Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Nicaragua Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Nicaragua Property Pack
If you're thinking about starting an Airbnb in Nicaragua, you're probably wondering whether it's worth it and how much you could actually make.
In this guide, we break down the legal requirements, realistic revenue expectations, and competitive landscape for short-term rentals in Nicaragua as of early 2026.
We update this article regularly to reflect the latest market data and regulatory changes.
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 Nicaragua.
Insights
- The typical Airbnb in Nicaragua earns around $1,590 per month in gross revenue, but after expenses, most self-managed hosts take home between $550 and $950 monthly in net profit.
- Nicaragua has no national cap on rental nights per year, unlike cities such as Paris or Amsterdam, so hosts can operate year-round without hitting a legal ceiling.
- The Rivas coastal region near San Juan del Sur has the highest nightly rates in Nicaragua, averaging around $149, which is nearly 70% higher than Granada's average of $86.
- One-bedroom units dominate Nicaragua's Airbnb supply, making up over 50% of listings in Managua, Granada, and Rivas, yet 2-bedroom properties often generate higher monthly profits.
- Occupancy rates in Nicaragua hover around 41% nationally, meaning a typical listing is booked only about 12 to 13 nights per month, which is lower than many Caribbean destinations.
- During Semana Santa and the December holiday season, Airbnb revenues in Nicaragua can spike by 30% or more compared to the monthly average.
- Air conditioning is nearly universal among Nicaragua's Airbnb listings, but reliable backup power and strong Wi-Fi are still differentiators that can boost bookings significantly.
- There are roughly 6,500 active Airbnb listings across Nicaragua, with over 60% concentrated in just three markets: Managua, Granada, and Rivas.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Nicaragua in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Nicaragua in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting through platforms like Airbnb is allowed in Nicaragua, and there is no national ban preventing property owners from hosting guests.
The main legal framework governing short-term rentals in Nicaragua is the tourism licensing system managed by INTUR (Instituto Nicaraguense de Turismo), which requires lodging providers to register and obtain a "Titulo Licencia" to operate legally.
The single most important condition hosts must comply with is obtaining this INTUR lodging license if they operate as a tourism accommodation business, along with meeting DGI (tax authority) requirements for declaring rental income.
Penalties for operating without proper registration can include fines and potential closure orders, though enforcement varies depending on the scale of the operation and its visibility to authorities.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Nicaragua.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Nicaragua.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Nicaragua as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Nicaragua does not impose any national minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap on Airbnb rentals, unlike cities such as Paris or Amsterdam that limit short-term rentals to 90 or 120 days annually.
These rules do not vary by property type or host residency status in Nicaragua, meaning there are no restrictions for any property category or location within the country.
Since there are no legal caps, hosts do not need to track or report rental nights to comply with national regulations, though they should still maintain records for tax purposes.
That said, many hosts in Nicaragua voluntarily set minimum stays of 30 nights or more, especially in Managua and Granada, but this is a business strategy rather than a legal requirement.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Nicaragua right now?
Nicaragua does not require hosts to live in the property they rent out, so there is no residency requirement for operating an Airbnb in the country.
Owners of secondary homes or investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals in Nicaragua, and many successful listings are owned by individuals who do not reside on-site.
There are no additional permits or special conditions that apply specifically to non-primary residence rentals, though all lodging operations should comply with INTUR licensing if they function as tourism accommodations.
The main difference between renting a primary residence versus a secondary home in Nicaragua is not regulatory but practical: non-resident owners often need to hire property managers, which affects their net profit margins.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Nicaragua right now?
Yes, operating multiple Airbnb listings under one name or entity is legally allowed in Nicaragua, and data from platforms like AirDNA confirms that multi-property operators already exist across Managua, Granada, and Rivas.
There is no maximum number of properties that one person or company can list for short-term rental in Nicaragua, so portfolio growth is not legally restricted.
However, hosts with multiple listings should expect closer scrutiny regarding INTUR licensing and DGI tax compliance, since operating at scale makes it clearer that you are running a tourism lodging business.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Nicaragua as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, hosts operating lodging accommodations in Nicaragua are expected to obtain an INTUR "Titulo Licencia" and comply with DGI tax registration requirements for rental income.
The typical process involves submitting documentation to INTUR, including property ownership or lease proof, identification, and passing any required inspections, with timelines varying from a few weeks to a couple of months depending on your location.
Documents typically required include a valid ID or passport, property title or rental agreement, and proof of compliance with local health and safety standards.
Licensing costs are generally modest by international standards, though hosts should budget for inspection fees, potential legal assistance, and annual renewal fees.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Nicaragua as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Nicaragua does not have any documented national neighborhood bans or restricted zones that prohibit Airbnb-style rentals, unlike major cities in the US or Europe with geofenced restrictions.
Any restrictions hosts might encounter are more likely to come from private sources, such as homeowner association rules in gated communities or condominium regulations that limit short-term rentals.
In practice, Airbnb listings operate openly across popular areas including Managua's residential corridors, Granada's historic center, and the beach communities near San Juan del Sur.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Nicaragua 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.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Nicaragua in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Nicaragua in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb in Nicaragua is approximately $131 (around 4,850 NIO or 125 EUR), while the median nightly price sits closer to $95 (around 3,500 NIO or 90 EUR) because lower-priced rooms and apartments pull the middle down.
The typical nightly price range that covers roughly 80% of Airbnb listings in Nicaragua falls between $45 and $200 (1,665 to 7,400 NIO, or 43 to 190 EUR), with budget private rooms at the low end and beach villas with pools at the high end.
The single factor with the biggest impact on nightly pricing in Nicaragua is location type: beachfront properties near San Juan del Sur command the highest rates, while urban apartments in Managua and simple rooms in smaller towns sit at the lower end of the spectrum.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Nicaragua.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Nicaragua in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly Airbnb prices in Nicaragua can vary by $100 or more (3,700 NIO or 95 EUR) between the most expensive areas like beachfront properties near Playa Maderas and more affordable locations in Managua's outer neighborhoods or smaller provincial towns.
The three areas with the highest average nightly prices in Nicaragua are San Juan del Sur's beachfront zones, premium beach communities like Playa Hermosa and Playa Remanso in the Rivas region, and upscale Managua neighborhoods such as Santo Domingo and Las Colinas, where rates commonly reach $160 to $350 per night (5,900 to 13,000 NIO or 150 to 330 EUR).
The three areas with the lowest average nightly prices include outer Managua neighborhoods, budget zones in smaller cities, and basic private rooms throughout the country, where rates typically range from $45 to $80 per night (1,665 to 2,960 NIO or 43 to 76 EUR), though these areas still attract budget travelers and long-stay guests.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Nicaragua in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Nicaragua is around 41%, which translates to roughly 12 to 13 booked nights per month for the average property.
The realistic occupancy rate range that covers most listings in Nicaragua falls between 30% and 55%, depending on location, property quality, pricing strategy, and review scores.
Nicaragua's Airbnb occupancy rates are comparable to or slightly below the Central American regional average, with beach destinations like Rivas performing at around 42% and business-focused Managua sitting lower at roughly 35%.
The single factor with the biggest impact on achieving above-average occupancy in Nicaragua is having strong reviews combined with responsive communication, as guests booking in less-traveled destinations rely heavily on social proof before confirming reservations.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Nicaragua in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Nicaragua is approximately $1,590 (around 58,800 NIO or 1,510 EUR), calculated by multiplying the average nightly rate by typical occupancy over 30 days.
The realistic monthly revenue range that covers roughly 80% of Airbnb listings in Nicaragua falls between $800 and $2,500 per month (29,600 to 92,500 NIO or 760 to 2,375 EUR), with private rooms and basic apartments at the low end and well-located beach properties at the high end.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Nicaragua, particularly beach villas with pools near San Juan del Sur, can achieve monthly revenues of $4,000 to $6,000 (148,000 to 222,000 NIO or 3,800 to 5,700 EUR) during peak season. For example, a villa charging $200 per night with 60% occupancy would generate roughly $3,600 in a single month.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Nicaragua.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Nicaragua in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a typical Airbnb listing in Nicaragua can expect to earn around $2,050 per month (75,850 NIO or 1,950 EUR) during high season, compared to roughly $1,150 per month (42,550 NIO or 1,090 EUR) during low season, representing a swing of about 30% above and below the annual average.
High season in Nicaragua runs from December through April during the dry season, with the biggest spikes during Semana Santa (Easter week) and Christmas/New Year holidays, while the rainy season months from May through October are considered low season when leisure travel drops and some hosts pivot to monthly stays.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Nicaragua in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly operating expenses for an Airbnb in Nicaragua range from $350 to $750 (12,950 to 27,750 NIO or 330 to 710 EUR) for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, $650 to $1,400 (24,050 to 51,800 NIO or 620 to 1,330 EUR) for a two to three-bedroom house, and $1,200 to $2,800 (44,400 to 103,600 NIO or 1,140 to 2,660 EUR) for larger villas with pools.
The single expense category that typically represents the largest share of monthly costs in Nicaragua is electricity, especially for properties with air conditioning, which can run $100 to $300 per month (3,700 to 11,100 NIO or 95 to 285 EUR) depending on usage and property size.
Hosts in Nicaragua should typically expect to spend between 40% and 65% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with self-managed properties at the lower end and professionally managed properties at the higher end due to management fees of 15% to 25%.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Nicaragua.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Nicaragua in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit for a self-managed Airbnb in Nicaragua ranges from $550 to $950 (20,350 to 35,150 NIO or 520 to 900 EUR), which works out to roughly $18 to $32 (665 to 1,185 NIO or 17 to 30 EUR) in profit per available night.
The realistic monthly net profit range that covers most Airbnb listings in Nicaragua spans from $250 to $950 (9,250 to 35,150 NIO or 240 to 900 EUR), with the lower end reflecting professionally managed properties where 15% to 25% management fees eat into margins.
Hosts in Nicaragua typically achieve net profit margins of 35% to 60% of gross revenue, depending on their expense structure, property type, and whether they self-manage or hire a property manager.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Airbnb listing in Nicaragua is around 20% to 25%, meaning a host needs roughly 6 to 8 booked nights per month just to cover fixed operating costs before generating any profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Nicaragua, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Nicaragua 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 competitive is Airbnb in Nicaragua as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Nicaragua as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Nicaragua has approximately 6,500 active Airbnb listings nationwide, with over 4,400 of those concentrated in just three markets: Managua (1,089 listings), Granada (603 listings), and the Rivas region including San Juan del Sur (2,702 listings).
This represents continued growth compared to previous years, following the broader trend of short-term rental expansion across Central America as tourism to Nicaragua has recovered and digital nomad traffic has increased to destinations with lower costs of living.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Nicaragua as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Nicaragua include Santo Domingo, Las Colinas, and Villa Fontana in Managua, the Centro Historico and Calle La Calzada corridor in Granada, and San Juan del Sur town along with nearby beaches like Playa Maderas, Playa Remanso, and Playa Hermosa in the Rivas region.
These areas have become saturated because they combine high tourist concentration with relatively easy property access: Granada's colonial center is walkable and photogenic, San Juan del Sur draws the surf crowd, and Managua's upscale residential zones attract business travelers and NGO workers who need proximity to embassies and restaurants.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods that may offer better opportunities for new hosts include quieter residential areas in Granada away from the main tourist corridor, emerging beach communities north or south of San Juan del Sur, and secondary cities like Leon, Esteli, or Matagalpa where supply has not yet caught up with growing interest from adventure travelers.
What local events spike demand in Nicaragua in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Nicaragua are Semana Santa (Easter week), the Christmas and New Year holiday period, and the La Purisima/La Griteria celebrations in early December, along with surf competitions and seasonal waves that draw visitors to Pacific coast beaches.
During these peak events, bookings can increase by 40% to 60% compared to normal weeks, and nightly rates often rise by 20% to 35% as demand outpaces available supply, especially in Granada and the beach zones near San Juan del Sur.
Hosts should adjust their pricing and availability at least 4 to 6 weeks before major holidays, updating calendars and raising rates early to capture bookings from travelers who plan ahead, while keeping some flexibility for last-minute demand spikes.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Nicaragua in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Nicaragua typically achieve occupancy rates of 55% to 65%, significantly outperforming the national average through better photos, faster response times, dynamic pricing, and consistently strong guest reviews.
In contrast, average hosts in Nicaragua see occupancy rates around 41%, while new or underperforming listings often struggle at 25% to 35% until they build up reviews and optimize their operations.
It typically takes a new host in Nicaragua between 6 and 12 months to reach top-performer occupancy levels, assuming they actively respond to inquiries, collect positive reviews, and adjust pricing based on demand patterns.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Nicaragua.
What amenities do nearly all competitors offer in Nicaragua right now?
As of the first half of 2026, nearly all Airbnb listings in Nicaragua offer Wi-Fi (91% to 96% of listings), a kitchen, air conditioning (especially in Managua and coastal areas), and parking (particularly important in Managua and Rivas where guests often have rental cars).
These amenities have become baseline expectations in Nicaragua, meaning hosts who lack any of them will likely see lower occupancy rates and struggle to compete on price.
The amenities that actually differentiate listings in Nicaragua go beyond these basics and include reliable backup power or generators, ergonomic workspaces for remote workers, pools at beach properties, and water reliability during dry season, since these address real pain points that guests encounter.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Nicaragua right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of Airbnb listings in Nicaragua is $50 to $110 (1,850 to 4,070 NIO or 48 to 105 EUR), where a massive supply of one-bedroom apartments, private rooms, and basic entire homes compete intensely for budget-conscious travelers.
The most crowded price points are precisely in this budget-to-mid range, while "white space" opportunities exist in two areas: the premium segment at $180 to $300 per night (6,660 to 11,100 NIO or 170 to 285 EUR) for beach villas with pools and reliable amenities, and the extended-stay segment targeting remote workers with 28 to 60-night bookings at competitive monthly rates.
To successfully compete in underserved price segments in Nicaragua, a new host should focus on properties with reliable utilities including backup power, dedicated workspaces with fast internet, family-friendly two to three-bedroom layouts in safe neighborhoods, or beach homes with pools, shade, and water reliability that solve real comfort problems for guests.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Nicaragua right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Nicaragua as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom units get the most total bookings on Airbnb in Nicaragua because they match the largest guest segments (couples, solo travelers, and short business trips) and dominate the available supply.
The estimated booking breakdown by bedroom count in Nicaragua shows one-bedroom properties accounting for roughly 50% to 55% of all listings across Managua, Granada, and Rivas, with two-bedroom units at around 25% to 30%, and three-bedroom-plus properties making up the remainder.
One-bedroom properties perform best in Nicaragua for total bookings because they hit the sweet spot of affordability and space for the typical visitor profile, though hosts seeking higher monthly profits often find that two-bedroom units generate better returns by attracting small groups willing to pay more per night.
What property type performs best in Nicaragua in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the best-performing property types for Airbnb in Nicaragua depend on location: apartments and condos perform well in Managua for business travelers, colonial "entire homes" stand out in Granada for their character and walkability, and beach houses or villas with pools dominate the premium segment in the Rivas/San Juan del Sur region.
Occupancy rates across property types in Nicaragua are relatively similar at the national level (hovering around 40% to 45%), but beach villas with pools achieve higher nightly rates that boost overall revenue, while apartments in Managua offer more consistent year-round demand without the seasonal swings.
For most individual hosts in Nicaragua, a well-located two-bedroom apartment or house tends to outperform because it balances booking frequency with revenue potential, is easier to maintain than a large villa, and attracts both short-stay guests and remote workers looking for monthly rentals.
What location traits boost bookings in Nicaragua right now?
As of the first half of 2026, the location traits that boost Airbnb bookings most in Nicaragua are walkability to restaurants and attractions (especially in Granada's historic center), perceived safety and easy access in Managua's residential corridors like Santo Domingo and Las Colinas, and beach proximity combined with ocean views in the Rivas coastal zone.
Beyond basic location, the practical details that matter most in Nicaragua are reliable utilities (power stability, strong Wi-Fi, and water during dry season), comfortable A/C for tropical heat, and parking availability in Managua and beach areas where guests often arrive by car.
Properties that solve these friction points can command premium rates and achieve above-average occupancy, since guests traveling to Nicaragua are often comparing options carefully and will pay more for peace of mind about comfort and reliability.
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 Nicaragua, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| INTUR Business Registry | Official Nicaraguan tourism regulator that authorizes and licenses lodging businesses. | We used it to confirm the government body in charge of tourism lodging and to establish the baseline legal framework for hosting in Nicaragua. |
| INTUR Lodging Requirements PDF | Official checklist document showing what INTUR requests for lodging licensing applications. | We used it to list the typical paperwork hosts need and to infer operational compliance tasks that are often missed. |
| Tramites Nicaragua Lodging Procedures | Government procedures portal summarizing ongoing obligations like renewals and notifications. | We used it to confirm that licenses require renewal and that changes must be reported, serving as a second verification layer. |
| National Assembly Legal Database (Ley 306) | Official legal text repository for Nicaragua's national laws, not a commentary site. | We used it to anchor the legal framework for tourism activity and to justify that lodging is treated as a tourism industry activity under national law. |
| DGI Capital Income FAQ | Official tax authority guidance pages explaining how rental income is classified. | We used it to frame what rental income looks like for tax purposes and to flag that taxes apply even for small individual landlords. |
| DGI Capital Income Definition FAQ | Official source citing the legal basis for what income is considered capital income in Nicaragua. | We used it to explain why Airbnb income is taxable and to separate personal hosting from registered business in practical terms. |
| AirDNA Nicaragua Overview | Major STR analytics provider used widely by professionals and media with repeatable data methods. | We used it to justify using a consistent dataset for ADR, occupancy, and listings across Nicaraguan markets. |
| AirDNA Managua Dashboard | Standardized market dashboard with consistent metrics for Nicaragua's capital city. | We used it for Managua pricing, occupancy, amenities, and bedroom mix to convert into monthly revenue and profit estimates. |
| AirDNA Granada Dashboard | Same standardized dashboard covering Granada's colonial tourism market. | We used it to represent colonial city and weekend tourism performance, and to identify supply mix and common amenities. |
| AirDNA Rivas Dashboard | Captures a large share of Nicaragua's beach and surf demand near San Juan del Sur. | We used it as the best single beach region proxy and to discuss seasonality and competitive expectations. |
| INTUR Tourism Performance 2024 | Recent official tourism performance summary from Nicaragua's tourism authority. | We used it to ground demand in actual visitor spending and travel trends, and to check whether STR demand makes sense in 2026. |
| INTUR Tourism Contribution 2023 | References Tourism Satellite Account work and key national indicators. | We used it to triangulate visitor volumes and receipt trends, and to justify that tourism is large enough to support STR demand. |
| UN Tourism Data Dashboard | Global reference body for tourism metrics with standardized international data. | We used it as a cross-check for seasonality concepts and inbound demand direction beyond STR-only data. |
| World Bank Tourism Arrivals Indicator | Globally standardized dataset sourced from UN Tourism for international comparisons. | We used it to cross-check long-run tourism scale and cycles and to keep our narrative anchored in comparable definitions. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Nicaragua. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.