Santa Cruz Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Aruba, Netherlands

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

Is Airbnb profitable in Santa Cruz in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Santa Cruz, Aruba, Netherlands to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Santa Cruz, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 75 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

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$162
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Santa Cruz.
Occupancy Rate(?)
46.8%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$26,630
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Santa Cruz. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
45.6%
Strong growth (45.6%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
January
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Santa Cruz.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
October
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Santa Cruz.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
75
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

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 January, 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 $5,823+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,594 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,777 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $850, 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 October 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 87%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 72% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 48%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 26% 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 December and dips lowest during September. 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 $305+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $189 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $101 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $70 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 (January, February, April)
  • Revenue averages $3,888 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 63.8%
  • Daily rates average $174
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $2,931 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 47.0%
  • Daily rates hold near $157
Low Season (September, October, November)
  • Revenue drops to average $1,716 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 37.5%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $145

Seasonality Insights for Santa Cruz

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,203, occupancy reaching a high of 69.4%, and ADRs peaking at $193.
  • 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 $1,535, occupancy could drop to 32.2%, and ADRs may adjust down to $139.
  • 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 / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Palm Beach
A popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, and luxurious resorts. Ideal for both vacationers and those seeking water sports and relaxation, attracting a high volume of tourists year-round.
Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Aruba Aloe Museum, Butterfly Farm, Palm Island
Oranjestad
The vibrant capital city of Aruba, rich in culture and history. It offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, making it a great spot for travelers looking to explore the local vibe.
Renaissance Island, Aruba Historical Museum, Fort Zoutman, Royal Plaza Mall, Alhambra Casino
Noord
Famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, Noord attracts tourists seeking leisure and fun. A great spot for beach houses and rental properties due to its proximity to popular attractions.
Palm Beach, De Palm Island, Arashi Beach, California Lighthouse, Malmok Beach
Santa Cruz
Known for its local culture and proximity to the Arikok National Park. It's ideal for tourists looking for an authentic experience away from the crowded spots.
Arikok National Park, Natural Pool, Cultural events, Local markets, Scenic viewpoints
Savaneta
A quiet fishing village that offers a unique authentic Aruban experience. It's perfect for those looking to escape the busier tourist areas while still enjoying beautiful beaches.
Mangel Halto Beach, Savaneta Beach, Local seafood restaurants, Historic sites, Natural beauty
Malmoe
A lesser-known area with stunning natural scenery and a peaceful ambiance. It's suitable for eco-tourism and those seeking a tranquil getaway.
Beautiful landscapes, Wildlife spots, Nature trails, Accessibility to other attractions
Pos Chiquito
Offers a glimpse into traditional Aruban life with beautiful beaches and local charm. A great option for those looking to provide an alternative experience away from commercialized areas.
Pos Chiquito Beach, Local culture, Calming atmosphere, Water sports
Boca Catalina
A scenic beach area known for its snorkeling opportunities and natural beauty. Ideal for attracting tourists looking for water activities and relaxation.
Boca Catalina Beach, Snorkeling spots, Kayaking, Relaxing beach environment, Sunset views

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Santa Cruz (2025)

While Santa Cruz, Aruba, Netherlands 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.

Picaron Villas

Picaron Villas

Entire Place • 8 bedrooms

$214,643
Revenue
56.4%
Occupancy
$928.72
Daily Rate
Mountain Villa ~ Infinity Pool ~ Majestic Views

Mountain Villa ~ Infinity Pool ~ Majestic Views

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$128,064
Revenue
51.8%
Occupancy
$514.19
Daily Rate
Chic 4BR Home w/ Private Pool in Santa Cruz, Aruba

Chic 4BR Home w/ Private Pool in Santa Cruz, Aruba

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$99,887
Revenue
59.7%
Occupancy
$447.35
Daily Rate
Stunning 4BR Home w Scenic Views, Pool, Backyard

Stunning 4BR Home w Scenic Views, Pool, Backyard

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$98,277
Revenue
58.4%
Occupancy
$371.18
Daily Rate
Aruban Sunsets - Your Private Oasis

Aruban Sunsets - Your Private Oasis

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$89,193
Revenue
45.6%
Occupancy
$776.67
Daily Rate
Island Heights Villa! Close to all Aruba’s beaches

Island Heights Villa! Close to all Aruba’s beaches

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$71,296
Revenue
77.9%
Occupancy
$233.69
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 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 NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Manon6$509,2681594.99/5.0
Stuart & Julia - Casiola Aruba2$198,164564.80/5.0
VacationAruba4$190,463734.75/5.0
OdilleMarie1$89,19395.00/5.0
Wichita3$87,049704.77/5.0
NoStress Aruba1$71,296164.88/5.0
Edwin2$63,688784.96/5.0
Maria1$62,881574.96/5.0
Paulina Dora5$54,046654.86/5.0
Marcela1$50,547224.91/5.0

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 Metrics

Santa 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 93.3% of the 75 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Santa Cruz, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (45.3%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 44% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 8% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, others (combined 2.6%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

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 38.7% 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 Santa Cruz, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 21.3% 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 2 guests (37.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Santa Cruz STR market, accounting for 64.0% of listings.
  • 24.0% 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 3.7 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 181-270 days range, representing 30.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 61.4% 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 (30.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 38.6% 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 (16.4%)

1 Night

12 listings

16.4% of total

2 Nights (8.2%)

2 Nights

6 listings

8.2% of total

3 Nights (23.3%)

3 Nights

17 listings

23.3% of total

4-6 Nights (30.1%)

4-6 Nights

22 listings

30.1% of total

7-29 Nights (2.7%)

7-29 Nights

2 listings

2.7% of total

30+ Nights (19.2%)

30+ Nights

14 listings

19.2% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Santa Cruz is 4-6 Nights, adopted by 30.1% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
  • A significant segment (19.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Santa Cruz, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 4-6 Nights minimum stay, as 30.1% of Santa Cruz hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 16.4% currently do.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 19.2% 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)

Super Strict 30 Days

3 listings

4.5% of total

Flexible (34.3%)

Flexible

23 listings

34.3% of total

Moderate (28.4%)

Moderate

19 listings

28.4% of total

Firm (17.9%)

Firm

12 listings

17.9% of total

Strict (14.9%)

Strict

10 listings

14.9% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Santa Cruz

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Santa Cruz is Flexible, used by 34.3% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (62.7%) and stricter (32.8%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 34.3% market standard in Santa Cruz.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 14.9% 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 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 72 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 110 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in September (average 56 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (84 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (71 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (72 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Santa Cruz.
  • For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 110 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 84 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: Air conditioning, Wifi, Dishes and silverware. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Free parking on premises, TV, Refrigerator 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: Air conditioning, Wifi, Dishes and silverware.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Dishes and silverware.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Free parking on premises 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 Cruz to stay competitive.

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Santa Cruz consists of predominantly international visitors (93%), with top international origins including Canada, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
  • Domestic travelers account for 7.0% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (57.1%) and Canada (15%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (52.5%) followed by Spanish (20.7%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from Canada.
  • 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.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Malmok Beach71$9,777$607.0252%
Punta Brabo255$5,574$391.1457%
Savaneta59$4,567$280.6357%
Sint Willibrordus49$4,428$379.5350%
Tierra Del Sol157$4,238$319.3752%
Catiri45$4,237$250.2558%
West Punt525$4,156$296.5452%
Bubali630$3,995$287.0455%
San Nicolaas50$3,968$221.7252%
Westpunt11$3,829$349.1644%

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