Could You Afford a Vacation Home in Central America? Check Out the Prices in 5 Major Cities

Heather Altamirano
3-min read

Central America has become a top location for international buyers looking to own a vacation home. With its natural wonders, incredible architecture and picture-perfect sandy beaches, American travelers, surfers and retirees have been flocking to this destination made up of seven countries — Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

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If owning a home in Central America is something you’re considering, it’s possible to achieve that goal for less than you might think. Here’s a list of the sale prices in the hottest Central American cities. Take a look and see if your dream of having an international vacation home can be a reality.

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Panama City, Panama

Expect to pay: $352,115

Panama City, Panama, has stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches and a Miami vibe, but without the hurricanes. Plus, it’s affordable. The cost of living is 34.3% lower than in the United States, per Numbeo. The median sale price is $352,115, according to Zillow — slightly lower than a year ago.

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San José, Costa Rica

Expect to pay: $180,000

Costa Rica has long been a favorite travel destination, and the nation’s capital, San José, is a must-see. The country’s natural beauty and high quality of life at an affordable cost are enticing many to retire in the Central American country. The typical home price in 2022, the most recent year for which information is available, was $180,000, according to Re/Max Costa Rica.

Antigua, Guatemala

Expect to pay: $150,000 and up

Known for its colorful cobblestone streets, striking architecture and picturesque venues, Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage City with almost 500 years of history. The capital city offers plenty of outdoor adventures, such as climbing volcanoes, touring coffee farms and visiting ruins, and it is an affordable place to visit and live. According to Numbeo, the cost of living for a family of four is $2,427 a month, not including housing.

In 2023, the average home price was $156 per share foot, according to the Latin Investor, citing data from the Bank of Guatemala.

San Ignacio, Belize

Expect to pay: $45 to $175 per share foot

Sandy white beaches, palm trees and turquoise Caribbean waters are just a few of the things people love about San Ignacio, Belize, but there’s so much more. Lush, green jungle adventures, Mayan ruins, rainforests and mysterious subterranean caves also await you. Plus, it’s affordable. It’s 50% less to live in Belize than in the U.S., and a couple can live for about $1,500 a month, according to ReMax agent Tiffany Swift.

According to Swift, in the Cayo District, you can find a home for “less than US $150,000 for a two- or three-bedroom home with a garden.”

Roatán, Honduras

Expect to pay: $120 to $200 per square foot

Located off the northern coast of Honduras, Roatán is an island in the Caribbean that’s home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef. It’s the ideal playground for divers, snorkelers and beach lovers, and it’s the perfect place to unwind, relax and soak up the incredible views. Roatán is a safe, quiet island where you can live on $50.00 a day per adult, according to the Roatán Blog, which operates in partnership with the Roatán Tourism Bureau.

The 2024 median home price ranges from $120 per square foot for houses to $200 per square foot for apartments, per the Roatán blog.

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