Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mexico Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Mexico Property Pack
If you are thinking about buying a property in Mérida and renting it out on Airbnb, this guide will help you understand exactly what to expect in terms of income, expenses, regulations, and competition.
We update the numbers in this article regularly to reflect the latest market data available for Mérida in 2026.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Mérida.
Insights
- Mérida's Airbnb market has roughly 7,900 active listings as of early 2026, yet one-bedroom units make up 55% of the supply, leaving a clear gap for hosts offering 3-bedroom family homes.
- The typical Airbnb listing in Mérida earns around MXN 15,000 per month (about $835 USD), but top performers in Centro or Paseo de Montejo can reach MXN 25,000 or more.
- Air conditioning is installed in 98% of Mérida listings, making it essentially mandatory, and electricity costs during hot months can swing your expenses by MXN 2,000 to MXN 4,000.
- Nearly half of Mérida listings require 30+ night minimum stays, creating an opportunity for hosts who welcome short 2 to 5 night bookings during festivals and weekends.
- Mérida Fest (January 5 to 18) and Carnaval (February 22 to March 4 in 2026) are the two biggest demand spikes, when nightly rates can jump 25% to 40% above normal.
- The average occupancy rate for Airbnb in Mérida sits around 55%, but top hosts regularly achieve 65% to 70% by combining strong reviews, flexible stays, and dynamic pricing.
- Operating expenses typically consume 40% to 65% of your gross revenue in Mérida, with electricity for A/C being the single biggest variable cost hosts underestimate.
- Mérida has no citywide annual night cap like Mexico City's 180-day limit, giving hosts more flexibility, though state-level reforms are being discussed for 2026.
- Centro Histórico neighborhoods like Santa Ana, Santiago, and Santa Lucía command the highest nightly rates (MXN 1,100 to MXN 1,900), but also face the most competition.
- About 65% of Airbnb guests in Mérida are domestic travelers, mostly from Mexico City and Cancún, making Spanish-language listings and local cultural appeal important for bookings.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Mérida in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Mérida in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting through Airbnb is allowed and widely practiced in Mérida, with thousands of active listings operating across the city.
The main legal framework governing short-term rentals in Mérida comes from federal tax obligations through SAT (Mexico's tax authority) and the state-level lodging tax (ISH) administered by Yucatán's tourism authority, rather than a single dedicated STR ordinance like you would find in Mexico City.
The most important compliance requirement for Airbnb hosts in Mérida is registering with SAT to obtain an RFC (Federal Taxpayer Registry) number and enrolling in the Digital Platforms Regime to properly report income tax (ISR) and value-added tax (VAT).
Yucatán state officials have publicly discussed moving toward clearer platform regulations in 2026, so hosts should stay informed about potential changes, though no strict caps or bans have been implemented as of this writing.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Mexico.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Mexico.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Mérida as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Mérida does not have a citywide minimum-stay rule or a maximum nights-per-year cap like the 180-day limit that Mexico City introduced in 2024.
These rules do not differ by property type or host residency status in Mérida, meaning you can rent out any type of residential property for as many nights as you want without hitting a government-imposed ceiling.
What you will notice in the market is that many hosts voluntarily set 30+ night minimum stays to attract long-term guests like remote workers and snowbirds, but this is a business strategy choice rather than a legal requirement.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Mérida right now?
Mérida does not require you to live in the property you rent out on Airbnb, so secondary homes and investment properties are perfectly acceptable for short-term rental use.
In fact, about three-quarters of Mérida's Airbnb listings are entire homes rather than spare bedrooms, which shows that non-primary residence hosting is the norm in this market.
There are no additional permits or special conditions specifically for secondary home rentals beyond the standard tax registration and compliance obligations that apply to all hosts.
The practical difference between renting your primary residence versus a secondary home in Mérida is mostly about your own management approach and costs, not about different legal rules.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Mérida right now?
Yes, you can operate multiple Airbnb listings under one name in Mérida, and this is actually common practice in the local market.
There is no published cap on how many properties one person or company can list for short-term rental in Mérida, unlike Mexico City where additional requirements kick in after the fourth property.
Professional property managers with dozens or even hundreds of listings operate openly in Mérida, and AirDNA data shows several managers running triple-digit portfolios in the city.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Mérida as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Mérida does not have a dedicated short-term rental license like some major cities, but you do need to register with SAT and comply with federal tax obligations through the Digital Platforms Regime.
The process involves obtaining an RFC (Federal Taxpayer Registry) number from SAT, which you can do online or at a local SAT office, and then enrolling in the regime designed for individuals earning income through platforms like Airbnb.
You will need your official ID (INE or passport), proof of address, and your CURP (Mexican identity number) to complete registration, and non-residents may need additional documentation.
Registration with SAT is free, but if you do not provide your RFC to Airbnb, the platform will withhold up to 20% of your earnings for ISR and 16% for VAT, which is higher than the rates you would pay if properly registered.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Mérida as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Mérida does not have officially designated neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb like you would find in heavily regulated cities such as Barcelona or Amsterdam.
However, some newer condo developments in north Mérida neighborhoods like Montebello, Altabrisa, and Temozón Norte have HOA rules that restrict or ban short-term rentals, so you need to check the reglamento (internal regulations) before buying.
In the Centro Histórico, there are no explicit Airbnb bans, but the dense concentration of listings and closer neighbor proximity means noise complaints and community pushback can be more of a practical issue.
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How much can an Airbnb earn in Mérida in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Mérida in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price (ADR) for an Airbnb listing in Mérida is approximately MXN 1,150 (about $64 USD or €59 EUR), while the median nightly price is closer to MXN 900 ($50 USD or €46 EUR).
The typical nightly price range that covers roughly 80% of Mérida Airbnb listings falls between MXN 600 and MXN 1,800 ($33 to $100 USD or €31 to €92 EUR), depending on location, size, and amenities.
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Mérida is whether your property has a pool, as listings with even a small plunge pool can command 30% to 50% higher rates than similar properties without one.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mérida.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Mérida in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices in Mérida can vary by as much as MXN 1,500 ($83 USD or €77 EUR) between the most expensive neighborhoods like Paseo de Montejo corridor (averaging MXN 1,700 per night) and more peripheral residential areas (averaging MXN 700 per night).
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Mérida are Paseo de Montejo at around MXN 1,700 ($94 USD or €87 EUR), Centro Histórico including Santa Ana and Santiago at MXN 1,500 ($83 USD or €77 EUR), and García Ginerés at MXN 1,400 ($78 USD or €72 EUR).
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices are Francisco de Montejo at around MXN 700 ($39 USD or €36 EUR), Juan Pablo II at MXN 750 ($42 USD or €38 EUR), and parts of the outer colonias at MXN 800 ($44 USD or €41 EUR), though guests still book these areas for their affordability and proximity to shopping centers.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Mérida in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for an Airbnb listing in Mérida is approximately 55%, meaning your property will be booked a little over half the nights in a given year.
The realistic occupancy range that covers most Mérida listings falls between 45% and 65%, with newer or poorly optimized listings on the lower end and well-reviewed properties with flexible booking options on the higher end.
Mérida's occupancy rate is roughly in line with the broader Yucatán hotel average (around 57%), which suggests the market is reasonably healthy but not undersupplied.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Mérida is offering flexible minimum stays, since nearly half of listings require 30+ nights and miss out on weekend and festival bookings.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Mérida in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Mérida is approximately MXN 15,000 ($835 USD or €770 EUR) in gross booking income before expenses.
The realistic monthly revenue range that covers roughly 80% of Mérida listings falls between MXN 11,000 and MXN 20,000 ($610 to $1,110 USD or €560 to €1,025 EUR), depending on property type, location, and management quality.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Mérida can achieve MXN 25,000 to MXN 35,000 per month ($1,390 to $1,945 USD or €1,280 to €1,790 EUR), especially renovated colonial homes in Centro with pools. A quick calculation: MXN 1,500 ADR times 65% occupancy times 30 nights equals roughly MXN 29,250 monthly gross.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Mérida.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Mérida in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a typical Airbnb listing in Mérida can expect around MXN 11,000 ($610 USD or €560 EUR) per month during low season and approximately MXN 22,000 ($1,220 USD or €1,125 EUR) per month during high season, representing roughly a 2x difference.
High season in Mérida runs from November through March (with December being the strongest month), while low season covers the hot and humid months from May through September, when tourism drops significantly.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Mérida in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a realistic monthly expense range for operating an Airbnb in Mérida is MXN 6,500 to MXN 13,500 ($360 to $750 USD or €330 to €690 EUR) for self-managed properties, and MXN 10,000 to MXN 22,000 ($555 to $1,220 USD or €510 to €1,125 EUR) with full property management.
The single largest expense category in Mérida is electricity for air conditioning, which can run MXN 2,000 to MXN 5,000 ($110 to $280 USD) per month depending on season, guest usage patterns, and the efficiency of your A/C units.
Hosts in Mérida should typically expect to spend 40% to 65% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with the higher end applying to properties using full management services (usually 15% to 25% of booking revenue).
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Mérida.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Mérida in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a realistic monthly net profit for an Airbnb in Mérida is approximately MXN 5,500 ($305 USD or €280 EUR), with profit per available night averaging around MXN 185 ($10 USD or €9 EUR) based on a 30-night month.
The realistic monthly net profit range that covers most Mérida listings falls between MXN 2,000 and MXN 9,500 ($110 to $530 USD or €100 to €485 EUR), depending heavily on whether you self-manage and how well you control electricity costs.
Hosts in Mérida typically achieve net profit margins of 25% to 45% of gross revenue, with self-managing hosts who control A/C usage landing at the higher end.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Airbnb listing in Mérida is around 35% to 40%, meaning you need roughly 11 to 12 booked nights per month just to cover your operating expenses.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Mérida, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
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How competitive is Airbnb in Mérida as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Mérida as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 7,900 active Airbnb and Vrbo listings in Mérida, making it one of the larger short-term rental markets in Mexico outside of the major resort destinations.
This number has grown steadily over the past few years, with Mérida adding roughly 10% to 15% more listings annually as remote work trends and the city's cultural appeal attract both hosts and guests.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Mérida as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Mérida are Centro Histórico (especially the barrios of Santa Ana, Santiago, Santa Lucía, and San Juan), the Paseo de Montejo corridor, Itzimná, and García Ginerés.
These areas are saturated because they combine walkability to restaurants and cultural sites, photogenic colonial architecture that photographs well for listings, and the "authentic Mérida experience" that tourists specifically seek, creating intense competition among similar properties.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods that may offer better opportunities for new hosts include emerging north zones like Temozón Norte, Cholul, and parts of Montebello, where new housing developments attract families and longer-stay guests but have fewer established Airbnb listings.
What local events spike demand in Mérida in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Mérida are Mérida Fest (January 5 to 18), Carnaval de Mérida (February 22 to March 4 in 2026), Semana Santa (late March to early April), and the Hanal Pixán/Day of the Dead season (late October to early November).
During these peak events, hosts in Mérida can typically see bookings increase by 30% to 50% and nightly rates rise by 25% to 40% above normal levels, especially for well-located Centro properties.
Hosts should adjust their pricing and block out availability at least 6 to 8 weeks before major events like Mérida Fest and Carnaval, as domestic travelers from Mexico City and Cancún tend to book early for these popular celebrations.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Mérida in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Mérida achieve occupancy rates of approximately 65% to 70%, which is 10 to 15 percentage points higher than the market average of around 55%.
The average host in Mérida, by comparison, hovers around that 55% occupancy mark, often because of inflexible minimum stays, slower response times, or listings that blend into the crowded 1-bedroom segment without standout features.
It typically takes a new host in Mérida 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer occupancy levels, assuming they actively collect reviews, respond quickly to inquiries, use dynamic pricing, and offer competitive minimum stays.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mérida.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Mérida right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of Airbnb listings in Mérida falls between MXN 700 and MXN 1,200 ($39 to $67 USD or €36 to €61 EUR), which corresponds to the oversupplied 1-bedroom segment.
The "white space" opportunities for new hosts in Mérida exist at the MXN 1,800 to MXN 2,500 ($100 to $139 USD or €92 to €128 EUR) range for quality 3-bedroom homes, and also at any price point for listings offering flexible 2 to 5 night minimum stays instead of the common 30+ night requirements.
To successfully compete in the underserved price segment, a new host in Mérida should target properties with 3+ bedrooms (only 11% of current supply), include a pool or private outdoor space, and offer short minimum stays to capture weekend and festival travelers that most listings ignore.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Mexico compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What property works best for Airbnb demand in Mérida right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Mérida as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, 2-bedroom properties get the best balance of bookings and profitability in Mérida, offering enough space for couples, small families, and remote workers without the intense competition of the 1-bedroom segment.
The estimated booking activity breakdown by bedroom count in Mérida shows 1-bedroom units at roughly 55% of total listings (high competition), 2-bedroom at about 25% (sweet spot), 3-bedroom at 11% (undersupplied), and studios at around 9%.
Two-bedroom properties perform particularly well in Mérida because they serve the dominant guest profile of couples traveling together, small families with one child, or remote workers who want a dedicated office space without paying for a full house.
What property type performs best in Mérida in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, renovated colonial houses ("casas coloniales") in or near Centro Histórico perform best for Airbnb in Mérida, commanding premium rates and strong booking demand thanks to their architectural character and authentic Yucatecan feel.
Occupancy rates across property types in Mérida show entire colonial homes averaging 55% to 60%, modern north-zone houses and townhouses at 50% to 55%, condos and apartments at 50% to 55%, and private rooms at 45% to 50%.
Colonial houses outperform other property types in Mérida because they deliver the "Instagram-worthy" courtyard, high ceilings, and tile work that guests specifically search for when choosing Mérida over generic beach destinations, creating both higher ADR and stronger reviews.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Mérida, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can, and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| AirDNA Mérida Market Overview | AirDNA is a widely used STR data provider that publishes transparent, market-level metrics for vacation rentals worldwide. | We used it for supply counts, occupancy rates, ADR, RevPAR, bedroom mix, minimum-stay distribution, and amenity penetration stats. We also referenced their property manager rankings to validate multi-listing operations. |
| Observatur Yucatán | This is the official tourism observatory for Yucatán state, citing federal DataTur monitoring data for hotel occupancy. | We used it to cross-check seasonality patterns and validate what normal occupancy looks like in Mérida. We also used their monthly series to define high versus low season months. |
| DataTur (SECTUR) | DataTur is Mexico's federal tourism data system operated by the Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR). | We used it as a second authoritative check on occupancy patterns and timing of demand peaks. We kept our STR occupancy assumptions realistic by benchmarking against official hotel data. |
| DOF (Diario Oficial de la Federación) | The DOF is Mexico's official gazette publishing reference economic indicators including exchange rates. | We used it to anchor all USD to MXN currency conversions at approximately 18 MXN/USD. We referenced this to keep our financial estimates reproducible and grounded in official data. |
| SAT Digital Platforms Microsite | SAT is Mexico's federal tax authority, and this is their official guidance for individuals earning income through platforms. | We used it to explain the platform withholding logic for ISR and VAT, and what hosts must do to stay tax compliant. We avoided outdated forum advice by going directly to the source. |
| Airbnb Help Center (Mexico Taxes) | Airbnb's own help center is the primary source for what the platform collects and remits in each jurisdiction. | We used it to confirm what Airbnb collects for Yucatán, including the lodging tax. We cross-checked platform-side information against state government statements. |
| SEFOTUR Yucatán (Lodging Tax) | SEFOTUR is Yucatán's state tourism authority and explains the official lodging tax framework. | We used it to ground the existence and purpose of the Yucatán lodging tax (ISH) from an official state source. We triangulated this with Airbnb's tax collection documentation. |
| SEFOTUR Yucatán Bulletin on Platforms | This is an official state bulletin documenting platform compliance actions for lodging tax. | We used it to support the claim that major platforms have been remitting lodging tax in Yucatán. We showed this is official state policy, not just platform marketing. |
| Ayuntamiento de Mérida Regulations | This is the official municipal page where local regulations are published and linked. | We used it to check whether Mérida has a dedicated STR licensing ordinance like some global cities. We validated what is explicitly regulated versus handled through general rules. |
| Yucatán State Procedures Portal | This is the official state portal for procedures and services in Yucatán. | We used it as a practical reference for where hosts actually complete paperwork for state-level registrations. We kept compliance advice actionable rather than theoretical. |
| Airbtics Mérida Revenue Data | Airbtics provides independent STR market analysis with revenue and pricing estimates. | We used it as a second data point for ADR and revenue estimates, triangulating against AirDNA. We used their peak month analysis to confirm December as the strongest booking period. |
| AirROI Mérida STR Report | AirROI provides STR market analysis with guest demographic breakdowns and top performer benchmarks. | We used it to understand guest origin (65% domestic), age demographics, and language preferences. We also referenced their top performer revenue benchmarks. |
| Mérida Fest Official Website | This is the official municipal website for Mérida's annual anniversary festival. | We used it to confirm the 2026 Mérida Fest dates (January 5 to 18). We included this event as a major demand spike opportunity for hosts. |
| Yucatán Today Events Calendar | Yucatán Today is a well-established regional tourism publication with verified event listings. | We used it to cross-check festival dates and gather details about event programming. We confirmed Carnaval and other major events through their calendar. |
| Airbnb Responsible Hosting Guide (Mexico) | Airbnb's official guidance for hosts on tax and regulatory compliance in Mexico. | We used it to explain RFC registration requirements and tax withholding rates. We referenced their documentation on ISR, VAT, and lodging tax collection. |
| Banxico FIX Exchange Rate | Banco de México is Mexico's central bank and publishes the official FIX exchange rate. | We used it to explain what the FIX rate represents when referencing currency conversions. We kept our methodology transparent and reproducible. |
| SHF House Price Index | SHF is Mexico's federal housing finance institution and publishes a widely cited national house price index. | We used it to frame Mexico-wide residential price growth as context for Mérida's market. We avoided relying on anecdotal claims about rising prices. |
| Sol Yucatán (Local News) | Sol Yucatán is a regional news outlet covering Yucatán state developments. | We used it to reference state officials' public statements about planned platform regulations for 2026. We kept regulatory outlook current with local reporting. |
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Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information.