Alajuela South

As of May 2026, Alajuela, San José, Heredia have 585 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 8% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Alajuela South generates CRC4.8M per year. High-performing properties earn CRC18.8M/year, while low-performing properties earn CRC1.6M/year. The extreme variance between high and low performers suggests that market success is heavily skewed toward a small segment of listings capable of capturing significant premium demand.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Alajuela South. Average annual revenue is CRC4.8M with 19% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to CRC18.8M/year. Given the 19% occupancy rate, the revenue spread indicates that top-tier properties likely command significantly higher nightly rates or capture specific high-value travel segments despite overall market tightening.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Alajuela South is 19%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of CRC81K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of CRC10K per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Alajuela South, with annual revenue of CRC10.2M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Alajuela South market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Alajuela South area. I don't have reliable data on short-term rental regulations or enforcement practices for Alajuela, San José, and Heredia in Costa Rica. These cities' STR rules are not well-documented in available sources, and enforcement information is particularly scarce. I recommend contacting local municipal offices (municipalidades) directly for current requirements. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Alajuela South Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 8% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 17%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous contraction of both supply and revenue suggests a cooling period where the market is correcting to align with lower demand levels.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 9% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (June-October) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Alajuela South listings include: Kitchen (96%), Tv (80%), Washing Machine (74%), Balcony (72%), Pool (68%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Pool, Air Conditioning, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 130% more (CRC18.7M/year vs CRC8.1M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Alajuela South over the last 12 months: May: CRC258K, June: CRC231K, July: CRC347K, August: CRC283K, September: CRC203K, October: CRC192K, November: CRC262K, December: CRC449K, January: CRC406K, February: CRC352K, March: CRC402K, April: CRC423K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Alajuela South is CRC81K, up 5% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average CRC50K/night, 2-bedroom properties average CRC57K/night, 3-bedroom properties average CRC99K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average CRC157K/night. Rates peak in March and are lowest in October.

Guests in Alajuela South book an average of 28 days in advance, down 23% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 24 days, 2-bedroom: 23 days, 3-bedroom: 31 days, 4+ bedroom: 41 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Alajuela South Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 8%, revenue per listing decreased 17%, occupancy fell 7%, average nightly rates increased 5%, and lead time decreased 23%. Reduced lead times and falling occupancy suggest a more reactive market environment where booking windows are shortening significantly.

In Alajuela South, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 56% higher occupancy than weekdays.