Nicoya Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Provincia de Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-07-01

Is Airbnb profitable in Nicoya in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Nicoya, Provincia de Guanacaste, Costa Rica to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Nicoya, based on AirROI data from July 2024 to June 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 49 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Nicoya, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Nicoya 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 Nicoya Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$84
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Nicoya.
Occupancy Rate(?)
30.4%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$6,839
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Nicoya. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
7.3%
Positive growth (7.3%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
January
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Nicoya.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
September
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Nicoya.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
49
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Nicoya (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Nicoya 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 Nicoya is typically January, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Nicoya across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,920+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,180 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $593 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $255, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Nicoya

Nicoya Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Nicoya STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees 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 Nicoya:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 65%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 47% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 27%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 14% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Nicoya

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Nicoya (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Nicoya involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Nicoya 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 $168+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $95 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $62 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $40 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Nicoya

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Nicoya (2025)

Peak Season (January, July, December)
  • Revenue averages $1,186 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 43.7%
  • Daily rates average $75
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $912 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 31.8%
  • Daily rates hold near $83
Low Season (June, August, September)
  • Revenue drops to average $531 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 22.5%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $79

Seasonality Insights for Nicoya

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Nicoya shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. 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 Nicoya's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $1,287, occupancy reaching a high of 45.7%, and ADRs peaking at $93.
  • 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 $417, occupancy could drop to 17.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $71.
  • 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 Nicoya.

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 Nicoya seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Nicoya (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Nicoya? 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 / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Santa Teresa
A popular surf town known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Favored by surfers and beachgoers, making it an attractive destination for vacation rentals.
Santa Teresa Beach, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, Mal País Beach, Montezuma Falls, Surfing schools and shops
Nosara
Famous for its yoga retreats and wellness centers. A serene location that attracts tourists looking for relaxation and outdoor activities, creating great opportunities for Airbnb hosts.
Nosara Beach, Ostional Wildlife Refuge, Yoga retreats, Surfing at Guiones Beach, Nature trails
Tamarindo
A bustling beach town known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining. Popular among tourists for water sports and an active lifestyle, making it ideal for short-term rentals.
Tamarindo Beach, Las Baulas National Marine Park, Snorkeling and surf lessons, Tamarindo Night Market, Estuary Boat Tours
Monteverde
Known for its incredible biodiversity and cloud forests. Attracts ecotourists and nature lovers, providing unique opportunities for rental cabins and eco-friendly accommodations.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Hanging Bridges, Zip-lining tours, Butterfly Gardens, Coffee tours
Playa Grande
A quieter alternative to Tamarindo, known for its beautiful beach and turtle nesting sites. It's appealing for travelers seeking a more relaxed beach experience while still close to the action.
Playa Grande Beach, Las Baulas National Marine Park, Turtle watching tours, Surf spots, Restaurants and beach bars
Mal País
A serene beach community popular with surfers and those looking to escape the crowds. Great for eco-friendly stays and offers a laid-back atmosphere.
Mal País Beach, Punta Barrigona, Surf spots, Fishing excursions, Nature walks
Liberia
The main city in Guanacaste, serving as a gateway for tourists. It's ideal for city-centered Airbnb stays and offers access to various attractions and amenities.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Church of La Ermita La Agonia, Local markets, Nearby national parks, Cultural festivals
Coco
A lively beach town known for its party atmosphere and proximity to other beaches and attractions. Ideal for tourists looking for nightlife and recreational activities.
Playas del Coco Beach, Nightlife and bars, Diving and fishing tours, Sailing excursions, Guanacaste National Park

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Nicoya (2025)

While Nicoya, Provincia de Guanacaste, 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 Nicoya to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 2% licensed listings)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Nicoya (2025)

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

Costa Rica, Guanacaste, peacefull country house

Costa Rica, Guanacaste, peacefull country house

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$36,335
Revenue
56.4%
Occupancy
$167.72
Daily Rate
Casa Curime AC/WIFI/35 minutes from the beach.

Casa Curime AC/WIFI/35 minutes from the beach.

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$22,257
Revenue
49.6%
Occupancy
$123.07
Daily Rate
Beautiful Apartment with a Pool

Beautiful Apartment with a Pool

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$18,919
Revenue
61.8%
Occupancy
$83.90
Daily Rate
Villa Colonial

Villa Colonial

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$18,649
Revenue
38.0%
Occupancy
$130.74
Daily Rate
Caimital's Cabin

Caimital's Cabin

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$18,607
Revenue
32.7%
Occupancy
$151.76
Daily Rate
The house of the sun... Blue zone of the world

The house of the sun... Blue zone of the world

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$15,306
Revenue
42.6%
Occupancy
$98.31
Daily Rate

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

Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Nicoya (2025)

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

Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Carlos1$36,335525.00/5.0
Kellogg'S1$22,2571154.98/5.0
Raul2$20,628264.86/5.0
Idannia3$19,826564.72/5.0
Viviana1$18,919474.85/5.0
Karolina1$18,649634.94/5.0
Marlon1$18,607185.00/5.0
Ocean Blue Retreat3$16,887314.88/5.0
Malu1$15,3061114.85/5.0
Alvaro1$14,7422Not Rated

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 Nicoya.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Nicoya STR Market Data (2025)

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

Explore Advanced Metrics

Nicoya Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Nicoya

  • The Nicoya Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 77.6% of the 49 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Nicoya, House properties are the most common (59.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 59.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 20.4% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.

Nicoya Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Nicoya

  • The dominant room capacity in Nicoya is 1 bedroom listings, making up 32.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 65.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Nicoya, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 22.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Nicoya.

Nicoya Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Nicoya

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Nicoya vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (18.4%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 6 guests and 4 guests dominate the Nicoya STR market, accounting for 36.8% of listings.
  • 32.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Nicoya.
  • On average, properties in Nicoya are equipped to host 4.1 guests.

Nicoya Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Nicoya

  • The most common availability pattern in Nicoya falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 69.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 93.9% 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 Nicoya (38.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 8.2% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Nicoya Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (74.5%)

1 Night

35 listings

74.5% of total

2 Nights (14.9%)

2 Nights

7 listings

14.9% of total

3 Nights (4.3%)

3 Nights

2 listings

4.3% of total

4-6 Nights (2.1%)

4-6 Nights

1 listings

2.1% of total

30+ Nights (4.3%)

30+ Nights

2 listings

4.3% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Nicoya is 1 Night, adopted by 74.5% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (89.4%) of the Nicoya 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 74.5% of Nicoya hosts use this setting.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Nicoya.

Nicoya Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Flexible (63%)

Flexible

29 listings

63% of total

Moderate (13%)

Moderate

6 listings

13% of total

Firm (13%)

Firm

6 listings

13% of total

Strict (10.9%)

Strict

5 listings

10.9% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Nicoya

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Nicoya is Flexible, used by 63% of listings.
  • The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 76.0% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Nicoya may expect booking flexibility.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 63% market standard in Nicoya.
  • Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (63%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 10.9% 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 Nicoya.

Nicoya STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Nicoya

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Nicoya is 28 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during January (average 51 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in May (average 12 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (43 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (16 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (28 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Nicoya.
  • For January stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 51 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • During May, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (12 days avg.).
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 43 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Nicoya averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Nicoya (2025)

Amenity data is currently unavailable for Nicoya.

Nicoya Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)

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 Nicoya

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Nicoya consists of a mix of domestic (53%) and international guests, often arriving from nearby San José, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
  • Domestic travelers account for 53.1% of guests.
  • Key international markets include Costa Rica (53.1%) and United States (23.7%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (42%) followed by Spanish (41.2%).
  • 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 Nicoya 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.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Nacascolo34$6,798$1144.7638%
Pinilla59$6,627$700.3538%
Playa Tamarindo21$5,702$405.2450%
Punta Islita28$4,647$523.6137%
Playa Langosta164$4,586$481.5442%
Tamarindo1,244$4,384$396.1444%
Cabo Velas953$3,514$387.3840%
Nosara900$3,346$416.7741%
Tempate695$3,103$380.8637%
Quepos1,135$2,816$252.3641%

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