourism: Costa Rica; beach resort lifestyle: Dominican Republic
Rental market (STR)	~3M annual tourists; premium eco-tourism and surf-focused STR in Tamarindo, Nosara, Manuel Antonio. Seasonal.	10M+ annual tourists; strong resort rental market in Punta Cana. CONFOTUR zero rental income tax for 15 years.	Dominican Republic (larger tourism volume; CONFOTUR rental income tax exemption is a major yield advantage)
Healthcare	Caja (CCSS) public system for legal residents; high-quality private hospitals in San José, Liberia. CR rated best in Central America.	Public system (SENASA) less accessible; private hospitals in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana adequate for most needs	Costa Rica (better public system and established private healthcare network)
Canadian expat community	Established — particularly in Tamarindo, Grecia, Escazú. ARCR provides support infrastructure.	Growing — primarily in Punta Cana resort zones; Las Terrenas has European expat community. Less Canadian-specific.	Costa Rica (more established North American and specifically Canadian expat community)
Title security	Strong — Public Registry (Registro Nacional) is computerized and reliable in most areas; concession properties are the exception	Good — Deslinde title is solid; insist on Certificado de Título. Avoid properties with informal possession documents.	Equal for freehold property; Costa Rica's public registry is marginally more mature than DR's Registro

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