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Airbnb in Mendoza offers promising returns with gross rental yields averaging 12.3% as of September 2025, significantly outperforming traditional long-term rentals.
The Mendoza short-term rental market shows strong fundamentals with average nightly rates of $40-51, occupancy rates of 43-50%, and net yields reaching 7-10% after expenses. Key neighborhoods like Capital, San Martín, and Godoy Cruz drive the highest demand, while new registration requirements implemented in July 2025 are formalizing the market without significantly dampening profitability.
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Mendoza's Airbnb market delivers strong returns with 1-2 bedroom apartments in Capital and San Martín generating $560-1,530 monthly income at 43-50% occupancy rates.
Net yields of 7-10% significantly exceed long-term rental returns of 4-6%, though new registration requirements and seasonal fluctuations require careful consideration.
| Metric | Airbnb (Short-Term) | Long-Term Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 12.3% | 5-7% |
| Net Yield | 7-10% | 4-6% |
| Average Occupancy | 43-50% | 80-95% |
| Monthly Income (2BR) | $560-1,530 | $400-600 |
| Operating Expenses | $150-350/month | $100-200/month |
| Management Intensity | High | Low |
| Seasonal Variance | 30-40% | Minimal |
Which neighborhoods in Mendoza offer the best returns for short-term rentals?
Capital (Ciudad de Mendoza) delivers the highest nightly rates at $45-60 per night, making it the premium location for Airbnb investments.
San Martín ranks among the most profitable areas with strong occupancy rates and consistent revenue streams. This neighborhood attracts both business travelers and tourists seeking convenient access to Mendoza's attractions while maintaining competitive pricing.
Godoy Cruz appeals particularly to families and longer-stay guests, offering green spaces and shopping amenities that justify rates of $35-50 per night. The area's family-friendly atmosphere generates steady bookings throughout the year with lower seasonal variance than tourist-focused neighborhoods.
Luján de Cuyo commands premium pricing for houses and properties with vineyard views, often exceeding $55 per night for well-appointed accommodations. Properties here benefit from proximity to wine country and tend to attract higher-spending international visitors.
Guaymallén presents an emerging opportunity with lighter regulation on short-term rentals, though investors should verify current rules before committing capital.
What property types generate the highest Airbnb income in Mendoza?
One-bedroom and studio apartments dominate the Mendoza Airbnb market, representing 57-62% of all listings in Capital district.
Two-bedroom units perform exceptionally well for small families and extended stays, typically generating 20-30% higher monthly income than studios due to increased nightly rates and longer booking durations. These properties appeal to wine tourists planning multi-day itineraries and business travelers requiring workspace.
Modern apartments with mountain views consistently outperform older properties, with guests willing to pay premium rates for Andes vistas and contemporary amenities. Properties featuring pools, fitness facilities, and fully equipped kitchens command the highest rates in their respective neighborhoods.
Houses and villas in prime locations like Luján de Cuyo can generate substantial income through luxury positioning, though they require higher maintenance costs and more intensive management.
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What nightly rates can property owners expect in Mendoza?
Average nightly rates across Mendoza range from $40-51, with Capital commanding the highest prices at $48 per night average.
Premium properties in Capital and Luján de Cuyo regularly achieve $55+ per night, particularly during peak wine harvest season in January and February. These rates reflect the premium market segment targeting international wine tourists and luxury travelers.
Entry-level studios in suburban areas like Guaymallén and outer Godoy Cruz typically rent for $25-40 per night, making them accessible to budget-conscious travelers while still generating positive cash flow for investors.
Houses and villas with special amenities command significantly higher rates, with some luxury properties exceeding $80 per night during peak season. These properties benefit from group bookings and extended stays that increase total revenue per booking.
Seasonal pricing fluctuations can increase rates by 30-40% during January (wine harvest) compared to winter months, making revenue management crucial for maximizing annual income.
How seasonal demand affects occupancy rates throughout the year?
Mendoza Airbnb properties achieve average occupancy rates of 43-50%, with Capital properties performing at the higher end of this range.
January represents peak season with occupancy rates climbing above 70% due to wine harvest tourism and summer weather, generating the highest monthly revenues of the year. Properties can experience 30-40% higher income during this period compared to winter months.
Winter months (June-July) see the lowest occupancy rates, often dropping to 25-35% as tourism declines and weather becomes less favorable for outdoor activities. Smart investors use this period for property maintenance and renovations.
Shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November) maintain steady occupancy around 45-55%, providing consistent income streams without the extreme fluctuations of peak and low seasons.
Typical properties achieve approximately 182 booked nights annually, representing the 50% occupancy rate that forms the basis for most financial projections in the Mendoza market.
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What monthly gross income can investors realistically expect?
Monthly gross rental income for Mendoza Airbnb properties typically ranges from $560 to $1,530, depending on property type, location, and seasonal factors.
One-bedroom apartments in Capital generate average monthly income of $800-1,200, while premium two-bedroom units can achieve $1,200-1,530 monthly during strong market periods. These figures assume average occupancy rates and market-competitive pricing strategies.
Studio apartments in suburban locations typically generate $560-800 monthly, making them suitable for investors seeking lower entry costs with moderate returns. These properties often appeal to budget travelers and longer-term digital nomads.
Houses and luxury properties can exceed $1,530 monthly during peak seasons, though they experience greater seasonal variance and require higher operating expenses. Annual income averaging is essential for accurate financial planning with these property types.
Revenue management through dynamic pricing can increase monthly income by 15-25% compared to static pricing strategies, making professional management valuable for maximizing returns.
What are the typical monthly operating costs for Airbnb properties?
Total monthly operating expenses for Mendoza Airbnb properties typically range from $150-350, with apartments generally requiring lower costs than houses.
| Expense Category | Apartment (Monthly) | House (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities (electricity, water, gas) | $40-60 | $60-100 |
| Building/Property Maintenance | $50-150 | $100-200 |
| Cleaning (per turnover) | $20-35 | $35-50 |
| Property Management (10-20%) | $80-250 | $120-300 |
| Insurance (annual) | $20-40 | $30-60 |
| Internet/WiFi | $15-25 | $15-25 |
| Supplies & Amenities | $10-20 | $15-30 |
Utilities costs increase significantly during summer months due to air conditioning usage, potentially adding $20-40 to monthly expenses. Properties with pools or gardens require additional maintenance costs that should be factored into financial projections.
Professional property management services typically charge 10-20% of gross rental income, though owner-operators can eliminate this expense by managing properties personally.
What taxes and fees apply to short-term rental income in Mendoza?
Property taxes in Mendoza range from 0.25-1.5% of assessed property value annually, with a $96,000 apartment typically paying $300-1,400 per year in property taxes.
Short-term rental income is subject to Argentine national income taxes, requiring property owners to report all earnings and pay applicable rates based on their total income bracket. This requirement became more strictly enforced in 2025 with new registration systems.
Airbnb platform fees typically range from 3-14% of gross revenue, automatically deducted by the platform before payment to hosts. These fees cover payment processing, customer service, and platform maintenance costs.
As of July 1, 2025, all short-term rental properties must obtain and display a Short-term Rental Accommodation Registration Number (RSN) for legal operation in Mendoza province. Properties without this registration face removal from major platforms like Airbnb.
Tourist taxes are currently minimal in Mendoza compared to Buenos Aires, though investors should monitor potential changes as the market matures and regulation increases.
How do gross and net rental yields compare in Mendoza?
Gross rental yields in Mendoza average 12.3% as of September 2025, assuming median annual Airbnb income of approximately $7,360 for a $60,000 property investment.
Net rental yields typically range from 7-10% after deducting all operating expenses, taxes, cleaning costs, and management fees. Owner-managed properties achieve the higher end of this range by eliminating management fees, while full-service managed properties operate at the lower end.
These yields significantly exceed traditional long-term rental returns of 5-7% gross and 4-6% net, making short-term rentals attractive despite higher management requirements and operating costs.
Premium properties in Capital and Luján de Cuyo can achieve net yields exceeding 10% through higher nightly rates and occupancy, though they require larger initial investments and more sophisticated management strategies.
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We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Argentina versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
How do Airbnb returns compare to traditional long-term rentals?
Airbnb properties in Mendoza generate significantly higher returns than long-term rentals, with gross yields of 12.3% versus 5-7% for traditional rentals.
Monthly income comparison shows Airbnb properties earning $560-1,530 compared to $400-600 for long-term rentals of similar properties. This income premium compensates for higher vacancy rates and management intensity required for short-term rentals.
Operating expenses are higher for Airbnb properties at $150-350 monthly versus $100-200 for long-term rentals, primarily due to frequent cleaning, higher utility usage, and platform fees. However, the income premium more than compensates for increased costs.
Long-term rentals offer greater stability with 80-95% occupancy versus 43-50% for Airbnb, making them suitable for conservative investors prioritizing consistent cash flow over maximum returns.
Risk profiles differ significantly, with Airbnb subject to platform policy changes, seasonal fluctuations, and regulatory shifts, while long-term rentals face tenant risk and rental market cycles but provide more predictable income streams.
What legal requirements govern short-term rentals in Mendoza?
All short-term rental properties must register and display their Registration Number (RSN) as of July 1, 2025, with unregistered listings facing removal from major platforms.
Properties must comply with basic health, safety, and fire standards, including proper emergency information posting and adequate insurance coverage. These requirements became more strictly enforced with the new registration system.
Building regulations can significantly impact Airbnb operations, as many residential buildings restrict or prohibit short-term rentals through condo association bylaws. Investors must verify building permission before purchasing for Airbnb purposes.
Tax reporting requirements mandate declaring all rental income to Argentine tax authorities, with penalties for non-compliance becoming more severe as enforcement increases. Professional tax advice is recommended for substantial rental operations.
Host liability insurance is strongly recommended though not always legally required, protecting against property damage and guest injuries that could result in significant financial exposure.
What market trends could affect future profitability?
Regulatory formalization through the 2025 registration requirement is increasing operational compliance costs while potentially reducing illegal competition, creating a more professional but regulated market environment.
Income growth has slowed with a 3.5% year-over-year decline in gross revenue due to increased competition and inflation pressures, though Mendoza still maintains some of Argentina's highest Airbnb yields.
Market supply expansion as more investors enter the short-term rental market could pressure occupancy rates and pricing, particularly in popular neighborhoods like Capital and San Martín where competition is intensifying.
Economic factors including inflation rates, foreign exchange fluctuations, and tourism patterns significantly impact profitability, with international tourism recovery being crucial for maintaining premium pricing power.
Future regulatory changes may include additional licensing requirements, tax adjustments, or operational restrictions as local government seeks to balance tourism benefits with resident concerns about housing availability and neighborhood character.
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Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Mendoza's Airbnb market offers compelling returns with net yields of 7-10% significantly exceeding traditional rental investments.
However, success requires careful neighborhood selection, proper legal compliance, and active management to navigate seasonal fluctuations and increasing competition.
Sources
- The Broke Backpacker - Where to Stay in Mendoza
- Airbtics - Annual Airbnb Revenue in Mendoza
- AirDNA - Mendoza Market Overview
- AirROI - Mendoza Capital Analysis
- The LatinVestor - Mendoza Property Market
- Lodge Compliance - Argentina Regulations
- MAM Solicitors - New STR Regulations
- Airbtics - Best Airbnb Markets Argentina