Property tax, the luxury (solidarity) tax, corporation upkeep, insurance, management, most buyers only discover these after closing. Enter the basics and get the honest annual figure, itemized.
Costa Rica is one of the cheapest places in the Americas to hold property, base property tax is just 0.25% per year. The figures that surprise buyers are the luxury (solidarity) tax on higher-value homes, corporation upkeep, and short-term rental management. Here's what we get asked most.
0.25% of the registered property value per year, paid to the local municipality (quarterly or annually). On a $650,000 property that's about $1,625/year, far below the US or Canada. Municipalities also bill small service fees for trash collection.
The Impuesto Solidario applies only when the construction value of a home passes a threshold updated each year (around ₡148 million, roughly $290,000 of construction). If it triggers, a progressive rate of 0.25% to 0.55% applies to the property's total value. Land-only purchases never pay it. Our calculator flags this automatically.
Most foreign buyers hold property in an S.A. or SRL. Budget roughly $850 to 950/year: the annual corporate tax, a resident agent, and basic accounting/legal filings. It buys liability separation and a much cleaner future resale.
Short-term / Airbnb management in towns like Santa Teresa or Nosara typically runs 20 to 25% of gross rental revenue, all-inclusive of guest handling and turnover. Long-term tenant management runs about 8 to 10%. Good management is the single biggest driver of net rental returns.
Not legally required, but strongly recommended, and required if there's financing in place. INS (the national insurer) and private carriers cover fire, earthquake, and liability for roughly 0.25% to 0.35% of the construction value per year.
Folio puts Costa Rica's official land records in your pocket.
We'll email your itemized annual cost sheet and keep it handy. No spam, just your numbers and a real person if you want one.