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

Cayucos Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cayucos is a charming Central Coast beach town where short-term rental demand is fueled by coastal tourism and a laid-back California lifestyle. With an average annual revenue of $72,269 across 114 active listings, the market delivers meaningful income — though average home values near $2.06 million mean investors need to be strategic about deal sourcing. Occupancy stability rates above average for the region, and a pronounced summer peak offers strong seasonal cash flow, making this a market best suited for investors who can navigate higher entry costs in exchange for premium nightly rates.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cayucos 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 Cayucos

Cayucos attracts investors seeking premium nightly rates in a coastal California market where occupancy remains more stable than many competitors, though high home prices demand careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cayucos presents a competitive opportunity for STR investors — strong enough to merit attention, but not a market where any property will perform well by default. Revenue peaks sharply in summer (July tops $9,349 on average) and dips significantly in winter, creating meaningful seasonality that investors should model into cash-flow projections. The 148% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising competition, and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio means returns hinge on finding properties priced well below the $2.06M average or commanding above-market nightly rates. Investors who can secure well-located, larger-format homes are best positioned to capture the strongest returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cayucos

Average revenue by month in Cayucos

Revenue in Cayucos follows a sharp summer peak, with July ($9,349) and August ($8,562) delivering roughly 2–2.5x the income of the slowest months like January ($3,623) and February ($4,110). This pronounced seasonality means investors should budget for leaner winter cash flow while capitalizing on the lucrative June-through-September corridor.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cayucos

Three-bedroom homes lead supply with 37 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 29 and 1-bedrooms at 23, while 4- and 5-bedroom properties are notably scarcer at 15 and 7 listings respectively. The limited supply of larger homes — combined with their significantly higher revenue potential — may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire 4- or 5-bedroom properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cayucos

ADR climbs steeply from $218 for 1-bedroom units to $562 for 4-bedrooms, though 5-bedroom properties see virtually no additional rate premium at $561. The strongest pricing jump occurs between 2 bedrooms ($333) and 3 bedrooms ($411), suggesting that moving into the 3+ bedroom tier meaningfully improves per-night revenue.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cayucos

RevPAN rises consistently with property size, from $84 for 1-bedroom units to $214 for 5-bedrooms, with 4-bedrooms close behind at $209. This indicates that larger properties not only charge more per night but also convert that pricing into proportionally stronger revenue after accounting for vacancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cayucos

Occupancy rates are relatively consistent across most property sizes — 1-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 5-bedroom units all hover around 37–39% — but 2-bedroom listings trail notably at just 28%. This dip suggests that the 2-bedroom segment may face stiffer competition or weaker demand alignment relative to its supply share.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cayucos

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly earnings at $9,513, closely followed by 5-bedrooms at $9,420, while 1-bedroom units generate a more modest $2,813 per month. The revenue gap between smaller and larger properties is substantial — 4-bedroom homes earn more than three times what a 1-bedroom produces — underscoring the income advantage of larger configurations in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cayucos

Annual revenue ranges from $33,761 for 1-bedroom listings to $114,165 for 4-bedroom properties, with 5-bedrooms performing nearly identically at $113,041. Investors targeting the highest absolute revenue should focus on 3- to 5-bedroom homes, where annual earnings of $81,587 to $114,165 represent the strongest income potential in Cayucos.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cayucos

Parking (96%) and a full kitchen (95%) are near-universal expectations in Cayucos, while outdoor amenities like patios (83%), BBQ grills (68%), and outdoor furniture (54%) reflect the market's vacation-home character. Beach access appears in about a third of listings, suggesting that proximity-to-beach positioning can be a meaningful differentiator for listings that offer it.

Understanding Cayucos's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Cayucos earns a 51 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the Competitive Opportunity tier where demand is real but margins require careful deal selection. The market's above-average occupancy stability is a bright spot, though below-average marks on revenue-to-price ratio, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance reflect the challenge of high home values and rapidly growing competition. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and target properties priced meaningfully below the $2.06M average to improve their return profile.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cayucos

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cayucos, located in San Luis Obispo County, California, should expect to secure the appropriate permits or registrations required by the county before listing a property. Investors are encouraged to verify current requirements directly with San Luis Obispo County planning and permitting offices, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal STR markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum night stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and potential caps on the number of active permits in a given area. HOA rules may add additional layers — particularly in beachfront or planned communities — so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT) collected at the county or local level, along with potential state sales and tourism assessments. Many booking platforms remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with San Luis Obispo County's tax office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cayucos is expected to maintain its summer-driven revenue cycle, with July and August likely continuing to generate $8,500–$9,400 in average monthly revenue. ADR may see modest pressure as listing counts have surged 148% year-over-year, potentially pushing occupancy slightly lower unless demand keeps pace. Investors should plan for winter softness — January averages just $3,623 — and budget accordingly, though above-average occupancy stability suggests that well-managed properties can sustain bookings through shoulder months with competitive pricing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cayucos, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cayucos?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cayucos is currently 36%, which trails the California state average of 43%. However, occupancy stability in the market rates above average, suggesting that bookings are distributed more evenly rather than concentrated in a few volatile peaks. Property size matters — 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units lead at 39% occupancy, while 2-bedrooms dip to 28%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cayucos?

Airbnb hosts in Cayucos earn an average of $6,022 per month and approximately $72,269 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average around $33,761 annually, while 4-bedroom properties reach roughly $114,165 per year. Summer months — particularly July at $9,349 — drive the bulk of annual income.

Is Cayucos a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cayucos scores a 51 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' tier. The market benefits from strong coastal tourism demand and above-average occupancy stability, but high average home values near $2.06 million and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio mean that profitability depends heavily on purchase price and property positioning. Investors who source deals below market averages and target larger properties (3–5 bedrooms) are best positioned to earn attractive returns.

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

The average daily rate in Cayucos is $377, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $218 per night, 3-bedrooms reach $411, and 4-bedroom properties command $562. This pricing structure rewards investors who can offer larger accommodations suited to group and family travel.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cayucos?

Short-term rentals do operate in Cayucos, with 114 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, STR regulations in San Luis Obispo County and California can change, and permits or registrations may be required. Prospective investors should verify the latest local rules, zoning restrictions, and permitting requirements with county authorities before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cayucos?

Peak season in Cayucos runs from June through August, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $9,349, followed by August at $8,562. Revenue tapers through fall and reaches its low point in January at $3,623. This roughly 2.6x spread between the peak and trough months reflects the strong summer beach tourism cycle typical of Central Coast California.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cayucos?

There are currently 114 active Airbnb listings in Cayucos. The supply is concentrated in 2- and 3-bedroom properties (29 and 37 listings respectively), with 23 one-bedroom units and a smaller number of 4- and 5-bedroom homes. Notably, active listings have grown 148% year-over-year, indicating a rapid increase in competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cayucos?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Cayucos 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls 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 window. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, 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 Cayucos market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property-size breakdowns for supply, pricing, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots, which may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permitting requirements, and tax obligations can change — always verify with local authorities before investing.