Carmel Valley, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Carmel Valley Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Carmel Valley offers a premium short-term rental landscape where high daily rates and scenic appeal draw affluent travelers, but steep home prices temper overall ROI. With an average daily rate of $519 and annual revenue averaging $78,917 across just 38 active listings, the market remains small and selective. Occupancy sits at 29%—well below the California state average of 43%—which means success here hinges on capturing peak-season demand and pricing strategically during quieter months.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Carmel Valley

Investors look at Carmel Valley for its premium nightly rates and limited supply in one of California's most desirable coastal corridors, though high home values demand careful deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Carmel Valley represents a competitive opportunity best suited for investors who can source deals selectively in a high-price environment. The market's pronounced seasonality—revenues nearly triple from January's $3,895 to August's $10,662—means cash-flow planning around the summer peak is essential. Above-average occupancy stability is a positive signal, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by $2.29M average home values means investors need to target properties where pricing, amenities, and guest experience can push performance above market averages. With supply growing quickly at 161% year-over-year, timing and property differentiation matter more than ever."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Carmel Valley

Average revenue by month in Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley shows sharp seasonality, with August peaking at $10,662 in average monthly revenue—nearly 2.7 times January's low of $3,895. The summer months of June through September consistently outperform, while the November–February stretch represents the softest period, signaling that investors should budget conservatively for winter months and maximize pricing during the warm-weather window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Carmel Valley

One-bedroom listings dominate the supply at 17 out of 38 total, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties each account for just 7 listings. The relatively thin supply of larger units—combined with their significantly higher revenue—could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire or convert properties with more bedrooms.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Carmel Valley

ADR scales dramatically with property size in Carmel Valley: 1-bedrooms average $245 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $322, and 3-bedroom properties command a substantial $768 per night. The jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms represents a 138% premium, suggesting that larger properties capture a distinctly higher-end guest segment willing to pay a significant premium for space and amenities.

Average RevPAN by property size in Carmel Valley

Revenue per available night tells a clear story of size advantage: 3-bedroom properties lead at $230 RevPAN, more than double the $98 for 2-bedrooms and over three times the $70 for 1-bedrooms. Since occupancy rates are nearly identical across sizes (29–30%), the RevPAN gap is driven almost entirely by the ADR premium that larger units command.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Carmel Valley

Occupancy rates are remarkably uniform across property sizes, with 1-bedrooms at 29% and both 2- and 3-bedroom units at 30%. This consistency means that larger properties don't sacrifice bookings for their higher price points, making the revenue advantage of bigger units a function of rate rather than fill-rate trade-offs.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Carmel Valley

Three-bedroom properties are the clear monthly revenue leaders at $10,960, roughly tripling the $3,349 that 1-bedroom units earn and nearly doubling the $5,836 for 2-bedrooms. For investors evaluating cash flow, the jump from a 1-bedroom to a 3-bedroom investment more than triples monthly income in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Carmel Valley

Annual revenue ranges from $40,195 for 1-bedroom units to $131,523 for 3-bedroom properties, with 2-bedrooms landing at $70,037. The 3-bedroom configuration offers the strongest gross revenue potential, though investors should weigh this against the correspondingly higher acquisition and maintenance costs in a market where average home values exceed $2.29 million.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Carmel Valley

Parking leads at 97%, followed by kitchens (90%) and outdoor living features like patios (76%), outdoor furniture (74%), and backyards (74%)—reflecting Carmel Valley's appeal as a nature-oriented retreat destination. Pet-friendliness (58%) and workspace availability (55%) also stand out, suggesting guests expect both lifestyle flexibility and the comforts of a well-equipped home rather than a bare-bones rental.

Understanding Carmel Valley's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Carmel Valley's ROI Score of 53 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning demand and investor interest are strong but higher entry costs require disciplined deal sourcing. Above-average occupancy stability is a positive indicator, yet a below-average revenue-to-price ratio—driven by home values averaging over $2.29 million—limits yield for investors who overpay. Pairing this score with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-revenue 3-bedroom configurations can help sharpen the investment case.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Carmel Valley

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

Permit Requirements

Carmel Valley, located in Monterey County, California, may require short-term rental permits or registration depending on the applicable county or community-level regulations. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Monterey County Planning Department before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum night stays, noise ordinances, and parking requirements. Some areas also enforce permit caps or require compliance with HOA rules, so it's important to review both local government and any homeowner association guidelines that may apply to the specific property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes, and Monterey County may impose additional local tourism or lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the county tax authority.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect Carmel Valley's strong summer seasonality to persist, with July and August likely continuing to deliver monthly revenues in the $9,500–$10,700 range. The 161% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy and ADR if supply outpaces demand. Revenue estimates suggest ADR may hold steady or dip 1–3% as competition intensifies, while occupancy could settle in the 27–31% range depending on how effectively new hosts differentiate their properties."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Carmel Valley, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Carmel Valley?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Carmel Valley is currently 29%, which sits below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy is relatively consistent across property sizes, with 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units all hovering around 29–30%. This lower occupancy reflects the market's seasonal nature and premium pricing strategy, where hosts earn strong per-night revenue even with fewer booked nights.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Carmel Valley?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Carmel Valley earn approximately $6,576 per month or $78,917 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $40,195 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in about $70,037, and 3-bedroom properties lead at roughly $131,523 per year. Peak months like July and August can push monthly revenue above $9,500–$10,600.

Is Carmel Valley a good market for Airbnb investment?

Carmel Valley earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 53 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and premium nightly rates, but high home values averaging $2,290,503 compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who source properties strategically and optimize for peak summer demand can still find attractive returns, particularly with larger 3-bedroom units that generate the highest revenue.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Carmel Valley is $519, slightly below the California state average of $551. Rates scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $245 per night, 2-bedrooms average $322, and 3-bedroom properties command $768 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who can offer larger, well-appointed properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Carmel Valley?

Short-term rentals operate in Carmel Valley, which falls under Monterey County jurisdiction in California. However, local regulations regarding permits, registration, and operating requirements can change, so investors should verify the latest rules directly with Monterey County planning and zoning offices before purchasing or listing a property. Compliance with any applicable HOA restrictions is also important to confirm.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Carmel Valley?

Peak season in Carmel Valley runs from June through August, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $10,662. July follows closely at $9,593, and June averages $8,262. The slowest months are January ($3,895) and February ($4,633), creating a significant seasonal spread that investors should factor into their cash-flow planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Carmel Valley?

As of April 2026, there are 38 active Airbnb listings in Carmel Valley. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (17 listings), with 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units each accounting for 7 listings. Notably, active listings have grown 161% year-over-year, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Carmel Valley?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Carmel Valley 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 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 data. 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 Carmel Valley market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 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 regulatory or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.