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

Aptos Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Aptos, a coastal community in Santa Cruz County, draws vacation renters with its proximity to beaches and the redwood-covered hills of the central California coast. With an average annual revenue of $65,259 across 168 active listings and an ADR of $437, the market commands premium nightly rates—though occupancy sits at 33%, below the 43% state average, signaling that selective deal sourcing and strong listing optimization are essential. High home values averaging $1,834,022 compress the revenue-to-price ratio, making this a market where investors need to target the right property type to generate meaningful returns.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Aptos

Aptos attracts investor interest due to its premium coastal positioning and strong summer demand, though high entry costs and growing supply require disciplined property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Aptos represents a competitive opportunity where the right property can perform well, but the margin for error is thinner than in more affordable markets. Summer months—June through August—are the revenue engine, with July alone generating roughly $8,455 on average, while the January-to-February trough drops below $3,500. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio (driven by home values near $1.83 million) means investors need to focus on larger properties or find below-market acquisition prices to hit reasonable yield targets. Pairing strong seasonal pricing with an amenity set that matches guest expectations—outdoor living, parking, and beach proximity—will be the key differentiator for outperforming the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Aptos

Average revenue by month in Aptos

Revenue in Aptos follows a steep summer curve, peaking in July at $8,455—roughly 2.6 times the January low of $3,265. The spread between peak and off-peak months underscores the importance of aggressive summer pricing and realistic cash-flow planning for the quieter winter period.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Aptos

Two-bedroom listings lead supply with 56 units, followed closely by 1-bedrooms at 47, while studios (5) and 4-bedrooms (20) are the least represented. The thin supply of larger and smaller properties may present differentiation opportunities for investors willing to target underserved segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Aptos

ADR climbs steeply from $186 for studios to $653 for 4-bedroom properties, with the biggest jump occurring between 2-bedrooms ($353) and 3-bedrooms ($607). This premium suggests that families and groups booking larger homes are willing to pay substantially more per night, making 3-bedroom properties particularly compelling from a rate perspective.

Average RevPAN by property size in Aptos

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $169, edging out 4-bedrooms ($156) despite their lower ADR, thanks to a slightly better occupancy profile. Studios trail at $71, making larger configurations the clear revenue-per-night winners after accounting for how often they're actually booked.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Aptos

Smaller units fill more consistently—1-bedrooms lead at 42% occupancy and studios reach 38%—while 3- and 4-bedroom homes sit at 28% and 24% respectively. For larger properties, this lower occupancy is offset by significantly higher nightly rates, but investors should plan for more vacant nights between bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Aptos

Four-bedroom homes top the monthly revenue chart at $9,501, followed by 3-bedrooms at $7,687, while studios and 1-bedrooms earn $2,627 and $4,506 respectively. The revenue gap between 2-bedrooms ($4,678) and 3-bedrooms ($7,687) is notable, suggesting that adding a third bedroom unlocks a meaningfully higher earning tier.

Average annual revenue by property size in Aptos

Annual revenue ranges from $31,529 for studios to $114,017 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms generating $92,246. Given Aptos's average home value of $1,834,022, investors targeting larger properties will want to ensure acquisition costs are well below market to achieve a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Aptos

Patios or balconies (94%), parking (89%), and kitchens (89%) are near-universal in Aptos listings, setting a high baseline for guest expectations. Outdoor-lifestyle amenities like BBQ grills (61%), outdoor furniture (70%), and beach access (38%) reflect the coastal vacation character of the market, while hot tubs (32%) and pools (28%) remain potential differentiators for listings that include them.

Understanding Aptos's ROI Score: 44/100

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

What This Means for Investors

Aptos earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 44 out of 100, placing it in the Competitive Opportunity band where demand is real but high entry costs and growing supply compress returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio—driven by home values near $1.83 million against $65,259 in average annual revenue—is the primary drag, while above-average occupancy stability provides a counterbalance that suggests bookings are relatively predictable once a listing is established. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types (particularly 3- and 4-bedrooms) where revenue potential is strongest relative to acquisition cost.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Aptos

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Aptos and unincorporated Santa Cruz County may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the county before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Santa Cruz County Planning Department, as rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements (especially in residential zones), noise and parking regulations, and potential caps on the total number of STR permits issued. HOA covenants in planned communities may add further limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT), which Santa Cruz County assesses on stays of 30 days or fewer. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the county tax collector's office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Aptos is likely to maintain its pronounced summer seasonality, with July and August driving monthly revenues north of $8,000 while winter months settle closer to $3,200–$3,500. Given above-average occupancy stability, demand from coastal vacationers should remain resilient, though the 150% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests supply is expanding rapidly, which could put downward pressure on ADR and occupancy if the trend continues. Investors should anticipate modest ADR growth of 1–3% at best, with the most meaningful revenue gains coming from operational improvements—pricing strategy, amenity upgrades, and shoulder-season marketing—rather than broad market tailwinds."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Aptos, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Aptos?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Aptos is currently 33%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size: 1-bedroom units lead at 42%, while larger 4-bedroom homes average around 24%. This spread reflects the trade-off between lower nightly rates that fill more nights and premium pricing on larger properties that commands fewer but higher-value bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Aptos?

Airbnb hosts in Aptos earn an average of $5,438 per month, or approximately $65,259 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue scales significantly with property size—studios bring in around $2,627 per month, while 4-bedroom homes average $9,501 monthly ($114,017 annually). Peak summer months like July can push individual monthly earnings above $8,400 on average across all property types.

Is Aptos a good market for Airbnb investment?

Aptos carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 44 out of 100, categorized as a Competitive Opportunity. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and strong summer demand, but high home values (averaging $1,834,022) compress the revenue-to-price ratio and growing supply adds competitive pressure. Investors who source properties at favorable prices and optimize for peak-season performance can still find workable returns, particularly with 3- and 4-bedroom homes that generate higher annual revenue.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Aptos?

The average daily rate in Aptos is $437, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR scales sharply with property size: studios average $186 per night, while 4-bedroom homes reach $653. Three-bedroom properties hit a sweet spot at $607 ADR with the highest RevPAN ($169), suggesting they capture strong rates while maintaining enough bookings to generate solid per-night revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in Aptos?

Short-term rentals operate in Aptos under the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County. Operators may be required to obtain a permit or register their rental, comply with occupancy and safety standards, and remit transient occupancy taxes. Regulations in this area can change, so prospective investors should verify the latest requirements with the Santa Cruz County Planning Department before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Aptos?

Peak season in Aptos runs from June through August, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $8,455 and August close behind at $8,238. The shoulder months of May and September still perform respectably ($5,332 and $5,833 respectively), while the lowest-revenue months are January ($3,265) and February ($3,500). This creates a pronounced summer-weighted revenue curve typical of coastal California vacation markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Aptos?

There are currently 168 active Airbnb listings in Aptos. The supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (47 listings) and 2-bedroom (56 listings) properties, which together account for over 60% of the market. Larger 3-bedroom (37) and 4-bedroom (20) homes are less common, while studios represent just 5 listings. Year-over-year listing growth of 150% indicates rapid supply expansion.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Aptos?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Aptos are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $8,455) and slower months (like January's $3,265). 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 for the Aptos market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data for competitive benchmarking

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 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, pricing strategy, and management quality.