Big Bear Lake, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Big Bear Lake Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Big Bear Lake is a well-known mountain getaway in Southern California with a large short-term rental market — 1,836 active Airbnb listings as of late April 2026. However, with an average occupancy rate of just 31% (well below the 43% state average) and an average annual revenue of $28,203 against home values averaging $834,620, the revenue-to-price equation is challenging. The market's pronounced seasonality rewards winter and summer months but leaves significant soft periods in between, making this a destination that demands careful property selection and pricing strategy to pencil out.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake

Investors look at Big Bear Lake for its year-round recreational appeal as a mountain and lake destination within driving distance of the greater Los Angeles metro, though current metrics suggest the market rewards selective, operationally strong operators rather than passive investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 33 out of 100, Big Bear Lake falls into the limited investment potential category, reflecting below-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability. The market's deep seasonality — December peaks at $4,049 in average revenue while May dips to just $1,460 — means cash flow can be uneven across the year. That said, operators who target larger properties and manage pricing aggressively during winter and summer peaks can outperform the market average significantly. This is a destination where the right property and strategy matter more than broad market tailwinds."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Big Bear Lake

Average revenue by month in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake shows a distinctly winter-heavy revenue pattern: December leads at $4,049 and January follows at $3,376, while May bottoms out at just $1,460 — a nearly 3x spread between peak and trough. A secondary summer bump in July–August ($2,620–$2,697) provides some mid-year relief, but investors should plan for four to five months of below-average revenue each year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Big Bear Lake

Three-bedroom homes dominate Big Bear Lake's supply with 628 listings, closely followed by 2-bedrooms at 527 — together they account for roughly 63% of all active inventory. Larger configurations (5+ bedrooms) are relatively scarce at just 165 combined listings, which may present a competitive advantage for investors willing to operate at that scale.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Big Bear Lake

ADR climbs sharply with property size in Big Bear Lake, from $160 for studios to $1,255 for 6+ bedroom properties — nearly an 8x increase. The steepest jump occurs between 3 bedrooms ($398) and 4 bedrooms ($632), suggesting that the move into larger group-oriented properties commands a meaningful nightly rate premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Big Bear Lake

Revenue per available night increases dramatically with size, from $49 for studios to $466 for 6+ bedroom homes, reflecting both higher ADR and slightly better occupancy at the larger end. The gap between 4-bedroom ($214 RevPAN) and 5-bedroom ($340 RevPAN) properties is particularly striking, underscoring the outsized earning potential of larger mountain retreats.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Big Bear Lake

Occupancy rates across property sizes in Big Bear Lake remain fairly compressed, ranging from 29% for 1-bedrooms to 37% for 6+ bedroom homes. The modest occupancy advantage of larger properties — combined with their much higher ADR — means the revenue gap between small and large units is driven far more by rate than by nights booked.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Big Bear Lake

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,181 for studios to $10,385 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedroom homes earning $6,728 per month — more than double the market-wide average of $2,350. Smaller units (studios through 2-bedrooms) cluster between $1,181 and $1,551 monthly, making it difficult for those configurations to cover carrying costs on an $834,620 average property.

Average annual revenue by property size in Big Bear Lake

On an annual basis, 6+ bedroom properties generate an average of $124,621, while 5-bedroom homes produce $80,745 — both figures that can meaningfully offset high Big Bear Lake home prices. In contrast, studios and 1-bedrooms average just $14,179–$15,585 per year, reinforcing that investors seeking viable returns in this market should focus on larger, group-friendly properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Big Bear Lake

Kitchens (97%) and parking (95%) are essentially table stakes in Big Bear Lake, and outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (84%), patios (81%), and backyards (73%) set the standard for competitive listings. Hot tubs appear in 57% of listings, making them a strong differentiator, while lake access at just 15% represents a potential premium feature for properties positioned to offer it.

Understanding Big Bear Lake's ROI Score: 33/100

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

Big Bear Lake's ROI Score of 33 out of 100 places it in the limited investment potential band, driven primarily by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average occupancy stability — two factors that together carry 70% of the score's weight. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance rate as average, suggesting the destination isn't collapsing but isn't generating the momentum needed to lift returns broadly. Investors interested in this market should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property-specific opportunities — particularly larger homes — where the numbers may tell a different story than the market-wide averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Big Bear Lake

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Big Bear Lake and San Bernardino County in California generally require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or business licenses before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the city and county, as application processes and caps can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain resort communities like Big Bear Lake often include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during certain periods, noise ordinances, designated parking rules, and bear-resistant trash container mandates. HOA covenants in many Big Bear Lake neighborhoods may impose additional STR restrictions or outright prohibitions, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and Big Bear Lake may impose additional local lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full state and local tax obligations with a qualified professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Big Bear Lake's seasonal pattern is expected to hold steady, with December and January remaining the revenue peaks and spring months like April and May continuing as the slowest stretch. Listing growth of 121% year-over-year signals rapidly increasing supply, which could put downward pressure on occupancy and ADR unless demand keeps pace. Investors should anticipate occupancy remaining in the low-to-mid 30% range market-wide, with potential ADR adjustments of 1–3% depending on how the supply influx settles. Larger properties — particularly 5+ bedrooms — may prove more resilient given their higher RevPAN, but returns across the board will likely depend on disciplined revenue management."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Big Bear Lake, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Big Bear Lake?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Big Bear Lake is currently 31%, which is below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy tends to be highest during the winter ski season and summer months, with softer demand in spring and fall. Larger properties with 5 or more bedrooms tend to perform slightly better, reaching 36–37% occupancy on average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Big Bear Lake?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Big Bear Lake earns approximately $2,350 per month or $28,203 per year. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios average about $14,179 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties average $124,621. December is the highest-earning month at roughly $4,049, and May is the slowest at around $1,460.

Is Big Bear Lake a good market for Airbnb investment?

Big Bear Lake currently carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 33 out of 100, indicating limited investment potential at a broad market level. The main challenges are a below-average revenue-to-price ratio (average home values of $834,620 versus $28,203 in annual revenue) and low occupancy at 31%. However, investors targeting larger properties and optimizing for peak-season pricing may find opportunities that outperform the market average. Deeper, property-specific analysis is recommended before committing.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Big Bear Lake?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Big Bear Lake is $433, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR scales substantially with property size: studios average $160 per night, while 6+ bedroom homes command $1,255 per night. This premium on larger properties reflects the group and family demand typical of a mountain vacation market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Big Bear Lake?

Short-term rentals operate in Big Bear Lake, but hosts are generally required to obtain permits or business licenses from the City of Big Bear Lake and comply with local regulations in San Bernardino County, California. Regulations can include occupancy limits, parking requirements, noise restrictions, and tax obligations. Since rules can change, prospective investors should verify current requirements with local authorities and review any HOA covenants that may apply to a specific property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Big Bear Lake?

Big Bear Lake has two peak seasons. The strongest is winter, with December averaging $4,049 in revenue and January at $3,376, driven by ski and snow activity. Summer brings a secondary peak in July ($2,620) and August ($2,697) as visitors come for lake recreation and mountain hiking. Spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) are the softest periods, with monthly averages dropping to $1,460–$1,745.

How many Airbnbs are there in Big Bear Lake?

As of April 2026, there are 1,836 active Airbnb listings in Big Bear Lake. The market has seen significant growth, with a 121% year-over-year increase in active listings. The most common property sizes are 3-bedroom homes (628 listings) and 2-bedroom homes (527 listings), which together make up over 60% of total supply.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Big Bear Lake?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Big Bear Lake 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, 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, location within Big Bear Lake, 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
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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 as of the dates noted and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change — always verify with local authorities before investing.