By Jan Kozak
The Costa Rica News
If you are moving to Costa Rica for work or fun, furnished rentals represent an excellent solution to facilitate a smooth transition into a new country and culture.
Most of the times, the move from another country to Costa Rica is accompanied by a wide array of issues that you have to deal with such as immigration, finding schools for your kids, learning your way around, dealing with language barriers, setting up bank accounts, buying a vehicle and a lot more. In most cases, the last thing you want to worry about is furnishing your home or apartment especially considering the exorbitantly high prices of both furniture and appliances.
Particularly in the Greater Metropolitan Area, there are hundreds of both short and long term furnished rental options to accommodate the needs of foreigners that want to start exploring the country as well as expatriates who are being relocated to Costa Rica for work reasons by multinational companies. Equally, furnished rentals represent an excellent alternative to hotels and aparthotels for those coming to Costa Rica for medical care at some of the country’s finest private hospitals and clinics offering world-class quality services at affordable rates.
It is important to point out that furnished rentals are mostly concentrated in only a select few neighborhoods such as Escazu, Santa Ana, Sabana, Rohrmoser on the west side, Curridabat on the east side and Cariari on the north side of the Central Valley. These areas are popular among expatriates for numerous reasons. What they have in common is good infrastructure, security, commercial centers, convenience stores, malls, private schools, bars and restaurants and proximity to major corporate office centers and free trade zones.
Due to the high turnover rate of furnished rentals inventory in the Greater Metropolitan Area, most foreigners find it particularly difficult to search for options online. This is why The Costa Rica News maintains a large database of furnished rentals and has dedicated English-speaking staff assigned exclusively to facilitate the search for furnished apartments and homes for expatriates. Generally speaking, 1 bedroom apartments rent for $800.00 to $2,000.00, 2 bedrooms rent for $1,200 to $2,500.00 and 3 bedrooms rent for $1,500 to $3,500.00 per month. Luxury furnished homes (4+ bedrooms) in some of the most exclusive gated communities in the Greater Metropolitan Area can rent for $5,000.00 and up.
In terms of legalities, securing a furnished lease contract in Costa Rica is actually quite simple and straightforward. Most landlords will request the first month of rent plus a security deposit equivalent to one month of rent. In some instances, an additional deposit may be requested to cover any potential damages to furniture and appliances. In most cases no references are required although some landlords may request a letter from employee or a reference from a local contact. The Costa Rica News relocations staff will be able to guide, orient and advice you with both the home/apaerment search and formalization of your lease contract.
What follows are some examples of furnished rentals in the Central Valley. It is not necessarily the case that they are currently available. Nevertheless, in most instances, The Costa Rica News real estate staff can locate similar options at any time.
1 Bedroom Furnished Apartment in Santa Ana – $850.00/month
- 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
- Open concept kitchen, living room and dining area, AC
- Price includes cable TV, Internet and maid service twice a week, 24/7 security
- Fresh Market convenience store, pharmacy, bars and restaurants 100 meters away
2 Bedroom Furnished Apartment in Santa Ana – $1,800.00/month
- Top floor executive apartment
- 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
- Amazing lake view
- 24/7 security, swimming pool, BBQ, gym
- Tennis courts, soccer field
- Playgrounds for kids
- 500 meters to Fresh Market convenience store
- Direct access to Route 27 (San Jose – Caldera)
3 Bedroom Furnished Apartment in Escazu – $3,200.00/month
- Amazing 3 bedroom condo with spectacular views
- Open concept kitchen, living and dining room
- 24/7 security, swimming pool, tennis courts, Jacuzzi, gym, club house
- 1 minute drive to AutoMercado
- Close proximity to private schools, office centers
For Best Rentals visit https://www.instagram.com/highvibemanagement/