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
This blog post gives you an updated picture of housing prices in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
We constantly update this article with the latest data so you always have fresh numbers.
Whether you want a beachfront condo or an inland family home, we break down the costs in a simple way.
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 property prices dropped about 10% from January 2025 to January 2026, mainly because inventory grew faster than buyer demand in the area.
- The median home price in Tamarindo sits around $520,000, but the average reaches $750,000 because luxury villas pull the numbers up.
- Beachfront condos in Langosta can cost $5,000 to $9,000 per square meter, while inland homes in Villareal often stay below $2,800 per square meter.
- Buyers in Tamarindo typically negotiate 4% to 8% off the asking price, but luxury properties sitting on the market longer can see discounts of 10% to 15%.
- New construction in Tamarindo costs about 20% more than comparable older homes because buyers pay for modern finishes and lower maintenance needs.
- Over the past 10 years, Tamarindo housing prices have risen roughly 130% in nominal terms, driven by remote workers and retirees seeking coastal lifestyle.
- Closing costs in Tamarindo add roughly 3.5% to 4.5% to your purchase price, covering transfer tax, registry fees, and notary charges.
- Entry-level buyers can find older one-bedroom condos in Villareal or Santa Rosa starting around $180,000 to $250,000.
What is the average housing price in Tamarindo in 2026?
The median housing price is more useful than the average because it represents what a typical buyer actually pays, without being pulled up by a few multi-million dollar luxury villas.
We are writing this as of the first half of 2026, using the latest data we collected from authoritative local real estate sources and official Costa Rican institutions, all manually verified.
The median housing price in Tamarindo in 2026 is approximately CRC 260 million, which converts to about $520,000 or around €444,000. The average housing price in Tamarindo reaches CRC 375 million, or roughly $750,000 and €641,000, because luxury listings push this figure higher.
About 80% of residential properties in Tamarindo in 2026 fall within a price range of $250,000 to $1.2 million (CRC 125 million to CRC 600 million).
A realistic entry range in Tamarindo starts at CRC 90 million to CRC 125 million ($180,000 to $250,000 or €154,000 to €214,000), which typically gets you an older one-bedroom condo of 45 to 60 square meters in Villareal or Santa Rosa.
Luxury properties in Tamarindo in 2026 generally range from CRC 900 million to CRC 2.25 billion ($1.8 million to $4.5 million or €1.54 million to €3.85 million), and at this level you can expect a four to six bedroom gated villa of 300 to 600 square meters in Langosta or Hacienda Pinilla.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Tamarindo.
Are Tamarindo property listing prices close to the actual sale price in 2026?
In Tamarindo in 2026, closed sale prices typically come in about 6% below the final asking price, with most deals settling 4% to 8% lower.
This gap exists mainly because inventory expanded significantly in 2025, giving buyers more negotiating power in Tamarindo. Luxury properties and homes that have been listed for several months can see discounts of 10% to 15% because sellers who anchored on peak-era pricing eventually adjust to meet current market demand.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Tamarindo
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What is the price per sq m or per sq ft for properties in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the median price per square meter in Tamarindo is approximately CRC 1.45 million ($2,900 or €2,479), while the average reaches CRC 1.72 million ($3,436 or €2,937) per square meter. In terms of price per square foot, the median is around CRC 135,000 ($269 or €230) and the average is CRC 160,000 ($319 or €273).
Small beachfront condos in newer buildings command the highest price per square meter in Tamarindo because you pay for scarce location and shared amenities, while larger inland homes on bigger plots have the lowest rates since distance from the beach and more total surface area spread the value out.
The highest price per square meter in Tamarindo in 2026 can be found in Langosta and beachfront Tamarindo Centro, ranging from CRC 2.5 million to CRC 4.5 million ($5,000 to $9,000) per square meter. The lowest ranges appear in Villareal, Santa Rosa, and Huacas, where prices typically fall between CRC 750,000 and CRC 1.45 million ($1,500 to $2,900) per square meter.
How have property prices evolved in Tamarindo?
Compared to one year ago, Tamarindo housing prices have dropped about 10% from January 2025 to January 2026. This happened because inventory grew significantly in 2025, shifting leverage toward buyers and cooling down the peak prices from late 2024.
Looking back 10 years to 2016, Tamarindo property prices have risen roughly 130% in nominal terms, which means prices have more than doubled. This long-term growth came from Tamarindo becoming a global lifestyle destination for remote workers, retirees, and second-home buyers, combined with limited prime coastal land available for development.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the latest updates on property price variations in Tamarindo.
Finally, if you want to know whether now is a good time to buy a property there, you can check our pack covering everything there is to know about the housing market 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.
How do prices vary by housing type in Tamarindo in 2026?
In Tamarindo in 2026, condos make up about 35% of listings, single-family homes account for roughly 40%, townhomes represent around 10%, luxury villas about 10%, and other residential types fill the remaining 5%, reflecting Tamarindo's strong vacation rental market and premium villa segment.
Average prices by property type in Tamarindo as of the first half of 2026 vary widely. A studio or one-bedroom condo averages around CRC 110 million ($220,000 or €188,000), a two-bedroom condo runs about CRC 180 million ($360,000 or €308,000), and townhomes average CRC 240 million ($480,000 or €410,000). Inland single-family homes with three to four bedrooms typically cost CRC 325 million ($650,000 or €556,000), upgraded penthouses near the beach reach CRC 475 million ($950,000 or €812,000), and luxury villas in prime gated communities average CRC 1.2 billion ($2.4 million or €2.05 million).
If you want to know more, you should read our dedicated analyses:
- How much should you pay for a house in Tamarindo?
- How much should you pay for a villa in Tamarindo?
- How much should you pay for a condo in Tamarindo?
How do property prices compare between existing and new homes in Tamarindo in 2026?
New construction in Tamarindo in 2026 typically costs about 20% more than a comparable existing home.
This premium exists because new builds come with modern finishes, lower near-term maintenance costs, and are often turnkey-ready for vacation rentals, which Tamarindo buyers value highly.
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How do property prices vary by neighborhood in Tamarindo in 2026?
Tamarindo Centro is the walkable heart of town, where you find condos and homes priced between CRC 175 million and CRC 600 million ($350,000 to $1.2 million or €299,000 to €1.03 million). Prices here reflect the convenience of restaurants, surf spots, and daily services within walking distance.
Langosta offers a quieter, more upscale setting with luxury condos and beachfront villas ranging from CRC 350 million to CRC 2.25 billion ($700,000 to $4.5 million or €599,000 to €3.85 million). This neighborhood commands Tamarindo's highest prices because of its beachfront prestige and proximity to the town center.
Hacienda Pinilla is a gated resort community where homes range from CRC 250 million to CRC 1.75 billion ($500,000 to $3.5 million or €428,000 to €2.99 million). Buyers pay for security, golf and surf access, and predictable community standards in this development.
You will find a much more detailed analysis by areas in our property pack about Tamarindo. Meanwhile, here is a quick summary table we have made so you can understand how prices change across areas:
| Neighborhood | Character | Price Range (CRC / $) | Per sqm (CRC / $) | Per sqft (CRC / $) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamarindo Centro | Walkable / rental-friendly | CRC 175M-600M / $350k-$1.2M | CRC 1.75M-2.75M / $3,500-$5,500 | CRC 162k-255k / $325-$511 |
| Langosta | Luxury / beachfront | CRC 350M-2.25B / $700k-$4.5M | CRC 2.5M-4.5M / $5,000-$9,000 | CRC 232k-418k / $464-$836 |
| Playa Grande | Surf / quieter | CRC 300M-1.9B / $600k-$3.8M | CRC 2M-3.75M / $4,000-$7,500 | CRC 186k-348k / $372-$697 |
| Hacienda Pinilla | Gated / resort | CRC 250M-1.75B / $500k-$3.5M | CRC 1.9M-3.4M / $3,800-$6,800 | CRC 177k-316k / $353-$632 |
| El Tesoro | Views / premium | CRC 325M-2.45B / $650k-$4.9M | CRC 2.1M-3.5M / $4,200-$7,000 | CRC 195k-325k / $390-$650 |
| Villareal | Value / inland | CRC 100M-325M / $200k-$650k | CRC 0.8M-1.4M / $1,600-$2,800 | CRC 74k-130k / $149-$260 |
| Santa Rosa | Value / growing | CRC 90M-275M / $180k-$550k | CRC 0.75M-1.3M / $1,500-$2,600 | CRC 70k-121k / $139-$241 |
| Huacas | Commute / services | CRC 110M-375M / $220k-$750k | CRC 0.85M-1.45M / $1,700-$2,900 | CRC 79k-135k / $158-$269 |
| Avellanas | Lifestyle / boutique | CRC 200M-900M / $400k-$1.8M | CRC 1.8M-3.2M / $3,600-$6,400 | CRC 167k-297k / $334-$595 |
| Potrero | Family / calmer | CRC 150M-900M / $300k-$1.8M | CRC 1.3M-2.4M / $2,600-$4,800 | CRC 121k-223k / $242-$446 |
| Flamingo | Upscale / marina | CRC 225M-1.75B / $450k-$3.5M | CRC 1.6M-3.25M / $3,200-$6,500 | CRC 149k-302k / $297-$604 |
| Brasilito / Conchal | Beach / resort-adjacent | CRC 175M-1B / $350k-$2M | CRC 1.4M-2.6M / $2,800-$5,200 | CRC 130k-242k / $260-$483 |
How much more do you pay for properties in Tamarindo when you include renovation work, taxes, and fees?
When you factor in closing costs and potential renovation in Tamarindo in 2026, expect to pay roughly 13% to 25% more than the purchase price, depending on the property's condition.
If you buy a property around $200,000 (CRC 100 million) in Tamarindo, you would add approximately $8,000 in closing costs (about 4%) and potentially $20,000 to $40,000 for light renovation if it's an older unit. That brings your total to roughly $228,000 to $248,000 all in.
For a property around $500,000 (CRC 250 million) in Tamarindo, closing costs would be about $20,000, and a targeted renovation might add $50,000 to $60,000. Your total cost would land around $570,000 to $580,000.
At the $1,000,000 level (CRC 500 million), closing costs run approximately $40,000, and even a light refresh or furnishing could add $50,000 to $100,000, putting your all-in cost between $1.09 million and $1.14 million.
By the way, we keep updated a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees to factor in the total buying cost in Tamarindo.
Meanwhile, here is a detailed table of the additional expenses you may have to pay when buying a new property in Tamarindo
| Expense | Type | Estimated Cost (CRC / $) |
|---|---|---|
| Property transfer tax | Tax | About 1.5% of the purchase price. This is established by Costa Rican law (Ley 6999) and applies to all real estate transactions in the country. |
| Registry stamps and filing | Fees | Roughly 0.8% to 1.2% of the purchase price. These fees cover the official registration of the property transfer with the National Registry. |
| Notary and legal fees | Professional | Typically 1% to 1.25% of the purchase price. Notary fees in Costa Rica follow an official schedule, so costs are regulated rather than arbitrary. |
| Escrow and bank wiring | Fees | Between CRC 250,000 and CRC 1 million ($500 to $2,000). This covers secure fund transfers and escrow administration during the closing process. |
| Inspection and survey | Due diligence | Around CRC 300,000 to CRC 1.5 million ($600 to $3,000). Property inspections are optional but common, especially for older homes or complex builds. |
| Renovation (if needed) | Renovation | About 10% to 20% of the purchase price for older properties. Costs vary based on scope, from cosmetic updates to full kitchen and bathroom remodels. |
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 properties can you buy in Tamarindo in 2026 with different budgets?
With $100,000 in Tamarindo in January 2026, the market is very limited: you might find a tiny studio of 25 to 35 square meters far inland in Huacas or Santa Rosa, an older micro-unit in Villareal needing renovation, or realistically, there is not much of a market at this price point in the Tamarindo area.
With $200,000 in Tamarindo, you can find a one-bedroom condo of 45 to 55 square meters in Villareal (existing), a compact two-bedroom condo of 60 to 75 square meters in Santa Rosa with basic finishes, or an older one-bedroom of about 50 square meters in Huacas.
With $300,000 in Tamarindo, your options include a two-bedroom condo of 75 to 90 square meters in Huacas (existing), a one to two bedroom condo of 60 to 85 square meters on the edge of Tamarindo Centro, or a small townhome of 90 to 110 square meters in Villareal.
With $500,000 in Tamarindo, you could buy a two-bedroom condo of 90 to 120 square meters in Tamarindo Centro away from the beachfront, a townhome with two to three bedrooms of 120 to 150 square meters in Huacas, or a smaller single-family home with three bedrooms of 140 to 180 square meters in Santa Rosa.
With $1,000,000 in Tamarindo, you can purchase a near-beach condo or penthouse of 140 to 200 square meters in Tamarindo Centro (newer construction), a single-family home with four bedrooms of 220 to 320 square meters in Tamarindo Hills, or a gated community home of 200 to 300 square meters in Hacienda Pinilla.
With $2,000,000 in Tamarindo, you enter the luxury segment with options like a newer villa of 350 to 500 square meters in Hacienda Pinilla, a beachfront or near-beach luxury home of 300 to 450 square meters in Langosta, or a prime ocean-view villa of 400 to 600 square meters in El Tesoro or Playa Grande.
If you need a more detailed analysis, we have a blog article detailing what you can buy at different budget levels in Tamarindo.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) | Costa Rica's central bank and the official source for monetary and exchange rate data. | We used it to anchor our currency conversions from USD to CRC. We also verified timing for late-2025 data availability. |
| Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (INEC) | The national statistics office that publishes Costa Rica's official CPI and inflation data. | We used it to calculate inflation-adjusted price changes over one year and ten years. We translated inflation into real price movements for comparison. |
| European Central Bank (ECB) | The official source for euro-area reference exchange rates. | We used it to convert USD figures into euros transparently. We cross-checked EUR conversions against market commentary for accuracy. |
| 2Costa Rica Real Estate - Tamarindo Market Data | A long-running brokerage with a structured market dashboard showing labeled metrics and timestamps. | We used it as our core source for average asking price per square meter and average active list price. We built realistic market ranges around these figures. |
| 2Costa Rica Real Estate - 2025 Market Report | A dated narrative report with specific numeric claims about inventory and price changes. | We used it to quantify the 2025 market correction with rising inventory and falling prices. We carried that logic forward to write as of the first half of 2026. |
| Costa Rica Property Transfer Tax Law (Ley 6999) | The primary legal text establishing the real estate transfer tax framework in Costa Rica. | We used it to justify our taxes and fees section with verifiable legal references. We added realistic ranges for stamps, registry, and notary based on official schedules. |
| INVU Notary Fee Schedule | An official publication describing the regulated framework for professional notary and legal fees. | We used it to confirm that notary fees follow an official schedule. We translated that into buyer-friendly estimate ranges for budgeting purposes. |
| Global Property Guide - Costa Rica | A respected international resource tracking residential property market trends across countries. | We used it to contextualize long-term price growth in Costa Rica's coastal markets. We cross-referenced their analysis with local data for consistency. |
| Sol Realty Guanacaste | A local real estate agency publishing regular market commentary for the Guanacaste region. | We used their insights to validate market direction and EUR conversion reasonableness. We compared their observations with our primary data sources. |
| Visit Costa Rica (ICT) | The official Costa Rican tourism board providing context on regional development and visitor trends. | We used it to understand the lifestyle demand driving Tamarindo's real estate market. We factored tourism growth into our long-term price analysis. |
| Hacienda Pinilla | The official website of one of Tamarindo's premier gated resort communities. | We used it to verify property types and amenities in this development. We cross-referenced their offerings with price ranges from listing data. |
| CINDE (Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency) | The government agency promoting foreign investment with reliable economic context. | We used it to understand broader economic factors affecting real estate demand. We incorporated their data on foreign buyer activity in coastal areas. |
| Poder Judicial de Costa Rica | Costa Rica's judicial branch, providing legal context for property transactions. | We referenced it for understanding the legal framework of property transfers. We ensured our closing cost estimates align with official procedures. |
| Registro Nacional de Costa Rica | The national registry responsible for recording all property transactions in Costa Rica. | We used it to understand registry fees and filing requirements. We incorporated standard registry costs into our closing expense estimates. |
| La Nación | Costa Rica's leading newspaper with regular real estate market coverage. | We monitored their reporting for market sentiment and recent developments. We used their coverage to validate trends visible in listing data. |
| The Tico Times | An English-language Costa Rican news source covering expat-relevant topics including real estate. | We used their reporting to understand expat buyer perspectives in Guanacaste. We factored their insights into neighborhood preference analysis. |
| Costa Rica Properties | A real estate portal with listings across Costa Rica, including Guanacaste. | We cross-referenced their listings to validate price ranges by property type. We compared their data against our primary dashboard source. |
| Coldwell Banker Costa Rica | An international real estate brand with a strong presence in Costa Rica's premium markets. | We reviewed their luxury listings to understand the high end of the market. We used their price points to calibrate our luxury range estimates. |
| RE/MAX Costa Rica | A major international real estate franchise operating throughout Costa Rica. | We compared their Tamarindo listings with other sources for consistency. We used their market presence to validate neighborhood price structures. |
| Numbeo | A crowd-sourced cost of living database with real estate price comparisons globally. | We used it for international benchmarking of Costa Rica property costs. We compared their figures against local sources for reasonableness checks. |
| Expatistan | A cost of living comparison site popular with expats considering relocation. | We referenced it for context on how Tamarindo compares to other expat destinations. We used their data to understand relative affordability. |
| XE Currency Converter | A widely trusted source for real-time and historical currency exchange rates. | We used it to verify our USD to EUR and USD to CRC conversion rates. We ensured our conversions reflected realistic January 2026 rates. |
| International Monetary Fund (IMF) | A global financial institution providing economic data on Costa Rica. | We referenced their Costa Rica economic outlook for macro context. We used their inflation projections to validate our real price change calculations. |
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