San Rafael Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Is Airbnb profitable in San Rafael in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for San Rafael, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for San Rafael, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 65 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in San Rafael, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the San Rafael 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 San Rafael Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in San Rafael (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in San Rafael 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 San Rafael is typically April, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in San Rafael across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,707+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,045 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $566 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $225, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in San Rafael
San Rafael Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the San Rafael STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Aprilsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while September 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 San Rafael:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 70%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 45% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 24%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 11% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in San Rafael
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in San Rafael (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in San Rafael involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in San Rafael typically peaks in July and dips lowest during May. 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 $121+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $85 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $60 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $43 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in San Rafael
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in San Rafael (2025)
Peak Season (April, May, June)
- Revenue averages $1,068 per month
- Occupancy rates average 36.0%
- Daily rates average $77
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $758 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 30.3%
- Daily rates hold near $78
Low Season (February, March, September)
- Revenue drops to average $548 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 28.8%
- Daily rates adjust to average $77
Seasonality Insights for San Rafael
- The Airbnb seasonality in San Rafael 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 San Rafael's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $1,182, occupancy reaching a high of 41.6%, and ADRs peaking at $78.
- 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 $463, occupancy could drop to 23.7%, and ADRs may adjust down to $77.
- 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 San Rafael.
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 San Rafael seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in San Rafael (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in San Rafael? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| La Fortuna | A popular tourist destination known for its stunning volcano and hot springs. It's a prime location for adventure tourism and wellness retreats. | Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs, Arenal Lake, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park |
| Monteverde | Famous for its cloud forests and biodiversity. A hotspot for ecotourism, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers. | Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Sky Adventures Park, Ranario (Frog Pond), Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Ziplining tours |
| Tamarindo | A vibrant beach town known for surfing and nightlife. It attracts beachgoers and party seekers year-round, especially in the dry season. | Tamarindo Beach, Playa Grande, National Marine Park, Surf shops and schools, Nightlife and restaurants |
| Jaco | A bustling beach town that is popular for its surf culture, nightlife, and proximity to national parks. Great for weekend getaways. | Jaco Beach, Carara National Park, Rainforest tours, Surf lessons, Nightclubs and bars |
| Puerto Viejo | A laid-back Caribbean town known for its stunning beaches and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. It's a unique destination for tourists looking for relaxation and culture. | Cahuita National Park, Cocles Beach, Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Local markets, Butterfly Garden |
| Dominical | A small beach town renowned for its surf breaks and beautiful natural surroundings. It draws surfers and nature enthusiasts. | Dominical Beach, Nauyaca Waterfalls, Osa Peninsula excursions, Local surf schools, Wildlife watching |
| Heredia | Known for its coffee plantations and beautiful mountains. It offers a cooler climate and a more local experience near the capital. | Coffee tours, Barva Volcano, Heredia Central Park, Local shops and eateries, Cultural events |
| San Jose | The capital city with rich culture and history. It's a gateway to Costa Rica and ideal for business travelers and tourists alike. | Museo Nacional, Teatro Nacional, Central Market, Local dining scene, Cultural festivals |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in San Rafael (2025)
While San Rafael, Alajuela 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 San Rafael to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in San Rafael (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in San Rafaelbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Casa del Sol
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Green Hidden Cabin with Private Tina.
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Casa Rustica Rio Celeste
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Safe Haven 3BR, 5Min to Airpt
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
3BR Home w/ AC & high speed internet near airport
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
New tiny-house w/jacuzzi close to airport&nature
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in San Rafael (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in San Rafael 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karina | 1 | $27,342 | 12 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Isaac | 1 | $22,469 | 355 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Alfonso | 1 | $21,653 | 101 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Manuel | 1 | $18,069 | 4 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Michael | 1 | $17,177 | 91 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Marianela | 1 | $15,926 | 20 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Stephany | 2 | $13,383 | 19 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Carlos Eduardo | 3 | $11,697 | 34 | 4.73/5.0 |
| Coraly | 2 | $11,554 | 105 | 4.74/5.0 |
| Carlos Y Sharon | 3 | $10,825 | 692 | 4.67/5.0 |
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 San Rafael.
Dive Deeper: Advanced San Rafael STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for San Rafael. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSan Rafael Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for San Rafael
- The San Rafael Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 81.5% of the 65 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in San Rafael, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (41.5%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 29.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, unique stays (combined 6.1%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
San Rafael Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for San Rafael
- The dominant room capacity in San Rafael is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 38.5% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 70.8% of the active Airbnb listings in San Rafael, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 21.5% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in San Rafael.
San Rafael Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for San Rafael
- The most common guest capacity trend in San Rafael vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (26.2%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 6 guests dominate the San Rafael STR market, accounting for 44.7% of listings.
- 32.3% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in San Rafael.
- On average, properties in San Rafael are equipped to host 4.4 guests.
San Rafael Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for San Rafael
- The most common availability pattern in San Rafael falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 69.2% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 92.3% 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 San Rafael (33.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 9.2% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
San Rafael Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
31 listings
56.4% of total
2 Nights
12 listings
21.8% of total
3 Nights
4 listings
7.3% of total
4-6 Nights
2 listings
3.6% of total
7-29 Nights
3 listings
5.5% of total
30+ Nights
3 listings
5.5% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in San Rafael is 1 Night, adopted by 56.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (78.2%) of the San Rafael 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 56.4% of San Rafael hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 5.5% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in San Rafael.
San Rafael Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
32 listings
66.7% of total
Moderate
10 listings
20.8% of total
Firm
3 listings
6.3% of total
Strict
3 listings
6.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for San Rafael
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in San Rafael is Flexible, used by 66.7% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 87.5% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in San Rafael may expect booking flexibility.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (6.3%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 66.7% market standard in San Rafael.
- Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (66.7%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 6.3% 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 San Rafael.
San Rafael STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for San Rafael
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in San Rafael is 45 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during April (average 78 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in September (average 13 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (48 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (26 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (45 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in San Rafael.
- For April stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 78 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- During September, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (13 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 48 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these San Rafael averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in San Rafael (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for San Rafael
- Essential amenities in San Rafael that guests expect include: Wifi, Free parking on premises, Washer. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Hot water, Kitchen, Essentials are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for San Rafael: Wifi, Free parking on premises, Washer.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises, Washer.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water or Kitchen 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 San Rafael to stay competitive.
San Rafael Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for San Rafael
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in San Rafael consists of a mix of domestic (44%) and international guests, with top international origins including United States, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking Spanish or English.
- Domestic travelers account for 44.3% of guests.
- Key international markets include Costa Rica (44.3%) and United States (24.7%).
- Top languages spoken are Spanish (44.7%) followed by English (43.2%).
- 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 San Rafael 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinilla | 49 | $6,647 | $580.89 | 37% |
| Tamarindo | 136 | $5,073 | $462.37 | 41% |
| Punta Islita | 30 | $4,595 | $537.15 | 36% |
| Nacascolo | 34 | $4,475 | $1256.07 | 30% |
| Playa Langosta | 154 | $4,432 | $472.13 | 43% |
| Playa Tamarindo | 23 | $4,370 | $365.55 | 44% |
| Tamarindo | 1,021 | $4,120 | $345.13 | 44% |
| Cabo Velas | 852 | $3,462 | $356.16 | 41% |
| Nosara | 851 | $3,112 | $380.78 | 40% |
| Tempate | 638 | $3,086 | $377.44 | 37% |