Albany, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

50 / 100

Albany presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Albany Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Albany, CA is a small but active short-term rental market nestled between Berkeley and El Cerrito in the East Bay, with 42 active Airbnb listings and an average occupancy rate of 51% — well above the 43% California state average. While average annual revenue sits at $31,193 and the average daily rate of $184 is significantly below the $551 state average, the market's above-average occupancy stability suggests consistent demand from visitors drawn to the broader Bay Area. High home values averaging nearly $1.7 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, so investors will need to be strategic about property selection and pricing to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Albany short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 42
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $551 state avg. $184
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 43% state avg. 51%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $93
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,599
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $31,193

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Albany

Albany's above-average occupancy and Bay Area location make it appealing for investors who can navigate the high entry costs with selective deal sourcing.

Key investment factors

  • Occupancy rate of 51% exceeds the California state average of 43%, signaling reliable guest demand
  • Proximity to UC Berkeley, San Francisco, and East Bay attractions provides diverse visitor demand
  • Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $127, nearly double that of studios and one-bedrooms
  • Compact market of just 42 listings means less competition but also limited comparable data
  • High average home values of $1.7M require careful underwriting to achieve positive cash flow

Expert Market Assessment

"Albany represents a competitive opportunity for STR investors — the demand fundamentals are solid with above-average occupancy, but the high cost of entry compresses returns. Seasonality is moderate: revenue roughly doubles from the January low of $1,864 to the August peak of $3,320, with a gradual ramp through spring and a long shoulder season extending into October. Two-bedroom properties clearly outperform, earning $47,303 annually compared to $22,706 for one-bedrooms, making them the most compelling configuration in this market. Investors who can source properties below the average ZHVI or optimize for the two-bedroom segment stand the best chance of generating meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Albany's ROI Score: 50/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

Factor Albany Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Above average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Albany's ROI Score of 50 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting strong occupancy stability (above average) offset by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by the market's high home values. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both score as average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding market. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting to ensure deals pencil out given the elevated cost of entry.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Albany

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Albany. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Albany, California may be required to obtain a business license or STR permit from the city. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the City of Albany and Alameda County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California cities include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, and some municipalities cap the number of active STR permits, so it's essential to confirm local zoning and community regulations before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on behalf of hosts. Investors should also be aware of potential state and local sales tax obligations and confirm their specific requirements with Albany's finance department.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Albany can provide current regulatory guidance.

Short-Term Rental Financing for Albany

Financing an Airbnb investment in Albany requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Albany Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Albany's STR market is expected to maintain its steady occupancy patterns, with peak-season months (July and August) likely continuing to push monthly revenues above $3,200. Year-over-year listing growth of 105% indicates rising investor interest, which could introduce modest competitive pressure and keep ADR growth in the 1–3% range. Occupancy rates should remain in the 48–55% corridor given the market's proximity to UC Berkeley and broader Bay Area demand drivers, though individual results will depend on property quality and pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Albany, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Albany?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Albany, CA is currently 51%, which is notably higher than the California state average of 43%. Two-bedroom properties tend to perform best at 55% occupancy, while studios and one-bedrooms hover in the 47–49% range. This above-average occupancy suggests consistent demand from guests visiting the broader Bay Area.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Albany?
Airbnb hosts in Albany, CA earn an average of $2,599 per month and approximately $31,193 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — two-bedroom listings average $3,941 per month ($47,303 annually), while one-bedroom listings bring in about $1,892 per month ($22,706 annually). Peak months like July and August can push monthly revenue above $3,200.
Is Albany a good market for Airbnb investment?
Albany carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 50 out of 100, classified as a Competitive Opportunity. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and steady demand, but high property prices (averaging $1.7M) result in a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can find properties priced below market averages or optimize two-bedroom configurations may find attractive returns, though selective deal sourcing is essential.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Albany?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Albany, CA is $184, which is well below the California state average of $551. ADR varies considerably by property size: studios average $139, one-bedrooms come in at $115, and two-bedroom properties command $232 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Albany's positioning as a more affordable East Bay alternative.
Are short-term rentals legal in Albany?
Short-term rentals may be operated in Albany, CA, though hosts should verify current permit, licensing, and zoning requirements with the City of Albany and Alameda County. California municipalities frequently update their STR regulations, so it's important to confirm compliance with local ordinances, HOA rules, and any applicable tax registration before listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Albany?
Peak season for Airbnb in Albany runs from June through October, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,320. July is a close second at $3,261, while September and October remain strong at roughly $2,900 each. The slowest months are January ($1,864) and February ($1,894), creating a moderate seasonal spread that still supports year-round hosting.
How many Airbnbs are there in Albany?
There are currently 42 active Airbnb listings in Albany, CA as of April 2026. The market is dominated by one-bedroom properties (18 listings), followed by two-bedrooms (12 listings) and studios (6 listings). Year-over-year listing growth of 105% indicates increasing investor interest in this compact East Bay market.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Albany?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Albany are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

  • Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts by market and property size
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level comparisons
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
  • Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Albany's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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