Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROIReviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI
Updated:

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $2,741 per year — at a $34 nightly rate, 31.4% occupancy, and a $11 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.

Santa Maria's 316 active listings and selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 143.1% and nightly rates have risen, creating an environment where the most bookable listings stand to capture outsized share. Hosts who pair competitive pricing with strong guest experience are well-positioned to convert the growing traveler base into consistent bookings.

Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. For data-driven hosts, the opportunity lies in reading these signals and positioning accordingly.

What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Santa Maria?

In Santa Maria, the headline Airbnb metrics are $2,741 in average annual revenue,31.4% occupancy, $34 ADR, and $11 in RevPAR, and guests book about 16 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$34
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Santa Maria.
Occupancy Rate(?)
31.4%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Avg. Annual Revenue(?)
$2,741
Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Santa Maria. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
RevPAR(?)
$11
Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
-5.9%
Slight decrease (-5.9%) vs. last year.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
316
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.
Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)
16 days
How far in advance guests typically book in Santa Maria. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
December
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Santa Maria.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
February
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Santa Maria.
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How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Santa Maria?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Santa Maria is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Santa Maria is typically December, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Santa Maria across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $740+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $487 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $273 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $130, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Santa Maria

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Santa Maria?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Santa Maria STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Aprilsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while February experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Santa Maria:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 70%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 50% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 30%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 14% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Santa Maria

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Santa Maria?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Santa Maria involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Santa Maria typically peaks in October and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $48+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $36 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $29 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $23 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Santa Maria

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Santa Maria?

RevPAR in Santa Maria is currently $11. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.

  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $6 RevPAR.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate $9 RevPAR.
  • Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $13 RevPAR.
  • Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $19 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Santa Maria

RevPAR Insights for Santa Maria

  • The average RevPAR in Santa Maria is $11. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
  • The gap between the top 10% ($19) and bottom 25% ($6) is $13, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
  • RevPAR peaks in Dec and bottoms out in May, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Santa Maria benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $9, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
  • Top-quartile listings achieve $13+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
  • Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.

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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Santa Maria?

Santa Maria's peak Airbnb season falls in December, January, July, while the softest stretch is February, May, September. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (December, January, July)
  • Revenue averages $402 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 35.7%
  • Daily rates average $34
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $349 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 34.4%
  • Daily rates hold near $34
Low Season (February, May, September)
  • Revenue drops to average $318 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 32.0%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $34

Seasonality Insights for Santa Maria

  • The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Santa Maria shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Santa Maria's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $438, occupancy reaching 40.7%, and ADRs peaking at $35.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $305, occupancy could drop to 30.0%, and ADRs may adjust to $30.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Santa Maria.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Santa Maria seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Santa Maria?

Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Santa Maria to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Santa Maria?

Location within Santa Maria matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Santa Maria
Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Centro
The downtown area of Santa Maria offers a rich cultural experience with historical architecture, shops, and restaurants. It attracts tourists and host visitors attending events, given its central location.
Catedral Basílica Menor de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Teatro Treze de Maio, Museu de Arte de Santa Maria, Shopping Praça Nova, Praça Saldanha Marinho
Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM)
This area is popular with students and families visiting the university. The proximity to the campus makes it an ideal location for short-term rentals for academic visitors.
Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Caminho dos Antiquários, Caminho do Sol
São José do Sul
A technology hub that attracts young professionals and offers a suburban feel while still being close to the city. It is a great location for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere with convenience.
Parque Natural Municipal de São José, Shopping de São José, Vista para o Lago
Vila Rosa
A charming neighborhood with a local vibe and scenic parks, making it attractive for families and couples seeking a peaceful getaway while still having access to city amenities.
Parque Natural da Vila Rosa, Café da manhã Monteiro, Feira de Artesanato
Nonoai
A vibrant neighborhood known for its cultural activities and local markets, appealing to tourists seeking an authentic Brazilian experience and local cuisine.
Praça do Nonoai, Feira do Semaneiro, Cultura do Nonoai
Dona Vânia
A quaint area well-suited for retreats or family gatherings, characterized by friendly community vibes and easy access to nature surroundings.
Praça Dona Vânia, Parque da Colina, Clube de Pesca
Camobi
Popular with students and young adults, this neighborhood features a lively atmosphere with bars, restaurants, and proximity to outdoor activities and parks.
Parque da Independência, Caminho das Pedras, Praça Camobi
Mariano de Matos
A residential area gaining popularity due to its peaceful surroundings and local amenities, which appeal to longer-staying visitors looking for comfort and accessibility.
Centro Comercial, Praça Mariano, Parque Municipal

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Santa Maria offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.

What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Santa Maria?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Santa Maria

  • The Santa Maria Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 85.8% of the 316 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Santa Maria, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (84.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, hotel/boutique, others (combined 5.0%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Santa Maria Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Santa Maria

  • The dominant room capacity in Santa Maria is 1 bedroom listings, making up 54.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 74.3% of the active Airbnb listings in Santa Maria, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • With over half the market (54.4%) consisting of studios or 1-bedroom units, Santa Maria is particularly well-suited for individuals or couples.

Santa Maria Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Santa Maria

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Santa Maria vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (23.7%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Santa Maria STR market, accounting for 45.9% of listings.
  • 17.1% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Santa Maria.
  • On average, properties in Santa Maria are equipped to host 3.4 guests.

How Do Listings in Santa Maria Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Santa Maria can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.

Average Photos per Listing(?)
23.1
More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.
Average Beds per Listing(?)
2.1
Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.
Exact Location Enabled(?)
30.7%
Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Santa Maria

  • At 23.1 photos per listing on average, Santa Maria hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
  • 30.7% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
  • Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Santa Maria averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Santa Maria?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Santa Maria

  • Essential amenities in Santa Maria that guests expect include: Wifi, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Air conditioning, TV, Free parking on premises are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Santa Maria: Wifi, Kitchen.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Kitchen.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Air conditioning or TV to increase appeal.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in Santa Maria to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Santa Maria?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Santa Maria, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

AmenityPrevalenceRevenue WithRevenue WithoutRevenue Uplift
Hot tubHigh opportunity
1.9%$9,341$2,613257.5%
Fire pitHigh opportunity
1.6%$8,968$2,641239.6%
Sound systemHigh opportunity
1.9%$7,817$2,643195.8%
Kitchen
96.5%$2,797$1,182136.6%
EV chargerHigh opportunity
1.6%$6,108$2,687127.3%
Children’s books and toysHigh opportunity
3.8%$5,722$2,623118.1%
Window guardsHigh opportunity
2.8%$5,362$2,664101.3%
Movie theater
1.6%$5,278$2,70095.5%
Gym
5.7%$4,895$2,61187.5%
Crib
1.6%$5,064$2,70487.3%

Revenue Impact Insights for Santa Maria

  • Hot tub tops the revenue impact list with a 257.5% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $9,341 vs. $2,613 without it.
  • High-opportunity amenities — Hot tub, Fire pit, Sound system — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
  • Kitchen — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making it table stakes rather than true differentiators.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Prioritize adding Hot tub — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Santa Maria.
  • Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
  • Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Santa Maria STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Santa Maria. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Santa Maria Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Santa Maria

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Santa Maria consists of primarily domestic travelers (93%), often arriving from nearby Rio Grande do Sul, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking Portuguese or English.
  • Domestic travelers account for 92.9% of guests.
  • Key international markets include Brazil (92.9%) and Uruguay (2.4%).
  • Top languages spoken are Portuguese (47.7%) followed by English (25.6%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Rio Grande do Sul and Porto Alegre.
  • Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
  • Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
  • Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Santa Maria?

Listings in Santa Maria average 4.87 out of 5 overall, with about 47.9 reviews per active listing and 53.8% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Santa Maria

  • With an overall rating of 4.87, Santa Maria listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
  • The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.93), while Value (4.83) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
  • 53.8% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
  • Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.

Santa Maria Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Santa Maria

  • The most common availability pattern in Santa Maria falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 62% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 90.8% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Santa Maria (34.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 9.1% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Santa Maria?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Santa Maria

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Santa Maria is 16 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during January (average 27 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 9 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (22 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (12 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (16 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Santa Maria.
  • For January stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 27 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 22 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Santa Maria averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Santa Maria?

Guests in Santa Maria stay about 5.1 nights on average, generating roughly 5,123 reservations and 16.3 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.

Monthly Length of Stay in Santa Maria

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Santa Maria

  • A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
  • 16.3 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
  • Stay lengths peak in Jun (5.2 nights) and shorten in Oct (3.2 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
  • Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
  • Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.

Santa Maria Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (61.4%)

1 Night

194 listings

61.4% of total

2 Nights (18.7%)

2 Nights

59 listings

18.7% of total

3 Nights (3.2%)

3 Nights

10 listings

3.2% of total

4-6 Nights (1.9%)

4-6 Nights

6 listings

1.9% of total

7-29 Nights (0.9%)

7-29 Nights

3 listings

0.9% of total

30+ Nights (13.9%)

30+ Nights

44 listings

13.9% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Santa Maria is 1 Night, adopted by 61.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (80.1%) of the Santa Maria Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
  • A significant segment (13.9%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Santa Maria, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 61.4% of Santa Maria hosts use this setting.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 13.9% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Santa Maria.

Santa Maria Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Limited

2 listings

0.6% of total

Super Strict 30 Days

1 listings

0.3% of total

Flexible (36.7%)

Flexible

116 listings

36.7% of total

Moderate (40.8%)

Moderate

129 listings

40.8% of total

Firm (15.8%)

Firm

50 listings

15.8% of total

Strict (5.7%)

Strict

18 listings

5.7% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Santa Maria

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Santa Maria is Moderate, used by 40.8% of listings.
  • The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 77.5% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Santa Maria may expect booking flexibility.
  • Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (5.7%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 40.8% market standard in Santa Maria.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 5.7% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Santa Maria.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Santa Maria?

Cleaning fees in Santa Maria are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.

Average Cleaning Fee
$17
Median Cleaning Fee
$18
Listings Charging a Fee
79.4%
Fee as Revenue Share
10.0%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Santa Maria

  • 79.4% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Santa Maria. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
  • The average cleaning fee of $17 is close to the median ($18), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
  • Cleaning fees represent 10.0% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Santa Maria median of $18. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
  • Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
  • Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.

What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Santa Maria Look Like?

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Santa Mariabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Sítio do Sossego 377 - Insta @ sitiodosossego377

Sítio do Sossego 377 - Insta @ sitiodosossego377

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$18,386
Revenue
41.2%
Occupancy
$135.63
Daily Rate
Casablanca Space Garden

Casablanca Space Garden

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$16,181
Revenue
13.5%
Occupancy
$406.69
Daily Rate
1011• Modern, Sophisticated & Perfect in StaMaria

1011• Modern, Sophisticated & Perfect in StaMaria

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$12,834
Revenue
70.9%
Occupancy
$49.45
Daily Rate
Amanhecer Cabin - Sunset Joy Ranch

Amanhecer Cabin - Sunset Joy Ranch

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$11,937
Revenue
25.8%
Occupancy
$124.18
Daily Rate
Apt. 1012: “Comfort, Coziness and a Cozy Vibe”

Apt. 1012: “Comfort, Coziness and a Cozy Vibe”

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$11,340
Revenue
64.5%
Occupancy
$46.73
Daily Rate
Casita sunset - Sítio sunset joy

Casita sunset - Sítio sunset joy

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$9,621
Revenue
19.4%
Occupancy
$131.52
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Santa Maria?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Santa Maria based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Santa Maria by revenue
Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Pedro Trost19$38,88012304.75/5.0
Guilherme Severo Anfitrião Pro15$36,4733864.89/5.0
Fabricio6$32,8392334.88/5.0
LZN Hospedagens8$31,9852054.92/5.0
Jobim Imóveis12$26,4393074.73/5.0
Verônica2$24,1742964.92/5.0
Marcelo2$21,5581544.96/5.0
Marcio1$18,386405.00/5.0
Carla3$18,1411495.00/5.0
Janaina12$17,9122664.69/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Santa Maria.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Santa Maria?

Santa Maria is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.

Superhosts
68.0%
Professional Management
0.6%
Cohosted Listings
21.2%
Instant Book Enabled
2.8%
Simplified Pricing
72.8%

Host Profile Insights for Santa Maria

  • With 68.0% Superhosts, Santa Maria has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
  • 0.6% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
  • 2.8% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
  • 72.8% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
  • With 21.2% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
  • Benchmark your host metrics against these Santa Maria averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

Top Professional Management Companies in Santa Maria

These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Santa Maria, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.

Top Airbnb management companies in Santa Maria
CompanyListingsRevenueADROcc.Rating
Marcelo2$21,558$12822.6%4.96/5

Management Company Insights for Santa Maria

  • The leading management company, Marcelo, operates 2 listings with $21,558 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Santa Maria.
  • Top managers average 2 properties each, suggesting professional management in Santa Maria still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
  • Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.97/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.

Recommendations

  • With only 0.6% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
  • Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
  • If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.

How Does Santa Maria's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Santa Maria Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

Compared with Passo Fundo, Santa Maria has 3 percentage points lower occupancy and about $9 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Santa Maria — performance comparison
MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Ernestina13$706$150.9621%
Itaara36$625$94.8728%
Restinga Sêca10$505$79.1227%
Venâncio Aires22$463$54.6531%
Passo Fundo231$335$43.0534%
Santa Cruz do Sul183$305$54.1327%
Carazinho25$257$74.8026%
Cachoeira do Sul56$211$30.2429%
Santo Ângelo44$177$30.7431%
São Gabriel43$173$56.9220%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Santa Maria

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Santa Maria.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Santa Maria?

Santa Maria hosts earn about $2,741 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $34 and RevPAR of $11. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Santa Maria market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Santa Maria?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Santa Maria is 31.4%. December is the strongest month and February is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.

What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Santa Maria?

Listings in Santa Maria average $34 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.

How many Airbnb listings are active in Santa Maria?

Santa Maria currently has about 316 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.

How strict are short-term rental regulations in Santa Maria?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Santa Maria as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.

What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Santa Maria?

RevPAR in Santa Maria is about $11. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.

Is Airbnb profitable in Santa Maria?

Occupancy of 31.4% means Santa Maria is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $2,741, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Santa Maria?

The average booking lead time in Santa Maria is about 16 days — a relatively short booking window, meaning most guests decide within a few weeks of their trip — dynamic pricing can capture late demand. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Santa Maria?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Santa Maria include Centro, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), São José do Sul. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.

What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Santa Maria?

entire_home listings make up 85.8% of the active supply in Santa Maria. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.

How does Santa Maria compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Ernestina posts $8,469 in average annual revenue with 20.9% occupancy, compared to Santa Maria's $2,741 and 31.4%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.

What is the average length of stay in Santa Maria?

The average Airbnb stay length in Santa Maria is about 5.1 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.

What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Santa Maria?

Airbnb listings in Santa Maria average 4.87 out of 5 overall. About 53.8% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.

Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Santa Maria?

Hot tub and Fire pit are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Santa Maria. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.

Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Santa Maria?

Yes. About 79.4% of active Airbnb listings in Santa Maria charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $17. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.

What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Santa Maria?

A 68.0% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.

About AirROI Market Data

AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.

Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.

AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.

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