Santa Cruz Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Cartago Province, Costa Rica
Is Airbnb profitable in Santa Cruz in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Santa Cruz, Cartago Province, Costa Rica to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Santa Cruz, based on AirROI data from August 2024 to July 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 30 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Santa Cruz, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Santa Cruz Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Santa Cruz Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Santa Cruz (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz is typically August, while October often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Santa Cruz across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $2,664+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,310 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $667 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $360, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Santa Cruz STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while June 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 Cruz:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 62%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 39% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 26%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 14% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Santa Cruz
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Santa Cruz (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Santa Cruz involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Santa Cruz typically peaks in June and dips lowest during October. 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 $256+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $126 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $86 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $63 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Santa Cruz
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Santa Cruz (2025)
Peak Season (August, December, April)
- Revenue averages $1,386 per month
- Occupancy rates average 31.3%
- Daily rates average $112
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,108 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 32.6%
- Daily rates hold near $113
Low Season (June, October, November)
- Revenue drops to average $936 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 26.1%
- Daily rates adjust to average $113
Seasonality Insights for Santa Cruz
- The Airbnb seasonality in Santa Cruz shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Santa Cruz's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $1,571, occupancy reaching a high of 38.3%, and ADRs peaking at $120.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $870, occupancy could drop to 23.0%, and ADRs may adjust down to $108.
- 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 Cruz.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Santa Cruz seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Santa Cruz (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Santa Cruz? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Teresa | A popular beach town known for its surf culture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Ideal for visitors looking for relaxation and adventure in a stunning natural environment. | Santa Teresa Beach, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, El Carmen Beach, Montezuma Waterfall, MalPais Beach |
| La Fortuna | Famous for its proximity to Arenal Volcano and stunning waterfalls, La Fortuna is a hotspot for adventure tourism and nature lovers. Offers numerous activities like hiking, zip-lining and hot springs. | Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall, Tabacon Hot Springs, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, Lake Arenal |
| Jaco | A bustling beach town known for its surfing, nightlife, and accessibility from San Jose. Draws both party-goers and families looking for a fun beach experience. | Jaco Beach, Rainforest Adventures Jaco, Jaco Walk, Herradura Beach, Crocodile Bridge |
| Guanacaste | Renowned for its beautiful beaches and national parks, Guanacaste is a prime destination for beach lovers and eco-tourists alike. Perfect for a variety of outdoor adventures. | Tamarindo Beach, Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Playa Conchal, Santa Rosa National Park, Nosara |
| Monteverde | Famous for its cloud forests and biodiversity, Monteverde attracts eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts looking for a unique environment featuring rich flora and fauna. | Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Sky Adventures Park, Coffee Tours, Curi Cancha Reserve |
| Cartago | The historic capital of Costa Rica, known for its cultural sites and temperate climate. Ideal for visitors interested in history, culture, and nature. | Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, Irazú Volcano National Park, Lankester Botanical Gardens, Ruins of Ujarrás, Turrialba Volcano |
| Quepos | A gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos is popular for its stunning beaches and rich wildlife. Great for those looking for nature and outdoor activities. | Manuel Antonio National Park, Marina Pez Vela, Quepos Beach, Espadilla Beach, Rainmaker Conservation Project |
| Samara | A laid-back beach town known for its stunning beaches and calm waters perfect for swimming and relaxation. Attracts families and solo travelers seeking peace. | Samara Beach, Carrillo Beach, Sámara Wildlife Refuge, Iguanazul Hotel's Surf School, Kö Mindest Kayaks |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Santa Cruz (2025)
While Santa Cruz, Cartago Province, Costa Rica currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Santa Cruz to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Santa Cruz (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Santa Cruzbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Mountain House • Stunning Views • Total Privacy!
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Volare: Awaken Above the Clouds, Absolute Privacy
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Turrialba Volcano
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Countryside 4-bedroom Home! Amazing Vistas
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Flores del Volcán Cabins - Family Cabin
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Casa Linda Vista - Turrialba
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Santa Cruz (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Santa Cruz based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angie | 1 | $58,720 | 115 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Tucker | 1 | $37,135 | 274 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Adrian Esteban | 3 | $28,951 | 6 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Hazel | 1 | $23,312 | 76 | 4.97/5.0 |
| María | 2 | $23,092 | 25 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Shayna | 1 | $20,913 | 42 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Elizabeth | 1 | $14,241 | 7 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Marna | 1 | $13,113 | 35 | 4.89/5.0 |
| María José | 1 | $12,242 | 29 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Darío | 1 | $12,113 | 22 | 4.86/5.0 |
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 Cruz.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Santa Cruz STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Santa Cruz. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSanta Cruz Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Santa Cruz
- The Santa Cruz Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 96.7% of the 30 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Santa Cruz, Outdoor/Unique properties are the most common (50%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 50% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Santa Cruz
- The dominant room capacity in Santa Cruz is 1 bedroom listings, making up 36.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 70.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Santa Cruz, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 30.0% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Santa Cruz
- The most common guest capacity trend in Santa Cruz vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (30%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the Santa Cruz STR market, accounting for 56.7% of listings.
- 36.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Santa Cruz.
- On average, properties in Santa Cruz are equipped to host 4.8 guests.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Santa Cruz
- The most common availability pattern in Santa Cruz falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 56.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 93.4% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Santa Cruz (40%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 6.7% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
24 listings
80% of total
2 Nights
3 listings
10% of total
3 Nights
1 listings
3.3% of total
30+ Nights
2 listings
6.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Santa Cruz is 1 Night, adopted by 80% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (90.0%) of the Santa Cruz Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 80% of Santa Cruz hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 6.7% 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 Cruz.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
16 listings
53.3% of total
Moderate
7 listings
23.3% of total
Firm
4 listings
13.3% of total
Strict
3 listings
10% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Santa Cruz
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Santa Cruz is Flexible, used by 53.3% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 76.6% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Santa Cruz may expect booking flexibility.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 53.3% market standard in Santa Cruz.
- Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (53.3%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 10% 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 Cruz.
Santa Cruz STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Santa Cruz
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Santa Cruz is 25 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 36 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in September (average 15 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (28 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (23 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (25 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Santa Cruz.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 36 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 28 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Santa Cruz averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Santa Cruz (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Santa Cruz
- Essential amenities in Santa Cruz that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, Dishes and silverware, Coffee maker are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Santa Cruz: Free parking on premises, Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Dishes and silverware 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 Cruz to stay competitive.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Santa Cruz
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Santa Cruz consists of a mix of domestic (47%) and international guests, with top international origins including United States, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 47.0% of guests.
- Key international markets include Costa Rica (47%) and United States (30.8%).
- Top languages spoken are English (43.6%) followed by Spanish (32%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
- 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.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Santa Cruz 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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quepos | 1,173 | $2,689 | $247.58 | 40% |
| Caldera | 40 | $2,605 | $250.69 | 35% |
| Cabeceras | 33 | $2,365 | $195.30 | 47% |
| Jacó | 2,207 | $2,314 | $297.66 | 35% |
| Savegre | 197 | $2,300 | $245.71 | 37% |
| Bahía Ballena | 1,368 | $2,157 | $237.89 | 38% |
| Tárcoles | 318 | $2,086 | $254.69 | 33% |
| Monterrey | 68 | $1,785 | $136.69 | 44% |
| Sierra | 86 | $1,759 | $128.85 | 43% |
| Macacona | 13 | $1,712 | $177.90 | 30% |