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Living in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

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Living in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José: housing market data

What it costs and what the housing market is like here, compared to the rest of the country.

Typical rent

—/mo

Typical purchase

₡166.8 M

houses and apartments

Price per m²

₡272 K

built

57% cheaper than Costa Rica

Typical home

7 bd · 6 ba · 625 m²

6 active listings

83% with 3+ bedrooms Home lot size: 1,360 m²

Property type

Houses · 6 Apartments · 0

Quality of life

Tarbaca is the second district of the canton of Aserrí, in San José province. It is an inland district, not coastal, with an area that is moderate for a district of this canton. Listings for sale are houses and lots and land, which points to a mix of residential use and open parcels rather than a commercial center.

Before moving, check what the daily surroundings are like: how close the nearest services are, whether the property has a reliable water supply, the noise level at different hours, and the condition of the access road, especially in the rainy season.

Cost of living

Housing is the main cost driver here, whether you buy or rent. Beyond the price or rent itself, build a budget that includes electricity, water, internet and phone, daily transport by car or bus, and, if you buy, the annual property tax paid to the Municipalidad de Aserrí and any condo fees if the home is in a gated development.

When there are enough listings, this page shows above the typical rent and purchase figures and what is listed by type. Use them as a starting point and compare with several properties in person.

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Lifestyle

Tarbaca reads as a rural-residential district: it is inland, it has official villages instead of a dense urban grid, and its listings are houses and land. Daily life in a place like this usually depends on having a vehicle, since errands, banking and larger shopping tend to happen in the canton seat of Aserrí, which is close by.

Expect a quieter pace than in the capital's urban core, with some trips needed for services. Ask residents how they handle everyday needs such as groceries, health appointments and school runs.

Climate and nature

Tarbaca is not coastal. Like the rest of the Central Valley region and its mountain slopes, it follows the usual Costa Rican pattern of a dry season roughly from December to April and a rainy season for the rest of the year, with the heaviest rain generally in the afternoons.

Slope and exposure make a difference: higher, more open sites can be breezier and cooler, while sheltered areas can be damper. When visiting a property, look at drainage, hillside stability and how the land handles heavy rain.

Economy and opportunities

The region around Aserrí combines farming, local commerce and services, and many residents work elsewhere in the San José metro area. Tarbaca's position south of the capital makes commuting to jobs or university in the metro area possible, though it depends on the roads and on the hour you travel.

For remote workers, the practical questions are internet quality at the specific property and how often you would need to reach the capital or the international airport. Being near San José helps with both, but it is worth testing before committing.

Accessibility and location

Tarbaca is district number 2 of the canton of Aserrí, in the province of San José. Its postal code is 10602 and its area is 15.3 km² (5.9 sq mi). The local authority is the Municipalidad de Aserrí.

It borders Rosario (canton of Desamparados), Aserrí, Vuelta de Jorco, San Gabriel, Salitrillos, San Antonio (canton of Alajuelita), San Ignacio (canton of Acosta) and Palmichal (canton of Acosta).

In a straight line, it is 3.8 km (2.4 mi) from the canton seat of Aserrí, 13.7 km (8.5 mi) from downtown San José and 21.5 km (13.4 mi) from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). The official villages are Bajos de Praga, Máquina Vieja and Tigre, according to Costa Rica's official territorial division (Decree 44882-MGP). Real travel time depends on the hour and the road.

History

Tarbaca, located in Aserrí, San José, dates back to the colonial era, when it was founded in 1848 as one of the oldest settlements in the region. Over the years, it has evolved from a small agricultural village into a residential area, known for its culture and traditions, which include festivities such as the celebrations of the Virgen de los Ángeles.

Tips

  • Drive the daily commute at different hours, including weekday rush hours, to see the real travel time.
  • Ask about water and utilities for the specific property: source, pressure, and whether supply is ever interrupted.
  • Request recent water, electricity and property tax bills.
  • If renting, sign a written lease under Costa Rica's General Law of Urban and Suburban Leases, Law 7527.
  • If you buy, have a lawyer check the property at the National Registry, including boundaries and any liens.
  • You can save listings in this zone on Anuntico to compare them over time.

In summary

Living in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José, Costa Rica, is an ideal choice for those looking to establish their home or invest, thanks to its privileged natural environment and its accessibility to the city. Tarbaca is an inland, mostly rural-residential district south of the capital, where houses and land are what is listed. It makes the most sense for buyers who are comfortable driving for errands and who want a quieter setting while staying within reach of Aserrí and San José.

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For sale in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Homes

See all
Featured 22
House for sale: luxury home with large lot in Tarbaca de San José 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $370,000
House for sale: luxury home with large lot in Tarbaca de San José 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $370,000 - Photo 2 of 22
House for sale: luxury home with large lot in Tarbaca de San José 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $370,000 - Photo 3 of 22

$370,000

over a month ago
7 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 2 Parking 625 Construction m² 1,360 Land m²

House for sale: luxury home with large lot in Tarbaca de San José 25-1854

Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Real estate agent

Gerardo Ubau

Experto Élite +3K Properties
Gerardo Ubau
20
House for Sale in Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $355,000
House for Sale in Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $355,000 - Photo 2 of 20
House for Sale in Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $355,000 - Photo 3 of 20

$355,000

over a month ago
7 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 2 Parking 625 Construction m² 1,360 Land m²

House for Sale in Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854

Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Real estate agent

Juan Cabezas

Experto Élite +1K Properties
Juan Cabezas
20
Venta de Casa en Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $370,000
Venta de Casa en Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $370,000 - Photo 2 of 20
Venta de Casa en Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $370,000 - Photo 3 of 20

$370,000

over a month ago
7 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 2 Parking 625 Construction m² 1,360 Land m²

Venta de Casa en Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854

Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Real estate agent

Lindsay Cascante

Experta Élite +1K Properties
Lindsay Cascante
11
MLS-25-1854 KQ FOR SALE HOUSE TARBACA ASERRI in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $395,000
MLS-25-1854 KQ FOR SALE HOUSE TARBACA ASERRI in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $395,000 - Photo 2 of 11
MLS-25-1854 KQ FOR SALE HOUSE TARBACA ASERRI in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $395,000 - Photo 3 of 11

$395,000

over a month ago
7 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 2 Parking 625 Construction m² 1,000 Land m²

MLS-25-1854 KQ FOR SALE HOUSE TARBACA ASERRI

Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Real estate agent

Kattia Quesada

Experta +20 Properties
Kattia Quesada
18
House for sale on a 1360 m2 lot with 7 bedrooms in Aserri Tabarca in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $355,000
House for sale on a 1360 m2 lot with 7 bedrooms in Aserri Tabarca in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $355,000 - Photo 2 of 18
House for sale on a 1360 m2 lot with 7 bedrooms in Aserri Tabarca in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $355,000 - Photo 3 of 18

$355,000

over a month ago
7 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 2 Parking 625 Construction m² 1,360 Land m²

House for sale on a 1360 m2 lot with 7 bedrooms in Aserri Tabarca

Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Real estate agent

Maria Arias

Experta +210 Properties
Maria Arias
9
House in Tranquerillas de Tarbaca in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — ₡ 20 000 000
House in Tranquerillas de Tarbaca in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — ₡ 20 000 000 - Photo 2 of 9
House in Tranquerillas de Tarbaca in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — ₡ 20 000 000 - Photo 3 of 9

₡ 20 000 000

over a month ago
2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom 250 Land m²

House in Tranquerillas de Tarbaca

Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Private party

Most viewed in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

20
Venta de Casa en Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $370,000
Venta de Casa en Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $370,000 - Photo 2 of 20
Venta de Casa en Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $370,000 - Photo 3 of 20

$370,000

over a month ago
7 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 2 Parking 625 Construction m² 1,360 Land m²

Venta de Casa en Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854

Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Real estate agent

Lindsay Cascante

Experta Élite +1K Properties
Lindsay Cascante
Featured 22
House for sale: luxury home with large lot in Tarbaca de San José 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $370,000
House for sale: luxury home with large lot in Tarbaca de San José 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $370,000 - Photo 2 of 22
House for sale: luxury home with large lot in Tarbaca de San José 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $370,000 - Photo 3 of 22

$370,000

over a month ago
7 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 2 Parking 625 Construction m² 1,360 Land m²

House for sale: luxury home with large lot in Tarbaca de San José 25-1854

Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Real estate agent

Gerardo Ubau

Experto Élite +3K Properties
Gerardo Ubau
9
House in Tranquerillas de Tarbaca in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — ₡ 20 000 000
House in Tranquerillas de Tarbaca in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — ₡ 20 000 000 - Photo 2 of 9
House in Tranquerillas de Tarbaca in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — ₡ 20 000 000 - Photo 3 of 9

₡ 20 000 000

over a month ago
2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom 250 Land m²

House in Tranquerillas de Tarbaca

Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Private party

11
MLS-25-1854 KQ FOR SALE HOUSE TARBACA ASERRI in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $395,000
MLS-25-1854 KQ FOR SALE HOUSE TARBACA ASERRI in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $395,000 - Photo 2 of 11
MLS-25-1854 KQ FOR SALE HOUSE TARBACA ASERRI in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $395,000 - Photo 3 of 11

$395,000

over a month ago
7 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 2 Parking 625 Construction m² 1,000 Land m²

MLS-25-1854 KQ FOR SALE HOUSE TARBACA ASERRI

Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Real estate agent

Kattia Quesada

Experta +20 Properties
Kattia Quesada
18
House for sale on a 1360 m2 lot with 7 bedrooms in Aserri Tabarca in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $355,000
House for sale on a 1360 m2 lot with 7 bedrooms in Aserri Tabarca in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $355,000 - Photo 2 of 18
House for sale on a 1360 m2 lot with 7 bedrooms in Aserri Tabarca in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $355,000 - Photo 3 of 18

$355,000

over a month ago
7 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 2 Parking 625 Construction m² 1,360 Land m²

House for sale on a 1360 m2 lot with 7 bedrooms in Aserri Tabarca

Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Real estate agent

Maria Arias

Experta +210 Properties
Maria Arias
20
House for Sale in Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $355,000
House for Sale in Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $355,000 - Photo 2 of 20
House for Sale in Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854 in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José — $355,000 - Photo 3 of 20

$355,000

over a month ago
7 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 2 Parking 625 Construction m² 1,360 Land m²

House for Sale in Aserrí, San José. RAH 25-1854

Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

Real estate agent

Juan Cabezas

Experto Élite +1K Properties
Juan Cabezas

Frequently asked questions

Homes For Sale

How much does it cost to buy a house in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José?

Houses for sale in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José range from ₡20,000,000 to ₡181,700,000, averaging ₡144,783,333. Prices vary by location, size and condition.

Why buy a house to live in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José?

Buying a house in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José gives you more space, privacy and the chance to build equity. Listings available now: 6.

Real estate companies

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Member since 2025
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HELCOR inmobiliaria

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HELCOR inmobiliaria
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Real Estate Agents or Brokers

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41 +2K Properties
Member since 2024

Other ways to live here

Districts to live near Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

One of the most affordable areas in Aserrí · ranked 3 of 4

Market prices in Tarbaca, Aserrí, San José

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