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San José's rental market shows average monthly rents between $2,682 and $3,250 across all property types as of September 2025. Downtown luxury condos command the highest rents at $6,236 for two-bedrooms, while suburban neighborhoods like Willow Glen offer more affordable options at $2,525 for one-bedrooms. Single-family homes consistently rent for higher amounts than apartments, with an average of $4,195 monthly compared to $2,957 for apartments.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Costa Rica, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
San José's rental market reflects typical West Coast pricing with median rents of $3,067 monthly and significant variation by neighborhood and property type.
Rental yields currently sit at 4-5% annually, with downtown luxury properties commanding premium rents but suburban areas offering better value for families.
| Property Type | Average Monthly Rent | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $2,337 - $2,747 | $3.30 - $4.50 |
| One-Bedroom Apartment | $2,682 - $2,934 | $3.80 - $4.20 |
| Two-Bedroom Apartment | $3,339 - $3,506 | $4.20 - $4.50 |
| Three-Bedroom Apartment | $4,185 - $4,373 | $4.50 - $5.00 |
| Single-Family Home | $4,195 average | $3.50 - $4.00 |
| Downtown Luxury Condo | $4,919 - $6,236 | $5.00 - $6.50 |
What's the current average rent in San José?
San José's average monthly rent ranges between $2,682 and $3,250 across all property types as of September 2025.
The median monthly rent sits at $3,067, which positions San José among the higher-cost rental markets in Costa Rica.
Studio apartments command rents between $2,337 and $2,747 monthly, while one-bedroom units range from $2,682 to $2,934. Two-bedroom properties typically rent for $3,339 to $3,506, and three-bedroom units reach $4,185 to $4,373 per month.
These figures represent a 53-64% premium over national average rents, reflecting San José's status as the economic center of Costa Rica.
Rental prices have shown steady growth over the past year, with most property categories experiencing 2-4% increases compared to September 2024.
How does rent vary by property type in San José?
Single-family homes command the highest average rents at approximately $4,195 monthly, significantly above apartments and condos.
Regular apartments average around $2,957 monthly across all bedroom configurations, making them the most affordable option for most renters.
Condos typically price similarly to apartments unless located in luxury buildings or premium neighborhoods like Santana Row or Downtown. Luxury condos in these areas can reach $4,919 to $6,236 for two-bedroom units.
The price gap between single-family homes and apartments reflects the premium that families pay for private outdoor space, parking, and neighborhood characteristics.
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What's the breakdown of rents across different neighborhoods in San José?
Downtown San José commands the highest rents with one-bedrooms at $5,102 and two-bedrooms reaching $6,236 monthly.
| Neighborhood | Average 1-Bedroom | Average 2-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown San José | $5,102 | $6,236 |
| North San José | $4,205 | $5,780 |
| Garden Alameda | $3,122 | $3,477 |
| Blossom Valley | $2,867 | $3,402 |
| Willow Glen | $2,525 | $2,900 |
| Blackford | $2,297 | $3,170 |
Suburban neighborhoods like Seven Trees, Colonial, and David-Rosemary offer the most affordable rental options in the city.
Premium districts including Fruitdale College, Hamann Park, and Lynhaven represent the most expensive rental markets outside of downtown.
How do rents change based on property size and surface area?
San José apartments average approximately 705 square feet, with rental rates typically ranging from $3.30 to $4.50 per square foot.
Central neighborhoods and luxury districts command $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot, while suburban and older areas typically rent for $3.30 to $4.00 per square foot.
Larger family homes with three bedrooms typically rent for $4,000 to $4,800 monthly, offering more space but at a premium cost per square foot compared to apartments.
Studio units provide the best value per square foot for single renters, while larger apartments become increasingly expensive on a per-square-foot basis.
Properties exceeding 1,000 square feet in desirable neighborhoods often command premium pricing that exceeds the standard per-square-foot calculations.
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What is the total cost for landlords including taxes, management, and other expenses?
Property taxes in San José typically run 1.25% of assessed value annually, equating to approximately $8,000 yearly on a $640,000 property.
Professional property management fees range from 6% to 8% of gross rental income, adding $200-400 monthly for average rental properties.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost Range | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Property Taxes | $6,000 - $12,000 | $500 - $1,000 |
| Insurance | $800 - $1,400 | $65 - $115 |
| Management Fees | $2,400 - $3,200 | $200 - $270 |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $1,000 - $2,500 | $85 - $210 |
| HOA Fees (Condos) | $4,200 - $7,800 | $350 - $650 |
| Vacancy Reserve | $1,500 - $2,800 | $125 - $235 |
Condo owners face additional HOA fees ranging from $350 to $650 monthly, significantly impacting overall profitability.
Smart landlords set aside 5-7% of annual rental income for vacancy and turnover costs, which can reach $2,800 annually for higher-end properties.
How does mortgage cost compare to average rental income?
An $800,000 home with 20% down at 7% interest generates monthly mortgage payments around $4,200, closely matching average single-family rental income of $4,195.
This tight margin means new landlords often break even or operate at slight losses when factoring in taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.
Condo and apartment investments typically generate $2,900 to $3,500 monthly rent, often falling short of total ownership costs for recently purchased properties.
Profitable rental investments generally require significant down payments (30-40%) or properties purchased below current market values.
Long-term investors who purchased properties 3-5 years ago enjoy better cash flow due to lower acquisition costs and mortgage rates.
What are current rental prices for typical San José properties?
A one-bedroom apartment in Blackford currently rents for $2,297 monthly, representing good value in San José's rental market.
Downtown luxury two-bedroom condos command $6,236 monthly, targeting high-income professionals and tech executives.
Typical suburban family homes rent for $4,185 to $4,373 monthly, appealing to families seeking space and neighborhood amenities.
Affordable studio apartments start at $1,795 in older neighborhoods, providing entry-level options for budget-conscious renters.
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What's the profile of typical renters in San José?
Downtown and luxury properties attract young professionals, tech executives, and high-income singles or couples seeking urban amenities.
Suburban single-family homes primarily house families, long-term residents, and older renters prioritizing space and school districts.
Affordable districts serve students, recent immigrants, and budget-conscious households looking for basic housing needs.
Condo and apartment complexes attract a diverse mix of professionals, single renters, and small families seeking modern amenities.
The tech industry's presence significantly influences renter demographics, with many tenants employed by major technology companies.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Costa Rica versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What are current vacancy rates across San José?
San José maintains traditionally low vacancy rates between 3% and 5%, reflecting strong rental demand in the market.
Downtown and luxury areas experience tighter supply with vacancy rates closer to 3%, driven by limited inventory and high demand.
Expensive new developments occasionally show slightly higher vacancy rates as they work to fill units at premium pricing.
Suburban family rental markets typically maintain steady occupancy due to consistent demand from families and long-term residents.
Seasonal variations in vacancy rates remain minimal compared to other rental markets, indicating stable year-round demand.
What's the profitability difference between short-term and long-term rentals?
Short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb generate higher gross yields per night but face strict city regulations and higher operational costs.
Long-term leasing provides stable monthly income with lower turnover expenses and reduced regulatory compliance requirements.
Downtown properties typically show better profitability potential for short-term rentals due to business and tourist demand.
Suburban properties generally perform better as long-term rentals, offering stability without the complications of frequent guest turnover.
The profitability gap varies significantly by neighborhood, with downtown locations favoring short-term strategies and residential areas supporting long-term approaches.
What are current rental yields and how have they changed?
Current gross rental yields in San José typically range from 4% to 5% annually for long-term rental properties.
Rental yields have decreased slightly over the past year as property prices rose faster than rental rates, dropping approximately 0.2 to 0.5 percentage points since 2020.
Condos and apartments generally provide stronger yields compared to single-family homes due to lower acquisition costs and maintenance expenses.
Five-year yield trends show compression as San José's property values appreciated more rapidly than rental income growth.
It's something we develop in our Costa Rica property pack.
What's the forecast for rents and yields over the next decade?
One-year projections show modest rent growth of 1% to 3%, with yields expected to remain flat or decline mildly due to new supply entering the market.
Five-year outlook suggests continued tech sector growth could drive higher rents, though increased housing supply may soften demand pressures and stabilize yields.
Ten-year projections align San José with other West Coast tech hubs like Seattle and San Francisco, expecting continued high prices with moderate yields.
San José rental rates currently run 53-64% above national averages, similar to San Francisco and Palo Alto but slightly below San Francisco's premium pricing.
Long-term performance will largely depend on technology industry growth, population trends, and regional housing policies affecting supply and demand balance.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
San José's rental market offers opportunities for both investors and renters, with clear segmentation between luxury downtown properties and affordable suburban options.
Understanding neighborhood dynamics, property types, and yield expectations is crucial for making informed rental investment or leasing decisions in this competitive market.
Sources
- Apartments.com - San Jose Rent Market Trends
- Zillow - San Jose Rental Market Trends
- Zumper - San Jose Rent Research
- Apartment List - San Jose Rent Analysis
- Apartment List - Best San Jose Neighborhoods
- RentCafe - San Jose Market Trends
- RentHop - Average Rent in San Jose
- Rent.com - San Jose Apartment Rent Trends
-San José Real Estate Market Analysis
-San José Property Price Forecasts
-Cost Per Square Meter in San José
-Average Rental Yield in San José
-Average House Price in San José
-San José Property Taxes Guide
-Why San José Properties Are More Expensive
-How Foreigners Can Buy in San José