San Jose

As of May 2026, San José, Escazú, Santa Ana, Heredia have 2,557 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 17% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in San Jose generates CRC4.3M per year. High-performing properties earn CRC11.1M/year, while low-performing properties earn CRC1.3M/year. The substantial revenue spread suggests that market performance is highly polarized, with top-tier listings capturing a disproportionate share of demand despite an overall 17% reduction in market supply.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in San Jose. Average annual revenue is CRC4.3M with 30% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to CRC11.1M/year. This occupancy rate indicates a lean market environment where revenue potential is heavily concentrated among the top performers, reflecting a competitive landscape that rewards specific listing profiles.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in San Jose is 30%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of CRC42K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of CRC9K per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in San Jose, with annual revenue of CRC10.6M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the San Jose market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the San Jose area. San José: Lenient. No specific STR regulations, general business permits recommended. Minimal enforcement, many operate informally. Escazú: Lenient. Municipal permits theoretically required, tourism registry optional. Very light enforcement, widespread informal operation. Santa Ana: Lenient. Basic business license suggested, no STR-specific rules. Minimal oversight, hosts operate freely. Heredia: Lenient. General commercial permits apply, no dedicated STR framework. Light enforcement, informal rentals common. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The San Jose Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 17% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 6%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in supply may be stabilizing the market against further revenue erosion, suggesting that the current inventory is adjusting to meet existing demand levels.

Launch around December, 2-3 months before peak winter season (March peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -43% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (September-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in San Jose listings include: Kitchen (98%), Tv (93%), Washing Machine (88%), Pool (65%), Air Conditioning (62%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Heating, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 31% more (CRC9.5M/year vs CRC7.2M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in San Jose over the last 12 months: May: CRC190K, June: CRC207K, July: CRC247K, August: CRC252K, September: CRC210K, October: CRC229K, November: CRC285K, December: CRC315K, January: CRC291K, February: CRC267K, March: CRC316K, April: CRC298K. 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 San Jose is CRC42K, up 18% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average CRC32K/night, 2-bedroom properties average CRC46K/night, 3-bedroom properties average CRC59K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average CRC150K/night. Rates peak in February and are lowest in May.

Guests in San Jose book an average of 21 days in advance, down 23% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 18 days, 2-bedroom: 22 days, 3-bedroom: 26 days, 4+ bedroom: 34 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the San Jose Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 17%, revenue per listing decreased 6%, occupancy fell 6%, average nightly rates increased 18%, and lead time decreased 23%. These metrics point to a shift toward shorter booking windows and higher pricing premiums, signaling a more reactive, opportunistic booking environment.

In San Jose, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 16% higher occupancy than weekdays.