Airbnb market data · 202512 months to May 2025
San Cristóbal, Costa Rica Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in San Cristóbal brought in ₡1,514,999 over the 12 months through May 2025, across just 21 active listings, so a single property can move that figure.
AirROI's latest figures for San Cristóbal run through May 2025.
The short answer
San Cristóbal Airbnb Market at a Glance
Listings averaged ₡40,869 a night and were booked on 19% of available nights.
Timing matters: in April, the best month, the average listing earned about 3.2 times as much as in September, the slowest. With only 21 active listings, a few bookings can reorder the months.
With 21 active listings, San Cristóbal is the 37th-largest of 40 San Jose Province markets AirROI tracks.
Browse the live San Cristóbal Airbnb market See Every San Cristóbal ListingRevenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in San Cristóbal?
Gross bookings per San Cristóbal listing averaged ₡1,514,999 over the 12 months to May 2025 (San Jose Province average: ₡4,082,970), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
The average San Cristóbal listing brought in ₡334,000 in April, its best month, and ₡105,000 in September, its slowest. The three strongest months bring in 39% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
Across San Cristóbal's 21 active listings, monthly revenue by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn ₡372,000+ a month, about 2.2 times the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn ₡267,000 or more, roughly ₡97,000 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about ₡170,000 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn ₡102,000 or less, about 60% of the median.
These are monthly figures for listings active in each month. The annual average above also counts listings that operated for only part of the year, so it runs below twelve times these figures.
April earned about 3.2 times what September did
Average revenue per active listing, by month
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, ₡216,000. Dashed: May left out, as the latest month's data looks incomplete.
San Cristóbal Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the May 2025 data.
April led on revenue. Nightly rates peaked in January and bookings in July, so the best-paying month is not always the busiest or the priciest.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | Booking Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2024 | ₡181,880 | 16.7% | ₡32,819 | 30 days |
| Jul 2024 | ₡315,268 | 28.5% | ₡32,855 | 6 days |
| Aug 2024 | ₡232,687 | 21.6% | ₡32,539 | 13 days |
| Sep 2024 | ₡105,117 | 10.4% | ₡32,593 | 8 days |
| Oct 2024 | ₡126,187 | 12.3% | ₡32,670 | 8 days |
| Nov 2024 | ₡119,508 | 11.4% | ₡32,702 | 10 days |
| Dec 2024 | ₡239,626 | 22.6% | ₡32,621 | 24 days |
| Jan 2025 | ₡179,480 | 12.9% | ₡45,041 | 26 days |
| Feb 2025 | ₡234,073 | 18.5% | ₡44,841 | 10 days |
| Mar 2025 | ₡312,401 | 20.2% | ₡44,998 | 14 days |
| Apr 2025 | ₡334,485 | 22.8% | ₡44,284 | 34 days |
| May 2025* | ₡113,374 | 9.4% | ₡44,881 | 17 days |
Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in for stays in that month. *May 2025 is the latest month and looks incomplete: its occupancy sits well below the calendar months either side of it, as the latest month often does before late bookings are recorded. It may be revised and is not counted as a best or worst month.
These are market-wide figures. To see what one particular San Cristóbal home could earn, enter its address, bedrooms and guests in the Airbnb calculator; it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in San Cristóbal Profitable?
Yes, as extra income from a home or room you already have. The average San Cristóbal Airbnb took in ₡1,514,999 in the 12 months to May 2025, counting listings open only part of the year, and a listing in the top quarter, run by its owner at everyday costs, keeps about ₡146,000 a month after running costs.
These amounts come before housing costs. Where the mortgage or rent is less each month, the difference is profit; a home owned outright keeps it all after property tax, home insurance and any building or condo fees.
San Cristóbal Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Gross bookings | ₡1,514,999 | ₡2,378,000 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's fee15.5% of bookings, Airbnb's standard host-only fee | −₡235,000 | −₡369,000 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −₡76,000 | −₡119,000 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −₡30,000 | −₡48,000 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −₡45,000 | −₡71,000 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −₡15,000 | −₡15,000 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −₡8,000 | −₡8,000 |
| Management₡0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookings | ₡0 | ₡0 |
| Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are free | ₡0 | ₡0 |
| Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed on | ₡0 | ₡0 |
| Total running costsAbout 27% of bookings | −₡409,000 | −₡630,000 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | ₡1,105,999about ₡92,000 a month | ₡1,748,000about ₡146,000 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, building or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own San Cristóbal Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from San Cristóbal's average listing, run by its owner. Change how the listing performs, who runs it and who cleans to see what is left for the mortgage or rent.
To work out the profit on one San Cristóbal home, with its price, its mortgage or rent and your own costs, use the Airbnb profit calculator. It starts from the comparable listings around the address.
How San Cristóbal's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of San Cristóbal listings are booked on 22% or more of their nights, against 13% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of ₡35,300 adds about ₡353,000 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge ₡45,500 a night or more, against a median of ₡35,300. That is a separate ranking from the busiest quarter, so the two marks don't multiply into one listing's takings. For the average listing, a 10% higher rate on the nights it already books adds about ₡151,000 a year.
- Open for the busy months. April brought the average listing about ₡334,000, against ₡105,000 in September, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
What a listing keeps comes down to the figures this page measures: nightly rate, nights booked and the months it's open. A listing at the top-quarter mark takes in about ₡198,000 a month, against ₡126,000 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in San Cristóbal?
San Cristóbal listings were booked on 19% of the nights they were open over the past year, 17 percentage points below the San Jose Province average (36%) and 17 points below the Costa Rica average (36%). Occupancy climbs to 28% in July and falls to 10% in September.
Across San Cristóbal's 21 active listings, the share of open nights booked by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 32%+ of open nights, 19 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 22% or more, roughly one and a half nights a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 13% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 9% or less, less than one night a week.
July was the busiest month in San Cristóbal, September the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month
Dashed: May data incomplete. The 12-month rate of 19% averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Nightly rates
How Much Does an Airbnb Cost per Night in San Cristóbal?
The average nightly rate in San Cristóbal, known as ADR (average daily rate), was ₡40,869 over the past year, about the same as the San Jose Province average (₡41,800) and about 63% below the Costa Rica average of ₡109,000. Rates peak in January and March at about ₡45,000 and bottom out in August and September at about ₡32,500.
Across San Cristóbal's 21 active listings, nightly rates by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge ₡53,400+ a night, about 1.5 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge ₡45,500 or more, about ₡10,000 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about ₡35,300 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge ₡27,600 or less, about three-quarters of the median.
January rates ran 38% above August's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, ₡37,100. Dashed: May data incomplete. The 12-month ADR of ₡40,869 averages each listing's own rate across its whole year; the monthly points average listings month by month, so the two differ.
Seasonality
Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in San Cristóbal
With only 21 active listings, the monthly pattern in San Cristóbal is noisy, since a few long or pricey stays can lift a month; revenue peaked in April and bottomed out in September.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in San Cristóbal?
Guests book San Cristóbal stays 21 days ahead on average (about three weeks). April stays are booked furthest out, about 34 days ahead, and July stays closest to arrival, about 6 days. A typical April booking is made in mid-March.
April stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay
Dashed: May data incomplete. The 12-month figure of 21 days averages each listing's year as a whole; each month here averages only the listings with stays in it.
Permits
Airbnb Permits and Registration in San Cristóbal
24% of the 21 active listings in San Cristóbal display a registration, permit or license number. The share shows what hosts display, not what local rules allow: it can't show whether new permits are still issued, or whether limits on nights, zones or property types apply.
Registration, permit, zoning and tourist-tax rules vary by address and change often, so confirm them with the local authority before buying or listing in San Cristóbal.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in San Cristóbal
AirROI's area guide picks six San Cristóbal neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Downtown San Cristóbal, Los Lagos and Universidad Nacional. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.
| Area | Who it suits | Landmarks nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown San Cristóbal | The bustling heart of the city with a mix of local culture and amenities. Great for tourists wanting to explore local shops, restaurants, and cafes. | Parque Central, Museo de San Cristóbal, Local artisan markets, Plaza de deportes |
| Los Lagos | A serene area known for its beautiful lakes and outdoor activities. Perfect for visitors seeking nature and adventure, with opportunities for hiking and bird watching. | Lake Cote, Coto Brus River, San Cristóbal Nature Reserve, Hiking trails |
| Universidad Nacional | Home to the National University, this area has a youthful vibe with plenty of cafes, bars, and cultural events. Attracts students and young travelers. | National University Campus, Cafeteria Plaza, Cultural festivals, Local music events |
| La Lucha | Known for its art scene and cultural events, this neighborhood attracts artists and those interested in local traditions. | Art galleries, Community festivals, Craft markets |
| Cerro de la Muerte | This area offers spectacular views and is an excellent choice for adventure-seekers. Great for eco-tourism and outdoor sports. | Hiking routes, Observation points, Wildlife watching |
| Turrialba Volcano | An extraordinary natural area that attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers, perfect for eco-tourism and outdoor activities. | Turrialba Volcano National Park, White-water rafting, Botanical gardens |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Nearby markets
San Cristóbal vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets
Of the eight nearby markets in the table, all within 24 km, Jardín (6 km away, 33 listings) earned the most per listing, about 2.9 times as much as San Cristóbal. Curridabat was the busiest, booked on 42% of nights against 19% in San Cristóbal.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jardín 6 km | 33 | ₡4,338,847 | ₡49,373 | 24% |
| San Marcos 7 km | 32 | ₡4,094,496 | ₡60,654 | 26% |
| San Isidro 7 km | 47 | ₡2,947,429 | ₡48,658 | 22% |
| Santa María 11 km | 33 | ₡3,147,520 | ₡43,448 | 25% |
| San Pedro 15 km | 166 | ₡2,574,908 | ₡30,484 | 37% |
| Curridabat 20 km | 97 | ₡3,577,670 | ₡29,631 | 42% |
| Catedral 21 km | 107 | ₡2,819,721 | ₡31,494 | 33% |
| San José 24 km | 505 | ₡3,520,501 | ₡37,128 | 39% |
Other Airbnb Markets in San Jose Province
- Mata Redonda Airbnb data 370 listings
- Carmen Airbnb data 220 listings
- Pavas Airbnb data 212 listings
- San Rafael Airbnb data 177 listings
- San Isidro de El General Airbnb data 146 listings
- Barú Airbnb data 138 listings
- San Antonio Airbnb data 127 listings
- Merced Airbnb data 96 listings
FAQ
San Cristóbal Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in San Cristóbal?
An active San Cristóbal Airbnb grossed ₡1,514,999 on average in the 12 months to May 2025, according to AirROI's tracking of 21 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in ₡267,000 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in San Cristóbal?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of San Cristóbal listings earn between ₡102,000 and ₡267,000 in a typical month, and the top tenth ₡372,000 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb income calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Cristóbal?
Listings in San Cristóbal were booked on 19% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 36% for the San Jose Province average. July was the busiest month.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in San Cristóbal?
The average booked night in San Cristóbal cost ₡40,869 before fees. Half of listings charge between ₡27,600 and ₡45,500, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in San Cristóbal?
In San Cristóbal, 24% of active listings display a registration, permit or license number. The share shows what hosts display, not what the rules allow, so confirm registration, permit and tourist-tax rules with the local authority before buying.
Is Airbnb profitable in San Cristóbal?
It can be, as extra income from a home or room you already have. The average San Cristóbal Airbnb grossed ₡1,514,999 in the 12 months to May 2025, 63% below the San Jose Province average of ₡4,082,970, though with only 21 active listings a single property can move that figure, counting listings open only part of the year, and a listing at the top-quarter mark, run by its owner with everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, keeps about ₡146,000 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb estimator.
When is Airbnb peak season in San Cristóbal?
April paid best over the past year, at ₡334,000 per active listing, and September paid least. The month-by-month table above shows how rates and bookings each move.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in San Cristóbal?
San Cristóbal stays were booked 21 days (about three weeks) before arrival on average over the past year, so most of a month is booked well before it starts.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in San Cristóbal?
Downtown San Cristóbal, Los Lagos and Universidad Nacional draw the most short-term rental interest in San Cristóbal. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in San Cristóbal?
AirROI counted 21 active Airbnb listings in San Cristóbal as of May 2025. The closest tracked market is Jardín, 6 km away.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 21 active Airbnb listings in San Cristóbal from June 2024 to May 2025 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. AirROI measures bookings in US dollars; this page shows them in Costa Rican colóns at ₡461 per US$, the typical rate from November 2025 to October 2026. Annual revenue averages every listing active during the period, including those listed for only part of it; monthly figures average the listings active in each month; the tier lists show the spread. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-assisted. See the methodology for definitions.
Need this programmatically? The same metrics are available through the AirROI Airbnb Data API and bulk downloads in the data portal.