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

Berkeley Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Berkeley's short-term rental market draws sustained demand thanks to its proximity to UC Berkeley, a vibrant cultural scene, and the broader San Francisco Bay Area economy. With 472 active Airbnb listings, a 55% average occupancy rate that well exceeds the California state average of 43%, and an average daily rate of $179, the market delivers consistent bookings — though high home values averaging nearly $1.95 million mean investors need to be strategic about deal sourcing to achieve attractive returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Berkeley 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 Berkeley

Investors are drawn to Berkeley for its resilient, university-anchored demand and occupancy rates that consistently outperform state averages, despite the market's premium property prices.

Expert Market Assessment

"Berkeley represents a competitive opportunity where strong demand fundamentals — above-average occupancy and steady year-round bookings — are counterbalanced by elevated property acquisition costs. Seasonality is moderate: revenue peaks in July and August at roughly $3,200/month but stays above $1,800 even in the slowest winter months, limiting downside risk. Investors who target larger, multi-bedroom properties or who can secure below-market acquisition prices stand the best chance of generating meaningful cash flow. The market rewards operators who differentiate with amenities and pricing precision rather than those simply entering at any price point."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Berkeley

Average revenue by month in Berkeley

Berkeley's revenue cycle peaks in August at $3,249 and bottoms out in January at $1,832, a spread of roughly $1,400 that signals moderate but manageable seasonality. The summer months (June–September) consistently outperform, making this stretch critical for annual returns, while the winter dip stays above $1,800 — providing a reasonable floor for year-round operators.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Berkeley

One-bedroom units overwhelmingly dominate Berkeley's supply with 279 of 472 total listings (59%), while larger properties are relatively scarce — just 36 three-bedroom and 9 four-bedroom listings. This supply gap at the higher end could represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger homes, where competition is thinner and revenue potential is substantially higher.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Berkeley

ADR scales sharply with property size in Berkeley, jumping from $125 for 1-bedrooms to $401 for 3-bedrooms and $465 for 4-bedrooms. Studios actually command a slight premium over 1-bedrooms at $138, likely reflecting well-appointed in-law units or unique spaces that justify higher nightly pricing.

Average RevPAN by property size in Berkeley

Revenue per available night climbs steeply with bedroom count: 4-bedroom properties lead at $285, nearly four times the $70 RevPAN of 1-bedrooms. This progression indicates that larger properties not only charge more but also maintain solid occupancy, making them the most efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Berkeley

Occupancy is remarkably consistent across property sizes, ranging from 53% (3-bedrooms) to 61% (4-bedrooms), with most sizes clustering around 54–56%. The 4-bedroom category's leading occupancy at 61% — despite commanding the highest ADR — underscores particularly strong demand for larger group-friendly accommodations in Berkeley.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Berkeley

Monthly revenue roughly doubles with each step up in property size: 1-bedrooms average $2,152, 2-bedrooms reach $3,875, 3-bedrooms hit $5,415, and 4-bedrooms lead at $8,588. Studios and 1-bedrooms perform similarly at around $2,150–$2,229, suggesting limited differentiation at the smaller end of the spectrum.

Average annual revenue by property size in Berkeley

Four-bedroom properties offer the strongest annual revenue potential at $103,059 — roughly four times the $25,835 generated by 1-bedrooms and nearly double the $64,984 from 3-bedrooms. For investors focused on maximizing top-line revenue, larger properties clearly outperform, though acquisition costs and availability must factor into the equation.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Berkeley

Kitchens (89%) and parking (86%) are near-universal in Berkeley listings, reflecting guest expectations in a residential, car-oriented market. Workspace and self check-in each appear in 73% of listings, signaling that the guest base skews toward longer stays and independent travelers — amenities investors should consider essential rather than optional.

Understanding Berkeley's ROI Score: 48/100

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

Berkeley's ROI Score of 48 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where demand is genuinely strong but high property prices compress returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag, while above-average occupancy stability provides a reliable income floor that many California markets can't match. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties where acquisition costs allow the occupancy advantage to translate into meaningful cash flow.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Berkeley

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Berkeley, California may require hosts to obtain a short-term rental permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with the City of Berkeley's planning or finance departments before operating.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Berkeley can include occupancy limits, minimum night stays, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, so it's important to review any covenants or community agreements that apply to a prospective property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are typically subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT), and Berkeley may levy its own local occupancy tax on top of state requirements. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Berkeley's STR market is expected to maintain its above-average occupancy stability, with rates likely holding in the 53–58% range. ADR could see modest gains of 1–3% as demand from university events, tourism, and business travel remains steady. The 124% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor confidence, but new supply may temper revenue growth slightly — making property selection and pricing strategy more important than ever. Seasonal peaks in July and August should continue to anchor annual returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Berkeley, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Berkeley?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Berkeley is currently 55%, which is notably higher than the California state average of 43%. Occupancy remains fairly consistent across property sizes, ranging from 53% for 3-bedroom units to 61% for 4-bedroom properties, suggesting steady demand regardless of listing configuration.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Berkeley?

Berkeley Airbnb hosts earn an average of $2,546 per month, or approximately $30,558 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios and 1-bedrooms average around $2,150–$2,229 monthly, while 4-bedroom properties can generate roughly $8,588 per month ($103,059 annually).

Is Berkeley a good market for Airbnb investment?

Berkeley scores a 48 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market's occupancy stability is above average and demand is consistent, but high home values (averaging $1,947,649) compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who find properties below the market average or target higher-earning multi-bedroom configurations are best positioned to achieve solid returns.

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

The average daily rate across all Berkeley Airbnb listings is $179, which is well below the California state average of $551 — reflecting the market's mix of smaller units and its positioning as a university-adjacent destination. ADR scales considerably with size: studios average $138, while 4-bedroom properties command $465 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Berkeley?

Short-term rentals do operate in Berkeley, with 472 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, the City of Berkeley and the State of California may impose specific permitting, zoning, and tax requirements on STR operators. Prospective investors should consult directly with local authorities and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Berkeley?

Peak season for Airbnb in Berkeley runs from June through September, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,249 and July close behind at $3,193. The slowest months are January ($1,832) and February ($1,855), though even off-peak revenue remains meaningful — the spread between the best and worst months is roughly $1,400, indicating relatively moderate seasonality.

How many Airbnbs are there in Berkeley?

There are currently 472 active Airbnb listings in Berkeley as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 124% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units dominate the supply at 279 listings, followed by 79 two-bedroom and 65 studio properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Berkeley?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Berkeley 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. 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 Berkeley 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 benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as conditions evolve. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.