Should I Invest in Flamingo, Costa Rica Instead of Miami?

When it comes to real estate investing, Miami is often top of mind. It’s global, established, and delivers year-round rental activity. But what if there’s an emerging market offering higher returns, lower entry prices, and strong tourism growth?

Welcome to Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica—a beach town evolving into a premium investment hotspot.

Let’s look at the numbers.

• Average Monthly Revenue per Property:

  
  

  • Flamingo: $4,578

  • Miami: $4,013

    Despite having a lower average occupancy rate (50.5% vs. Miami’s 58.4%), Flamingo generates more income per month, meaning you earn more with fewer bookings.

  
  

• Seasonal Peaks:

  Flamingo’s high season (December to March) pushes monthly revenue above $6,000 per unit, rivaling or even surpassing Miami’s peak months.

• Cost of Entry:

  A luxury home in Flamingo can start around $360,000, while comparable properties in Miami are often two to three times more expensive.

• Regulation & Competition:

  Costa Rica currently has low short-term rental regulation, and Flamingo is still in a growth phase—offering first-mover advantage in a high-demand beach destination.

So, should you invest in Flamingo instead of Miami?

If you’re looking for higher ROI, lower acquisition cost, and long-term growth potential in a world-class location, the answer is yes. While Miami remains a solid, mature market, Flamingo offers more upside for today’s investor.