Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Costa Rica Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Tamarindo's property market is included in our pack
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's most popular beach towns for foreign investors looking to generate rental income from residential property.
This guide answers the key questions about legally renting out property in Tamarindo, realistic income expectations, and what you need to know before jumping in.
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 Tamarindo.
Insights
- Tamarindo short-term rentals average around 46% occupancy with $357 nightly rates, meaning a well-managed property can gross roughly $60,000 per year before costs.
- Properties in Tamarindo's maritime zone (within 200 meters of the high-tide line) are concessions rather than fee-simple title, which limits what foreigners can do with them.
- Costa Rica's rental law sets a minimum 3-year lease term for housing, and rent increases are tied to inflation, so landlords cannot raise rent freely mid-lease.
- Short-term rental hosts in Tamarindo must register with Costa Rica's tourism institute (ICT) and comply with tax requirements through Hacienda's TRIBU-CR portal.
- Villareal and Huacas typically offer better rental yields than beachfront Tamarindo because purchase prices drop faster than rental demand.
- Furnished rentals in Tamarindo rent significantly faster than unfurnished ones because most tenants are seasonal residents, remote workers, or expats testing the area.
- HOA fees in Tamarindo condos often range from $250 to $700 per month, making them one of the largest fixed costs that eat into net rental yield.
- The dry season (December to April) drives peak short-term rental demand in Tamarindo, while the green season sees occupancy drop significantly.
Can I legally rent out a property in Tamarindo as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own and rent out residential property in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, with the same rights as local citizens for most titled properties.
The most common ownership structure for foreigners in Tamarindo is direct fee-simple title, though some investors use a Costa Rican corporation (Sociedad Anonima) for estate planning or liability reasons.
The single biggest restriction foreigners face in Tamarindo is the maritime zone rule: properties within 200 meters of the high-tide line are often concessions rather than private title, which means ownership rights and rental permissions work differently and require extra due diligence.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Tamarindo.
Do I need residency to rent out in Tamarindo right now?
You do not need Costa Rican residency to rent out a property in Tamarindo, and many foreign owners operate entirely as non-residents using local property managers and attorneys.
However, you will generally need a Costa Rican tax identification number (cedula juridica or DIMEX) to properly register your rental activity and file taxes with Hacienda.
A local bank account is not strictly required since platforms like Airbnb can pay out to foreign accounts and long-term tenants can wire rent internationally, but having a Costa Rican account makes utility payments and property management much easier.
Managing a Tamarindo rental remotely is very feasible because the area has a well-developed ecosystem of bilingual property managers, and platforms like Airbnb already support fully remote hosting.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Tamarindo in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Tamarindo typically generate higher gross revenue than long-term rentals, but they come with significantly higher operating costs and seasonal volatility.
A well-managed short-term rental in Tamarindo can gross around $50,000 to $70,000 per year (roughly 25 to 35 million Costa Rican colones, or 46,000 to 65,000 euros), while a comparable long-term rental might bring in $18,000 to $28,000 annually (9 to 14 million colones, or 17,000 to 26,000 euros).
Properties that favor short-term over long-term renting in Tamarindo are typically walkable to the beach, have a pool, reliable A/C, and strong internet, because those features matter most to vacationers and remote workers willing to pay premium nightly rates.
What's the average gross rental yield in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Tamarindo ranges from about 4% to 14%, depending heavily on whether you pursue long-term or short-term renting.
Long-term rentals in Tamarindo typically yield between 4% and 7% gross, while short-term rentals can reach 8% to 14% gross for well-positioned and professionally managed properties.
Smaller units like studios and one-bedroom condos in walkable locations often achieve the highest gross yields in Tamarindo because they have lower purchase prices relative to the nightly rates they can command from tourists.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Tamarindo.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, realistic net rental yields in Tamarindo after all costs typically fall between 2.5% and 4.5% for long-term rentals and 5% to 9% for short-term rentals.
Most landlords in Tamarindo experience net yields at the lower end of these ranges unless they actively manage costs and maintain high occupancy.
The three biggest cost categories that reduce gross to net yield in Tamarindo are HOA or condo fees (often $250 to $700 monthly), property management fees (20% to 30% for short-term), and accelerated maintenance due to salt air, humidity, and heavy A/C use in the tropical beach climate.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Tamarindo.
What monthly rent can I get in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents for long-term rentals in Tamarindo are roughly $900 to $1,300 (450,000 to 650,000 colones, or 830 to 1,200 euros) for a studio, $1,200 to $1,900 (600,000 to 950,000 colones, or 1,100 to 1,750 euros) for a one-bedroom, and $1,900 to $3,000 (950,000 to 1.5 million colones, or 1,750 to 2,770 euros) for a two-bedroom.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio in Tamarindo starts around $900 to $1,100 (450,000 to 550,000 colones, or 830 to 1,015 euros), depending on distance from the beach and whether it includes A/C.
A typical one-bedroom apartment in Tamarindo rents for $1,300 to $1,700 per month (650,000 to 850,000 colones, or 1,200 to 1,570 euros) in the mid-range segment with reasonable walkability and basic amenities.
A two-bedroom apartment in Tamarindo typically commands $2,200 to $2,800 monthly (1.1 to 1.4 million colones, or 2,030 to 2,585 euros) in desirable locations like Langosta or central Tamarindo with pool access.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Tamarindo.
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 Tamarindo in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total all-in monthly cost to hold a rental property in Tamarindo typically ranges from $650 to $1,600 (325,000 to 800,000 colones, or 600 to 1,475 euros) for long-term rentals and $1,200 to $2,800 (600,000 to 1.4 million colones, or 1,100 to 2,585 euros) for short-term rentals.
A realistic monthly cost range for most standard Tamarindo rental properties falls between $800 and $1,800 (400,000 to 900,000 colones, or 740 to 1,660 euros) when you account for all fixed and variable expenses.
The single largest contributor to monthly holding costs in Tamarindo is usually the HOA or condo fee, which can run $250 to $700 per month and covers security, pool maintenance, landscaping, and common area upkeep.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Tamarindo.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate in Tamarindo is around 54% for short-term rentals (based on 46% average occupancy) and roughly 4% to 17% for long-term rentals, depending on tenant targeting strategy.
A landlord in Tamarindo should realistically budget for 0.5 to 2 months of vacancy per year on long-term rentals because turnover happens when seasonal tenants leave and it takes time to find year-round replacements.
The main factor that causes vacancy rates to vary across Tamarindo neighborhoods is walkability to the beach and downtown services, with central locations filling faster than inland areas like Villareal or Huacas.
The highest tenant turnover in Tamarindo typically happens at the end of the dry season (April and May) when seasonal renters and "snowbirds" return home, creating a brief surge in available units.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Tamarindo.
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Where do rentals perform best in Tamarindo in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Tamarindo are downtown Tamarindo (Playa Tamarindo), Villareal, and Langosta.
Families looking for long-term rentals in Tamarindo tend to favor Villareal, Huacas, and the quieter outskirts toward Playa Grande because these areas offer more space, lower noise levels, and easier access to local schools and services.
Student demand in Tamarindo is primarily driven by language schools and surf academies, so students tend to cluster in downtown Tamarindo and Villareal where they can walk to classes and social spots.
Expats and international remote workers in Tamarindo gravitate toward Langosta for its upscale residential feel, Playa Grande for nature and surf access, and the Flamingo-Potrero-Brasilito corridor north of Tamarindo for a quieter expat community vibe.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Tamarindo.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the best rental yields in Tamarindo are Villareal, Huacas, and the edges of central Tamarindo just outside the prime beachfront zone.
The estimated gross rental yield range for these top-yielding Tamarindo neighborhoods is typically 6% to 10%, compared to 4% to 7% in premium beachfront areas where purchase prices are much higher.
The main characteristic that allows these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is that property prices drop faster than rental demand as you move one ring inland, so you can still attract tenants at competitive rents while paying significantly less for the property itself.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Tamarindo.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Tamarindo are Langosta, beachfront central Tamarindo (walk-to-sand locations), and the premium north-coast pockets around Flamingo, Potrero, and Playa Conchal.
A standard apartment in these premium Tamarindo neighborhoods typically rents for $2,500 to $4,500 per month (1.25 to 2.25 million colones, or 2,300 to 4,150 euros) for long-term tenants, with luxury villas going much higher.
The main characteristic that makes these neighborhoods command the highest rents is immediate beach access combined with high-end finishes, security, and resort-style amenities like pools and fitness centers that appeal to affluent tenants.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent Tamarindo neighborhoods includes senior executives working remotely, successful entrepreneurs, retired professionals from North America and Europe, and families seeking a premium beach lifestyle with reliable infrastructure.
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 Tamarindo in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Tamarindo are reliable central A/C (not just window units), walkability to the beach and restaurants, and a private or shared pool with consistent maintenance.
Reliable A/C alone can add a 15% to 25% rent premium in Tamarindo because the tropical heat and humidity make climate control essential for comfort, and tenants will pay significantly more for properties that stay cool without issues.
One commonly overrated feature that Tamarindo landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for is high-end designer furniture, since most renters care more about durability and comfort than brand names in a beach environment.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return on investment for Tamarindo landlords is installing fiber internet with a backup connection, because remote workers and digital nomads consider reliable high-speed internet non-negotiable and will choose your property over cheaper alternatives.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished rentals in Tamarindo typically rent 2 to 4 weeks faster than unfurnished units because most of the tenant pool consists of seasonal residents, remote workers, and expats who do not want to ship or buy furniture for a temporary stay.
Furnished apartments in Tamarindo generally command a 15% to 30% rent premium over unfurnished equivalents, though this comes with higher wear-and-tear and replacement costs that landlords should factor into their budget.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Tamarindo right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Tamarindo right now?
Landlords in Tamarindo have full freedom to set the initial rent price at whatever amount the market will bear, with no government caps or controls on starting rents.
However, rent increases during a housing tenancy in Costa Rica are regulated and tied to a formula based on inflation (CPI), so you cannot raise rent freely mid-lease, and if you set the rent in a foreign currency like USD (common in Tamarindo), the law states that amount stays fixed for the contract term without adjustment rights.
What's the standard lease length in Tamarindo right now?
The standard and legally mandated minimum lease length for residential rentals in Costa Rica, including Tamarindo, is three years, and any lease written for a shorter term is automatically treated as a three-year lease under the law.
Costa Rica's lease law does not specify a strict universal cap on security deposits, but the common market practice in Tamarindo is one month's rent (roughly $1,200 to $2,500 or 600,000 to 1.25 million colones, or 1,100 to 2,300 euros for a typical apartment), though landlords sometimes request more for higher-risk situations.
The rules for returning the security deposit in Tamarindo follow general Costa Rican contract principles: the landlord must return the deposit at the end of the tenancy minus any legitimate deductions for unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear, typically within a reasonable timeframe agreed in the lease.
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 Tamarindo in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Tamarindo right now?
Yes, Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Tamarindo and throughout Costa Rica, though they are regulated under a national framework called "hospedaje no tradicional" that defines rentals from 24 hours to one year as a specific tourism activity.
To operate a short-term rental in Tamarindo legally, you need to register with Costa Rica's tourism institute (ICT) and set up tax compliance with Hacienda, and some condos also have their own HOA rules that may restrict or require approval for short-term renting.
Costa Rica does not impose annual night limits on how many days you can rent your property short-term (unlike cities like Paris or Amsterdam), though individual HOAs in Tamarindo can set their own caps.
The most common consequences for operating an unregistered or non-compliant short-term rental in Tamarindo include fines from ICT, potential tax penalties from Hacienda, and conflicts with your HOA that could result in restrictions or legal action.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Tamarindo.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Tamarindo is approximately 46%, meaning properties are booked less than half the nights of the year on average.
The realistic occupancy range for most short-term rentals in Tamarindo spans from about 30% for average or poorly located properties to 65% or higher for top-performing listings with great reviews, prime locations, and professional management.
The highest occupancy months for short-term rentals in Tamarindo are December through April (the dry season), when North American and European tourists flock to the Pacific coast to escape winter weather.
The lowest occupancy months in Tamarindo are typically September and October (the heart of the green season), when heavy rains reduce tourist traffic and many owners see weeks with few or no bookings.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Tamarindo.
What's the average nightly rate in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Tamarindo is approximately $357 (roughly 178,500 Costa Rican colones, or 330 euros), though rates vary significantly by property type and season.
A realistic nightly rate range for most short-term rental listings in Tamarindo spans from about $150 to $600 (75,000 to 300,000 colones, or 140 to 555 euros), with budget studios at the low end and luxury villas at the high end.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season and off-season in Tamarindo is roughly 30% to 50%, meaning a property that charges $400 per night in January might drop to $200 to $280 per night in September.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's most competitive short-term rental markets with significant supply, meaning average properties tend to hover around market occupancy (46%) while only well-differentiated listings consistently outperform.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Tamarindo has been growing steadily, reflecting continued investor interest in the area's tourism appeal despite increasing competition.
The most oversaturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Tamarindo are central Playa Tamarindo and the immediate beachfront zone, where the highest concentration of listings creates intense competition for bookings.
Neighborhoods that still have room for new short-term rental supply in Tamarindo include Playa Grande (quieter surf community), the edges of Villareal with easy Tamarindo access, and premium pockets in the Flamingo-Potrero corridor where luxury demand outpaces current supply.
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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 Tamarindo, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. State Department Investment Climate Statement | It's a primary government overview of foreign investment rights in Costa Rica. | We used it to confirm foreigners can own property. We cross-checked it with maritime zone rules for Tamarindo-specific exceptions. |
| La Gaceta (Law 9742 - STR Law) | It's the official publication channel for Costa Rican laws. | We used it to define what short-term rentals are legally (24 hours to 1 year). We mapped the implications for Airbnb-style renting in Tamarindo. |
| ICT Short-Term Rental Registry | ICT is Costa Rica's statutory tourism regulator. | We used it to confirm registration requirements for STR hosts. We referenced it for operational compliance details. |
| AirDNA Tamarindo Market Data | It's a widely used STR data provider with transparent methodology. | We used it as our main quantitative anchor for occupancy (46%) and nightly rates ($357). We converted these into annual revenue estimates. |
| Maritime Zone Law (Ley 6043) | It's the legal basis for coastal concession rules affecting beachfront properties. | We used it to flag the key Tamarindo trap: some near-beach properties are concessions. We explained how this affects ownership and rental rights. |
| Ley General de Arrendamientos (Law 7527) | It's the full text of Costa Rica's landlord-tenant law. | We used it to confirm the 3-year minimum lease term and rent increase rules. We cross-checked with MIVAH's plain-language guidance. |
| MIVAH Rent Adjustment Guidance | It's the Housing Ministry's official interpretation of rent rules. | We used it to explain how rent increases work for housing leases. We aligned it with the actual lease law wording. |
| Hacienda Rental Income Tax Guide | It's the official tax authority guide for rental income. | We used it to outline tax obligations for landlords. We paired it with TRIBU-CR portal info for practical compliance steps. |
| Municipalidad Property Tax Guidance | Municipalities administer property tax and publish the legal rate. | We used it to confirm the 0.25% annual property tax rate. We translated it into a monthly holding cost line item. |
| INEC Consumer Price Index | INEC is Costa Rica's official statistics agency. | We used it as the inflation anchor behind rent adjustment logic. We referenced it to explain formula-driven rent increases. |
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.
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