How much can you make with an Airbnb in Costa Rica?
Calculate your property's real net income with the real deductions: Airbnb's fee, management, cleanings, VAT, and income tax. The same numbers we use operating properties in San José, not the gross that any listing ad promises.
Market estimate with simplified assumptions — not tax advice or an income guarantee. The exact net-profit rate depends on your total annual income; with the Complete Plan we define it with you.
Want to run these numbers with your actual property?
Talk to Sereno →What gets deducted from an Airbnb in Costa Rica?
Between what your guests pay and what you keep there's a chain of deductions: the same ones the calculator subtracts, in the same order. Here they are, one by one.
What taxes does an Airbnb pay in Costa Rica?
Two: 13% VAT and income tax. VAT is charged to the guest on top of the nightly rate and passed through to Hacienda (Costa Rica's tax authority): it flows in and out, it's not your income. The common mistake is “absorbing” it inside your price and silently losing 13 points. Income tax does come out of your profit, under one of two regimes: capital income (15% on 85% of gross, an effective 12.75%, no deductions) or net profit (a rate on earnings after deductible expenses). Which one suits you depends on your numbers; with Sereno's Complete Plan that decision comes with accounting included.
How much does Airbnb charge hosts in Costa Rica?
Airbnb applies a 15.5% host service feein Costa Rica, on the total charged to the guest. It's the single largest deduction in the whole cascade (bigger than management, bigger than any individual tax) and the one that almost never appears in pre-construction “yield projections.” The calculator above deducts it first, because that's how your money actually arrives: Airbnb pays out net of its fee.
How much does Airbnb property management cost?
The Costa Rican market ranges from 12% to 25% of revenue, and many companies add separate charges: onboarding, maintenance markups, photography. The difference compounds fast: on a property billing $2,000 a month, going from 25% to 12% keeps about $260/month, over $3,000 a year, in your pocket. Sereno charges 12% (Essential Plan) or 16% (Complete Plan with accounting and electronic invoicing), VAT included, no hidden charges, no lock-in contract. We compare the full market in what property managers really charge.
Who pays for cleaning on Airbnb?
The guest: the cleaning fee is charged per stayalong with lodging, and passed through to the cleaning service: for the host it's a passthrough, not income or a net expense. The nuance that does affect your result: more short stays mean more cleanings per month, more turnover, and more wear. That's why the calculator lets you adjust nights per stay; our portfolio's real average is ~4.6 nights.
How much are HOA fees and utilities?
The fixed cost that exists with or without guests: HOA dues, electricity, water, internet. In the Greater Metropolitan Area complexes where we operate, the typical range for a 1–2 bedroom apartment is $200 to $300 per month. It's the line that varies most between properties, which is why in the calculator it's your input, not our assumption. If you're evaluating a purchase, check the HOA fee before signing: our guide to Airbnb investment in Costa Rica covers what to look for.
Frequently asked questions
How much can you make with an Airbnb in Costa Rica?
A well-managed one-bedroom apartment in San José's La Sabana market typically nets between $550 and $1050 per month after fees, taxes, and expenses; our established units run above 85% occupancy. Results depend on nightly rate, location, and season; the calculator on this page gives you an estimate with your own numbers.
What ROI does an Airbnb in Costa Rica generate?
On the purchase price, a well-managed apartment in San José typically yields between 5% and 9% per year net of taxes, above traditional long-term rental. The exact number depends on purchase price, occupancy, and location; the calculator includes an ROI block to estimate it with your figures.
Can foreigners own and rent out property in Costa Rica?
Yes. Costa Rica gives foreigners the same property ownership rights as citizens, no residency required. You can own titled property in your name or through a corporation, list it on Airbnb, and repatriate the income. You will need a local tax registration to operate formally, which is part of what Sereno's Complete Plan handles.
Why do Airbnb management fees vary so much (12% to 25%)?
Because each company includes different things: some charge separately for onboarding, maintenance, or photography, and few include tax compliance. Before signing, ask what the commission covers, whether there are extra charges, and if there's a lock-in contract. Sereno charges 12% (Essential) or 16% (Complete, with accounting and electronic invoicing), always VAT included, no lock-in.
Starting from scratch? Begin with the complete guide to listing your apartment on Airbnb in Costa Rica, or first compare whether long-term or short-term rental suits your property better.
Want these numbers for your actual property?
We'll run the calculation with data from your area and comparable units we already manage. No commitment.