Costa Mesa, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Costa Mesa Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Costa Mesa sits in the heart of Orange County, offering STR investors access to a market where occupancy runs at 51% — well above the California state average of 43%. With an average daily rate of $184 and annual revenue averaging $36,220 per listing, the numbers are respectable, though high home values near $1.84 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio demands careful deal sourcing. The market's 75% year-over-year listing growth signals strong investor interest, so competitive positioning and property differentiation will matter.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa

Investors consider Costa Mesa for its strong occupancy performance relative to the California average, proximity to Orange County attractions, and above-average market growth trends — though the high entry price demands disciplined deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Costa Mesa presents a competitive opportunity where strong demand metrics coexist with elevated acquisition costs. The market's occupancy stability is a genuine strength — at 51%, it provides a more dependable revenue floor than many California peers — but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio (driven by home values near $1.84 million) means investors need to be highly selective about purchase price and property type. Seasonality is pronounced: July's average revenue of $4,836 is more than double January's $2,203, so cash reserves for the slower winter months are essential. Targeting 2- or 3-bedroom properties, which combine solid occupancy (59–61%) with meaningful ADR premiums, appears to offer the best balance of performance and acquisition feasibility."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Costa Mesa

Average revenue by month in Costa Mesa

Revenue in Costa Mesa follows a clear summer peak, with July topping out at $4,836 and August close behind at $4,145 — more than double the January low of $2,203. Investors should budget for a roughly $2,600 monthly swing between peak and off-peak periods, with March ($3,322) and June ($3,573) serving as strong shoulder months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Costa Mesa

One-bedroom listings dominate the supply at 76 of the market's 135 active listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (24) and 3-bedrooms (19). With only 5 four-bedroom properties currently active, larger homes represent a notably underserved segment that could offer differentiation for investors willing to acquire bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Costa Mesa

ADR scales sharply with size, climbing from $127 for 1-bedroom units to $368 for 4-bedroom properties — nearly a 3x premium. The jump from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom ($127 to $238) represents the steepest rate increase, suggesting the 2-bedroom tier captures meaningful pricing power with a relatively modest step up in property cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Costa Mesa

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $168, edging out 4-bedrooms ($160) and well ahead of 1-bedrooms ($58). The 2-bedroom tier at $145 RevPAN also stands out, offering strong revenue per available night with the added benefit of higher occupancy than larger units.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Costa Mesa

Two-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 61%, followed closely by 3-bedrooms at 59% and studios at 55%. One-bedroom units (46%) and 4-bedrooms (43%) trail the pack, suggesting that mid-sized properties strike the best balance of demand consistency and cash-flow reliability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Costa Mesa

Monthly revenue rises steadily with property size, from $2,041 for 1-bedroom units to $5,306 for 4-bedroom homes. The 2- and 3-bedroom tiers ($4,376 and $4,784 respectively) represent a compelling middle ground, generating substantially more revenue than smaller units without the operational complexity and lower occupancy of the largest properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Costa Mesa

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $63,673, with 3-bedrooms at $57,411 and 2-bedrooms at $52,521. One-bedroom listings generate $24,492 annually — less than half the revenue of a 2-bedroom — making larger configurations significantly more attractive from a gross revenue standpoint, though acquisition costs must be weighed carefully.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Costa Mesa

Parking is nearly universal at 98% of listings, reflecting its importance in car-dependent Orange County, while kitchen (87%), washer (79%), and dryer (76%) round out the essentials. Outdoor living amenities are prominent — 61% of listings offer a backyard and 58% have a patio or balcony — signaling that guests expect indoor-outdoor California lifestyle features as a baseline rather than a differentiator.

Understanding Costa Mesa's ROI Score: 45/100

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

Costa Mesa's ROI score of 45 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where demand is genuine but entry costs create headwinds. Occupancy stability and market growth trend both score above average, which is encouraging for long-term holders — however, the below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance mean investors must be selective about acquisitions and pricing to generate meaningful returns. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative financial model will help ensure any investment in this market is well-positioned.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Costa Mesa

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Costa Mesa and the State of California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits, business licenses, or register their property before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the city's planning department and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA rules can impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential for any property under consideration.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT), and depending on the jurisdiction, additional tourism or sales taxes may apply. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with local and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Looking ahead 12–18 months, Costa Mesa's above-average occupancy stability and positive market growth trend suggest steady demand, particularly during the summer months when revenues more than double compared to winter lows. ADR could see modest gains in the 1–3% range as the market matures and hosts optimize pricing, though the rapid supply growth (75% YoY) may put downward pressure on occupancy if new listings continue at this pace. Investors entering now should plan for seasonal revenue swings — expect monthly income to range roughly between $2,200 and $4,800 — and budget conservatively during the slower January–February window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Costa Mesa, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Costa Mesa?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Costa Mesa is currently 51%, which is notably above the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size — 2-bedroom units lead at 61%, while 4-bedroom properties average around 43%. This above-average occupancy suggests consistent guest demand across much of the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Costa Mesa?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Costa Mesa earn approximately $3,018 per month, which translates to roughly $36,220 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $24,492 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in around $63,673. Summer months are the strongest earners, with July averaging $4,836 per listing.

Is Costa Mesa a good market for Airbnb investment?

Costa Mesa earns an ROI score of 45 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market's occupancy stability and growth trend are both above average, which is encouraging. However, high home values (averaging $1,843,495) create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning investors need to find well-priced properties or focus on larger units with higher revenue potential to achieve attractive returns.

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

The current average daily rate in Costa Mesa is $184, which is significantly below the California state average of $551. ADR scales with property size — studios and 1-bedrooms command $127–$137 per night, while 3-bedroom listings average $286 and 4-bedroom properties reach $368. The relatively moderate ADR combined with above-average occupancy creates a volume-driven revenue model.

Are short-term rentals legal in Costa Mesa?

Short-term rentals operate in Costa Mesa, but local regulations and permit requirements may apply. The City of Costa Mesa and the State of California can impose licensing, registration, and tax obligations on STR operators. Regulations in this space can change, so prospective investors should verify current rules with the city's planning department and consult local legal counsel before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Costa Mesa?

Peak season in Costa Mesa runs from June through August, with July being the highest-revenue month at an average of $4,836 per listing. August follows closely at $4,145. The slowest months are January ($2,203) and February ($2,320). This summer-weighted pattern is consistent with Costa Mesa's proximity to Orange County beaches and outdoor attractions.

How many Airbnbs are there in Costa Mesa?

There are currently 135 active Airbnb listings in Costa Mesa as of April 2026. The market has experienced substantial growth, with a 75% year-over-year increase in active listings. The majority of supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom units (76 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (24) and 3-bedrooms (19), with studios and 4-bedrooms making up a smaller share.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Costa Mesa?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Costa Mesa 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 aggregate the results to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July at $4,836) and slower periods (like January at $2,203). 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 Costa Mesa market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary 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 can change; always verify current rules with Costa Mesa city officials and California state authorities before investing. Individual property results may vary significantly based on location within the market, property condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.