Manuel Antonio homes for sale start around $195,000 for a condo near the beach and run to about $9.5 million for large ocean-view estates, while homes in the town of Quepos next door start around $155,000, based on current Costa Rica Playbook listings. About 90 Manuel Antonio and 50 Quepos listings are live at the time of writing. The two areas share a road and a coastline but are very different markets. Mark Savoia, a buyer's agent, helps you pick the right one.
Who buys here
Manuel Antonio and Quepos attract nature lovers with a bigger budget and hospitality investors. The national park, the marina and a steady flow of visitors support a strong vacation-rental market. It is a more expensive part of the coast. If you are a budget retiree, the South Pacific or the inland mountains will stretch your money further.
Quepos vs Manuel Antonio: the real difference
Quepos: the working town
Quepos is the service town: banks, supermarkets, the Marina Pez Vela, a public hospital and a domestic airstrip. Property here is mostly flat or gently sloped, closer to daily errands and cheaper per square foot. Most buyers are living here full-time or buying a long-term rental. Examples at the time of writing:
Spacious 4-Bedroom Home in Quepos, 4 bed / 2 bath, US$155,000.
Tropical Home in Quepos, 2 bed / 2 bath, US$189,000.
Development Lots in Quepos, 10 minutes to Marina Pez Vela, US$180,000.
3-Bed Townhouse in Quepos, US$299,000.
Creekside Pool Villa on 1.2 Acres in Quepos, 3 bed / 4 bath, US$475,000.
See all Quepos listings.
Manuel Antonio: the hillside
Manuel Antonio climbs the hills between Quepos and the national park. This is where the ocean views, the jungle villas and most of the luxury stock are. Many homes are bought partly as vacation rentals. Examples:
Turnkey Condo Steps to Beach in Manuel Antonio, 2 bed / 1 bath, US$195,000.
Private Jungle Villa in Manuel Antonio, 2 bed / 3 bath, US$369,000.
Gated Rainforest Condo in Manuel Antonio, 3 bed / 2 bath, US$449,900.
Private Ocean View Estate in Manuel Antonio, 4 bed, US$2,595,000.
Luxury 11-Bed Estate in Manuel Antonio, 11 bed / 13 bath, US$9,500,000.
Matapalo and the coast south of Quepos
Heading south toward Dominical, Matapalo offers quieter beach property. Examples: Gated Beach Home in Matapalo, 2 bed / 1.5 bath, US$239,000. Beach Estate in Matapalo, Quepos, 4 bed with pool and rentals, US$449,000.
Services and daily life
Healthcare: Quepos has a public hospital, and a new private hospital is going in at the marina.
Schools: Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA) serves families in the area.
Getting around: the paved coastal highway connects Quepos south to Dominical and north toward Jacó. Hillside homes in Manuel Antonio can have steep driveways, so check access.
Visitors: the national park brings year-round tourism. That supports rentals, and it also means traffic near the park entrance.
Buying a rental here: know the tax
Many Manuel Antonio buyers plan to rent. Short-term rental income carries 13% IVA, plus 12.75% of gross under Rentas de Capital if you own a single property, plus a municipal business license (patente). Plan on roughly a quarter of gross going to tax before operating costs. Airbnb reports host data to Hacienda from 2026. Ask for real booking history, not projections.
What you get from Mark
A shortlist that compares Quepos and Manuel Antonio options at your budget.
Video and live walkthroughs, including the driveway and the view.
A buyer-side look at rental claims and asking prices.
Referrals to lawyers, property managers and accountants.
How it works
Tell Mark whether you want a full-time home, a rental or both.
Review a shortlist across Quepos, Manuel Antonio and Matapalo.
Make an offer and sign an agreement drafted by your own lawyer.
Complete due diligence on title, liens, water, access and rental permits.
Close before a notary, in person or remotely.
Why buyers work with Mark Savoia
Mark Savoia has ten years of experience and has helped thousands of people from around the world buy residential and commercial property in Costa Rica. He works for buyers only. From Google reviews:
"Mark has helped me out so much, buying a property in uvita, costa rica." (Google review)
"His expertise of the different areas of Costa Rica is unmatched." (Google review)
Frequently asked questions
How much are homes in Manuel Antonio?
At the time of writing, condos start around US$195,000, hillside villas often run US$400,000 to US$1 million, and ocean-view estates reach about US$9.5 million.
Is Quepos cheaper than Manuel Antonio?
Generally yes. Quepos town has homes from about US$155,000 and more flat land near services. Manuel Antonio carries a premium for views and proximity to the park.
Is Manuel Antonio good for vacation rentals?
The park and marina bring steady visitors, which supports rentals. Budget roughly a quarter of gross rental income for taxes and ask for real booking history.
Are there hospitals near Manuel Antonio?
Quepos has a public hospital, and a new private hospital is going in at the marina.
Where is Matapalo?
Matapalo is a quieter beach area on the coast south of Quepos, toward Dominical.
Can I buy in Manuel Antonio remotely?
Yes. Mark's team can film and live-stream properties, and you can make an offer and close without being in the country.
Related
Comparing Quepos and Manuel Antonio? Talk to Mark about buying in Manuel Antonio.
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