Construction Costs in Costa Rica: Viva Turnkey Pricing

Getting a realistic construction budget in Costa Rica is harder than it should be. Most numbers floating around online are incomplete, outdated, or based on conditions that do not apply to quality builds. This page gives you the actual starting prices for Ticonstru's Viva Turnkey program, what those prices include, and what gets added separately as part of your final project package.

Viva Turnkey starting prices

Ticonstru works at two finish levels. Both include everything in the Viva Turnkey scope from design to delivery. The price does not change based on province: the complexity of delivering a quality build anywhere in Costa Rica, including coordinating personnel, equipment, suppliers, and site conditions, is consistent regardless of location.

High-end$1,450 / m² starting

High-quality materials and finishes, full structural engineering, all permits and professional fees included. Designed to perform and last in Costa Rica's climate.

Luxury$1,700 / m² starting

Imported materials, premium finishes, custom architectural details, and the full Viva Turnkey service. For projects where the standard is exceptional.

These are starting prices. The final cost per square meter for your project depends on the specific design, site conditions, and material selections. Every Viva Turnkey project gets a detailed scope and fixed-price proposal before construction begins.

What Viva Turnkey includes

• ◆Architectural design and 3D visualization
• ◆Structural, electrical, and civil engineering
• ◆All permit management: CFIA registration, municipal building permit, SETENA environmental review where required
• ◆Site preparation: clearing, grading, drainage, and access
• ◆Full construction: structure, roofing, exterior envelope, electrical, plumbing, and interior finishes
• ◆Utility connections: ICE electrical, water through AyA or ASADA
• ◆Project management and milestone reporting throughout construction
• ◆Occupancy permit at delivery

What gets added separately

The following are not part of the base Viva Turnkey price but are integrated into the final project package and managed by Ticonstru as part of the same build:

• ◆Pool: designed and priced separately based on type, size, and system. See our pool construction service for options.
• ◆Landscaping: site work, planting, irrigation, outdoor structures, and hardscape. See our landscape service.
• ◆Solar and energy systems: photovoltaic systems, solar water heating, and battery storage are evaluated per project. See our solar service.
• ◆Land: lot purchase is separate. If you need help finding and vetting land, our land and build service covers the full process, and you can browse available lots we have already sourced.
• ◆Furnishing and appliances: not included in the construction contract.

All of these add-ons are coordinated through the same project and delivered under the same timeline. You do not manage separate contractors for each.

What drives the final cost within a tier

Starting at $1,450 or $1,700 per square meter means exactly that: a starting point. What moves the final number within a tier:

Site conditions

A flat, accessible lot with existing utility connections costs less to build on than a steep slope with no road access and no power line nearby. Site preparation, retaining walls, and access road construction are real costs that vary by lot. For what sloped construction specifically involves, see our guide on building on sloped land in Costa Rica.

Design complexity

A straightforward rectangular floor plan costs less per square meter than a complex form with multiple roof planes, cantilevered sections, and curved elements. Good architecture does not require unnecessary complexity, but if the design calls for it, it costs more to build.

Material selections

Within the luxury tier especially, the specific materials chosen, where they come from, and their lead times all affect the final number. Imported stone, custom woodwork, and European fixtures cost more than locally available alternatives of similar quality.

Square footage

Smaller homes tend to cost more per square meter than larger ones because fixed costs, site preparation, permitting, and mobilization are spread over fewer square meters. A 150 m² home costs more per square meter than a 300 m² home on the same lot.

How to build a realistic total project budget

The construction cost is one line in the full budget. A realistic total project budget for a Viva Turnkey build also needs to include:

• ◆Land: purchase price plus closing costs of 3 to 4 percent
• ◆Pool, landscaping, solar: priced separately and added to the package
• ◆Furnishing and appliances
• ◆Contingency: 10 percent of the construction cost as a planning buffer for decisions that evolve during the project

The most common budgeting mistake is treating the construction cost per square meter as the total project cost. On a typical Viva Turnkey build, the construction contract represents roughly 60 to 70 percent of the total project investment once land, add-ons, and furnishing are included.

Frequently asked questions

Does the price change depending on where in Costa Rica I build?
No. Ticonstru's Viva Turnkey starting prices are consistent regardless of province. The complexity of delivering quality construction anywhere in Costa Rica, whether Guanacaste, Puntarenas, or the Central Valley, is factored into the program rather than billed as a regional surcharge.

What is the minimum project size for Viva Turnkey?
Contact us to discuss your project. We work with a range of project sizes and can advise whether Viva Turnkey is the right fit for what you have in mind.

How long does a Viva Turnkey build take?
From starting the design to receiving the occupancy permit, plan for 12 to 18 months for most projects. The permitting process runs in parallel with detailed design, and construction follows once permits are in hand. The full timeline for the process from land search to keys is covered in our complete guide to building in Costa Rica.

Can I build if I am not living in Costa Rica?
Yes. Viva Turnkey is designed specifically for clients who are building from abroad. Milestone reporting, fixed-price contracts, and a single point of accountability on site are built into the program. You do not need to be present during construction.

Should I build or buy an existing home?
Both paths have real advantages depending on your timeline and priorities. Our guide on should you build or buy in Costa Rica walks through the decision honestly.

How do I get started?
The first step is a conversation about your project, your lot if you have one, and your program. Start with a quote request or reach us directly on WhatsApp.