Best Monthly Car Rental Deals in Costa Rica

Explore a variety of car segments with the lowest possible monthly rental prices. Choose from the best deals with leading companies for extended travel durations.

  • Free Cancellation
  • 24/7 Customer Support
  • No Hidden Charges
  • Large Fleet of Vehicles
  • Lowest Price Guaranteed

Top Companies Offering Monthly Car Rental Deals in Costa Rica

Promising zero hidden fees, excellent customer service, competitive prices, and the best vehicles, we only work with top rated international and domestic car hire companies that extend quality services without compromising quality.

View All

Monthly Car Rental Categories in Costa Rica

Select the ideal vehicle for your Costa Rican itinerary from the widest selection of luxury sedans, multi-seater vans, and several categories of 4WD SUVs.

Suzuki Ignis
Mini
Suzuki Ignis or Similar
442
Hyundai i10
Economy
Hyundai i10 or Similar
441
Hyundai Elantra
Standard
Hyundai Elantra or Similar
444
Toyota Hilux
Full size
Toyota Hilux or Similar
545
Toyota HiAce
Van/Minivan
Toyota HiAce or Similar
846
Chevrolet Groove
SUV
Chevrolet Groove or Similar
552

Cheap Monthly Car Rental in Costa Rica

Hiring a car for a month-long travel plan in Costa Rica is a flexible and easy way to get around from one place to many others in this volcanic country. The diverse wildlife, incredible beaches, and adventure hotspots in different areas attract local and international tourists alike. And a self-drive rental car helps you avoid the crowds and offers personalized transport available at all times.

Should You Rent a Car for a Month in Costa Rica?

Costa Rican cities offer good and budget-friendly public transportation for travellers staying in city areas. But for those who wish to visit attractions far from cities, using a rental car is usually convenient. The need to take taxis or time-bound public transport may slow you down. 

Having a monthly car hire offers affordable per-day rates and allows you to move freely, not to mention the ease of having access to your luggage throughout the journey. A car simplifies travel for tourists and remote workers alike, as they can change their itineraries as they please.

How Much Does a Monthly Car Rental Really Cost?

Monthly rentals aren’t just daily rates multiplied by 30. Although such deals are generally discounted, the total costs can vary altogether.

For context, the economy in the low season can start at around $570 per month. Whereas larger vehicles and SUVs may exceed $2,500 per month in peak travel periods. This is just one example of how prices can fluctuate between seasons.

The average per month costs for different car categories can roughly fall starting at:

  • Economy/Compact – $900 
  • Standard Cars – $1,200
  • SUV & 4×4 – $1,800

It’s important to know that these are meant to give you an idea of what to expect. The actual prices are based on your preferred company and vehicle type.

Mandatory Insurance You Must Know About 

All vehicles, including rentals, are required to have insurance under Costa Rican law. A Third Party Liability, Collision Damage Waiver, and Theft Protection are generally offered as standard insurance in car hire deals. Even with those, travellers may still be obliged to pay some amount in the event of damage to the car or to others.

Optional But Useful:

Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) and Full coverage are optional policies that you can purchase to save costs if the car is damaged.

Security Deposit for Monthly Rentals 

Security deposits in Costa Rica can be a deciding point for many long-term renters when booking. 

Rental companies place a hold on your credit card as part of industry-standard procedures. The deposit amount can range anywhere from $500 and $3,000+, depending on the insurance and car type.

Debit card transactions for security deposits are hardly ever encouraged, nor is cash, as the amounts are usually higher than with a credit card.

Best Car Type for a Month in Costa Rica

A monthly car hire in Costa Rica can be extremely convenient and cost-effective for travellers planning a lengthy trip. But deciding the best vehicle requires them to take several things into consideration before booking. While they can always choose their preferred option, the following options are often booked by visitors to Costa Rica.

Economy vs SUV

Economy and compact cars are typical options for affordable city driving and paved roads.

Expert travellers suggest hiring SUVs and 4×4 vehicles for rural areas and during the rainy months of May to November, when roads can be wet and muddy.

Manual vs Automatic

Manual cars offer better fuel efficiency and great control in harsh weather, but driving them can be tiring in city traffic. 

Automatic cars let you focus on the road and offer great comfort, making driving through city crowds easier.

Cheapest Ways to Rent a Car for a Month  

Here are a couple of small yet effective things to keep in mind to find the most budget-friendly monthly car hire:

  • Economy and compact cars are usually the cheapest monthly rentals with lower daily rates and somewhat smaller security deposits. Although a small car works well for city drives and along well-paved coastal routes, a 4×4 can be comparatively pricier but a better option for rugged driving.
  • Picking up a car at an airport is convenient but often results in higher base rates due to airport fees. These extra costs can further add up over a month-long hire.
  • Booking with local rental companies is sometimes cheaper. But international companies may offer larger fleets at more widespread pickup locations. So, you must compare offers from both to find the best value for a favourable car.
  • December to April are peak travel seasons in Costa Rica, meaning high demand for most vehicles. Booking at least 2 to 3 months in advance is advisable to make sure you get the preferred car for the required period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to book a monthly car rental in Costa Rica?

Monthly car hire prices in Costa Rica change with each booking, depending on the chosen vehicle segment, deal type, location, and seasonality. You can enter your travel information in the booking form to get accurate quotes for available deals.

Is unlimited mileage included in monthly car rentals?

Monthly car hire deals are usually inclusive of unlimited mileage. So you can drive freely without needing to track daily kilometer limits when exploring Costa Rica. Some vehicle segments may only be available with limited mileage options and a per-kilometre charge after a specified distance.

Do I need a 4×4 car for a monthly rental in Costa Rica?

Plenty of monthly rental deals for 4×4 cars are available and are often recommended by seasoned travellers for exploring rural areas, beaches, and wet roads. But you can simply book an economy or compact car for city driving and main highways.

What is the cheapest monthly car rental in Costa Rica?

An economy or compact car is usually cheaper to rent in Costa Rica. Average prices for those start from USD 900 for about 30 days. But the rates tend to change with each season, car category, supplier, and optional preferences. You can find the lowest possible quotes across a broader selection of deals with multiple companies by booking early.

Is insurance mandatory for monthly car rentals in Costa Rica?

Basic insurance is legally required for all vehicles in Costa Rica. For that, car hire deals often include Third Party Liability, Collision Damage Waiver, and Theft Protection. You may opt for extra coverage when making a reservation, but remember to read the policies beforehand.

How does fuel policy work for monthly car rentals?

A full-to-full fuel policy is usually offered with a monthly car hire. For that, you must return the car with a full tank as received at pickup. A same-to-same fuel policy might also be available with some companies, requiring the vehicle to be returned with the same fuel level provided. Returning the car with missing fuel can result in refuelling charges and a service fee.

Can I book a monthly car hire with no security deposit?

All renters are subject to a security deposit, held temporarily by the supplier at the time of car collection. It is blocked on the main driver’s credit card. The full amount of the deposit is refunded upon the vehicle’s return in the same condition it was picked up.

Do I need a credit card for monthly car hire in Costa Rica?

Rental companies pre-authorize a security deposit on the main driver’s credit card, which is required at the time of car pickup. Given that the card is key to holding the refundable deposit that ensures the financial safety of the car, renters must provide it. Bookings without a credit card are typically rejected or cancelled.

Top Car Rental Locations in Costa Rica

Here is a list of all the countrywide locations, including the top airports and downtowns, where you can choose to pick up the hired vehicle:

Cities/Downtown

Airports

Table of Content