The most expensive part of Costa Rica is generally considered to be the Guanacaste Province, particularly the "Gold Coast" areas such as Papagayo Peninsula, Las Catalinas, and Tamarindo. This region is home to the country's highest concentration of ultra-luxury resorts (including the Four Seasons and Andaz), exclusive gated communities, and high-end private villas. Prices for dining, transportation, and tours in these areas are often comparable to those in the United States or Western Europe. Specifically, the Papagayo Peninsula is an ultra-exclusive enclave where even basic services carry a premium due to its remote, high-security nature. Another expensive pocket is the Manuel Antonio area in the Central Pacific, which commands high prices due to its immense popularity and limited hotel inventory near the national park. While Costa Rica is often perceived as a budget-friendly destination, the rapid development of luxury "eco-tourism" in these specific zones has created a price tier that caters to high-net-worth travelers, making it significantly more costly than the more rural regions of the Osa Peninsula or the Caribbean side.