Renting in Costa Rica as an American: Everything you need to know

Costa Rica is a hotspot for Americans looking for better weather and a more laid-back lifestyle. Whether you're coming as a digital nomad or planning a longer stay, you'll need to find housing in Costa Rica.

Before you start apartment hunting, you'll want to understand some local quirks and processes. We'll explain them in this guide.

You'll also learn about Wise, an easy way to send money to Costa Rica without exchange rate markups, even for large payments like rent.

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Table of contents

Can an American rent property in Costa Rica? How much is rent in Costa Rica? What documents do I need to rent in Costa Rica? Renting abroad? Send money the hassle-free way with Wise Types of property to rent in Costa Rica How do I find a property to rent in Costa Rica? Things to consider when looking for a place to rent How to apply for a property to rent in Costa Rica Tenancy contracts in Costa Rica What’s the best city to rent in Costa Rica?

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Can an American rent property in Costa Rica?

Absolutely! Foreigners have the same rental rights as legal residents in Costa Rica.

You can rent a property even if you're on a tourist visa, which makes it easy to test out life in different areas before making any long-term commitments.

💡 Considering buying instead of renting? Learn more about buying property in Costa Rica as an American in our full guide.

How much is rent in Costa Rica?

Some areas in Costa Rica are more expensive than others, so your rental costs will vary depending on location.

Generally, you’ll pay around 758 USD for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centers, or 531 USD if you're willing to live further out. For 3-bedroom places, you're looking at 1,464 USD in central areas or 1,014 USD in outer neighborhoods.¹

This is the average rent in Costa Rica, but let's take a closer look at different cities across the country.

City or province	1-bedroom (city center)	3-bedroom (city center)
San Jose²	745 USD	1,443 USD
Heredia³	829 USD	1,592 USD
Tamarindo⁴	1,805 USD	2,940 USD
Guanacaste⁵	196 USD	686 USD
Jaco Beach⁶	547 USD	1,859 USD

As you can see, there's a huge variation between locations.

Tamarindo, a surfing spot popular with expats from all over the world, has the highest prices - you can expect to pay a whopping 2,940 USD for a 3-bedroom apartment.⁴

On the other hand, Guanacaste has some of the cheapest apartments for rent in Costa Rica, with a 1-bedroom averaging just 196 USD per month.⁵

Some expats prefer to live in gated communities, which typically cost more than the average. You can usually save money by renting in more local areas, but properties there might not have amenities you're used to back home (like hot water).

What additional costs will apply?

You'll usually have to cover your own utilities as well as internet access when renting an apartment in Costa Rica. Most landlords also require a security deposit.

Expense	Typical cost
Security deposit	1 month's rent⁷
Utilities	84 USD¹
Internet	52 USD¹

Costa Rica gets pretty hot in the summer months, and electricity bills can skyrocket if you use air conditioning frequently, so factor this into your budget.

Learn more about the cost of living in Costa Rica and some tips on saving money.

What documents do I need to rent in Costa Rica?

In most cases, you'll just need your passport to rent a property.

Some landlords might ask for proof of income, but the requirements are generally minimal compared to many other countries. This is one of the reasons why moving to Costa Rica is so easy.

Renting abroad? Send money the hassle-free way with Wise

Wise offers you a quick, secure and transparent way of sending money to Costa Rica. You get the mid-market exchange rate for your payments and see how much it’s charged for the transfer before sending the money from your bank.

With the Wise Account you can also hold 40+ currencies, spend money in 150+ countries, and receive like a local in 9 different currencies.

Get started with Wise

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

Types of property to rent in Costa Rica

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Condominiums

Modern condos are popular in cities like San Jose and Escazú, but you can also often find them in beach towns popular with tourists and foreign residents.

These buildings usually have amenities like security, pools and fitness centers. If you're a digital nomad or a small family, it can be a great option for renting.

Houses

Renting a house in Costa Rica works well for families or those wanting more space and privacy. Many houses come with pools and small yards, but it's common for some properties to have maintenance issues because of the tropical climate and high humidity.

Beach properties

If you're staying in a coastal area like Tamarindo and Jaco, you can rent a beachfront condo or a villa. These often come with higher costs, but you get the ocean views and easy beach access.

Mountain homes

Costa Rica is famous for its natural environment and commitment to sustainability, and there's no better way to experience that than by living in the mountain regions like Monteverde or Atenas.

These properties typically have large outdoor spaces and some of them might even be off-grid.

Apartment buildings

These are similar to condominiums, but they're more affordable and can sometimes come unfurnished. If you don't need luxury amenities like a private pool and want to experience a more local way of life, renting in an apartment building can be a smart option.

How do I find a property to rent in Costa Rica?

There are a few ways to find houses or apartments in Costa Rica, but the best ones are typically word of mouth and Facebook groups. You can also try researching online listings or hiring a real estate agent. Here's what you need to know.

Word of mouth

Personal connections go a long way in Costa Rica. Many rental properties never make it to public listings because they're rented through personal referrals.

So, join local expat groups, chat with people you meet and go to community events. You'd be surprised how often this leads to finding the perfect place through someone who knows someone.

Facebook groups

Joining expat groups on Facebook is one of the best ways to find apartments for rent in Costa Rica. There are general groups and location-specific ones.

Property owners often post there, so you can communicate with them directly without intermediaries.

Online listings

You can browse websites like Encuentra24 and Realtor.com to find properties for rent, and Airbnb can be particularly helpful for finding Costa Rica vacation rentals. You can also book an extended stay on Airbnb - typically with a small discount.

But you should be wary of outdated or misleading listings. Some websites purposefully keep old listings to attract inquiries, others might simply forget to take them off. It's possible that prices aren't up to date, either.

Always verify that a listing is current before getting too excited about it.

Real estate agents

This isn't always the go-to option for rentals, but real estate agents can be valuable in specific situations. For example, if you're looking for a luxury property or a unique location.

Try visiting local real estate offices in person. Sometimes agents know about unlisted properties or can connect you with property owners.

How to avoid scams when renting in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is generally safe, but rental scams can happen anywhere, so keep these tips in mind:

• Never send money or make deposits without seeing the property in person and meeting the actual owner (or a legitimate property manager)
• Be suspicious of prices that seem too good to be true, especially in popular areas like Tamarindo
• Get a written contract: some landlords might propose a verbal agreement, but it's always safer to get things down in writing.

You should also consider opening a bank account in Costa Rica. It can make it easier for you to pay rent every month.

Things to consider when looking for a place to rent

Before you start apartment hunting in Costa Rica, here are a few things to think about:

• Furnished vs. unfurnished: Most expat rentals come furnished, but confirm what's included and document the condition of all items

• Utilities: Check if hot water is available (not all properties have it), and ask about backup systems for electricity and water as these can go out often

• Lease terms: Standard long-term leases are 3 years by law, but you can often negotiate a shorter term by using a "temporary rental agreement"⁷

• Rent increases: If your rental contract is in colones (Costa Rican currency), the maximum annual increase is 15%. USD-based rents can't be increased during the lease term⁸

• Security: You can live in a gated community (typically more expensive) or a local neighborhood (usually more affordable but may have fewer amenities)

• Seasonal rentals: Make sure your contract clearly states the lease duration and terms. Some property owners rent long-term during the low season and then switch to short-term vacation rentals during the high season (December-April), which may create an unstable living situation

• Pet policies: If you're bringing a pet, make sure they're allowed in your rental property

• Noise levels: Costa Rican neighborhoods can be lively, and construction noise is common

It's always a good idea to take some time before officially signing a lease, even if you really like the property. Don't commit to the first place you see and make sure to compare different options.

How to apply for a property to rent in Costa Rica

You might be surprised to find the rental application process in Costa Rica to be more relaxed and personal than in the US. Here's what to expect.

Private landlords

Most rentals in Costa Rica happen through direct contact with landlords. Here's the typical process:

1. Contact the landlord and arrange a viewing
2. View the property and meet the landlord
3. Agree on rent and deposit amounts
4. Provide basic documentation (usually just your passport)
5. Sign the rental agreement
6. Pay the deposit and first month's rent
7. Move into your new home

🚨 Sometimes, especially in local neighborhoods, landlords might say that they're fine with just having a verbal agreement (which is still protected under the law), but it's important to get a written contract.

Property agencies

Using a rental agency can simplify the process, especially if you don't speak Spanish, but it's less common than just dealing with the landlord directly. Your agent will handle paperwork and translations, but they usually charge additional fees.

Tenancy contracts in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, rental contracts (contrato de alquiler) have some unique aspects.

By law, rental agreements are technically for 3 years, but in practice, most contracts run for 12 months or operate month-to-month.⁷ Make sure that your contract includes:

• Rental duration
• Monthly cost and payment date
• Amenities and utilities included (if any)
• Conditions for getting your deposit back
• Repairs and maintenance expectations
• Signatures from both parties

Make sure that your name is spelled out properly, it's common for mistakes to happen. You and your landlord should both receive a signed copy.

Tenant laws and rights in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's rental laws generally give strong protections to tenants. Here are the most important things to know:

• You can't be evicted if the property gets a new owner
• Your lease remains valid even if the property is sold
• Landlords must cover normal wear-and-tear repairs
• You have a 7-day grace period for rent payments⁹
• If you make any permanent improvements to the property, they become a part of the property and you don't get a refund when you move out
• You typically can't sublet your apartment or house (unless the landlord gives you explicit permission)

If you're having problems with your landlord, get in touch with a lawyer.

What’s the best city to rent in Costa Rica?

There are many different areas to explore in Costa Rica, such as:

• San Jose: Costa Rica's capital city is perfect for people who want city convenience with easy access to weekend getaways
• Heredia: This is a quieter alternative to San Jose with excellent infrastructure
• Tamarindo: A popular surfing spot with a big expat community, ideal if you're looking for a beach lifestyle with excellent restaurants and nightlife (but is typically more expensive than other areas)
• Guanacaste: Offers a mix of beautiful beaches and authentic Costa Rican culture
• Jaco Beach: There's lots to do here, from spending time on the beach to exploring rainforests and waterfalls

If you're not sure where to stay long-term yet, consider finding short-term rentals on Airbnb and comparing different locations to find the best fit for you.

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Renting in Costa Rica might seem different from what you're used to, but it's typically pretty easy for foreigners to find a place to live.

That said, it's important to do your research instead of jumping on the first property you see. Speaking even basic Spanish goes a long way, too.

Sources

1. Numbeo - Cost of living in Costa Rica
2. Numbeo - San Jose
3. Numbeo - Heredia
4. Numbeo - Tamarindo
5. Numbeo - Guanacaste
6. Numbeo - Jaco Beach
7. Costa Rica Immigration Experts - Costa Rica rental guide
8. Premier Casa Costa Rica - What you need to know about renting in Costa Rica
9. Pirie Legal - Rents and leases in Costa Rica

Sources checked 11.18.2024