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Querétaro's Airbnb market offers genuine profit potential for investors who understand the local dynamics.
As of September 2025, properties in Centro Histórico and suburban areas like Juriquilla generate average monthly gross revenues of $950-$3,800, with net yields typically reaching 50-65% of gross income for self-managed properties. The key lies in choosing the right property type, location, and maintaining occupancy rates above 45%.
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Airbnb rentals in Querétaro can be profitable, especially in Centro Histórico where studios earn $950-$1,400 monthly and larger properties generate $2,400-$3,800.
Success depends on maintaining 45%+ occupancy rates, controlling operating costs, and complying with local regulations including the 50% annual occupancy limit.
| Property Type | Best Location | Monthly Gross Revenue | Typical Occupancy | Net Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Apartment | Centro Histórico | $950-$1,400 | 45-53% | 50-65% |
| 2-3BR Apartment | Juriquilla/Zibatá | $1,600-$2,000 | 46% | 50-65% |
| Large House (4BR+) | Tequisquiapan | $2,800-$4,500 | 32% | 40-55% |
| Vacation Property | El Calero | $2,000-$3,200 | 25-35% | 40-55% |
| Modern Loft | Santiago de Querétaro | $1,200-$1,800 | 45-53% | 50-65% |
| Family Home with Pool | Juriquilla | $3,000+ | 46% | 50-65% |
What types of properties in Querétaro work best for Airbnb?
Compact studios and 1-2 bedroom apartments in Centro Histórico and Santiago de Querétaro consistently perform best for Airbnb rentals.
These properties appeal to solo travelers and couples who prioritize location over space, especially when they feature modern amenities like reliable Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and fully equipped kitchens. The urban setting provides easy access to restaurants, attractions, and nightlife, making them ideal for short stays.
Larger houses with 3+ bedrooms, pools, or gardens in suburban areas like Juriquilla, Zibatá, and Tequisquiapan attract families and groups seeking weekend getaways. These properties command higher nightly rates due to their amenities and space, though they may have slightly lower occupancy rates compared to central apartments.
Unique properties with standout features—such as rustic cabins, boutique suites with jacuzzis, rooftop terraces, dedicated home offices, or pet-friendly accommodations—often achieve premium pricing and higher occupancy rates. These properties are particularly attractive for longer stays and special occasions.
The key is matching property type to target market: urban apartments for convenience-focused travelers, suburban homes for families, and unique properties for experience-seeking guests.
Which neighborhoods attract the most Airbnb guests in Querétaro?
Centro Histórico and Santiago de Querétaro dominate Airbnb bookings due to their central location and tourist attractions.
These areas offer walking distance access to main attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, making them particularly popular for short stays and urban explorers. The high occupancy rates of 45-53% in these neighborhoods reflect their consistent demand from both domestic and international travelers.
Suburban gated communities like Juriquilla, Zibatá, and El Refugio attract a different demographic—families, business travelers, and digital nomads seeking longer stays. These areas offer safety, modern amenities, and quiet environments, with average occupancy rates around 46%. They're especially popular during holidays and school breaks when families travel together.
Tequisquiapan stands out as a weekend retreat destination, sought after for its natural setting and peaceful atmosphere. Properties with gardens, pools, and spa-like features perform particularly well here, though occupancy tends to be more seasonal and weekend-focused.
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How much can you realistically earn per night in different areas?
Nightly rates in Querétaro vary significantly by location and property type, with vacation areas commanding the highest premiums.
| Area | Average Nightly Rate | Typical Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Centro Histórico | $47-$61 | 45-53% |
| Juriquilla/Zibatá | Around $51 | 46% |
| Santiago de Querétaro | $47-$61 | 45-53% |
| Tequisquiapan | Around $71 | 32% |
| El Calero/Cerro Prieto | $71-$90 | 25-35% |
| Rural/Country Areas | $71-$90 | 25-35% |
What occupancy rates are realistic for Airbnb rentals in Querétaro?
Occupancy rates in Querétaro's Airbnb market typically range from 25% to 53%, depending heavily on location and property type.
Centro Histórico and Santiago de Querétaro achieve the highest median occupancy rates at 45-53%, with well-rated, modern listings often exceeding these averages. The consistent demand from urban explorers and business travelers keeps these properties booked throughout most of the year.
Suburban areas like Juriquilla and El Refugio maintain steady occupancy around 46%, benefiting from longer-stay guests including families and digital nomads who prefer quiet, secure environments with modern amenities.
Vacation retreats in Tequisquiapan face more seasonal challenges, averaging 32% occupancy overall. These properties see high demand on weekends and holidays but experience significant dips during weekdays and low-travel seasons.
Rural and country homes in areas like El Calero and Cerro Prieto typically achieve 25-35% occupancy, primarily serving group travelers and special occasion bookings, making them more suitable for investors comfortable with lower but potentially higher-yield occupancy patterns.
How do seasonal trends affect bookings and rental income?
Querétaro's Airbnb market experiences distinct seasonal patterns that significantly impact both occupancy and rental income.
Peak months occur during July, August, and December, when occupancy rates can reach 50-60% across most property types. During these periods, hosts can also command higher nightly rates and attract more group and family bookings, particularly in suburban and vacation properties.
Low season typically falls in May and September, when occupancy rates dip and hosts often need to offer discounts to maintain bookings. These months require more aggressive pricing strategies and enhanced marketing efforts to attract guests.
Weekend versus weekday patterns create additional revenue opportunities, especially for vacation-style properties in areas like Tequisquiapan. Properties that cater to weekend getaways can see significant revenue spikes during Friday-Sunday periods, even during otherwise slow months.
Holiday periods and school breaks drive particularly strong performance in family-oriented properties in Juriquilla and Zibatá, where longer stays become more common and rates can increase substantially.
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What are the average monthly gross revenues for different property sizes?
Monthly gross revenues in Querétaro vary significantly based on property size, type, and location, with larger properties in vacation areas generating the highest income.
| Property Type | Centro Histórico | Suburbs (Juriquilla/Zibatá) | Vacation Areas (Tequisquiapan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Apartment | $950-$1,400 | $1,000-$1,200 | $1,100-$1,500 |
| 2-3BR Apartment | $1,300-$2,100 | $1,600-$2,000 | $1,200-$2,200 |
| Large House (4BR+) | $2,400-$3,800 | $3,000+ | $2,800-$4,500 |
| Modern Loft | $1,200-$1,800 | $1,400-$1,700 | $1,300-$1,900 |
| House with Pool | N/A | $3,000-$4,000 | $3,200-$4,800 |
What are the main operating costs for running an Airbnb in Querétaro?
Operating an Airbnb in Querétaro involves several recurring costs that significantly impact net profitability.
Cleaning fees represent one of the largest variable costs, ranging from MX$250-$500 per turnover depending on property size and cleaning requirements. Larger properties and those with pools or extensive outdoor areas typically require higher cleaning investments.
Monthly utilities including electricity, water, gas, and internet typically cost MX$1,500-$3,000, varying based on property size, location, and seasonal air conditioning usage. Properties with pools or extensive amenities face higher utility bills.
Airbnb charges a 3% host fee on every booking, plus 16% VAT (IVA) on all transactions, which can significantly impact gross margins. These fees are automatically deducted from payouts and must be factored into pricing strategies.
Maintenance and repairs average MX$500-$1,500 monthly, covering routine upkeep, annual deep cleaning, appliance replacement, and emergency repairs. Properties with pools, gardens, or luxury amenities require higher maintenance budgets.
Optional property management services cost 10-20% of gross revenue but can significantly reduce hands-on involvement for non-local investors or those managing multiple properties.
What does the net yield look like compared to gross revenue?
Net yields in Querétaro's Airbnb market typically range from 40-65% of gross revenue, depending on management approach and cost control.
Self-managed properties generally achieve net yields around 50-65% of gross revenue after deducting cleaning costs, maintenance, utilities, fees, and taxes. This higher yield reflects the elimination of management fees and more direct cost control.
Properties using professional management services typically see net yields of 40-55% due to the additional 10-20% management fee, though this can be worthwhile for investors seeking passive income or managing multiple properties.
For example, a studio apartment generating $1,150 monthly gross revenue typically nets $650-$750 when self-managed, or $460-$620 with professional management. The choice depends on the investor's time availability and local presence.
It's something we develop in our Mexico property pack.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Mexico 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 with long-term rentals?
Short-term Airbnb rentals in Querétaro typically generate 20-50% higher gross income compared to traditional long-term rentals, especially in high-demand locations.
This premium is most pronounced for well-rated listings in Centro Histórico and vacation properties in areas like Tequisquiapan, where the combination of tourist demand and premium nightly rates creates significant revenue advantages over monthly rentals.
However, long-term rentals offer more stable income streams with lower operating costs, fewer vacancy periods, and reduced management complexity. They eliminate the variable costs of frequent cleaning, guest management, and seasonal fluctuations.
The actual profitability comparison depends heavily on specific factors including property location, local rental market conditions, occupancy rates achieved, and the investor's ability to manage costs effectively. Properties that struggle to maintain 45%+ occupancy rates may find long-term rentals more profitable despite lower gross income.
For investors prioritizing stable, predictable income with minimal management involvement, long-term rentals often provide better risk-adjusted returns, while active investors in prime locations can benefit significantly from Airbnb's higher revenue potential.
What are the local regulations and tax requirements for Airbnb?
Operating an Airbnb in Querétaro requires compliance with specific registration, occupancy limits, and tax obligations that can significantly impact profitability.
All short-term rental properties must register with local tourism authorities and report occupancy data every six months. This registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually to maintain legal operation status.
A critical restriction limits properties to no more than 50% annual occupancy for short-term rentals. Properties exceeding this limit risk losing their registration and facing penalties, making occupancy tracking essential for compliance.
Tax obligations include 16% VAT (IVA) on all bookings, automatically collected by Airbnb and remitted to authorities. Additionally, some states impose a 3% lodging tax, and all rental income must be reported for income tax purposes.
Properties must also comply with local zoning regulations and obtain necessary permits, which can vary by municipality. Regular compliance reporting and proper documentation are essential to avoid legal issues and maintain operating status.
How easy is it to manage an Airbnb in Querétaro?
Self-management is realistic for local investors or those with reliable cleaning and maintenance contacts, particularly for 1-2 properties.
Modern tools like smart locks, automated messaging systems, and established cleaning partnerships make remote management increasingly practical. Many successful hosts use Airbnb co-hosts and local support networks to handle day-to-day operations while maintaining control over pricing and guest experience.
Property management becomes more attractive for multiple properties or non-local owners, despite the 10-20% fee impact on net yields. Professional managers handle guest communication, cleaning coordination, maintenance issues, and compliance reporting.
The decision often depends on the investor's local presence, time availability, and comfort level with hospitality management. Properties in areas like Centro Histórico with frequent turnovers may benefit more from professional management than suburban properties with longer-stay guests.
Key success factors for self-management include establishing reliable cleaning services, maintaining emergency contact networks, and implementing efficient guest communication systems.
Under what conditions is Airbnb actually profitable in Querétaro?
Airbnb profitability in Querétaro depends on achieving sustainable occupancy rates above 45% while maintaining effective cost control.
Properties succeed when located in popular, central, or tourist-friendly neighborhoods like Centro Histórico, Juriquilla, or Tequisquiapan, where consistent demand supports higher occupancy rates and premium pricing opportunities.
Successful hosts maintain proactive approaches to pricing optimization, guest experience enhancement, and listing review management, which directly impact booking frequency and rate premiums.
Properties become unprofitable when occupancy regularly falls below 30%, particularly common in remote areas or oversaturated markets. High management costs, poor guest reviews, or excessive maintenance requirements can also erode margins significantly.
The increasing regulatory burden, including the 50% annual occupancy limit, makes strict compliance and tax planning essential for long-term profitability. Properties that cannot maintain legal compliance face operational risks that can eliminate profitability entirely.
It's something we develop in our Mexico property pack.
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.
Airbnb rentals in Querétaro offer genuine profit potential for investors who understand the market dynamics and maintain proper management practices.
Success requires strategic property selection in high-demand areas, maintaining occupancy above 45%, and strict compliance with evolving local regulations including the 50% annual occupancy limit.
Sources
- Airbnb Querétaro Listings
- Airbnb Querétaro Houses
- CozyCozy Querétaro Vacation Rentals
- Airbnb Santiago de Querétaro Apartments
- AirROI Juriquilla Report
- Airbtics Tequisquiapan Revenue Report
- Airbtics Santiago de Querétaro Revenue Report
- AirDNA Santiago de Querétaro Overview
- Garrigues Mexico Short-term Rental Regulation
- Airbnb Tax Information Mexico