Tamarindo vs Nosara: I Bought in One and Regretted It. Here's Why.

By Sofía Vargas

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In 2019, I bought a 2-bedroom condo in Tamarindo.

My best friend Maria bought a similar place in Nosara the same year. We laughed about becoming "beach property ladies" together. We pictured sunset cocktails and comparing rental income over fresh ceviche.

Five years later? One of us made bank. The other... well, let's just say I learned some expensive lessons.

This isn't theory. This is what actually happened when I tracked both investments through COVID, the travel boom, and everything in between.

The Setup: Two Similar Properties, Two Very Different Outcomes

My Tamarindo Place: - Bought: $320K in 2019 - 2BR/2BA, 5-minute walk to beach - Currently worth: ~$485K - 2025 rental income: $38K

Maria's Nosara Place: - Bought: $380K in 2019 (yeah, I laughed at her for overpaying) - 2BR/2BA, similar walk to beach - Currently worth: ~$525K - 2025 rental income: $52K

I was so smug in 2019. "You're paying $60K more for the same thing!"

Turns out we weren't buying the same thing at all.

What the Numbers Actually Show (2026 Data)

I pulled fresh data last month because I'm still processing my life choices. Here's what's happening now:

The spread has narrowed for beachfront, but inland? Nosara commands a massive premium now. That "overpriced" $380K Maria paid? It was actually a steal.

But Here's What the Tables Don't Tell You

The Rental Income Reality

This is where I really feel the pain:

Tamarindo (My Place): - Nightly rate: $180-220 - Occupancy: 68% (down from 74% in 2022) - My actual 2025 income: $38,400 - After expenses: ~$28K in my pocket

Nosara (Maria's Place): - Nightly rate: $240-280 (and she gets $300+ in peak season) - Occupancy: 71% (up from 64% in 2022) - Her actual 2025 income: $52,100 - After expenses: ~$40K in her pocket

Maria made $12K more than me last year. On a property that cost her $60K more initially. Her higher purchase price? Already paid for itself in rental income.

And she spends way less time dealing with guest drama because her property manager is actually competent. Mine quit and I had to train someone new. Again.

Why Tamarindo Isn't "Winning" Anymore

What I Got Right About Tamarindo

Look, it's not all bad. Here's why I don't regret it entirely:

Infrastructure actually works. When my AC broke at 2pm on a Saturday, someone was there by 4pm. In Nosara? Maria waited two days because "the guy was in Nicoya."

The airport proximity matters. 45 minutes vs 2+ hours to Nosara is real. My guests mention it constantly. "So easy to get here!" they say. Maria's guests arrive grumpy after the bumpy drive.

It's easier to sell. More buyers looking here. More liquidity. If I needed to unload my place tomorrow, I could. Maria might wait 6 months for the right buyer.

What I Got Wrong (Embarrassingly Wrong)

The "Tamarindo is cheaper" thing stopped being true. When you factor in rental income, Maria's total return crushes mine. Her property appreciated more AND cash flows better.

The wellness crowd has money. Serious money. Nosara's yoga tourists don't blink at $280/night. My surf tourists in Tamarindo? They want deals. They want "what's your best rate?"

Nosara has become the premium brand. It's like comparing a Hilton to a boutique hotel. The Hilton is fine. Reliable. But the boutique commands higher rates and has more loyal guests.

My Actual Advice in 2026

Buy in Tamarindo If...

• You want easier logistics (this is valid!)
• You're risk-averse and want easier resale
• You need reliable infrastructure (medical, repairs, etc.)
• You're okay with "good enough" returns
• You're buying something truly beachfront (the gap is smallest here)

The sweet spot: $400K-$600K range, walking distance to beach. Boring works. I'm serious.

Buy in Nosara If...

• You want maximum rental income (the data is clear)
• You're targeting high-income wellness tourists
• You can handle more logistical headaches
• You're buying for 5+ year hold (the premium pays off over time)
• You actually like yoga and smoothies (kidding... mostly)

The sweet spot: Anything within 10 minutes of Guiones. The further inland you go, the bigger the discount, but the lower the rental rates.

The Conversation I Wish I'd Had in 2019

Maria tried to tell me. "Sofía, think about who rents in each place."

I didn't listen. I looked at purchase price and thought I was being smart.

But rental real estate isn't about the purchase price. It's about: 1. Who wants to stay there 2. How much they'll pay 3. How often your property sits empty

Nosara guests pay more, stay longer, and book further in advance. They're planning wellness retreats, not weekend surf trips. The economics are completely different.

The Bottom Line (And My Ego)

If I could do 2019 over again? I'd buy in Nosara. Even at the higher price. Even with the worse infrastructure. The rental income gap has more than compensated for the initial price difference.

That said, I'm not selling my Tamarindo place. It's still profitable. Still appreciating. Still easy to manage.

But when I buy my next property? I'm looking at Playa Pelada. Or maybe Santa Teresa. Somewhere that hasn't fully gentrified yet but is heading that way.

The lesson? Don't just look at today's price. Look at where the market is moving. I looked at 2019 prices and bought the "cheaper" option. Maria looked at 2024 trends and bought the future.

She was right. It hurts to admit, but she was right.

Sofía Vargas still owns that Tamarindo condo and begrudgingly admits it's doing fine. She's currently scouting her next purchase and taking Maria out for thank-you drinks. Work with Sofía.