Choose to Live in Samara, Costa Rica: A Laidback Costa Rican Beach Town Paradise Destination (Sámara 2025)
While tourist hotspots like Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio see over a million visitors yearly, Sámara remains one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets, just down the coast from Nosara and hosting just 30,000 annual tourists between November and April.
In my honest opinion, Samara Costa Rica living is one of the easiest things to do on the face of the Earth.
It’s the kind of sleepy beachfront town that has a reputation for pulling in expats who come on vacation and just never leave. After spending days exploring this peaceful beach town and talking to the locals, I can tell you there’s something special about waking up to howler monkeys and ending your day with some of the most spectacular sunsets on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Please note: All prices estimated here are given in $USD and may vary depending on exchange rates, seasonal price fluctuations, and other considerations.
Location & Weather in Samara, Costa Rica
Let me paint you a picture of paradise! (Or, you know, just look at the picture right up there ⬆️)
Sámara sits perfectly positioned on the Nicoya Peninsula along the country’s Pacific coast, about a 2-hour drive south from Liberia International Airport. The town stretches along a gorgeous crescent-shaped bay, protected by reefs that create one of Costa Rica’s safest swimming beaches.
The weather here follows a rhythm that took me a while to fully appreciate. The dry season (December to April) brings consistent sunshine and temperatures hovering around 85°F (29°C) while in the rainy season, Samara offers afternoon rain and temperatures that linger around 75°F (24°C). But here’s what most folks don’t realize: Sámara’s microclimate means that this popular surfer destination gets less rainfall than other parts of Guanacaste, even during the green season (May to November).
Getting here might seem tricky at first, but you’ve got options. I usually recommend flying into Liberia (LIR) rather than San José – trust me, it’s worth the slightly higher ticket price for the shorter drive. You can catch a shuttle ($55-65), rent a car (from $50/day), or take the public bus (about $8) if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you are one of those brave souls who flies in to San José (SJO), then you can get a bus ticket through Tiguanacaste.com for about $9 U.S. as of this writing.
Costa Rican Beach Towns: Cost of Living in Samara
Let’s talk real numbers! Having spoken to numerous friends who found their perfect Sámara setup, I’ve got the inside scoop on 2025 costs.
Monthly rentals vary significantly based on location and season:
– Basic studio apartment (local area): $400-600
– 1-bedroom near beach: $700-1,000
– 2-bedroom house: $900-1,500
– Luxury villa: $2,000+
Just make sure you get the scoop on the privacy policy, rental contract, and built-in costs before you rent, and also check to see if the place comes with a rain cistern: there have been water outages before, too!
Pro tip: Prices can drop 20-30% during green season (May-November), and even more if you’re willing to commit to a 6-month lease. The best deals I’ve heard of have always come through local connections rather than online listings.
Utilities break down like this:
– Electricity: $50-150 (highly dependent on AC use)
– Water: $20-30
– Internet (100 Mbps): $50-70
– Phone plan: $20-30
Grocery costs have surprised many of my visiting friends. A local’s monthly food budget looks something like:
– Local market produce (from the feria): $100-150
– Supermarket items: $200-300
– Eating out: $300-500 (assuming a mix of local sodas and nicer restaurants)
Villa in Samara Hill Estates, or an Apartment Downtown? Where to Live in Sámara for the Laidback Beach Lifestyle
After exploring practically every corner of Sámara, I’ve got strong opinions about each neighborhood! The town naturally divides into several distinct areas, each with its own vibe.
Where you end up might depend on the quality of life you want.
North Sámara, particularly around Santo Domingo neighborhood, offers a more local experience. This is where you’ll find better deals on rentals and a more authentic Costa Rican lifestyle. Sure, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the beach, but the money you’ll save can be significant.
Central Sámara, right behind the beach, is where most of the action happens. This is the beachfront area and this is where the main street passes through. Some pros are that it’s super-close to the beautiful beaches, as well as activities like surfing lessons, horseback riding, and swimming; it’s also home to a lot of the nightlife in Samara, with bars and restaurants lined up along the street alongside local cafés and the small supermarket. It’s convenient but pricier, and during high season, it can get lively. Something to consider if you’re hoping for tranquil work-from-home days!
South Sámara, especially around Matapalo Road, has become increasingly popular with digital nomads. The elevation provides stunning views, and you’ll find newer developments with more reliable infrastructure. Just be prepared for steep hills – your golf cart or scooter will become your best friend!
Daily Life & Culture: Affordable Cost of Living
Living in Sámara is all about embracing “pura vida” while maintaining productivity. The local Tico community is incredibly welcoming, but they’ve seen enough tourists come and go to appreciate those who make an effort to integrate.
The expat community here is diverse but tight-knit. They’ve got a mix of digital nomads, retirees, and entrepreneurs, all bringing their own flavor to this welcoming community. Weekly events like beach cleanups, language exchanges, and sunset gatherings make it easy to plug into social life.
Language-wise, you can get by with English in tourist-facing businesses, but learning Spanish will significantly enhance your experience. The local language schools offer flexible programs, and many teach private classes that can work around your schedule.
You can always ask the local Costa Ricans if they know of any events coming up: A lot of them have at least a little English, and if you make an effort to speak to them in Spanish (even broken Spanish!), they’ll welcome you even more.
Expat Community: Working Remotely from Sámara for Expats
As someone who’s worked remotely from just about every café in town, I can tell you that Sámara’s internet infrastructure has improved dramatically. Most areas now have fiber optic internet available, with speeds up to 100Mbps. However, always have a backup! I use a portable hotspot with Claro or Liberty for those occasional outages.
This laidback Costa Rican town has embraced the digital nomad influx with several coworking options:
– LoCoworking: Full kitchen, ocean view, $150/month
– Whichever hostel, hotel, or apartment you’re renting
– Various cafés with reliable WiFi (grab a smoothie bowl at Marea Surf Shop & Cafe, or coffee at Malehu Coffee or Roots Bakery)
Power outages do happen, especially during the rainy season, but they’re usually brief. Most coworking spaces have backup generators, and investing in a good UPS for your equipment is wise.
Activities & Lifestyle with an Ocean View
One thing’s for certain: you’ll never be bored in Sámara! It’s such a small town that Samara beach is easy to get to just with a bicycle or by walking. The beach isn’t just for sunbathing; it’s a hub of activity from dawn till dusk. Morning surf sessions (perfect for beginners), sunset yoga classes, and paddleboarding are part of many locals’ daily routines.
The natural surroundings offer endless exploration opportunities. I’m still discovering new hiking trails, hidden beaches, and wildlife spotting locations after all this time. The nearby Werner Sauter Biological Reserve is a hidden gem for bird watching and monkey spotting.
The lifestyle in Samara is very conducive for anyone who wants to live a healthy lifestyle, too.
Fitness options have expanded recently:
– Several yoga studios (drop-in classes $15)
– CrossFit Sámara ($100/month)
– Beach boot camps ($10-15/class)
– SUP yoga ($25/class)
The social scene strikes a perfect balance – lively enough when you want it, peaceful when you don’t. Thursday night’s Ladies Night at Microbar and Sunday’s beach volleyball tournaments are local institutions.
Not Just Brand New Houses: Practical Considerations
Healthcare access requires some planning. While Sámara has a small clinic for basics, serious medical issues mean a trip to Nicoya (45 minutes) or Liberia (2 hours). I always recommend maintaining international health insurance and having emergency evacuation coverage.
Banking is straightforward with the local BAC and Banco Nacional branches, but many digital nomads keep their foreign accounts. Just be sure your cards work here and notify your banks before arrival.
Transportation-wise, many locals use a mix of options:
– Scooter rental/purchase ($200-300/month)
– Bicycle ($100-200 to buy)
– Golf cart rental ($400-600/month)
– Walking (free and beautiful!)
Safety in Sámara is generally excellent, but common-sense precautions apply. Don’t leave valuables on the beach, secure your home when out, and be aware of your surroundings at night.
Would You Choose to Live in Samara?
Living in this beautiful coastal town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, community, and modern convenience that’s increasingly rare in Costa Rica’s more developed beach towns. While it’s not perfect – you’ll need to adapt to the slower pace and occasional infrastructure hiccups – the lifestyle rewards are immeasurable.
Whether you’re considering a month-long workation or a permanent move toward international living, Sámara welcomes you with open arms and endless opportunities for growth, adventure, and connection. Just remember to approach the transition with patience, respect for local culture, and an open mind.
Ready to make the move? Consider visiting during shoulder season (April/May or November/December) to get a feel for the town while enjoying lower prices and good weather. And don’t hesitate to reach out to the local expat community: they’re always happy to help newcomers find their feet in paradise!
Have you visited or lived in Sámara? Share your experiences in the comments below – I’d love to hear your perspective on this special corner of Costa Rica!
