What Makes Nosara's Airbnb Market So Attractive?
Nosara’s short-term rental market continues to outperform the rest of the country, thanks to its strong wellness culture, consistent surf tourism, and position within one of the world’s five Blue Zone regions known for longevity and a high quality of life.
Nosara by the Numbers
Recent market analysis shows that:
The average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb rentals in Nosara is $381.
Hosts can expect a median annual revenue of approximately $37,000, with high-performing homes significantly exceeding this figure.
As of 2025, Nosara has over 850 active Airbnb listings, ranging from cozy guesthouses to luxury villas.
Despite being a small town, Nosara's offerings cater to a sophisticated audience: travelers looking for privacy, nature immersion, and holistic experiences. Properties that include amenities like private pools, ocean views, yoga decks, and eco-conscious design tend to perform especially well.
What Investors Need to Know
For property buyers, especially foreigners, understanding the regulatory environment is key to making the most of an Airbnb investment. While Costa Rica allows foreigners to own titled property outright, operating a vacation rental successfully requires:
Transparent tax reporting
Registration with the correct authorities
Local legal and accounting support
Ongoing property and guest management
Nosara, in particular, stands out for investors seeking not only profitability but alignment with values like sustainability, wellness, and conscious community living. This is especially true within regenerative developments like Shift Esperanza, which are designed to provide long-term value through both ecological and economic return.
Navigating Local Regulations
In Costa Rica, short-term rentals like those offered on Airbnb have gained widespread popularity among travelers and property investors alike. As one of the most sought-after destinations in the country, Nosara stands out for its robust Airbnb market, high rental rates, and appeal to wellness-focused digital nomads and families. But with this demand comes a need to understand how the country regulates short-term rentals, particularly for foreign investors. While Costa Rica remains a foreigner-friendly country for real estate ownership, hosting on Airbnb is now subject to specific tax, legal, and reporting requirements.
Tax Responsibilities for Hosts
Short-term rental income in Costa Rica is taxable, so foreign owners are subject to a 15% flat tax on gross rental income, which cannot be reduced through deductions. Residents, on the other hand, may deduct relevant expenses and are taxed progressively. In both cases, income from Airbnb rentals must be reported to Costa Rica’s tax authority (Ministerio de Hacienda).
Additionally, Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to all short-term stays under 30 days. This means Airbnb hosts are expected to charge 13% VAT, which must be collected from guests and remitted monthly.
Required Registrations
To operate a rental legally in Costa Rica, two key registrations are required:
Municipal License (Patente Municipal): This allows the property to be used for commercial purposes.
Tourism Registry (Registro de Turismo): Managed by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), this is required for all short-term rental operators. It also adds credibility and visibility to your property.
Costa Rica has recently moved toward tightening regulation around short-term rentals. Starting in 2025, platforms like Airbnb will be required to report information about property owners and earnings to Costa Rica’s tax agency as part of the country’s effort to increase digital economy transparency. These steps are aligned with the global push for fair competition within the hospitality sector, and while compliance requires some effort, it offers clear structure for responsible investment.
Final Thoughts
Airbnb investments in Costa Rica, and Nosara especially, continue to show strong returns, provided that hosts remain informed, compliant, and intentional about how their properties integrate into the community and ecosystem. For those who do, the rewards go far beyond income — they contribute to a more thoughtful, responsible, and future-forward model of tourism and living.
Looking to invest in a home designed for conscious living, and ready for short-term rental potential?
