How Many Airbnbs Are Available in Cancun? A Deeper Dive Into the Rentals Scene
If you’ve ever given any thought to visiting Cancun — or even to living in Cancun for a little while — then I’m guessing you’ve been struck by just how many Airbnb listings there are when you punch the name Cancun into a search engine. Cancun has emerged as one of the hottest vacation rental markets, with thousands of options for travelers seeking everything from budget studios to luxury beachfront villas. But how many Airbnbs are really in Cancun? So what does that mean for everyone from visitors to locals?
Let’s get into the numbers and find out what the Airbnb scene is like in this lively Mexican city.
The Expanding Appeal of Cancun as an Airbnb Market
Before we dive into the numbers, it seems fitting to ponder why Cancun has emerged as such a haven for both Airbnb hosts and guests.
Cancun boasts beautiful beaches, glorious weather throughout the year and a rich culture that has made it a top destination for more than 50 years. But during the past ten years, platforms like Airbnb have changed the way people experience the city entirely. Tourists are no longer limited to hotels but can rent anything from a small condo in downtown Cancun to a large villa with a personal pool right on the beach in the Hotel Zone.
The proliferation of Airbnb listings reflects two things: increasing tourism and locals realizing they can make a supplemental income by offering up their place to guests.
How Many Airbnbs Are There in Cancun?
It is difficult to get an exact tally because listings change day-to-day — some hosts rent year round, while others rent seasonally, and new listings appear all the time. But here’s what up-to-date numbers and estimates are telling us:
As of mid-2025, there are approximately 6,000 to 7,000 active Airbnb listings in Cancun.
These listings vary from small studios to several-bedroom luxury homes.
Roughly 60 percent of these listings are for entire homes or apartments, and the rest are private rooms or shared spaces.
That’s a lot of killing for a city of fewer than a million people.
Cancún Airbnb Types Analysis
Here is what we know about what are on the market to help better understand the Airbnb landscape:
1. Entire Place Rentals
Most popular among vacationers, these listings offer ample privacy and all of the comforts of home or a hotel. Apartments with beach front in the Hotel Zone and penthouses with ocean views are particularly popular.
2. Private Rooms
They are usually rooms in someone’s home, where the guests share living space such as kitchens and living rooms. These are often budget choices and ideal for solo travelers or if you are on a budget.
3. Shared Spaces
More rarely, these could be couch-surfing types of stays or shared rooms with others. More common among backpackers or people who want to meet other travelers.
Why Are There So Many Listings in Cancún on Airbnb?
The many reasons behind the large number of Airbnb postings in Cancun are:
Tourism demand: Sales of more than millllions of visitors each year, and for especially during the high season, there's a buying ready to accommodate guests frenzy.
Flexibility for property owners: Many residents can earn more money and have more flexibility renting on Airbnb than in a long-term tenant situation.
Investment opportunities: Certain people purchase condos or homes specifically to use as Airbnb rentals — particularly near tourist hotspots such as Playa Delfines, the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun.
Local laws: Cancun has overall been less restrictive than some cities when it comes to short-term rentals, which has led to more listings.
What Does Airbnb Do to Local Housing Markets?
This boom in short-term rentals is not without contention. CANCUN, Mexico — As with other hotspot cities around the world, Cancun is reeling from the impact of the sharing economy, as locals are struggling to find affordable homes amid the Airbnb explosion.
Rising property prices: As investment buyers purchase properties to put on Airbnb, prices for condos and homes in popular neighborhoods have risen so much that it’s become even more difficult for local residents to find affordable places to live.
Limited long-term rental stock: Lots of places that might be available for monthly rental to residents instead are listed as short-term vacation rentals.
Community concerns: A handful of neighborhoods have articulated worries about noise, transient guests and shifts in community character.
Cancun and the surrounding Quintana Roo state local governments are now starting to consider regulations that strike a balance between the benefits of tourism and protection of the needs of its residents.
Where Are the Majority of Airbnbs in Cancun?
Cancun is generally split into the two sections of the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun (El Centro). Here’s a peek at where Airbnb listings are the most concentrated:
Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera):
This narrow stretch of land along the Caribbean Sea is home to many luxury condos, resorts and vacation homes. It’s the best location for beachgoers and people in search of easy access to nightlife and attractions.
Downtown Cancun (El Centro):
Provides more of a local experience with affordable apartments and houses. There are plenty of inexpensive Airbnbs and accommodations here for people who want to see the real Mexico.
Puerto Morelos and Surrounding Areas:
A smaller town south of Cancun, with an increasing number of vacation rentals, provides a more tranquil option to a vibrant urban area.
What’s the Average Cost of an Airbnb in Cancun?
Price will vary heavily based on location, size and time of year, but for a very rough estimate:
Budget rooms or shared rooms: $25-$50 USD per night.
Full studio or one-bedroom apartments: $50 to $120 USD per night.
High-end condos and large, multi-bedroom villas: $150-$400+ a night USD.
Prices tend to spike during holidays, spring break or big events, including the Cancun Jazz Festival or Formula 1 races.
How to book an Airbnb in Cancun
Here’s What You Should Know Before Booking an Airbnb in Cancun If you’re thinking of booking an Airbnb in Cancun, make sure you consider some of these options:
Read reviews closely: You want hosts with high ratings and steady, positive feedback.
Look at location details: You can use the map function to make sure you are close to the attractions or neighborhoods you’re after.
Communicate with hosts: Inquire about amenities, check-in processes, or other questions before booking.
Watch out for scams: Always book through Airbnb’s official platform to avoid scams and to make sure that you get your payment and privacy.
Think about the season: Prices and availability can change dramatically based on your travel dates.
What’s Next for Airbnb in Cancun
Looking forward, experts see no signs that Airbnb in Cancun is slowing. As international travel recovers and Mexico’s tourism booms, more hosts and listings are expected.
At the same time, look for more conversations on regulation, sustainability and community impact. Some communities may impose caps on short-term rentals, and hosts may receive additional scrutiny.
For travelers, that means an ongoing diversity of options, but ideally with greater equilibrium between tourism and local life.
Final Thoughts
So how many Airbnbs are there in Cancun? The exact number changes daily, but you can confidently assert that there are thousands of listings for every type of traveler. The Airbnb market in Cancun is lively and varied, from downtown private rooms to luxury beachfront villas in the Hotel Zone.
This wealth speaks to the city’s name sake, the entrepreneurial disposition of its inhabitants and the grey matter of travel accommodation across the globe.
If you’re considering traveling to Cancun, browsing Airbnb is a good way to find fun stays that reflect your style and travel budget. And just make sure to travel smart, be mindful of the local communities and take in all this magical city has to offer.
