Earning Rental Income from Costa Rica Property
Costa Rica's booming tourism industry makes rental property an attractive investment. Here's how to maximize your rental income.
6-12%
Gross Rental Yield
2.2M+
Tourists Annually
$150-500+
Per Night (Peak Season)
Vacation Rentals vs. Long-Term Rentals
| Factor | Vacation Rental | Long-Term Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Income potential | Higher (6-12% yield) | Moderate (4-8% yield) |
| Management effort | High (turnover, cleaning, guests) | Low |
| Occupancy | 50-75% (seasonal) | 90-100% |
| Management cost | 20-35% of income | 8-12% of income |
| Tenant protection | Minimal | Strong (3-year minimum lease law) |
Best Areas for Rental Income
- Tamarindo — highest tourist demand in Guanacaste
- Manuel Antonio — year-round tourism
- La Fortuna — adventure tourism hub
- Nosara — wellness tourism, high nightly rates
- Santa Teresa — trending surf/yoga destination
- Jacó — closest beach to San José, weekend demand
Tax on Rental Income
Rental income from Costa Rica property is subject to CR income tax (progressive rates 0-25%). Deductible expenses include property management, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, and SIXPERCENT's $995 platform fee.