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

Davis Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Davis, CA presents an intriguing short-term rental opportunity shaped by its status as a prominent university town with steady visitor demand from UC Davis events, academic calendars, and regional travel. With just 45 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $31,782, the market is compact but shows notable supply growth at 88% year-over-year. While the average daily rate of $188 sits well below the California state average of $551, the limited competition and above-average occupancy stability suggest a niche market where well-positioned properties can perform consistently.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Davis 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 Davis

Investors are drawn to Davis for its university-driven demand base, limited existing supply, and above-average occupancy stability that supports predictable cash flow in a small but growing market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Davis represents a moderate-opportunity market where disciplined property selection matters more than in high-volume tourist destinations. Revenue peaks from June through September — with monthly averages reaching $3,106 in June — before tapering to around $2,050 in January, creating a seasonal spread of roughly $1,000. The ROI score of 59 out of 100 reflects the tension between strong occupancy stability and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by home values averaging $1,195,416. Investors who can secure properties below the market median or target higher-earning 3-bedroom configurations stand to capture the best returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Davis

Average revenue by month in Davis

Revenue in Davis follows a clear seasonal curve, peaking in June at $3,106 and bottoming out in January at $2,050 — a roughly 51% swing. The summer months (June–September) consistently outperform, while the winter dip is relatively modest, suggesting a reasonably stable year-round demand floor likely tied to the university calendar.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Davis

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 23 of the 45 active listings (51%), while 2-bedrooms account for just 9 listings and 3-bedrooms for 10. The scarcity of 2-bedroom properties is notable given their strong occupancy and revenue performance, potentially signaling an underserved segment for investors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Davis

ADR scales sharply with size in Davis — 1-bedrooms average $117, 2-bedrooms $167, and 3-bedrooms command $264 per night, more than double the smallest configuration. The jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms represents a $97 premium, suggesting that larger properties can capture group and family travel demand at a meaningful rate uplift.

Average RevPAN by property size in Davis

Revenue per available night tells a compelling story: 3-bedroom listings lead at $105 RevPAN, closely followed by 2-bedrooms at $94, while 1-bedrooms lag significantly at just $36. This nearly 3x gap between 1- and 3-bedroom RevPAN underscores how larger properties generate substantially more per-night value after factoring in occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Davis

Two-bedroom listings are the clear occupancy leaders at 56%, well above the market average of 37% and nearly double the 31% rate seen in 1-bedrooms. Three-bedroom properties sit at a moderate 40%, indicating that while they command high rates, they book less frequently — though their premium ADR more than compensates in total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Davis

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size: 1-bedrooms average $1,688, 2-bedrooms earn $3,150, and 3-bedrooms top the market at $4,297 per month. The gap between 1- and 3-bedroom monthly income is $2,609, making larger configurations far more attractive from a cash-flow perspective despite their lower occupancy rates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Davis

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom properties generate $51,569 — more than 2.5 times the $20,256 earned by 1-bedroom listings and roughly 36% above the $37,810 from 2-bedrooms. For investors weighing acquisition costs against revenue potential, 2- and 3-bedroom properties clearly offer the strongest return configurations in the Davis market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Davis

Parking dominates at 98% prevalence, reflecting Davis's car-dependent layout, while kitchen access (89%), washer (76%), and self check-in (73%) round out the essentials that guests clearly expect. The high presence of workspaces (71%) and backyards (67%) signals that Davis listings cater heavily to longer-stay guests and remote workers, making these amenities near-mandatory for competitive positioning.

Understanding Davis's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Davis's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market with genuine strengths tempered by the cost realities of California real estate. Above-average occupancy stability and market growth trends are the standout positives, while the below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values averaging nearly $1.2 million against $31,782 in annual revenue — is the primary drag. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and target property sizes (particularly 2–3 bedrooms) that materially outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Davis

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Davis and the state of California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before hosting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Davis planning department and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. Some properties may also be subject to HOA rules or permit caps that limit the total number of short-term rentals in a given area, so it's important to review both municipal and community-level regulations.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions also impose tourism or sales-related assessments. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the City of Davis and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Davis is likely to see continued listing growth as investors respond to the market's expanding demand signals — the 88% year-over-year increase in active listings points to rising interest. Seasonal revenue patterns suggest ADR could nudge up 2–4% during peak summer months (June through September), while occupancy may settle in the 35–40% range market-wide as new supply absorbs. The above-average market growth trend and occupancy stability factors bode well, though investors should anticipate that the revenue-to-price ratio will remain stretched given Davis's elevated home values near $1.2 million."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Davis, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Davis?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Davis is currently 37%, which falls slightly below the California state average of 43%. However, occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead the market at 56%, while 1-bedrooms average 31% and 3-bedrooms come in at 40%. Davis's occupancy stability is rated above average, meaning hosts can generally expect relatively consistent booking patterns throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Davis?

Airbnb hosts in Davis earn an average of $2,648 per month, which translates to approximately $31,782 annually based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $20,256 per year, 2-bedrooms bring in around $37,810, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $51,569 annually. These figures reflect historical averages, and individual results will depend on factors like location, property quality, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Davis a good market for Airbnb investment?

Davis scores 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and positive growth trends, though the revenue-to-price ratio is below average due to Davis's high home values (averaging $1,195,416). With only 45 active listings and 88% year-over-year growth in supply, the market is still developing. Investors targeting 2- or 3-bedroom properties — which deliver significantly higher revenue and occupancy — may find the strongest return potential.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Davis is $188, which is well below the California state average of $551. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $117 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $167, and 3-bedroom properties command $264 per night. Davis's more modest rates reflect its profile as a university and residential market rather than a premium vacation destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Davis?

Short-term rentals do operate in Davis, CA, with 45 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations and permit requirements can change, so prospective hosts should check directly with the City of Davis and review any applicable California state requirements before investing. HOA rules and zoning restrictions may also apply depending on the specific property and neighborhood.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Davis?

Peak season in Davis runs from June through September, with average monthly revenues reaching their highest point in June at $3,106 and remaining strong through August ($3,102) and September ($3,026). The slowest months are January ($2,050) and February ($2,098), creating a seasonal spread of roughly $1,000 between peak and off-peak periods. This pattern likely aligns with summer events, graduation season, and warm-weather travel to the Sacramento Valley region.

How many Airbnbs are there in Davis?

There are currently 45 active Airbnb listings in Davis as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with an 88% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom properties (23 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (10 listings) and 2-bedrooms (9 listings). The relatively small total inventory means new entrants can still establish a presence without facing the intense competition seen in larger California markets.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Davis?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Davis 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 into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the listing is managed.

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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level comparisons
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12 months of booking data
• Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property positioning

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 current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations should be independently verified before investing.