Finding An Apartment In Costa Rica

by Jeanne in Costa Rica

Do you need help trying to figure out how to find apartments for rent in Costa Rica? Truthfully, it’s something I wish I had known a little more about before traveling myself.

After spending the last three years digital nomading all across Costa Rica, I’ve done my fair share of renting, including all the haggling that comes with this territory.

Now, don’t worry, it’s not as tricky as you’d think given that it's in a different country. The process itself is SUPER easy!

I spent some time thinking about my own experience, as well as asking fellow expats I’ve met since I made the move, and the whole process could take less than a day (although you’ll want to set aside plenty of time to do your research if you’re not currently living in the land of Pura Vida!)

This is what I’ve managed to mostly figure out about finding an apartment to rent in Costa Rica as a young, female, remote worker. It’s my hope that this breakdown of my experience will inspire you and give you the motivation you need to finally take the leap and move to Costa Rica!

What You Need To Know About Finding An Apartment In Costa Rica

How to search for an apartment in Costa Rica

Craigslist

So, believe it or not, Costa Rica has Craigslist! After searching for places WAY out of my budget on craigslist housing (we all do it…), I came back to Earth and made a list of places within my range. Still, depending on your budget, Craigslist can be a reliable source of high-end rental options hosted by locals and expats alike, but there are other, better options to consider.

Facebook Groups

There are also Facebook groups for expats (here’s another one), where you can find a variety of rental options. Apartments, bungalows, houses, mansions - OH MY! Depending on the group you join, you will find a variety of options. Just keep in mind that if it’s too good to be true, it’s probably fake.

Facebook groups are where I have found the most success at finding the ideal rental. If you choose to go this route, here are my top tips and tricks:

• Join 3-5 Facebook Groups in your desired area of Costa Rica (look for options like “Puerto Viejo Rentals” or “Santa Teresa Buy, Sell, Trade”)
• Always double check the seller’s Facebook Profile and Reviews
• Don’t be afraid to type in English, but be willing to Google Translate if needed
• Plan to arrive to your destination a few days early to view the property
• Never send / wire payment before meeting in person and viewing the property
• Always be upbeat, friendly, and honest about your budget
  
• Don’t forget to ask about a security deposit / if utilities are included
  
• If you’re a remote worker, don’t forget to ask about the wifi capabilities as well!
  

Apartments and Homes on AirBnb

If you’re looking for an option that is a bit more reliable than a posting in a Facebook Group, head on over to AirBnb. There, you will find a plethora of rental options ranging from very cheap to very expensive.

The good news is: AirBnb hosts who allow monthly stays usually also give renters a discount when they book long-term. This means you could potentially save 10% - 50% (yes, 50%!) on your next long-term rental in Costa Rica.

Professional Rental Companies

Just like in the United States, you can reach out to one of many professional rental companies in Costa Rica to find the right place for you. Coldwell Banker, Properties in Costa Rica, Property Management, Inc. are just a few websites you can use that will help facilitate the rental process for you.

This is a very reliable option for anyone looking to move to Costa Rica long-term. Especially families and those looking to retire. Keep in mind, though, that since these rentals are managed by professionals, they are usually more expensive. But hey - you get what you pay for!

Word of Mouth

And finally, we have the good old fashioned way, word of mouth from a friend when trying to find a good apartment. I have repeatedly found success with this method. Show up, meet a friend, ask them to ask around, and BAM - I’m living at a reduced rate in a gorgeous place just because I was friendly.

If you’re into that type of cultural immersion, give it a try. If not, there are plenty of other methods for finding an apartment in Costa Rica.

How to furnish your apartment in Costa Rica

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of furnishing an apartment, you’re in luck! In fact, most apartments offered to expats are mostly furnished, so they're super easy to find! However, like any place back home, furnished apartments are a bit more expensive. So if you decide to go with the unfurnished place, you could essentially find everything you need via second hand shops, Facebook marketplaces, and they even have Walmart!

Even better, creating beautiful furniture with driftwood is commonplace in Costa Rica and you will find that many locals are incredibly skilled in this craft. So, don’t be afraid to support local and snatch up a few of these handmade one-of-a-kind pieces.

Again, this is another one of those areas where it completely depends on your budget and future plans.

How to furnish your apartment in Costa Rica

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of furnishing an apartment, you’re in luck! In fact, most apartments offered to expats are mostly furnished, so they're super easy to find!

However, like any place back home, furnished apartments are a bit more expensive. So if you decide to go with the unfurnished place, you could essentially find everything you need via second hand shops, Facebook marketplaces, and they even have Walmart!

Even better, creating beautiful furniture with driftwood is commonplace in Costa Rica and you will find that many locals are incredibly skilled in this craft. So, don’t be afraid to support local and snatch up a few of these handmade one-of-a-kind pieces.

Again, this is another one of those areas where it completely depends on your budget and future plans.

Average Cost of Renting in Costa Rica

Unlike the States, where leases are for a year or what feels like an eternity throughout college, Costa Rica has more affordable deals and more manageable timeframes. Most landlords are open to both short and long term leases, and should ask you to make sure before any money has been given/taken

And paying rent can be much less stressful in Costa Rica as well. According to InterNations, the average rent for a single expat can be anywhere from $450-500 (for one or two bedrooms) to $1,300-1,800 (for more luxury three or four bedrooms) per month. OH! And, a lot of times the utilities are included, so make sure you look for places where you don’t need to worry about an extra bill.

In the case that utilities are not included, electricity, water, and gas will be your most common utility bills. In addition to wifi if needed. Depending on the size of your apartment / family, you may experience above or below average utility costs. But, in general, here’s what you can expect:

• Average electricity costs: $30-$100/month
• Average water costs: $10-$40/month
• Average gas costs: $20/month

Live it before you love it

Deciding on where to live in Costa Rica can be as nerve-wracking as finding somewhere to live in the states. I think this is the best piece of advice I can give you.

You should travel around the country to get a better idea of what kind of environment you want to LIVE in. See what town has what kind of vibe, and if it matches what you’re looking for in a home.

Costa Rica has many regions with different energies from each other. There are places like Santa Teresa which are very touristic and kitschy (hey you could enjoy that), and there are places like Tortuguero, which are small and more rural.

At the end of the day you have to trust yourself, and trust your intuition. If it feels right, there’s a big chance that it is, explore that

And once you have a place to call your own, you’ll start feeling that peace of paradise you were looking for. Questions? Comments? Thoughts? Drop them below! And be on the lookout for more from me on all things living in Costa Rica!