Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Costa Rica Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Costa Rica Property Pack
Costa Rica's rental market is really two markets in one: the Greater Metropolitan Area around San José behaves like a normal jobs-and-commute market, while beach provinces like Guanacaste and Puntarenas have much higher shares of vacation homes that affect how rents move.
We constantly update this blog post to give you the freshest data on Costa Rica rents, so you always have the most current picture before making decisions.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Costa Rica.
What are typical rents in Costa Rica as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Costa Rica as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Costa Rica is around US$550 (approximately ₡280,000 or €505), though premium areas in the Greater Metropolitan Area like Escazú or Rohrmoser push that closer to US$800.
Across Costa Rica, most studios fall between US$450 and US$650 per month (₡230,000 to ₡330,000, or €415 to €600), with high-end studios in neighborhoods like Santa Ana or La Sabana reaching up to US$950.
The main factors that cause studio rents to vary in Costa Rica are location within the GAM versus secondary cities, building amenities like 24/7 security or a gym, and whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Costa Rica as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Costa Rica is around US$750 (approximately ₡385,000 or €690), reflecting a typical mid-market unit in the Greater Metropolitan Area.
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Costa Rica rent between US$600 and US$900 per month (₡305,000 to ₡460,000, or €550 to €830), while newer condos with amenities in premium areas can reach US$1,300.
In Costa Rica, the cheapest 1-bedroom rents are found in secondary cities like Heredia's outer edges or Cartago, while neighborhoods like Escazú, Santa Ana, and Rohrmoser command the highest prices for 1-bedroom units.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Costa Rica as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Costa Rica is around US$1,050 (approximately ₡535,000 or €965), though this varies significantly by neighborhood and building quality.
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Costa Rica fall between US$850 and US$1,250 per month (₡435,000 to ₡640,000, or €780 to €1,150), while premium units in towers with security and amenities in Escazú or Santa Ana can reach US$1,800.
For 2-bedroom rentals in Costa Rica, the most affordable options are in areas like Guadalupe, Tibás, or outer Heredia, while the priciest 2-bedrooms cluster in Escazú's San Rafael, Santa Ana's Lindora, and the high-rise belts of Curridabat and Rohrmoser.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Costa Rica.
What's the average rent per square meter in Costa Rica as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Costa Rica is around US$11 (approximately ₡5,600 or €10.10) for standard apartments in the Greater Metropolitan Area.
Across Costa Rica, rent per square meter ranges from US$6 to US$10 (₡3,000 to ₡5,100, or €5.50 to €9.20) in secondary cities and rural areas, up to US$13 to US$18 (₡6,600 to ₡9,200, or €12 to €16.50) for premium new towers in the west GAM.
Compared to other Central American capitals, Costa Rica's rent per square meter in San José sits in the mid-to-upper range, generally higher than Guatemala City or Managua but more affordable than Panama City's premium districts.
In Costa Rica, properties that push rent per square meter above average typically have 24/7 security, on-site gyms or pools, covered parking, and are located in walkable neighborhoods close to business corridors like La Sabana or Escazú.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Costa Rica have changed by roughly +1% to +3% in USD terms year-over-year, and approximately 0% to +2% in colones, reflecting an unusually muted rent growth environment.
The main factor driving this soft rent growth in Costa Rica is that the country experienced negative inflation in late 2025, which means the official maximum rent adjustment index published by MIVAH actually came in at -0.38%.
This year's rent change in Costa Rica is notably softer than the previous year's trend, when inflation was slightly higher and allowed for modest indexation; landlords are instead relying on repricing between tenants to achieve any increases at all.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, projected rent growth in Costa Rica is expected to be in the low-to-mid single digits for hot micro-markets, and flat to slightly up elsewhere, meaning most landlords should not expect dramatic increases.
The key factors likely to influence Costa Rica rent growth in 2026 are steady GDP growth around 3.5% supporting household formation, and inflation normalizing back toward 3%, which would mechanically allow slightly higher rent indexation later in the year.
In Costa Rica, neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth in 2026 are premium GAM corridors like Escazú, Santa Ana, and La Sabana, where demand from young professionals and expats remains concentrated.
However, risks that could cause Costa Rica rent growth to differ from projections include any global economic slowdown affecting tourism, unexpected inflation spikes, or a surge in new condo supply in oversaturated submarkets.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Costa Rica. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Costa Rica as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Costa Rica as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Costa Rica are Escazú (especially San Rafael), Santa Ana (particularly Lindora), and Rohrmoser, where 2-bedroom apartments commonly rent for US$1,400 to US$1,800 (₡715,000 to ₡920,000, or €1,290 to €1,655).
What makes these Costa Rica neighborhoods command premium rents is their combination of modern condo towers with 24/7 security, proximity to international schools and corporate offices, walkable restaurant and retail clusters, and a reputation for safety.
The typical tenant profile in these high-rent Costa Rica neighborhoods includes corporate executives, expat families working for multinational companies, and returning Costa Rican diaspora who prioritize security and convenience over price.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Costa Rica.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Costa Rica right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Costa Rica are La Sabana (for its walkability to parks and business corridors), Barrio Escalante and San Pedro (for nightlife and cafes), and Curridabat's Granadilla area (for newer mixed-use towers).
In these Costa Rica neighborhoods, young professionals typically pay between US$650 and US$1,100 per month (₡330,000 to ₡560,000, or €600 to €1,010) for a 1-bedroom apartment, depending on building age and amenities.
What attracts young professionals to these Costa Rica neighborhoods is the combination of quick commutes to the main business districts, vibrant social scenes with restaurants and bars, and modern apartments with gyms and coworking-friendly common areas.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Costa Rica.
Where do families prefer to rent in Costa Rica right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Costa Rica are Santa Ana (especially Lindora), Escazú (particularly San Rafael), and Curridabat, all known for their gated communities and family-oriented infrastructure.
Families renting 2-3 bedroom apartments in these Costa Rica neighborhoods typically pay between US$1,200 and US$1,800 per month (₡615,000 to ₡920,000, or €1,100 to €1,655), with standalone houses or townhomes pushing higher.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive to families in Costa Rica is the availability of larger homes with multiple bedrooms, gated security, green spaces for children, and proximity to supermarkets and medical facilities.
Near these family-friendly Costa Rica neighborhoods, top-rated educational options include international schools like Country Day School in Escazú, the British School in Santa Ana, and Lincoln School, which draw families seeking bilingual or international curricula.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Costa Rica in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three areas near transit or universities that rent fastest in Costa Rica are San Pedro (near the University of Costa Rica), Sabanilla and Guadalupe edges (spillover value zones), and the La Sabana to Paseo Colón corridor (central bus connectivity).
In these high-demand Costa Rica areas, well-priced apartments typically stay listed for just 21 to 35 days, compared to 45+ days in less connected neighborhoods.
Properties within walking distance of universities or major bus routes in Costa Rica command a rent premium of roughly US$50 to US$100 per month (₡25,000 to ₡50,000, or €45 to €90) compared to similar units a few blocks further away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Costa Rica right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Costa Rica are Escazú (especially the corporate and retail belt), Santa Ana and Lindora, and the beach hubs of Tamarindo and Nosara in Guanacaste.
Expats renting in these Costa Rica neighborhoods typically pay between US$900 and US$1,500 per month (₡460,000 to ₡765,000, or €830 to €1,380) for furnished 1-2 bedroom apartments, with beach properties often priced in USD.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive to expats in Costa Rica is the combination of English-friendly services, international restaurants and supermarkets, reliable security, and easy access to private healthcare and international airports.
The expat communities most represented in these Costa Rica neighborhoods include Americans (the largest group), Canadians, Europeans (particularly from Germany and the UK), and increasingly remote workers from various countries drawn by Costa Rica's digital nomad visa.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Costa Rica.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Costa Rica right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Costa Rica?
The top three tenant profiles dominating Costa Rica's rental market in 2026 are local salaried households in the GAM (commute-driven), young professionals and couples seeking small units in amenity buildings, and expats or returning diaspora often looking for furnished USD-priced leases.
In Costa Rica, local salaried households represent roughly 50-55% of the long-term rental market, young professionals account for about 25-30%, and expats and diaspora make up the remaining 15-20%, though this varies significantly by neighborhood.
Local Costa Rican families typically seek 2-3 bedroom unfurnished apartments near work and schools, young professionals prefer modern 1-bedroom units with gyms and security, while expats often want furnished 1-2 bedroom apartments in established, English-friendly areas.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Costa Rica.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, approximately 65-70% of long-term tenants prefer unfurnished rentals (especially local families), while 30-35% prefer furnished units, with the furnished share rising sharply in expat neighborhoods and beach markets.
Furnished apartments in Costa Rica typically command a rent premium of US$150 to US$300 per month (₡75,000 to ₡155,000, or €140 to €275) over comparable unfurnished units, depending on furniture quality and location.
The tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals in Costa Rica are expats on corporate assignments, digital nomads staying 6-12 months, returning diaspora who haven't shipped belongings, and anyone relocating to beach towns for seasonal or lifestyle reasons.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Costa Rica?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Costa Rica are 24/7 security or gated access, covered parking (at least one spot), air conditioning (especially in lowland and coastal areas), on-site gym or pool, and pet-friendly policies.
In Costa Rica, 24/7 security adds roughly US$75 to US$150 per month (₡38,000 to ₡77,000, or €70 to €140), parking adds US$50 to US$100, air conditioning adds US$50 to US$100, a gym or pool adds US$50 to US$75, and pet-friendly policies allow landlords to charge US$25 to US$50 more.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Costa Rica, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Costa Rica?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Costa Rica are security upgrades (better locks, lighting, gate improvements), kitchen refreshes (countertops, faucets, cabinet fronts), bathroom updates (fixtures, ventilation, mold-proofing), air conditioning installation where climate demands it, and fresh paint with humidity control solutions.
In Costa Rica, security upgrades typically cost US$500 to US$1,500 (₡255,000 to ₡765,000, or €460 to €1,380) and can add US$50 to US$100 monthly rent; kitchen refreshes cost US$1,000 to US$3,000 and add US$50 to US$75; bathroom updates cost US$800 to US$2,000 and add US$30 to US$60; A/C installation costs US$600 to US$1,200 and adds US$50 to US$100; paint and humidity work costs US$300 to US$800 and helps retain tenants.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI in Costa Rica and should be avoided include luxury finishes that exceed neighborhood standards, swimming pool additions to single-family homes (high maintenance, limited premium), and extensive landscaping that increases upkeep without proportional rent gains.
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.
How strong is rental demand in Costa Rica as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Costa Rica as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated rental vacancy rate in Costa Rica's Greater Metropolitan Area is around 5% to 7%, while coastal areas like Guanacaste and Puntarenas show higher apparent vacancy of 8% to 12% due to seasonal and vacation home dynamics.
Across Costa Rica, vacancy rates range from as low as 3% to 4% in high-demand GAM neighborhoods like Escazú and San Pedro, up to 15% or more in beach towns during low season when vacation rentals sit empty.
The current vacancy rate in Costa Rica is roughly in line with historical averages for the GAM, though INEC's 2022 data showed a national vacancy share of about 11.7% when including all dwelling types, heavily skewed by coastal vacation properties.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Costa Rica.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Costa Rica as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average number of days rentals stay listed in Costa Rica is around 30 to 45 days for well-priced apartments in the Greater Metropolitan Area, though this varies significantly by property type and location.
Across Costa Rica, days on market range from as few as 21 days for competitively priced GAM apartments in high-demand areas like San Pedro or Curridabat, up to 60 days for premium furnished executive units and 90 days or more for beach properties affected by seasonality.
The current days-on-market figure in Costa Rica is similar to one year ago, as the soft rent growth environment means neither landlords nor tenants are rushing, and inventory moves at a steady but not frantic pace.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Costa Rica?
The peak months for tenant demand in Costa Rica are January through March (relocations, new jobs, post-holiday moves) and July through August (mid-year transitions, especially for students and contract renewals).
The specific factors driving seasonal demand in Costa Rica are the start of the calendar year when companies hire and families relocate, school calendars that prompt mid-year moves, and the dry season from December to April when more people are willing to apartment-hunt.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Costa Rica are typically September through November, when the rainy season is at its peak and fewer people initiate moves, making it a slower period for landlords to find new tenants.
Buying real estate in Costa Rica can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will my monthly costs be in Costa Rica as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Costa Rica as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annual property tax landlords should expect in Costa Rica is 0.25% of the property's declared value, which for a ₡100,000,000 property (roughly US$195,000 or €180,000) means about ₡250,000 per year (US$490 or €450), or around ₡21,000 per month.
Across Costa Rica, annual property taxes range from as low as ₡50,000 to ₡100,000 (US$100 to US$200, or €90 to €180) for modest properties in rural areas, up to ₡500,000 or more (US$980+, or €900+) for high-value homes in premium GAM neighborhoods or beachfront locations.
Property taxes in Costa Rica are calculated based on the municipal assessment of your property's value (which may differ from market value), and the rate is set by law at 0.25% annually, paid to your local municipality.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Costa Rica, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Costa Rica right now?
In Costa Rica, landlords commonly pay the HOA or condominium fee (which often covers building maintenance, security, and common area upkeep), while tenants typically pay electricity, water, and internet directly.
For condos in Costa Rica, HOA fees typically run ₡50,000 to ₡150,000 per month (US$100 to US$295, or €90 to €270), while standalone home maintenance budgets should be around 2% to 3% of property value annually to account for humidity and climate wear.
The common practice in Costa Rica's long-term rental market is that tenants pay all usage-based utilities, landlords pay fixed building fees, and in furnished or expat-targeted rentals, landlords sometimes include internet to make the offer more turnkey.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Costa Rica right now?
In Costa Rica, the utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants are HOA or condominium fees, and occasionally internet in furnished or expat-targeted rentals, while electricity, water, and gas are almost always the tenant's responsibility.
For Costa Rica landlords, typical monthly costs for landlord-paid utilities include HOA fees of ₡50,000 to ₡150,000 (US$100 to US$295, or €90 to €270) and internet of ₡20,000 to ₡40,000 (US$40 to US$80, or €37 to €73) when included.
The common practice in Costa Rica is that long-term unfurnished leases have tenants paying all usage-based utilities directly, while furnished rentals targeting expats or short-term tenants may bundle internet or even basic cable to simplify the tenant's move-in experience.
How is rental income taxed in Costa Rica as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Costa Rica is typically taxed under the "rentas de capital" (capital income) regime at a rate of 15% on gross rental income, though some landlords may integrate rental income into their general business taxation if they qualify.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Costa Rica include property taxes, HOA fees, maintenance and repair costs, depreciation on the building, insurance premiums, and professional fees for property management or accounting services.
A common tax mistake landlords in Costa Rica should avoid is assuming that residential rentals are completely exempt from VAT (IVA) without checking the specific thresholds and classifications, since Hacienda's rules on leasing can be more nuanced than expected.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Costa Rica.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Costa Rica compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Costa Rica, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| INEC (Costa Rica CPI) | Costa Rica's official statistics agency publishing the consumer price index. | We used it to anchor the most recent official inflation backdrop going into January 2026. We also cross-checked it with the rent adjustment bulletin used for residential leases. |
| MIVAH (Rent Adjustment Index) | Costa Rica's housing ministry publishing the legal index for maximum annual rent increases on housing leases. | We used it as the cleanest official rent growth signal for Costa Rica right now. We treated it as the baseline for 2026 rent change expectations and triangulated it with inflation forecasts. |
| BCCR (Exchange Rate) | Costa Rica's Central Bank official time series for the USD/CRC exchange rate. | We used it to express rents in both colones and US dollars consistently. We took late-2025 levels as the closest proxy for January 2026 conversions. |
| BCCR (Macro Projections) | Costa Rica's Central Bank official communication of its forecast scenario for 2025-2026. | We used it for the central 2026 growth context that drives household formation and rental demand. We triangulated that demand impulse against the MIVAH rent adjustment index. |
| IMF (2025 Article IV) | An international organization's formal surveillance report with explicit macro assumptions for Costa Rica. | We used it to sanity-check the Central Bank's inflation normalization story into 2026. We translated that into a cautious but positive rent growth outlook. |
| INEC (Housing Stock 2022) | INEC's publication explicitly reporting vacant dwellings and the vacancy share in Costa Rica. | We used it to quantify a national structural vacancy proxy. We then tailored that to Costa Rica's tourism-heavy coastal provinces using INEC's provincial notes. |
| INEC (Coastal Vacancy) | INEC's press communication explaining the vacancy structure by province in Costa Rica. | We used it to explain what's unique in Costa Rica: Guanacaste and Puntarenas have high vacant shares tied to vacation use. We carried that nuance into neighborhood and demand sections. |
| Asamblea Legislativa (Property Tax Law) | The official legislative text creating Costa Rica's municipal property tax. | We used it to state the baseline annual property tax landlords face. We combined it with practical landlord cost ranges to estimate monthly all-in ownership costs. |
| Ministerio de Hacienda (Capital Income Rates) | Costa Rica's tax authority published rate sheet for capital income regimes. | We used it to anchor the applicable tax rate regime for rental income. We then translated it into a simple, landlord-friendly rule of thumb for 2026 tax planning. |
| Ministerio de Hacienda (VAT on Leasing) | Costa Rica's tax authority explainer of how VAT applies to rentals and leasing. | We used it to describe when VAT is relevant for rentals. We used it to warn landlords about compliance even when the tenant is just a household. |
| ICE (Electricity Tariffs) | Costa Rica's national utility group publishing actual tariff schedules. | We used it to ground electricity costs in something verifiable. We translated typical tenant usage into a realistic monthly utilities range for landlords budgeting in 2026. |
| ARESEP (Water Tariffs) | Costa Rica's national regulator for public services and tariffs. | We used it to ground water and utility budgeting in regulated prices. We then explained which utilities landlords versus tenants commonly cover in Costa Rica rentals. |
| Encuentra24 (Rental Listings) | One of the largest, long-running listing marketplaces in Costa Rica with large inventory. | We used it as a transparent asking rent window, sampling typical price bands by bedroom and area. We then triangulated those asking bands with official inflation and rent adjustment data to produce 2026 rent estimates. |
| Global Property Guide | An established international housing market compendium that cites underlying sources and time series. | We used it only as a secondary cross-check narrative on market direction. We used it to pressure-test whether our Costa Rica rent levels and momentum feel right versus other international summaries. |
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