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

Bakersfield Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bakersfield's short-term rental market features 302 active Airbnb listings with an average daily rate of $151 — significantly below the California state average of $551 — making it one of the more affordable entry points for STR investors in the state. With average annual revenue of $19,827 and home values around $515,900, the market rewards careful deal sourcing, particularly in larger property configurations where monthly revenues climb well above the market average. The 124% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though occupancy at 35% sits below the state average and warrants attention.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield

Bakersfield attracts investor interest primarily because of its low acquisition costs relative to the broader California market, combined with scalable revenue potential in larger property sizes.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bakersfield presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to be selective. The ROI score of 52 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and market growth, tempered by below-average occupancy stability — a signal that not every property type will pencil out. Seasonality is present but not extreme: the spread between the slowest month (January at $1,319) and the peak (August at $2,061) is about $740, meaning cash flow doesn't collapse in the off-season. Investors targeting 4- and 5-bedroom properties stand to capture the strongest absolute returns, though the rapid increase in competition means operational excellence and smart pricing will matter more than ever."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bakersfield

Average revenue by month in Bakersfield

Revenue in Bakersfield peaks during the summer months, with August topping the chart at $2,061 and July close behind at $1,982. January is the softest month at $1,319, but the roughly $740 gap between peak and trough suggests moderate rather than extreme seasonality — a positive for year-round cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bakersfield

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 104 of 302 total listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (65) and 2-bedrooms (53). Larger configurations — particularly 5-bedroom homes with only 17 listings — are relatively underrepresented, which could signal less competition and stronger pricing power for investors willing to acquire bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bakersfield

ADR scales consistently with property size, rising from $78 for 1-bedroom units to $283 for 5-bedroom homes — a 3.6x premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($141) to 3-bedrooms ($188) is notable, suggesting guests are willing to pay meaningfully more for that extra room, making mid-size and larger properties attractive from a rate perspective.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bakersfield

Five-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $122, roughly double the next-best category (4-bedrooms at $62), driven by their combination of high nightly rates and solid occupancy. Studios and 1-bedrooms lag at $29 and $32 respectively, indicating that smaller units struggle to generate meaningful revenue per available night despite higher occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bakersfield

Occupancy rates vary notably across property sizes, with 5-bedroom listings leading at 43% and 1-bedrooms close behind at 41%. Three- and 4-bedroom properties see the weakest occupancy at 27% and 28%, suggesting that mid-to-large homes may face booking gaps that require proactive pricing and marketing to fill.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bakersfield

Monthly revenue increases sharply with property size, from $945 for 1-bedrooms to $3,177 for 5-bedroom homes. The gap between 4-bedrooms ($2,677) and 5-bedrooms ($3,177) is roughly $500 per month, making the largest homes the clear revenue leaders for investors who can absorb higher acquisition and maintenance costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bakersfield

Annual revenue ranges from $11,342 for 1-bedroom listings to $38,127 for 5-bedroom properties, with each step up in bedroom count delivering a meaningful revenue increase. Four- and 5-bedroom homes earning $32,133 and $38,127 respectively represent the most compelling gross revenue configurations, though investors should weigh these figures against higher purchase prices and operating expenses.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bakersfield

Parking (96%) and a kitchen (93%) are near-universal in Bakersfield listings, reflecting a market that caters to practical, often car-dependent travelers. Self check-in (85%), washer (78%), and a dedicated workspace (69%) round out the top amenities, signaling that guests expect a functional, home-like experience — and listings missing these basics may struggle to compete.

Understanding Bakersfield's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Bakersfield's ROI Score of 52 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting average revenue-to-price ratios and market growth alongside below-average occupancy stability. The supply/demand balance is average, meaning the rapid influx of new listings hasn't yet tipped the market into oversaturation, but investors should monitor this closely. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-performing property types — especially 4- and 5-bedroom homes — will be essential to capturing strong returns here.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bakersfield

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Bakersfield, California may be required to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Bakersfield and Kern County, as regulations can change and enforcement varies.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California cities include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued per area. HOA rules in specific neighborhoods may also limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in California are typically responsible for transient occupancy taxes and may owe state and local sales taxes on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the City of Bakersfield and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bakersfield's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 124% year-over-year jump in listings, which could put further pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue peaks in the July–August corridor, with ADR increases of 1–3% possible as the market matures and hosts optimize pricing. Occupancy may stabilize in the 33–38% range market-wide, though larger properties with strong amenity packages could outperform. Investors should watch whether new supply growth moderates, as that will be the key determinant of whether per-listing revenue holds steady or dips."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bakersfield, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bakersfield?

The average occupancy rate across active Airbnb listings in Bakersfield is currently 35%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 41%, while 3-bedroom properties sit at just 27%. Investors can improve their occupancy by focusing on competitive pricing, desirable amenities, and targeting property types with stronger booking histories.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bakersfield?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Bakersfield earn approximately $1,652 per month or $19,827 annually based on trailing 12-month data. However, earnings vary substantially by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $945 per month, while 5-bedroom properties pull in roughly $3,177 monthly. Larger homes tend to command higher nightly rates and generate more revenue, though they also come with higher acquisition and operating costs.

Is Bakersfield a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bakersfield carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 52 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' tier. The market's appeal lies in its affordable home prices relative to the California average and solid revenue potential for larger properties. That said, below-average occupancy rates and rapidly growing supply (124% year-over-year) mean investors need to be strategic about property selection, pricing, and amenity offerings to stay competitive.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Bakersfield is $151, which is well below the statewide average of $551. ADR scales predictably with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average $88 and $78 respectively, while 4-bedroom listings average $220 and 5-bedroom properties command $283 per night. This pricing structure makes Bakersfield accessible to budget-conscious travelers while still offering upside for hosts with larger, well-appointed properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bakersfield?

Short-term rentals operate in Bakersfield, as evidenced by over 300 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, legality can depend on local zoning, permit requirements, and any HOA restrictions on your specific property. Prospective investors should contact the City of Bakersfield and review Kern County regulations to ensure they meet all licensing, tax, and compliance requirements before listing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bakersfield?

Peak season for Airbnb in Bakersfield runs from June through August, with August generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,061. July is a close second at $1,982, and December also sees a bump to $1,791, likely driven by holiday travel. The slowest months are January ($1,319) and February ($1,363), though the seasonal spread is relatively moderate compared to resort-driven markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bakersfield?

As of April 2026, there are 302 active Airbnb listings in Bakersfield. The market has seen significant growth, with a 124% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 104 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (65) and 2-bedrooms (53). Larger properties — 4- and 5-bedroom homes — are less common, which may present an opportunity for investors targeting those segments.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bakersfield?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Bakersfield 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 up the remaining data 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 because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 Bakersfield and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for supply, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 performance as of the dates noted and may not capture recent regulatory or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.