In most cases, new construction runs $40-$100 per square foot ($430-$1,076 per square meter). Very simple construction starts around $30 per square foot ($315 per square meter), while luxury homes can climb to more than $200 per square foot ($2,152 per square meter).

There are numerous Canadian and American builders and architects that work in Costa Rica and build homes using U.S. standards. Many have adapted their building methods to take advantage of local building materials and labor.