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

Cambria Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cambria's coastal charm and steady visitor traffic make it an appealing short-term rental market along California's Central Coast. With an average annual revenue of $59,072 across 153 active listings and an ADR of $352—well below the state average of $551—investors can offer competitive nightly pricing while still capturing meaningful income. Above-average occupancy stability and a balanced revenue-to-price ratio contribute to a 56/100 ROI score, placing the market in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cambria 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 Cambria

Cambria attracts investors with its combination of coastal tourism appeal, above-average occupancy stability, and a price point that undercuts many California beach markets while still generating meaningful rental income.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cambria presents a moderate-to-strong investment opportunity for hosts willing to navigate a market with meaningful seasonality. Revenue peaks sharply in July at $7,641 per month and tapers to a low of $2,960 in January—a spread that demands careful cash-flow planning but rewards operators who price dynamically. The 119% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which puts some pressure on the supply-demand balance (rated below average), yet above-average occupancy stability suggests the market absorbs new inventory without dramatic rate erosion. Larger properties—particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes—command the strongest revenue, making them the clearest path to attractive returns in this coastal community."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cambria

Average revenue by month in Cambria

Cambria shows pronounced seasonality, with July ($7,641) delivering roughly 2.6 times the revenue of January ($2,960). The summer months of June through August form a clear peak window, while a secondary plateau from April through May and September through November keeps revenue above $4,500—suggesting the shoulder seasons are still productive for well-priced listings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cambria

Three-bedroom homes dominate supply with 62 of the 153 active listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (40) and 1-bedrooms (35). Studios (5) and 4-bedroom properties (7) are notably underrepresented, potentially signaling less competition and differentiation opportunities at both ends of the size spectrum.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cambria

ADR scales steeply with size in Cambria—from $151 for studios up to $692 for 4-bedroom homes, with each bedroom increment adding roughly $100–$150 to the nightly rate. The jump from 2-bedroom ($316) to 3-bedroom ($439) is particularly notable and may represent the sweet spot where guests expect a full home experience at the Central Coast.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cambria

RevPAN climbs steadily from $62 for studios to $168 for 4-bedroom properties, indicating that larger homes translate higher ADRs into meaningful per-night revenue despite lower occupancy. The 3-bedroom tier at $125 RevPAN offers a strong balance for investors who want solid returns without the higher acquisition cost of a 4-bedroom property.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cambria

Smaller units fill more consistently—studios lead at 41% occupancy while 4-bedroom homes average just 24%. This inverse relationship between size and occupancy is common in leisure markets, where larger properties command premium rates but book fewer nights, underscoring the importance of dynamic pricing for bigger homes.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cambria

Four-bedroom homes lead monthly revenue at $11,711, nearly double the $5,936 earned by 3-bedroom properties and almost eight times what studios bring in ($1,556). For investors weighing acquisition costs against cash flow, the 2-bedroom tier ($5,031/month) and 3-bedroom tier ($5,936/month) offer respectable income without the higher entry price of larger coastal homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cambria

Annual revenue ranges from $18,683 for studios to $140,542 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedroom homes generating $71,232—the most common listing type in the market. Given average home values of roughly $1.46M in Cambria, the 4-bedroom segment's $140,542 annual revenue offers the strongest gross yield, though investors should account for higher operating and maintenance costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cambria

Kitchens (86%), patios or balconies (77%), and washer/dryer combos (71%) are table stakes in Cambria, reflecting a guest base that expects comfort and self-sufficiency during longer coastal stays. Differentiators like hot tubs (12%), pet-friendliness (41%), and BBQ grills (60%) can help a property stand out, particularly since beach access is listed in only 7% of properties despite Cambria's coastal location.

Understanding Cambria's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Cambria's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property prices is average but occupancy stability runs above average—a reassuring signal for investors seeking predictable booking flow. The below-average supply-demand balance, driven by a 119% year-over-year jump in listings, is the primary factor tempering the score and worth monitoring as new inventory enters the market. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear property differentiation strategy will help investors make the most of Cambria's coastal STR potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cambria

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cambria, located in San Luis Obispo County, California, should expect to obtain the appropriate permits or registrations before listing a property. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current requirements directly with San Luis Obispo County planning and zoning officials, as rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California coastal communities include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and caps on the total number of permits issued. HOA covenants in specific neighborhoods may impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes, and San Luis Obispo County may levy additional tourism-related assessments. Many platforms like Airbnb collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local accountant or the county tax collector's office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cambria's seasonal demand pattern suggests continued strength through the summer months, with July and August driving the bulk of peak revenue. We estimate ADR could see modest increases of 1–3% as supply growth (listings are up 119% year-over-year) gradually balances with sustained coastal tourism demand. Occupancy rates are likely to hold in the 30–35% range on a market-wide basis, though well-managed properties with premium amenities should outperform. Investors entering now should plan for softer winter months where revenue dips toward $3,000–$3,400 and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cambria, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cambria?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cambria is currently 33%, compared to the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size: studios lead at 41%, while larger 4-bedroom homes average around 24%. These figures reflect that many listings in this leisure-driven coastal market are booked primarily during weekends and peak travel seasons rather than year-round.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cambria?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Cambria earn approximately $4,922 per month, or about $59,072 annually, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size—studios average $1,556/month while 4-bedroom homes generate roughly $11,711/month. Peak summer months like July can push monthly earnings above $7,600, while January is the softest period at around $2,960.

Is Cambria a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cambria earns a 56 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio, though the supply-demand balance is rated below average due to rapid listing growth. Investors targeting larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) and managing seasonal pricing effectively are best positioned to see strong returns.

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

The current average daily rate in Cambria is $352, which is significantly below California's $551 state average. ADR scales with property size, ranging from $151 for studios up to $692 for 4-bedroom homes. This pricing positions Cambria as a more affordable alternative to many other California coastal destinations while still delivering solid per-night revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cambria?

Short-term rentals operate in Cambria, which falls under San Luis Obispo County jurisdiction. As with many California communities, STR operators may be required to obtain permits or registrations and comply with local zoning, occupancy, and noise regulations. Rules can change, so prospective investors should verify current requirements with county planning officials before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cambria?

Peak season in Cambria runs from June through August, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $7,641. August follows closely at $6,998. The shoulder months of September and October still perform well ($5,280 and $4,780 respectively), while the slowest months are January ($2,960) and February ($3,359). This pattern aligns with typical Central Coast tourism trends driven by summer travel and pleasant weather.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cambria?

There are currently 153 active Airbnb listings in Cambria as of April 2026. The supply has grown significantly, with year-over-year listing growth of 119%. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest segment with 62 listings, followed by 2-bedroom (40) and 1-bedroom (35) properties. Studios (5) and 4-bedroom homes (7) represent the smallest segments of the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cambria?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Cambria 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks (like July's $7,641) and slower periods (like January's $2,960). 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 Cambria market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN tracked over time by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu analytics for consistency

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with local authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.