Your Ultimate Guide to Renting a House in Cabo
[IMAGE] of a stunning luxury villa with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean in Cabo San Lucas; Los Cabos vacation; private rental benefits; space and privacy; authentic local experience; planning your trip; finding the perfect house; [INFOGRAPHIC] showing the key differences between staying in a hotel vs. a rental house in Cabo, highlighting space, cost per person, amenities, and privacy.
Finding Your Perfect Cabo Rental: Neighborhoods, Types, and Costs
Choosing the Right Neighborhood in Los Cabos
When you are renting a house in Cabo, the neighborhood shapes your whole experience. Here is a lightning-round guide to the areas most visitors compare:
- Cabo San Lucas – the lively side. Swimmable Medano Beach, busy marina, and vibrant nightlife all sit within a short walk of downtown condos or hillside villas.
- San Jose del Cabo – colonial charm. Art Walk every Thursday, relaxed plazas, and family-friendly beaches like Chileno and Santa Maria create that laid-back “real Mexico” feel.
- The Corridor – luxury strip. Gated resort communities, championship golf, and spas fill the 20-mile highway between the two towns.
- Pedregal – elite enclave. Dramatic cliffs, 24/7 security, and custom homes with infinity pools and uninterrupted Pacific views.
- East Cape – trip frontier. Los Barriles and La Ribera deliver kiteboarding, fishing, and quiet beaches away from crowds.
- Todos Santos – artistic surf village an hour north. Bohemian rentals, organic cafés, and famed breaks at Playa Cerritos.
More info about family vacations in Los Cabos
Types of Vacation Rentals and Popular Amenities
Los Cabos has something for every party size and budget:
- Luxury villas (up to 13 bedrooms) often come with private staff, chef service, and resort-style concierge.
- Beachfront homes offer the dream “roll out of bed onto the sand” experience plus gear like kayaks or paddleboards.
- Spacious condos (2–4 bedrooms) give you a full kitchen and shared pools at a price close to resort rooms.
- Traditional homes in local neighborhoods provide authentic architecture, inner courtyards, and lower nightly rates.
Most-requested amenities tell the story:
- Private pool – 66% of listings
- Wi-Fi – 89%
- Air conditioning – 92%
- Full kitchen – most properties
- Balcony or patio – nearly 50%
- Hot tub – about 33%
- Pet-friendly options – 927 homes (expect higher nightly rates)
More info about luxury villa rentals
Understanding the Costs of Renting a House in Cabo
Nightly rates start around US $88 for basic condos and top out above US $25,000 for staffed estates. Three factors drive what you pay:
- Season
- Peak (Dec–Mar) – highest rates, especially over holidays.
- Shoulder (Apr–May & Oct–Nov) – great weather, 20–40% less.
- Summer (Jun–Sep) – hottest temps, deepest discounts.
- Location – oceanfront, gated, or golf-course views command premiums; inland or residential spots are cheaper.
- Size & amenities – more bedrooms, dedicated staff, or extras such as home theaters raise the price.
Extra fees to remember:
- Cleaning: US $100–500 (size dependent)
- Refundable security deposit: US $500–2,000
- Platform/processing fees and Mexican lodging tax
Money-saving tips:
- Book shoulder season or June for best value.
- Ask about weekly/monthly discounts.
- Look for inclusions like free airport transfer or grocery pre-stocking.
For a group of six, a three-bedroom house with a kitchen often costs less than three hotel rooms once you add resort fees and breakfast.
Planning Your Trip: From Booking to Arrival
Best Time to Visit and What to Do
Los Cabos enjoys 350+ sunny days a year, so there is never a wrong month. Quick seasonal snapshot:
- Winter (Dec–Feb) – 77 °F days, prime whale watching (babies breach in Feb). Perfect for patio breakfasts and evening firepits.
- Spring (Mar–May) – mid-80 °F, calm seas. Ideal for beach days, snorkeling Chileno Bay, and art walks.
- Summer (Jun–Aug) – hot, best prices. Your private pool and A/C keep you comfy between fishing charters or lazy siestas.
- Fall (Sep–Nov) – warm water, occasional showers, fewer crowds.
Must-do experiences that pair well with a rental house:
- Boat ride to El Arco and Lover’s Beach.
- Snorkel or dive protected coves at Santa Maria.
- World-class sport fishing – Cabo claims the “Marlin Capital” crown.
- Off-road ATV or camel treks in the desert.
- Sunset dinners on your own terrace as whales breach offshore.
- Golf at championship courses like Cabo del Sol or Palmilla.
- Spa treatments at world-renowned resorts along the Corridor.
- Deep-sea fishing for dorado, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna.
- Horseback riding on secluded beaches at sunset.
- Zip-lining through desert canyons and over arroyos.
For comprehensive travel planning resources and destination guides, visit Lonely Planet’s Mexico section to find additional attractions and cultural insights that will improve your Cabo experience.
More info about family activities
Check the local weather forecast
How to Select the Right Rental for Your Group
Match the house to your crew, and everyone wins:
- Families – gated communities, shallow-end pools, ground-floor bedrooms, easy walk or short drive to Medano or Chileno. Full kitchens save on meals.
- Couples – secluded oceanfront casitas, infinity pools, outdoor showers, and nearby spas or gourmet dining.
- Large groups – 6-plus bedrooms, big common areas, concierge help, and proximity to nightlife if celebrating.
- Pet owners – fenced yards and ground-floor access; 927 pet-friendly choices in the region.
- Accessibility needs – verify ramps, elevators, or ground-level suites before booking.
- Business travelers – high-speed internet, dedicated workspace, proximity to meeting venues.
- Trip seekers – easy access to marina, equipment storage, outdoor shower for post-activity cleanup.
Always read recent reviews, confirm key amenities work (Wi-Fi, A/C, pool heater), and study maps so you know walking vs. driving distances. Consider booking properties with backup generators during hurricane season, and verify if the rental includes beach equipment like umbrellas, chairs, and coolers.
For additional vacation rental tips and booking strategies, TripAdvisor’s vacation rental guide offers valuable insights from fellow travelers and expert recommendations.
More info about villas for group stays
Getting to and Around Los Cabos After Renting a House in Cabo
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) sits 22.7 mi from Cabo San Lucas and about 8 mi from San Jose del Cabo. Pre-booking transportation gets you to your villa quicker.
- Private transfers with SJD Taxi – SUVs, Suburbans, Escalades, vans, sprinters, and limousines. Direct to your villa door, complimentary beer or water, optional grocery stop, and child car seats on request.
- Shared shuttles – budget choice (US $13–40 per seat). 2–4 stops, exterior drop at gated communities, no drinks or grocery stops, service usually ends by early evening.
- Rental cars – freedom to explore at your own pace, essential for East Cape or Todos Santos stays.
- Taxis and ride-sharing – convenient for short trips, though limited Uber availability.
Prices one way (private): San Jose del Cabo US $65–80, Corridor US $85–100, Cabo San Lucas US $95–110, East Cape US $200–300. You may cancel up to 72 hr beforehand for a full refund minus a US $5 processing fee.
Because rental homes can be tucked into winding hills or gated streets, drivers familiar with local access rules save you time and wrong turns. Many gated communities require advance notification for entry, making pre-arranged transfers especially valuable.
For current flight information and airport details, check Los Cabos International Airport’s official website for terminal maps, services, and real-time departure information.
Book your reliable airport transfer to your Cabo rental house
