Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Costa Rica Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Guanacaste's property market is included in our pack
Guanacaste is Costa Rica's hottest rental market for foreign investors, but the gap between what earns money and what sits empty comes down to understanding the local rules and seasonal rhythms.
This guide walks you through the legal framework, realistic yield numbers, and practical costs you need to know before renting out a property in Guanacaste in 2026.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations, market data, and on-the-ground realities.
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 Guanacaste.
Insights
- Short-term rental occupancy in Guanacaste beach towns averages only 45% to 55% annually, meaning your property will sit empty most nights even in prime locations like Tamarindo or Nosara.
- Guanacaste's net rental yields typically drop 2 to 4 percentage points below gross yields due to coastal maintenance costs, HOA fees, and the harsh salt-air environment that accelerates wear on A/C units and finishes.
- Platform reporting rules that took effect in 2025 mean Costa Rica's tax authority now receives data directly from Airbnb and similar platforms, making informal short-term renting riskier than before.
- Long-term rental demand in Guanacaste is strongest in Liberia and Playas del Coco, where local jobs and year-round residents create steady tenant pools outside the tourism cycle.
- Furnished rentals in Guanacaste beach towns typically rent 20% to 40% faster than unfurnished units because most tenants are expats, remote workers, or relocators who need move-in ready homes.
- The highest rents in Guanacaste are concentrated in Las Catalinas, Playa Flamingo, and Nosara, where a 2-bedroom apartment can command $2,500 to $3,200 per month on long-term leases.
- Fiber internet and reliable A/C are the two features that most increase rental value in Guanacaste, as remote workers now represent a significant share of the long-stay tenant pool.
- Costa Rica's lease law includes strong tenant protections and a 3-year standard term, so landlords in Guanacaste should not expect easy month-to-month flexibility with long-term renters.
Can I legally rent out a property in Guanacaste as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own residential property in Guanacaste and rent it out without needing Costa Rican citizenship or residency, since property rights apply equally regardless of nationality.
The most common ownership structure for foreign landlords in Guanacaste is direct fee-simple ownership in their personal name, though some investors use a Costa Rican corporation (Sociedad Anónima) for liability protection or estate planning purposes.
The main limitation foreigners face is not about ownership itself but about operating a rental business: short-term rentals require registration with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and compliance with Hacienda tax duties, which adds administrative complexity for remote owners.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Guanacaste.
Do I need residency to rent out in Guanacaste right now?
You do not need Costa Rican residency to rent out property in Guanacaste, as the rental framework applies based on the activity itself rather than the owner's immigration status.
However, you will realistically need a Costa Rican tax identification number (NIT) to properly report rental income and comply with Hacienda requirements, especially for short-term rentals where platform reporting rules now share your earnings data with tax authorities.
A local bank account is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended because it simplifies receiving colones, paying municipal property taxes, and matching documentation if platforms or authorities request settlement details.
Managing a rental property in Guanacaste remotely is feasible with a good local property manager, but you should budget for professional management (8% to 30% of revenue depending on rental type) and expect that the seasonal nature of Guanacaste tourism makes hands-on oversight more important than in stable urban markets.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Guanacaste in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term renting typically generates higher gross revenue in Guanacaste's prime beach markets, but long-term renting often delivers better effort-adjusted net income due to lower management costs and more predictable cash flow.
A well-managed short-term rental in Tamarindo or Nosara might gross $35,000 to $55,000 per year (around 17 to 27 million colones, or 32,000 to 50,000 euros), while a comparable long-term rental would generate $18,000 to $28,000 annually (9 to 14 million colones, or 16,500 to 25,500 euros), but the STR requires significantly higher operating expenses.
Properties that favor short-term renting in Guanacaste are those within walking distance of top beaches like Tamarindo, Flamingo, or Playa Guiones, with pools, modern amenities, and strong visual appeal for listing photos.
What's the average gross rental yield in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Guanacaste ranges from about 4% to 7% for long-term rentals and 6% to 11% for well-operated short-term rentals in prime locations.
The realistic range that covers most Guanacaste properties is 4% to 9% gross yield, with the lower end representing premium coastal properties where purchase prices outpace rental income, and the higher end representing well-located STRs with strong occupancy.
Studios and small 1-bedroom units in secondary beach towns like Playas del Coco or Sámara typically achieve the highest gross yields in Guanacaste because their lower purchase prices combine with relatively resilient rental demand from budget-conscious expats and local workers.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Guanacaste.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all costs in Guanacaste is roughly 2.5% to 5% for long-term rentals and 3.5% to 7.5% for short-term rentals, though exceptional properties can exceed these ranges.
Most landlords in Guanacaste realistically experience net yields between 3% and 6%, with the wide range reflecting differences in location quality, management efficiency, and whether the property has expensive HOA fees or maintenance needs.
The three cost categories that hit Guanacaste landlords hardest are HOA or condo fees (which can run $300 to $800 monthly in beachfront buildings), coastal maintenance costs (salt air corrodes A/C units and finishes faster than inland), and STR management fees (typically 18% to 30% of gross revenue for hands-on service).
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Guanacaste.
What monthly rent can I get in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Guanacaste's prime beach towns run about $900 to $1,400 (450,000 to 700,000 colones, or 820 to 1,280 euros) for a studio, $1,300 to $2,100 (650,000 to 1,050,000 colones, or 1,190 to 1,920 euros) for a 1-bedroom, and $1,900 to $3,200 (950,000 to 1,600,000 colones, or 1,740 to 2,930 euros) for a 2-bedroom.
A decent studio in Guanacaste's secondary beach towns like Sámara or Playas del Coco realistically rents for $700 to $1,100 per month (350,000 to 550,000 colones, or 640 to 1,010 euros), while inland areas like Liberia start as low as $400 to $700 (200,000 to 350,000 colones, or 365 to 640 euros).
A typical 1-bedroom apartment in mid-range Guanacaste locations commands $1,000 to $1,600 per month (500,000 to 800,000 colones, or 915 to 1,465 euros), with higher prices for units with A/C, fiber internet, and walkability to beaches or town centers.
A 2-bedroom apartment in Guanacaste's mid-to-high tier areas typically rents for $1,400 to $2,400 per month (700,000 to 1,200,000 colones, or 1,280 to 2,195 euros), with premiums for furnished units, pools, and secure parking.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Guanacaste.
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 the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Guanacaste in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total all-in monthly cost to hold a typical rental property in Guanacaste ranges from about $250 to $800 (125,000 to 400,000 colones, or 230 to 730 euros) for long-term rentals and $400 to $1,200 (200,000 to 600,000 colones, or 365 to 1,100 euros) for short-term rentals before management fees.
The realistic range for most Guanacaste rental properties is $300 to $900 per month in fixed holding costs (150,000 to 450,000 colones, or 275 to 825 euros), with the wide spread reflecting whether you have HOA fees and how maintenance-intensive your coastal property is.
The single largest cost category for Guanacaste landlords is almost always the HOA or condo fee, which can easily run $300 to $800 monthly in beachfront developments and often exceeds property taxes and insurance combined.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Guanacaste.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for long-term rentals in Guanacaste is about 5% to 10%, while short-term rentals should be understood in terms of occupancy rates that average 45% to 55% (meaning the property is empty roughly half the year).
Long-term landlords in Guanacaste should budget for about 0.5 to 1.2 months of vacancy per year, with the higher end applying to premium coastal units priced above what local demand can support year-round.
The main factor driving vacancy differences across Guanacaste neighborhoods is whether local employment and year-round residents exist: Liberia and Playas del Coco have steadier tenant pools, while pure vacation destinations like Flamingo or Las Catalinas depend heavily on seasonal tourism.
The highest tenant turnover in Guanacaste typically occurs in April and May, when the dry season ends and short-stay expats and snowbirds return home, leaving landlords to find new tenants during the slower green season months.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Guanacaste.
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Where do rentals perform best in Guanacaste in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Guanacaste are Liberia (the provincial capital with jobs and services), Playas del Coco (large expat and resident base with good amenities), and Tamarindo (strong international demand despite higher prices).
Families looking for long-term rentals in Guanacaste gravitate toward Liberia's residential zones and the Sardinal-Comunidad corridor, where larger homes, schools, and everyday services are more accessible than in pure beach towns.
Student and early-career rental demand in Guanacaste concentrates almost entirely in Liberia, which has the province's strongest base of educational institutions, government offices, and entry-level employment opportunities.
Expats and international professionals seeking long-term rentals in Guanacaste cluster in Tamarindo, Flamingo-Potrero, Nosara, Playas del Coco, and Sámara, where lifestyle amenities, English-speaking communities, and reliable internet support remote work.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Guanacaste.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the best rental yield in Guanacaste are Playas del Coco (steady demand with moderate prices), the Sardinal corridor (affordable buy-in with local tenant base), and Sámara (lower purchase prices than Nosara with comparable STR potential).
The estimated gross rental yield range for these top-yielding Guanacaste neighborhoods is about 6% to 10%, compared to 4% to 6% in premium hotspots like Tamarindo or Flamingo where purchase prices have outpaced rental growth.
The main characteristic allowing these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is that property prices remain moderate relative to rental income, typically because they lack the "trophy destination" branding that inflates purchase prices in places like Las Catalinas or Nosara.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Guanacaste.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Guanacaste are Las Catalinas (ultra-premium planned community), Playa Flamingo and Potrero (upscale beach enclave), and Nosara's Playa Guiones area (wellness and surf lifestyle hub).
A standard apartment in these premium Guanacaste neighborhoods typically rents for $2,200 to $3,500 per month on long-term leases (1,100,000 to 1,750,000 colones, or 2,015 to 3,200 euros), with luxury homes commanding significantly more.
The main characteristic driving these highest rents is not just beach proximity but the combination of walkable design, international-standard finishes, reliable infrastructure, and a curated community atmosphere that appeals to high-income remote workers and retirees.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent Guanacaste neighborhoods includes American and Canadian retirees, tech professionals working remotely, wellness entrepreneurs, and families doing extended "life sabbaticals" who prioritize lifestyle quality over budget optimization.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Costa Rica. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
What do tenants actually want in Guanacaste in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Guanacaste are reliable fiber internet with a dedicated workspace, efficient A/C with good insulation against the tropical heat, and walkability to the beach or town center.
Fiber internet connectivity is the single most valuable feature in Guanacaste right now, adding an estimated 15% to 25% rent premium because remote workers and digital nomads represent a growing share of the long-stay tenant pool.
One commonly overrated feature in Guanacaste is high-end kitchen appliances: landlords often invest in expensive finishes that tenants appreciate visually but do not pay meaningful premiums for, since most renters prioritize location and connectivity over cooking amenities.
An affordable upgrade that delivers strong ROI for Guanacaste landlords is installing a backup water tank with a pressure pump, which costs a few hundred dollars but eliminates a common frustration during dry season water shortages that can drive tenants away.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Guanacaste typically rent 20% to 40% faster than unfurnished units because the tenant base is dominated by expats, remote workers, and people relocating temporarily who need move-in ready homes.
Furnished rentals in Guanacaste also command a rent premium of about 15% to 30% over comparable unfurnished units, though landlords should factor in higher turnover costs for replacing linens, kitchenware, and worn furniture.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Guanacaste right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Guanacaste right now?
Landlords in Guanacaste have substantial freedom to set initial rent prices at market rates, as Costa Rica does not impose rent control or caps on what you can charge when signing a new lease.
However, rent increases during an existing tenancy are subject to Costa Rica's tenant protection framework, which means you cannot impose arbitrary mid-lease hikes, and any increases typically need to follow the terms agreed in the original contract or be negotiated at renewal.
What's the standard lease length in Guanacaste right now?
The standard lease length for residential rentals in Guanacaste is typically 3 years under Costa Rica's tenant protection framework, though shorter terms can be negotiated if both parties agree and the contract is properly structured.
Landlords in Guanacaste can legally require a security deposit of up to about 1 month's rent (for example, $1,500 or 750,000 colones or 1,375 euros for a mid-range apartment), which is the common market practice though not a strict legal maximum.
At the end of a tenancy in Guanacaste, landlords must return the security deposit within a reasonable period after deducting documented damages or unpaid rent, and disputes over deposit returns can be taken to Costa Rica's civil courts if the parties cannot agree.
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.
How does short-term renting really work in Guanacaste in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Guanacaste right now?
Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Guanacaste, but they are classified as "non-traditional lodging" and come with formal registration and tax compliance requirements that informal operators often overlook.
To operate a compliant short-term rental in Guanacaste, you should register with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) through their non-traditional lodging registry and follow Hacienda's tax duties including proper invoicing and income declarations.
Costa Rica does not impose a national annual night limit on short-term rentals like some European cities do, so you can rent your Guanacaste property year-round as long as you meet registration and tax requirements.
The most common consequence for operating an unregistered short-term rental in Guanacaste is tax exposure, especially since platform reporting rules effective from 2025 mean Hacienda now receives your booking data directly from Airbnb and similar platforms.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Guanacaste.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Guanacaste is roughly 45% to 55%, meaning even well-performing properties sit empty nearly half the year.
The realistic occupancy range for most Guanacaste short-term rentals spans from about 35% (underperforming or poorly located listings) to 65% (top-tier properties with professional management and prime locations).
The highest occupancy months for short-term rentals in Guanacaste are December through April, which is the dry season and peak tourist period when North American visitors escape winter weather.
The lowest occupancy months are September and October, during the heart of the green season when rainfall is heaviest and international tourism drops significantly across all Guanacaste beach towns.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Guanacaste.
What's the average nightly rate in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Guanacaste ranges from about $175 to $390 (87,500 to 195,000 colones, or 160 to 355 euros) depending on the town and property quality.
The realistic range covering most Guanacaste short-term listings runs from about $100 per night for basic accommodations in secondary towns to $500 or more for premium beachfront villas in Nosara or Tamarindo (50,000 to 250,000 colones, or 90 to 460 euros).
Peak season nightly rates in Guanacaste (December through April) typically run 40% to 70% higher than green season rates, so a property earning $250 per night in February might only fetch $150 to $180 in September (75,000 to 90,000 colones, or 135 to 165 euros).
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Guanacaste in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Guanacaste's top beach towns is moderately to heavily saturated, with thousands of active listings competing for a seasonal demand pool that concentrates in the same few months each year.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Guanacaste has been growing steadily, with AirDNA tracking over 3,600 listings in Tamarindo alone, and the trend shows continued supply expansion despite modest occupancy rates.
The most oversaturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Guanacaste are Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, and Nosara, where heavy competition means average-quality listings struggle to achieve profitable occupancy levels.
Neighborhoods in Guanacaste that still have room for new short-term rental supply include emerging areas like Playa Grande, Brasilito, and parts of the Santa Cruz corridor, where tourism infrastructure is improving but listing density remains lower than the established hotspots.
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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 Guanacaste, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica Legislative Assembly - Ley 7527 | Official text of Costa Rica's residential lease law. | We used it to explain tenant protections, lease terms, and deposit rules. We also clarified what's legally required versus market practice. |
| Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) | National tourism authority's official STR registry. | We used it to define short-term rental compliance requirements. We also explained baseline steps for legal Airbnb operation. |
| Ministry of Finance (Hacienda) - STR Tax Duties | Official government guidance on STR tax obligations. | We used it to list practical compliance steps for short-term landlords. We also anchored our cost estimates in official tax requirements. |
| Attorney General Repository - Platform Reporting Resolution | Official tax authority resolution on platform data sharing. | We used it to explain why tax enforcement increased from 2025. We also stressed the importance of proper documentation for remote owners. |
| AirDNA - Tamarindo Market Data | Industry-standard dataset for STR performance metrics. | We used it to estimate occupancy rates and nightly prices. We also derived revenue projections for Guanacaste beach markets. |
| AirDNA - Nosara Market Data | Consistent STR analytics across global markets. | We used it to cross-check Tamarindo data and avoid overfitting. We also compared wellness hub pricing to standard beach towns. |
| AirDNA - Sámara Market Data | Comparable metrics for secondary beach markets. | We used it to represent more affordable Guanacaste towns. We also discussed saturation outside the priciest hotspots. |
| Global Property Guide - Costa Rica Yields | Long-running yield series with transparent methodology. | We used it as a national benchmark for gross yields. We then adjusted to Guanacaste using local rent and price data. |
| ICT - Tourism Statistics Portal | Official portal for tourism arrivals and seasonality data. | We used it to justify Guanacaste's seasonal rental dynamics. We also explained occupancy swings and optimal rental strategies. |
| INEC - Census 2022 | Official national statistics on housing stock. | We used it to explain Guanacaste's high second-home concentration. We also interpreted vacancy risk differently for LTR versus STR. |
| Costa Rica Legislative Assembly - Ley 7509 | Official statute for municipal property tax. | We used it to model holding costs with accurate tax rates. We also explained why property taxes vary by municipality. |
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.
Related blog posts
- Is now a good time to invest in property in Guanacaste (Costa Rica)?