Cathedral City, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cathedral City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cathedral City sits in the heart of California's Coachella Valley, a desert resort region that draws seasonal visitors, festival-goers, and snowbirds each winter and spring. With an average daily rate of $269 — roughly half the California state average — and a 53% occupancy rate that exceeds the state's 43% benchmark, this market delivers competitive revenue per available night of $142. The 123 active Airbnb listings and average annual revenue of $33,875 against a median home value of $599,180 create a revenue-to-price ratio that positions Cathedral City as an attractive entry point for desert-market STR investors.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cathedral City 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 Cathedral City

Cathedral City appeals to investors seeking affordable desert-market entry with strong seasonal demand from Coachella Valley tourism and winter snowbird traffic.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cathedral City represents a moderately attractive STR opportunity with clear seasonal tailwinds. Revenue peaks sharply in March ($4,698) and April ($5,572), driven by Coachella Valley's high season, while the summer trough — September registers just $1,809 — creates a nearly 3:1 swing that investors need to plan around. The ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects average marks for revenue-to-price, occupancy stability, and market growth, tempered by a below-average supply/demand balance as listing growth keeps pace at 104% year-over-year. For investors who price strategically during off-peak months and equip properties with the desert amenities guests expect, Cathedral City can deliver meaningful returns without the premium entry costs of neighboring Palm Springs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cathedral City

Average revenue by month in Cathedral City

Cathedral City exhibits sharp seasonality: April leads at $5,572 and March follows at $4,698, while the summer-fall trough bottoms out in September at $1,809 — a roughly 3:1 peak-to-trough ratio that investors must budget around with conservative off-season pricing.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cathedral City

Supply is concentrated in 2- and 3-bedroom listings (39 and 41 respectively), which together account for about 65% of the market's 123 active properties. Four-bedroom homes represent just 10 listings, suggesting less competition for investors targeting the larger group-travel segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cathedral City

ADR climbs steadily from $209 for 1-bedrooms to $461 for 4-bedroom properties, with the biggest jump occurring between 3-bedrooms ($309) and 4-bedrooms. The premium on larger homes is substantial, though investors should weigh it against the lower occupancy rates those properties experience.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cathedral City

Revenue per available night rises from $92 for 1-bedroom units to $183 for 4-bedrooms, though the gap narrows at the top — 3-bedrooms generate $178, nearly matching 4-bedroom performance while carrying higher occupancy. This makes 3-bedroom properties an efficient sweet spot for revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cathedral City

Two-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 61%, followed closely by 3-bedrooms at 58%, while 1-bedrooms (44%) and 4-bedrooms (40%) lag behind. For investors prioritizing consistent bookings and cash-flow stability, mid-sized units clearly outperform in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cathedral City

Monthly revenue scales linearly with size — from $1,576 for 1-bedrooms up to $4,532 for 4-bedroom properties. The 3-bedroom tier at $3,443 per month represents a strong middle ground, generating more than double the revenue of 1-bedrooms without the occupancy challenges of larger homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cathedral City

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $54,386, while 3-bedrooms deliver $41,325 — both well above the market average of $33,875. One-bedroom units at $18,917 annually may struggle to justify acquisition costs unless purchased at a significant discount to the market's $599,180 average home value.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cathedral City

Parking (96%), kitchens (92%), and pools (90%) are near-universal, reflecting the desert-lifestyle expectations of Coachella Valley guests. Hot tubs (88%) and BBQ grills (81%) are also standard — any listing lacking these amenities risks falling behind competitors in a market where outdoor living features are table stakes.

Understanding Cathedral City's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Cathedral City's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability both land at average levels — workable but not exceptional. The below-average supply/demand balance is the primary drag, suggesting that listing growth is keeping pace with or slightly outrunning demand. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and target property sizes — particularly 2- and 3-bedrooms — where occupancy and RevPAN data show the strongest performance.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cathedral City

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

Permit Requirements

Cathedral City, California may require a short-term rental permit or registration before listing a property on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Cathedral City's planning or licensing department before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California desert communities can include caps on the number of permitted rentals, minimum-night stay requirements, maximum occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and designated parking rules. HOA covenants in many Cathedral City neighborhoods may impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential before committing to an investment.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT), and Cathedral City may levy its own local TOT on stays of fewer than 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some taxes on the host's behalf, but investors should confirm their full state and local tax obligations with a qualified advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cathedral City's pronounced winter-spring peak — where monthly revenue more than doubles compared to summer lows — should continue to anchor returns for well-managed properties. ADR may drift upward by 1–3% as Coachella Valley tourism remains strong, though the below-average supply/demand balance suggests new listings could pressure occupancy if growth continues at the current 104% year-over-year pace. Investors should anticipate occupancy ranging between 50–55% market-wide, with larger properties likely maintaining an edge. Careful pricing during the June–October soft season will be critical to sustaining cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cathedral City, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cathedral City?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cathedral City is currently 53%, which outperforms the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size — 2-bedroom units lead at 61%, while 4-bedroom properties average around 40%. Seasonal demand in the Coachella Valley means winter and spring months generally see the highest booking rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cathedral City?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Cathedral City earns approximately $2,822 per month or $33,875 per year. Revenue scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $18,917 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can reach around $54,386. Peak months like April can generate over $5,500, whereas slower summer months may yield under $2,000.

Is Cathedral City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cathedral City earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 55 out of 100, classified as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from an average daily rate of $269 and occupancy of 53%, both favorable relative to California benchmarks. However, supply/demand balance is rated below average, meaning competition among hosts is something to monitor. Investors who target the right property size and manage pricing around the strong winter-spring season can find solid returns here.

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

The current average daily rate in Cathedral City is $269, which is roughly half the California state average of $551. ADR increases notably with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $209, while 4-bedroom properties command $461 per night. This pricing structure offers accessible entry for smaller investors while rewarding those who can operate larger homes.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cathedral City?

Short-term rentals operate in Cathedral City, California, but may be subject to local permitting, registration, and regulatory requirements. Investors should contact the City of Cathedral City's planning or community development office to confirm current rules regarding STR permits, zoning restrictions, and any caps on the number of allowed rentals before making a purchase.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cathedral City?

Peak season in Cathedral City runs from roughly February through April, aligning with the Coachella Valley's prime tourist season. April is the strongest month, with average revenue reaching $5,572, followed by March at $4,698 and February at $3,327. The slowest period falls between June and October, with September bottoming out at around $1,809 in average monthly revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cathedral City?

As of April 2026, there are 123 active Airbnb listings in Cathedral City. The supply is fairly balanced across sizes, with 3-bedroom properties making up the largest share at 41 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (39), 1-bedrooms (30), and 4-bedrooms (10). Year-over-year listing growth stands at 104%, indicating the market is maintaining a relatively stable supply base.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cathedral City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cathedral City 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 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, segmented by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends tracked across property configurations
• Historical monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment ratio analysis
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify competitive standards

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 April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Local STR regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.