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
If you're thinking about buying a condo in Tamarindo for rental income, understanding what yields you can realistically expect is essential before making any investment decision.
Tamarindo is a tourism-driven beach town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, where rental demand fluctuates with the seasons, and where walkability to the beach can make or break your return.
We constantly update this blog post with fresh data so you always have the most current picture of the Tamarindo condo rental market.
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.
What rental yields can I realistically get from a condo in Tamarindo?
What's the average gross rental yield for condos in Tamarindo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average gross rental yield for a long-term rental condo in Tamarindo is approximately 7.2%, which is notably higher than many inland Costa Rican markets thanks to Tamarindo's strong expat and tourism-driven demand.
The realistic range of gross rental yields for most condo investments in Tamarindo falls between 6.5% and 8.5%, with prime beachfront locations clustering toward the lower end and good-but-not-prime inland pockets sometimes pushing toward the higher end.
The main factor that causes gross rental yields to vary significantly in Tamarindo is walkability to the beach and downtown restaurants, because renters in this surf-and-lifestyle market will pay a meaningful premium to avoid needing a car, which compresses yields on the most convenient units while boosting them on properties just a short drive away.
Compared to other major Costa Rican markets, Tamarindo's gross yields are similar to Jaco (around 6% to 8%) but generally lower than San Jose (up to 8.6%) because Tamarindo's purchase prices are higher relative to rents due to its international appeal and limited beachfront inventory.
What's the average net rental yield for condos in Tamarindo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average net rental yield for a long-term rental condo in Tamarindo is approximately 4.5%, after accounting for all the recurring costs that eat into your gross income.
The realistic range of net rental yields that most condo investors in Tamarindo can expect falls between 3.8% and 5.3%, with the lower end representing prime buildings with higher HOA fees and the upper end reflecting simpler complexes with lower maintenance burdens.
The single biggest expense category that reduces gross yield to net yield in Tamarindo is HOA fees, which often run $250 to $600 per month (125,000 to 300,000 colones, or roughly €230 to €550) because most condo buildings here include pools, security, and landscaping to compete for the lifestyle-focused renter market.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Tamarindo.
What's the typical rent-to-price ratio for condos in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical monthly rent-to-price ratio for condos in Tamarindo sits around 0.60% to 0.65%, which translates to approximately 7.2% to 7.8% gross annual yield before expenses.
The realistic range of rent-to-price ratios that covers most condo transactions in Tamarindo runs from 0.55% to 0.70% monthly, meaning a $400,000 condo would typically rent for somewhere between $2,200 and $2,800 per month on a long-term lease.
The condo categories and neighborhoods in Tamarindo that tend to have the highest rent-to-price ratios are inland areas like Villareal and Santa Rosa, where purchase prices drop faster than rents do, though you trade off some vacancy risk and tenant convenience.
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How much rent can I charge for a condo in Tamarindo?
What's the typical tenant budget range for condos in Tamarindo right now?
The typical monthly tenant budget range for renting a condo in Tamarindo in early 2026 falls between $1,600 and $3,500 USD (roughly 800,000 to 1,750,000 Costa Rican colones, or €1,470 to €3,220), which reflects the expat and remote worker market that dominates long-term rentals here.
For tenants looking at entry-level condos in Tamarindo, the budget range is typically $900 to $1,600 USD per month (450,000 to 800,000 colones, or €830 to €1,470), which usually means an inland location, basic furnishings, or an older building.
Mid-range condo tenants in Tamarindo generally budget $1,600 to $3,000 USD per month (800,000 to 1,500,000 colones, or €1,470 to €2,760), expecting walkable locations, good A/C, reliable internet, and pool access.
For high-end or luxury condos in Tamarindo, tenants typically budget $3,500 to $7,000+ USD per month (1,750,000 to 3,500,000+ colones, or €3,220 to €6,440+), targeting newer builds, ocean views, premium Langosta or Hacienda Pinilla locations, and resort-style amenities.
You can also check our latest update about rents in Tamarindo here.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bed condo in Tamarindo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom condo in Tamarindo is approximately $1,650 USD (around 825,000 Costa Rican colones, or €1,520), though this varies significantly based on location and amenities.
The realistic entry-level monthly rent range for a decent 1-bed condo in Tamarindo is $1,200 to $1,400 USD (600,000 to 700,000 colones, or €1,100 to €1,290), which typically means an inland spot like Villareal, functional but basic furnishings, and a short drive to the beach.
The mid-range rent for a typical 1-bed condo in Tamarindo is $1,500 to $1,900 USD per month (750,000 to 950,000 colones, or €1,380 to €1,750), getting you a walkable location near downtown, good A/C, pool access, and solid internet for remote work.
The high-end rent for a luxury 1-bed condo in Tamarindo runs $2,000 to $2,500+ USD per month (1,000,000 to 1,250,000+ colones, or €1,840 to €2,300+), typically featuring a Langosta beachfront location, ocean views, newer construction, and premium finishes.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bed condo in Tamarindo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom condo in Tamarindo is approximately $2,650 USD (around 1,325,000 Costa Rican colones, or €2,440), making it the most popular category for couples and small families in this market.
The realistic entry-level monthly rent range for a decent 2-bed condo in Tamarindo is $1,800 to $2,200 USD (900,000 to 1,100,000 colones, or €1,660 to €2,025), typically an inland location or older building with basic amenities but still functional for long-term living.
The mid-range rent for a typical 2-bed condo in Tamarindo is $2,300 to $2,900 USD per month (1,150,000 to 1,450,000 colones, or €2,115 to €2,670), offering walkability to the beach, modern furnishings, pool access, and reliable utilities.
The high-end rent for a luxury 2-bed condo in Tamarindo runs $3,200 to $4,500+ USD per month (1,600,000 to 2,250,000+ colones, or €2,945 to €4,140+), featuring prime Langosta or Hacienda Pinilla locations, ocean views, concierge services, and top-tier finishes.
What's the average monthly rent for a 3-bed condo in Tamarindo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 3-bedroom condo in Tamarindo is approximately $3,900 USD (around 1,950,000 Costa Rican colones, or €3,590), though this category has wider price dispersion due to the mix of family-oriented and vacation-style units.
The realistic entry-level monthly rent range for a decent 3-bed condo in Tamarindo is $2,800 to $3,400 USD (1,400,000 to 1,700,000 colones, or €2,575 to €3,130), typically an inland location or older complex that still works well for families needing space.
The mid-range rent for a typical 3-bed condo in Tamarindo is $3,500 to $4,200 USD per month (1,750,000 to 2,100,000 colones, or €3,220 to €3,865), offering good walkability, modern kitchen and bathrooms, pool, and enough space for a family with visiting guests.
The high-end rent for a luxury 3-bed condo in Tamarindo runs $4,800 to $7,000+ USD per month (2,400,000 to 3,500,000+ colones, or €4,415 to €6,440+), featuring beachfront Langosta or Pinilla locations, ocean views, premium finishes, and resort-style amenities.
How fast do well-priced condos get rented in Tamarindo?
A well-priced condo in Tamarindo typically rents within 2 to 4 weeks if it offers walkability, good A/C, reliable internet, and is priced in line with comparable units in the area.
The typical vacancy rate for long-term rental condos in Tamarindo is around 5% to 6% annually (roughly 18 to 22 days), though this can climb to 7% to 10% for inland properties or units priced above market.
The main factors that cause some condos to rent faster than others in Tamarindo are walkability to the beach and downtown (because remote workers and expats strongly prefer avoiding a car), strong A/C and internet setup (essential for digital nomads), and being priced slightly below comparable units rather than optimistically above them.
And if you want to know what should be the right price, check our latest update on how much a condo should cost 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.
Which condo type gives the best yield in Tamarindo?
Which is better for yield between studios, 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed condos in Tamarindo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, 2-bedroom condos in Tamarindo typically offer the best rental yield for long-term investors, followed closely by 1-bedrooms, because they hit the sweet spot of strong rental demand without a proportional jump in purchase price.
The typical gross rental yield range for each condo type in Tamarindo is approximately 6.5% to 7.5% for studios, 7.0% to 8.0% for 1-beds, 7.2% to 8.5% for 2-beds, and 6.5% to 7.5% for 3-beds, though these ranges overlap significantly depending on location and condition.
The main reason 2-bedroom condos tend to outperform in Tamarindo is that this market attracts couples, small families, and remote workers who often travel with a friend or partner, and 2-beds command strong rents while their purchase prices don't scale up as steeply as larger units in this lifestyle-focused beach market.
Which amenities are best if you want a good yield for your condo in Tamarindo?
The amenities that most positively impact rental yield in Tamarindo are strong A/C with backup power, a pool, walkability to the beach and restaurants, reliable high-speed internet, and secure parking with storage for surf gear, because this is fundamentally a lifestyle market where renters prioritize comfort in the heat and convenience over luxury finishes.
Mid-floor units with elevator access are generally easiest to rent in Tamarindo because they avoid the humidity and pest issues common on ground floors while costing less than top-floor units with view premiums, making them the practical sweet spot for yield-focused investors.
Condos with usable balconies or terraces in Tamarindo do rent faster and can command 5% to 10% higher rents, because outdoor living space is highly valued in this tropical climate and lifestyle-oriented market.
Building amenities like pools generally justify higher HOA fees in Tamarindo because they directly reduce vacancy and boost rents in this hot climate, while gyms are less impactful since many renters prefer outdoor activities or nearby fitness studios.
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Which neighborhoods give the best rental demand for condos in Tamarindo?
Which condo neighborhoods have the highest rental demand in Tamarindo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest rental demand for condos in Tamarindo are Tamarindo Centro (downtown), Playa Langosta, and Hacienda Pinilla, because these areas offer the walkability and lifestyle convenience that expats and remote workers prioritize most.
The main demand driver that makes these neighborhoods attractive to condo tenants in Tamarindo is the ability to live car-free, since renters in this surf-and-beach market strongly prefer walking to restaurants, shops, and the sand over dealing with parking and driving in the tropical heat.
The typical vacancy rate in these high-demand Tamarindo neighborhoods runs around 3% to 5% during peak season (December to April) and 5% to 7% annually, with well-priced units often renting within 2 to 3 weeks of listing.
One emerging neighborhood gaining rental demand momentum in Tamarindo is Playa Grande, which attracts a loyal surfer and nature-focused tenant base and offers slightly better yields due to lower purchase prices, though it requires more targeted marketing to the right renter profile.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Tamarindo.
Which condo neighborhoods have the highest yields in Tamarindo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest rental yields for condos in Tamarindo are Villareal, Santa Rosa, and select inland pockets of Tamarindo proper, where purchase prices are notably lower while rents remain competitive.
The typical gross rental yield range in these top-yielding Tamarindo neighborhoods is 7.5% to 9.0%, compared to 6.5% to 7.5% in the prime beachfront areas like Langosta, because the price discount is larger than the rent discount.
The main reason these neighborhoods offer higher yields is that Tamarindo's inland areas have not seen the same price appreciation as walkable beachfront locations, but they still attract tenants willing to trade a 5-minute drive for significantly lower rent, creating favorable rent-to-price math for investors.
We have a whole part covering all the neighborhoods in our pack about buying a property in Tamarindo.
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.
Should I do long-term rental or short-term rental in Tamarindo?
Is short-term rental legal for condos in Tamarindo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rental is generally legal for condos in Tamarindo at the national level, but your specific condo building's bylaws can still prohibit or restrict Airbnb-style rentals, so this is a building-by-building question you must verify before buying.
The main legal requirements for operating a short-term rental condo in Tamarindo include registering with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) as "non-traditional lodging," obtaining a municipal business license (patente) from Santa Cruz canton, and complying with tax obligations including VAT and income tax reporting, which has become stricter since platform reporting rules tightened in late 2024.
There is no official percentage of condo buildings in Tamarindo that allow Airbnb-style rentals, but under Costa Rica's condominium law (Ley 7933), each building's HOA can set its own rules, so you must request the bylaws and recent HOA meeting notes to confirm whether short-term rentals are permitted in any specific building you're considering.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Tamarindo.
What's the gross yield difference short-term vs long-term in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Tamarindo can produce gross yields of 8% to 12% compared to 6.5% to 8% for long-term rentals, representing a potential 2 to 4 percentage point gross yield advantage for well-managed vacation rental properties.
The typical gross yield range for short-term rentals in Tamarindo is 8% to 12% (with a 9.5% base case) based on average daily rates around $350 USD and occupancy around 50% annually, while long-term rentals typically yield 6.5% to 8% gross with steadier, more predictable income.
The main additional costs that reduce the net yield advantage of short-term rentals in Tamarindo include platform fees (typically 3% to 15%), professional cleaning between guests, higher utility costs, more frequent maintenance and restocking, property management fees of 15% to 25% (versus 8% to 10% for long-term), and the VAT and administrative compliance burden that has increased with stricter enforcement in 2025 and 2026.
A short-term rental in Tamarindo typically needs to achieve around 55% to 60% occupancy to outperform an equivalent long-term rental on a net yield basis, because the higher gross revenue gets substantially eroded by the operational costs and management intensity required to run a vacation rental properly.
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What costs will destroy my net yield for a condo in Tamarindo?
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Tamarindo.
What are condo HOA fees as a % of rent in Tamarindo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, typical HOA fees for condos in Tamarindo run 10% to 18% of monthly rent, with actual dollar amounts ranging from $250 to $600 USD per month (125,000 to 300,000 Costa Rican colones, or €230 to €550) depending on building amenities and age.
The realistic range of HOA fees in Tamarindo covers $150 to $250 USD per month (75,000 to 125,000 colones, or €140 to €230) for basic complexes with minimal amenities, up to $500 to $850 USD per month (250,000 to 425,000 colones, or €460 to €780) for luxury oceanfront buildings with full resort-style services.
The amenities that typically justify higher-than-average HOA fees in Tamarindo are large pools with professional maintenance (essential in this hot climate), 24-hour security with controlled access (important for vacation rental buildings), well-maintained tropical landscaping, and elevator service, because these features directly impact both tenant appeal and resale value in this lifestyle market.
What annual maintenance budget should I assume for a condo in Tamarindo right now?
The typical annual maintenance budget that condo owners should assume in Tamarindo is approximately 1.0% of property value per year, which works out to around $4,000 to $5,000 USD (2,000,000 to 2,500,000 Costa Rican colones, or €3,680 to €4,600) for a typical $400,000 to $500,000 condo.
The realistic range of annual maintenance costs in Tamarindo runs from 0.75% of property value for newer, well-built condos to 1.25% or more for older buildings or units with deferred maintenance, reflecting the accelerated wear that coastal environments cause.
The most common maintenance expenses condo owners face annually in Tamarindo are A/C servicing and eventual replacement (the salt air and heavy use wear units out faster), exterior paint and rust treatment due to ocean proximity, appliance replacement from humidity damage, and plumbing repairs from mineral-heavy water, all of which hit harder and sooner than they would in an inland or temperate climate.
What property taxes should I expect for a condo in Tamarindo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annual property tax for a condo in Tamarindo is 0.25% of the declared or assessed value, which works out to approximately $1,000 to $1,250 USD (500,000 to 625,000 Costa Rican colones, or €920 to €1,150) per year for a $400,000 to $500,000 condo.
The realistic range of property taxes in Tamarindo runs from around $375 USD per year (187,500 colones, or €345) for a $150,000 entry-level condo to $2,500+ USD per year (1,250,000+ colones, or €2,300+) for a $1,000,000+ luxury unit, all based on the standard 0.25% municipal rate.
Property taxes in Tamarindo are calculated based on the declared value of the property (which may differ from market value), and the 0.25% rate is applied by the local municipality (Santa Cruz canton) to generate your annual tax bill.
Higher-value condos in Tamarindo may also be subject to the "Impuesto Solidario" (luxury home tax), which applies to residential properties above certain value thresholds and had a January 15, 2026 filing deadline, so owners of premium units should verify whether this additional tax applies to their property.
How much does condo insurance cost in Tamarindo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annual condo insurance cost in Tamarindo is approximately 0.25% to 0.50% of rebuild value, which works out to roughly $1,000 to $2,500 USD per year (500,000 to 1,250,000 Costa Rican colones, or €920 to €2,300) for a typical condo.
The realistic range of annual condo insurance costs in Tamarindo runs from around $750 USD (375,000 colones, or €690) for basic coverage on a smaller unit to $3,000+ USD (1,500,000+ colones, or €2,760+) for comprehensive coverage with higher liability limits on a larger or luxury property, especially if you're doing short-term rentals with more guest exposure.
What's the typical property management fee for condos in Tamarindo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical property management fee for long-term rental condos in Tamarindo is 8% to 10% of monthly rent, which works out to roughly $130 to $265 USD per month (65,000 to 132,500 Costa Rican colones, or €120 to €245) on a $1,650 to $2,650 rent.
The realistic range of property management fees in Tamarindo runs from 8% for basic long-term management (tenant placement, rent collection, basic coordination) up to 20% to 25% of revenue for full-service short-term rental management that includes guest communication, dynamic pricing, cleaning coordination, and restocking.
Standard property management services in Tamarindo typically include tenant screening and placement, rent collection and deposit handling, routine maintenance coordination, emergency response, and basic financial reporting, with additional fees often applying for lease renewals, major repairs, or turnover cleaning.
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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) | Costa Rica's official tourism authority that publishes official visitor and demand statistics. | We used ICT data to understand why Tamarindo's rental demand is seasonal and tourism-driven. We validated occupancy assumptions against their Guanacaste visitor flow reports. |
| Encuentra24 | One of the largest local property listing portals with live asking rents and sale prices. | We collected current asking rents by bedroom count and neighborhood to build realistic rent ranges. We matched these to sale prices to calculate rent-to-price ratios and yields. |
| Coldwell Banker Tamarindo | A major international brokerage with deep local market knowledge and current inventory. | We used their listings to cross-check pricing tiers and identify what "standard vs luxury" means in Tamarindo. We validated price bands against Encuentra24 data. |
| AirDNA | A widely-used short-term rental analytics platform with transparent market metrics. | We used AirDNA's occupancy and ADR data to estimate realistic short-term rental revenue potential. We calculated STR gross yields and compared them to long-term rental returns. |
| Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) | Costa Rica's central bank and the most credible source for exchange rates and economic indicators. | We used BCCR exchange rates for all currency conversions in this article. We referenced their economic indicators to understand the macro context for rents and costs. |
| Ministerio de Hacienda (VAT regulations) | Costa Rica's tax authority with official tax law documentation. | We used Hacienda's VAT guidance to explain how taxes affect short-term rental pricing and net yield. We factored VAT compliance costs into our STR yield calculations. |
| Ley 7933 (Condominium Law) | The primary legal text governing condos in Costa Rica from the legislature. | We used this law to explain how condo bylaws and HOA enforcement work. We clarified why Airbnb permission is a building-by-building question. |
| KPMG TaxNewsFlash | A major international advisory firm reporting on official Costa Rica tax policy changes. | We used KPMG's note to explain tightened platform reporting rules affecting STR hosts. We justified including admin and compliance costs in our net yield calculations. |
| Hidden Coast Realty (HOA example) | A concrete listing that explicitly discloses real HOA fees for a Tamarindo-area condo. | We used this disclosed HOA amount to anchor our fee assumptions in real numbers. We translated HOA fees into percentage of rent to show their yield impact. |
| ICT Non-Traditional Lodging Registry | The government's official page describing the STR registration process. | We used it to explain what "legal short-term renting" means in practice in Costa Rica. We outlined the compliance steps for foreign investors considering Airbnb. |
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