Skip to content

Living in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Save the properties in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José you're interested in and get alerts about new options. Sign up free

Living in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, 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

₡215 mil/mo

67% cheaper than Costa Rica

Typical purchase

₡77.4 M

Price per m²

₡500 mil

built

24% cheaper than Costa Rica

Typical home

3 bd · 2 ba · 222 m²

45 active listings · 2 new in 30 days

91% with 3+ bedrooms Typical lot: 222 m² Buying ≈ 30 years of rent Rent or buy here? →

Typical rent compared

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José ₡215 mil
Desamparados ₡446 mil
Costa Rica ₡656 mil

Property type

Houses · 44 Apartments · 1

Quality of life

The quality of life in San Rafael Arriba is distinguished by its safe environment, providing peace of mind to its residents. In terms of health, the community has access to nearby medical services and care centers that ensure the well-being of its inhabitants. Education is also a priority, with well-rated schools offering comprehensive training for children and young people. Furthermore, basic services such as water, electricity, and transportation are efficient and accessible, contributing to a comfortable and practical daily life. If you are looking for an ideal place to live, consider exploring the properties available on our platform ANUNTICO, where you can find options that fit your needs in this charming district.

Cost of living

The cost of living in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados is relatively affordable compared to other areas of San José. For example, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $300 to $450 per month, while basic utilities, such as electricity and water, add up to approximately $100 a month. Food is also quite affordable, with an average monthly grocery expense of $200 to $300. For those looking to settle in this area, it is advisable to use ANUNTICO, our specialized platform that offers a wide variety of available properties, making it easier to find the ideal home in San Rafael Arriba.

Advertisements

Lifestyle

Living in San Rafael Arriba offers a rich experience in cultural traditions and recreational activities. This charming district of Desamparados is characterized by its festivities, such as the patron saint celebrations in honor of San Rafael, where the community comes together in colorful parades and religious activities. Residents enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking along its natural trails and gatherings in local parks, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Additionally, gastronomy is a fundamental element, highlighting typical dishes that reflect Costa Rican heritage. For those looking for a new home in this vibrant community, ANUNTICO is the ideal platform to discover properties that fit their needs and budget, making it easier to find a place in this beautiful setting.

Climate and nature

San Rafael Arriba is characterized by a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it an ideal place to live. This beautiful locality also offers a variety of natural attractions, such as Braulio Carrillo National Park, where nature lovers can enjoy lush forests and hiking trails. Additionally, its proximity to the mountains of the Central Mountain Range provides the opportunity to explore stunning landscapes and enjoy outdoor activities. If you are looking for a place to settle down, we recommend visiting ANUNTICO, where you will find various properties in this charming area, perfect for enjoying a peaceful lifestyle close to nature.

Economy and opportunities

San Rafael Arriba offers various economic opportunities that can attract both entrepreneurs and workers. The area is characterized by its growth in the service sector, including restaurants, shops, and small businesses, which generates a variety of jobs in customer service and sales. Additionally, the proximity to the city of San José facilitates access to jobs in sectors such as technology and tourism, which are constantly expanding. For those interested in starting a business, San Rafael Arriba presents a conducive environment, with an active and developing community. If you are looking for properties in this charming area, we recommend visiting ANUNTICO, where you will find suitable options for living in this thriving place.

Accessibility and location

San Rafael Arriba stands out for its comfort and accessibility, making it an ideal place to live. Its strategic location allows for easy access to public transportation, with multiple bus routes that quickly connect to downtown San José and other areas. Additionally, the nearby major roads, such as Route 2, facilitate travel by car, which is essential for those working in the capital. Proximity to services like supermarkets, schools, and health centers also adds significant value to life in the area. For those interested in finding properties in San Rafael Arriba, we recommend exploring our platform ANUNTICO, where we offer a variety of options that cater to different needs and budgets.

History

San Rafael Arriba is a district located in Desamparados, San José, that has experienced remarkable growth since its founding in 1850. Originally a small agricultural settlement, its evolution has been marked by the development of infrastructure and services, transforming it into an attractive place to live. The culture of San Rafael Arriba is deeply rooted in traditions such as the patronal festivities in honor of San Rafael Arcángel, celebrated every October 24, where the community comes together for religious and festive activities. Additionally, the family-friendly environment and proximity to the capital make this place an ideal location to reside. If you are interested in finding properties in this charming area, we recommend exploring our platform ANUNTICO, where you can discover various options to make San Rafael Arriba your new home.

Tips

Moving to San Rafael Arriba can be a rewarding experience if you follow some key steps. First, use ANUNTICO to find the ideal property; this platform offers a wide variety of options that cater to different budgets and needs. Once you have found your new home, it is essential to connect with the local community by attending events and activities taking place in the area, which will make it easier to make new friends and establish connections. Additionally, take advantage of the local services such as supermarkets, schools, and health centers, which are essential for a comfortable and practical life. With these recommendations, your transition to San Rafael Arriba will be much smoother and more enjoyable.

In summary

Living in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José, Costa Rica, is an ideal choice for those looking to establish their home or invest, thanks to its tranquility and security that offer a family-friendly environment. The area combines the natural beauty of its landscapes with an excellent location, facilitating access to services and the capital. Additionally, it boasts a rich community life and various entertainment options, making it an attractive place for all ages. For those interested in exploring available properties, we recommend using our platform ANUNTICO, where you can find a wide variety of options that fit your needs and budget.

Advertisements

For sale in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Homes

See all
8
Venta | Casa de 4 habitaciones con apartamento independiente #26-2030 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $260,870
Venta | Casa de 4 habitaciones con apartamento independiente #26-2030 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $260,870
Venta | Casa de 4 habitaciones con apartamento independiente #26-2030 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $260,870

$260,870

-30 days
4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Garages 323 Construction m² 323 Land m²

Venta | Casa de 4 habitaciones con apartamento independiente #26-2030 GS

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Carmen Mora

Experta Élite +550 Properties
Carmen Mora
10
Venta de casa de 1 nivel con patio y entorno familiar #26-1803 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $100,231
Venta de casa de 1 nivel con patio y entorno familiar #26-1803 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $100,231
Venta de casa de 1 nivel con patio y entorno familiar #26-1803 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $100,231

$100,231

-30 days
3 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 Garages 222 Land m²

Venta de casa de 1 nivel con patio y entorno familiar #26-1803 GS

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Carmen Mora

Experta Élite +550 Properties
Carmen Mora
8
Casa en condominio con amplia zona verde y excelentes amenidades #26-1911 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $170,000
Casa en condominio con amplia zona verde y excelentes amenidades #26-1911 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $170,000
Casa en condominio con amplia zona verde y excelentes amenidades #26-1911 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $170,000

$170,000

+30 days
3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 Garages 158 Construction m² 161 Land m²

Casa en condominio con amplia zona verde y excelentes amenidades #26-1911 GS

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Carmen Mora

Experta Élite +550 Properties
Carmen Mora
10
Venta Casa 1 nivel 3 hab con patio y parqueo cubierto #26-1803 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 46 000 000
Venta Casa 1 nivel 3 hab con patio y parqueo cubierto #26-1803 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 46 000 000
Venta Casa 1 nivel 3 hab con patio y parqueo cubierto #26-1803 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 46 000 000

₡ 46 000 000

+30 days
3 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 Garages 222 Construction m² 222 Land m²

Venta Casa 1 nivel 3 hab con patio y parqueo cubierto #26-1803 GS

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Carmen Mora

Experta Élite +550 Properties
Carmen Mora
10
Venta casa de 3 habitaciones con patio y entorno tranquilo #26-1803 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $100,231
Venta casa de 3 habitaciones con patio y entorno tranquilo #26-1803 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $100,231
Venta casa de 3 habitaciones con patio y entorno tranquilo #26-1803 GS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $100,231

$100,231

+30 days
3 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 Garages 222 Construction m² 222 Land m²

Venta casa de 3 habitaciones con patio y entorno tranquilo #26-1803 GS

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Carmen Mora

Experta Élite +550 Properties
Carmen Mora
12
Venta de Casa en Desamparados-San Rafael Arriba. RAH 26-2030 in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 120 000 000
Venta de Casa en Desamparados-San Rafael Arriba. RAH 26-2030 in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 120 000 000
Venta de Casa en Desamparados-San Rafael Arriba. RAH 26-2030 in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 120 000 000

₡ 120 000 000

+30 days
4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Garages 323 Construction m² 323 Land m²

Venta de Casa en Desamparados-San Rafael Arriba. RAH 26-2030

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Juan Cabezas

Experto Élite +1K Properties
Juan Cabezas

For rent in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Homes

See all
5
Casa segura, amplea y bien ubicada.  in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 215 000
Casa segura, amplea y bien ubicada.  in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 215 000
Casa segura, amplea y bien ubicada.  in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 215 000

₡ 215 000

+30 days
2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 Garages 149 Construction m² 140 Land m²

Casa segura, amplea y bien ubicada.

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

5
Casa segura y amplea en San Rafa  in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 215 000
Casa segura y amplea en San Rafa  in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 215 000
Casa segura y amplea en San Rafa  in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 215 000

₡ 215 000

+30 days
2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 Garages 180 Construction m² 180 Land m²

Casa segura y amplea en San Rafa

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Apartments

See all
21
Se alquila apartamento amueblado in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 300 000
Se alquila apartamento amueblado in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 300 000
Se alquila apartamento amueblado in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 300 000

₡ 300 000

+30 days
2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 Garages

Se alquila apartamento amueblado

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Most viewed in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

5
Casa segura, amplea y bien ubicada.  in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 215 000
Casa segura, amplea y bien ubicada.  in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 215 000
Casa segura, amplea y bien ubicada.  in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 215 000

₡ 215 000

+30 days
2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 Garages 149 Construction m² 140 Land m²

Casa segura, amplea y bien ubicada.

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

5
Casa segura y amplea en San Rafa  in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 215 000
Casa segura y amplea en San Rafa  in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 215 000
Casa segura y amplea en San Rafa  in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 215 000

₡ 215 000

+30 days
2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 Garages 180 Construction m² 180 Land m²

Casa segura y amplea en San Rafa

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

21
Se alquila apartamento amueblado in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 300 000
Se alquila apartamento amueblado in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 300 000
Se alquila apartamento amueblado in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 300 000

₡ 300 000

+30 days
2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 Garages

Se alquila apartamento amueblado

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

36
Casa con Jardines muy amplios en San Rafael Arriba de Desamparados in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $397,700
Casa con Jardines muy amplios en San Rafael Arriba de Desamparados in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $397,700
Casa con Jardines muy amplios en San Rafael Arriba de Desamparados in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — $397,700

$397,700

+30 days
3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 Garages 300 Construction m² 623 Land m²

Casa con Jardines muy amplios en San Rafael Arriba de Desamparados

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Patricia Lopez

Experta +180 Properties
Patricia Lopez
10
MLS-26-335 LS VENTA CASA SAN RAFAEL DESAMPARADOS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 170 000
MLS-26-335 LS VENTA CASA SAN RAFAEL DESAMPARADOS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 170 000
MLS-26-335 LS VENTA CASA SAN RAFAEL DESAMPARADOS in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 170 000

₡ 170 000

+30 days
3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 Garages 158 Construction m² 161 Land m²

MLS-26-335 LS VENTA CASA SAN RAFAEL DESAMPARADOS

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Laura Sebourne

Experta Élite +710 Properties
Laura Sebourne
10
Vendo casa en San Rafael Arriba Desamparados in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 47 000 000
Vendo casa en San Rafael Arriba Desamparados in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 47 000 000
Vendo casa en San Rafael Arriba Desamparados in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José — ₡ 47 000 000

₡ 47 000 000

+30 days
3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Garages 100 Construction m² 110 Land m²

Vendo casa en San Rafael Arriba Desamparados

San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

Frequently asked questions

Homes For Sale

How much does it cost to buy a house in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José?

Houses for sale in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José range from ₡170,000 to ₡300,000,000, averaging ₡94,000,344. Prices vary by location, size and condition.

Why buy a house to live in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José?

Buying a house in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José gives you more space, privacy and the chance to build equity. Listings available now: 42.

Homes For Rent

How much does it cost to rent a house in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José?

House rentals in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José range from ₡215,000 to ₡215,000 per month, averaging ₡215,000. Price changes with area and size.

Is renting a house in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José a good idea?

Renting a house in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José gives you flexibility and space without committing to a purchase. Listings available now: 2.

Apartments For Rent

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José?

Apartment rentals in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José range from ₡300,000 to ₡300,000 per month, averaging ₡300,000. Location and amenities affect the price.

Why rent an apartment in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José?

A rental apartment in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José is ideal for comfortable, well-located living with less maintenance. Listings available now: 1.

Real estate companies

Juan Carlos Cabezas Rent-a-House

Juan Carlos Cabezas Rent-a-House

Juan Carlos Cabezas Rent-a-House
Experto Élite
Real Estate Agents or Brokers

Santa Ana, San José

338 +1K Properties
Member since 2025
RENT-A-HOUSE COSTA RICA

RENT-A-HOUSE COSTA RICA

RENT-A-HOUSE COSTA RICA
Experta Élite
Real Estate Agencies

Uruca, Santa Ana, San José

610 +930 Properties
Member since 2025
Solución Total r y e Internacional

Solución Total r y e Internacional

Experto Élite
Real Estate Agents or Brokers

San Juan, Tibás, San José

3 +890 Properties
Member since 2021
Rent-A-House Carolina Acosta

Rent-A-House Carolina Acosta

Rent-A-House Carolina Acosta
Experta
Real Estate Agents or Brokers

San Pablo, Heredia

445 +280 Properties
Member since 2025
Nancy Rojas / Rent-A-House

Nancy Rojas / Rent-A-House

Nancy Rojas / Rent-A-House
Experta
Real Estate Agents or Brokers

San Pedro, Montes De Oca, San José

460 +230 Properties
Member since 2025
Victoria Jaramillo M

Victoria Jaramillo M

Victoria Jaramillo M
Experta
Real Estate Agents or Brokers

Colón, Mora, San José

105 +160 Properties
Member since 2026

Other ways to live here

Districts to live near San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José

One of the most affordable areas in Desamparados · ranked 9 of 12

Ready to move to San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José?

Browse the available properties or consult a local advisor.

Browse real estate advisors
View properties in San Rafael Arriba, Desamparados, San José