El Cerrito, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

El Cerrito Short-Term Rental Market Overview

El Cerrito sits in the East Bay just north of Berkeley, offering proximity to San Francisco and UC Berkeley — two powerful demand generators for short-term rentals. With 53 active Airbnb listings averaging $182 ADR and $27,862 in annual revenue, the market is compact yet competitive. Average home values of roughly $1.47 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, so investors will need sharp deal sourcing and operational discipline to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito

Bay Area proximity, above-average occupancy stability, and growing investor interest make El Cerrito worth evaluating — though high property prices require careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"El Cerrito presents a competitive opportunity where the fundamentals are sound but the margins are squeezed by elevated property prices. Seasonality is pronounced — July peaks near $3,046 in average monthly revenue while February bottoms around $1,555, creating roughly a 2x swing that investors need to budget for. Above-average occupancy stability and positive growth trends are encouraging signs, yet the below-average revenue-to-price ratio means this market rewards operators who can maximize nightly rates and minimize vacancy rather than passive investors looking for easy returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in El Cerrito

Average revenue by month in El Cerrito

Revenue peaks in July at $3,046 and bottoms in February at $1,555, creating a nearly 2x seasonal spread that underscores the importance of summer travel demand in this Bay Area market. The shoulder months of May through October all exceed $2,400, giving hosts a solid six-month stretch of stronger earnings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in El Cerrito

One-bedroom units dominate El Cerrito's supply with 30 listings, outnumbering two-bedroom properties (13) by more than two to one. The absence of larger three- or four-bedroom listings in the data could signal an underserved niche for investors willing to offer more space, though local housing stock and zoning may constrain options.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in El Cerrito

Two-bedroom properties command an ADR of $209 — an 80% premium over one-bedrooms at $116 — suggesting that the step up in space delivers meaningful pricing power. For investors weighing acquisition cost against nightly rate potential, the jump from one to two bedrooms appears to be the most efficient ADR lever available in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in El Cerrito

Two-bedroom listings generate $76 in RevPAN compared to $44 for one-bedrooms, nearly doubling effective revenue per available night despite similar occupancy rates. This gap makes two-bedroom properties the clear RevPAN leader, reinforcing their position as the stronger investment configuration in El Cerrito.

Average occupancy rates by property size in El Cerrito

Occupancy rates are closely matched across property sizes, with one-bedrooms at 39% and two-bedrooms at 37%. The narrow gap suggests that demand is relatively consistent regardless of unit size, so the revenue advantage of two-bedrooms is driven almost entirely by higher nightly rates rather than fuller calendars.

Average monthly revenue by property size in El Cerrito

Two-bedroom listings average $2,756 per month — 68% more than one-bedrooms at $1,638 — making the larger configuration substantially more productive on a monthly basis. For investors focused on cash-flow coverage of mortgage and operating costs, two-bedroom properties provide a meaningfully wider margin.

Average annual revenue by property size in El Cerrito

Annual revenue for two-bedroom properties reaches $33,082, compared to $19,658 for one-bedrooms, a difference of over $13,000 per year. Given that two-bedroom inventory is relatively scarce (only 13 listings), there may be room for additional supply at this size without immediately saturating demand.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in El Cerrito

Parking (94%) and kitchen access (91%) are near-universal in El Cerrito listings, reflecting guest expectations in a car-dependent, residential East Bay market. Workspace (66%) signals meaningful remote-work demand, while features like hot tubs (11%) and EV chargers (4%) remain rare — potential differentiators for hosts willing to invest in standout amenities.

Understanding El Cerrito's ROI Score: 49/100

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

El Cerrito's ROI Score of 49 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band — a market where demand fundamentals are solid but elevated home prices make the revenue-to-price ratio below average, compressing potential yields. On the positive side, occupancy stability rates above average and the market growth trend is encouraging, suggesting that underlying demand has room to strengthen. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on sourcing below-market deals to improve the return profile.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in El Cerrito

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

Permit Requirements

El Cerrito, California may require short-term rental hosts to obtain a business license or STR permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the City of El Cerrito and Contra Costa County, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA restrictions that can override city-level permissions. Some municipalities also cap the number of STR permits issued annually, so checking availability before purchasing is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and some jurisdictions layer on additional tourism or assessment fees. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with El Cerrito's finance department.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, El Cerrito's STR market should benefit from continued Bay Area travel demand and a strong summer peak, with July and August revenues historically topping $3,000 per month. Active listings grew 71% year over year, which signals rising investor interest but also tighter competition — expect ADR increases of 1–3% to be partially offset by modest occupancy pressure as new supply absorbs. Occupancy stability scores above average, suggesting the market should sustain rates in the 38–43% range, though investors entering now should plan conservatively for slower winter months when revenue dips to the $1,500–$1,600 range."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in El Cerrito, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in El Cerrito?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in El Cerrito is currently 41%, slightly below the California state average of 43%. By property size, one-bedroom units average 39% occupancy while two-bedrooms come in at 37%. These figures reflect a market where demand is steady but not overwhelming, making pricing strategy and listing optimization particularly important for maximizing bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in El Cerrito?

Airbnb hosts in El Cerrito earn an average of $2,321 per month, which translates to roughly $27,862 annually based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: one-bedroom listings average about $19,658 per year, while two-bedroom properties bring in approximately $33,082. Monthly earnings range from around $1,555 in February to over $3,046 in July, so cash-flow planning around seasonal swings is important.

Is El Cerrito a good market for Airbnb investment?

El Cerrito earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 49 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and positive growth trends, but the high average home value of roughly $1.47 million compresses the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can source properties below market or add value through renovations and superior guest experience will be best positioned to generate meaningful returns here.

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

The average daily rate in El Cerrito is $182, which is well below the California state average of $551 — reflecting the market's smaller property sizes rather than a lack of demand. One-bedroom listings average $116 per night while two-bedroom units command $209. The relatively modest ADR compared to statewide figures is largely a function of El Cerrito's inventory being concentrated in one- and two-bedroom configurations.

Are short-term rentals legal in El Cerrito?

Short-term rentals operate in El Cerrito, California, though local regulations may require permits, business licenses, or other compliance steps. Rules can vary and change over time, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of El Cerrito's planning or finance departments and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in El Cerrito?

Peak season runs from June through August, with July averaging the highest monthly revenue at $3,046. August follows closely at $3,010, and September and October remain relatively strong around $2,640–$2,650. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to the $1,555–$1,575 range. This roughly 2x seasonal swing means investors should plan reserves to cover the quieter winter period.

How many Airbnbs are there in El Cerrito?

There are currently 53 active Airbnb listings in El Cerrito. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 30 one-bedroom and 13 two-bedroom listings making up the tracked inventory. Year-over-year, active listings have grown by 71%, indicating rising investor and host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in El Cerrito?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for El Cerrito 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 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 data. 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 estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data for active listings in the market

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 conditions as of April 27, 2026, and market dynamics can shift due to regulation changes, economic conditions, or seasonal factors. Individual property results will vary based on location, quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.