Del Mar, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Del Mar Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Del Mar is an affluent coastal community in Southern California where short-term rentals command premium nightly rates and benefit from strong seasonal demand. With an average daily rate of $513 and occupancy running at 53% — well above California's 43% state average — active listings generate roughly $108,897 in annual revenue. The market's high home values (averaging nearly $5.95 million) mean the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, making selective deal sourcing essential for investors who want to achieve attractive yields in this competitive beach market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Del Mar 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 Del Mar

Del Mar attracts investor attention because its coastal location and affluent guest profile sustain premium nightly rates and above-average occupancy, even as high property values require careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Del Mar presents a competitive but discerning opportunity for STR investors. Revenue potential is genuinely strong — average annual earnings near $109K and top-performing 5-bedroom properties pulling in over $315K — but the market's nearly $6 million average home value compresses the revenue-to-price ratio to below-average levels. Seasonality is pronounced, with July peaking at $15,065 in monthly revenue and January dipping to $6,179, so cash reserves to weather quieter winter months are important. Investors who can source properties below median pricing or optimize for the lucrative 3–5 bedroom segment will find the most compelling returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Del Mar

Average revenue by month in Del Mar

Del Mar's revenue cycle peaks sharply in July at $15,065 and bottoms out in January at $6,179, creating a nearly 2.5x seasonal spread. Summer months (June–August) consistently outperform the annual average of $9,074, while November through February represent the softest stretch — important context for investors modeling monthly cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Del Mar

Two-bedroom listings dominate Del Mar's supply with 30 active properties, closely followed by 1-bedrooms (23) and 3-bedrooms (22). Only 6 listings offer 5 bedrooms, creating a potential supply gap in the highest-revenue tier where annual earnings can reach over $315K.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Del Mar

ADR in Del Mar scales dramatically with size, from $275 for 1-bedroom units to $1,299 for 5-bedroom properties — a nearly 5x premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($349) to 3-bedrooms ($619) is especially steep, suggesting the 3-bedroom category offers a strong price-per-night step-up relative to incremental acquisition costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Del Mar

Revenue per available night climbs steadily with property size, from $151 for 1-bedrooms to $506 for 5-bedroom homes. Even after accounting for lower occupancy in the 5-bedroom segment (39%), the RevPAN premium is substantial, more than tripling what smaller units deliver.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Del Mar

Occupancy holds remarkably steady across 1- through 4-bedroom listings, ranging from 52% to 55%, which supports reliable cash flow across most property types. Five-bedroom properties drop to 39% occupancy, though their significantly higher ADR more than compensates in total revenue terms.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Del Mar

Monthly revenue rises in lockstep with bedroom count, from $4,529 for 1-bedrooms to $26,280 for 5-bedroom properties. Four-bedroom units averaging $14,816 per month represent a sweet spot where revenue is meaningfully higher than 3-bedrooms ($10,994) without the sharper occupancy dip seen in the 5-bedroom tier.

Average annual revenue by property size in Del Mar

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest annual revenue at $315,369, while 4-bedrooms generate $177,791 and 3-bedrooms earn $131,932. For investors weighing return potential against acquisition cost and operational complexity, the 3- and 4-bedroom configurations likely offer the most balanced risk-reward profile in Del Mar's ultra-premium real estate market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Del Mar

Parking (98%) and full kitchens (96%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience in a beach destination. Outdoor living amenities — patios (85%), BBQ grills (74%), and outdoor furniture (71%) — are also highly prevalent, while differentiators like hot tubs (32%), beach access (29%), and pools (28%) remain less common and could help listings stand out.

Understanding Del Mar's ROI Score: 44/100

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

Del Mar's ROI Score of 44 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where demand and occupancy stability are genuinely strong but high property prices compress returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance are the primary headwinds, while above-average occupancy stability provides a meaningful counterweight for investors who can find well-priced entry points. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-bedroom-count properties will help investors identify the most viable deals in this premium coastal market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Del Mar

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Del Mar in California may require a short-term rental permit or business registration before operating an STR. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Del Mar's municipal offices or the San Diego County planning department, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal California markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements (especially during summer), noise and parking regulations, and potential caps on the total number of permits issued. HOA rules in Del Mar's planned communities may impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT) and may also owe state sales tax on accommodations. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the City of Del Mar and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Del Mar's strong summer seasonality — with July revenues reaching $15,065 — should continue to anchor annual performance, while shoulder months like March and June also show healthy demand. Occupancy rates are expected to hold in the 50–55% range given the market's above-average stability, though active listing counts grew 106% year-over-year, which could put modest downward pressure on ADR. Investors should anticipate ADR growth in the low single digits, roughly 1–3%, as supply and demand rebalance in this premium coastal corridor."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Del Mar, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Del Mar?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Del Mar is currently 53%, which is notably above the California state average of 43%. This above-average occupancy reflects strong and consistent guest demand, particularly during the warmer months. One- and two-bedroom properties lead with 55% occupancy, while larger 5-bedroom homes average 39%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Del Mar?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Del Mar earn approximately $9,074 per month and $108,897 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $54,357 annually, while 5-bedroom properties can generate up to $315,369 per year. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue above $15,000.

Is Del Mar a good market for Airbnb investment?

Del Mar carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 44 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market offers above-average occupancy stability and premium nightly rates, but its very high property values compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can source deals below the average home value of roughly $5.95 million, or who focus on larger properties with outsized revenue potential, may find attractive returns. Careful deal sourcing and strong operational execution are key in this market.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Del Mar is $513, which is slightly below the California state average of $551. However, ADR scales sharply with property size: 1-bedroom units average $275 per night, while 5-bedroom homes command $1,299 per night. This premium pricing for larger properties reflects Del Mar's appeal as a high-end vacation destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Del Mar?

Short-term rentals may be subject to specific permitting and registration requirements in Del Mar, California. Regulations can include permit applications, occupancy limits, noise restrictions, and transient occupancy tax obligations. Because local STR rules are subject to change, prospective investors should verify current regulations directly with the City of Del Mar and consult any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Del Mar?

Peak season in Del Mar runs from June through August, with July leading the way at an average monthly revenue of $15,065. June ($11,315) and August ($12,054) also deliver well above the annual monthly average. The slowest period is January at $6,179, meaning peak-month revenue is roughly 2.4 times the winter low — a seasonal spread investors should plan for when modeling cash flow.

How many Airbnbs are there in Del Mar?

There are currently 102 active Airbnb listings in Del Mar. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 30 listings, followed by 1-bedroom (23) and 3-bedroom (22) units. Larger 4- and 5-bedroom properties account for 18 and 6 listings respectively, suggesting relatively limited supply in the higher-revenue size categories.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Del Mar?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Del Mar 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 up the remainder into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $15,065) and slower periods (like January's $6,179). 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 by market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers 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 may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.