CoStar vs LoopNet: what's the difference?
In this article
Short answer: CoStar and LoopNet are owned by the same company but do different jobs. LoopNet is a listings marketplace for finding or advertising space and buildings. CoStar is a paid research database with comps, owners, tenants and analytics. Use LoopNet to see what's for sale or lease, and CoStar to research a market.
CoStar vs LoopNet at a glance
| CoStar | LoopNet | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Research database | Listings marketplace |
| Who it's for | Brokers, lenders, investors, appraisers | Anyone looking for space or a building, and those marketing one |
| Cost | Paid subscription, quote only | Free to search; paid ad packages to list with more exposure |
| Sold prices and comps | Yes | Not its purpose |
| Owner and tenant data | Yes | Not its purpose |
| Market analytics | Yes | No |
| Active listings | Yes | Yes |
What LoopNet is for
LoopNet is where people look for commercial space. You can search for free, and if you're marketing a property you can post a listing.
Paid ad packages come in Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond tiers, and higher tiers get more exposure, including across the CoStar network. LoopNet doesn't publish those prices, and they vary by market.
What it won't give you is closed-sale prices. Treat what you see there as asking prices.
Ask West Kite who owns a building and get their phone number in one search.Try it free ↗What CoStar is for
CoStar is the paid research product. It covers property records, owners, tenants, listings, sales comps, lease activity and market analytics.
It's sold through a sales team with no public price. Here's what we could find on CoStar's cost.
How they connect
CoStar Group owns both, and the two share listing data. A listing added through one can show up for users of the other, which is why brokers often market on LoopNet even if their research happens in CoStar.
Which do you need?
- Looking for space or a building to buy? Start with LoopNet. It's free.
- Marketing a listing? Use LoopNet, and consider Crexi as well.
- Researching comps, owners or a market? You need CoStar or an alternative.
- Trying to reach owners of buildings that aren't listed? Neither is really built for it. That's what West Kite is for, and yes, we make it. See how to find off-market properties.
Comparing paid research tools? Here are the best CoStar alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Does CoStar own LoopNet?
Yes. Both are part of CoStar Group.
Is LoopNet free?
Searching is free. Listing has free and paid options, and paid packages get more visibility.
Does LoopNet show sold prices?
It's built around active listings, not closed sales. For sold prices, use county records or a comp database. Here's how to find sales comps for free.
Can I use LoopNet instead of CoStar?
For finding listings, often yes. For comps, owners, tenants and market data, no.
$149/mo
