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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

54 / 100

Fullerton presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Fullerton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fullerton's short-term rental market offers a competitive landscape where occupancy runs at 49%—comfortably above California's 43% state average—while an average daily rate of $234 keeps nightly income accessible relative to many Southern California peers. With 162 active listings generating an average annual revenue of $51,553, the market rewards investors who can source deals strategically given elevated home values averaging $1,450,833. Proximity to Disneyland, Cal State Fullerton, and Orange County's broader business corridor provides a diversified demand base that helps sustain bookings throughout the year.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Fullerton short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 162
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $551 state avg. $234
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 43% state avg. 49%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $115
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $4,296
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $51,553

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Fullerton

Fullerton attracts investor interest because its diversified demand drivers—theme parks, a major university, and corporate activity—support above-average occupancy despite rising competition.

Key investment factors

  • Occupancy of 49% exceeds California's 43% state average, indicating healthy demand
  • Proximity to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm drives reliable leisure travel year-round
  • Cal State Fullerton enrollment creates consistent mid-week and event-driven bookings
  • 5-bedroom properties command $88,120 in average annual revenue, offering a clear upside for larger homes
  • ADR of $234 sits well below the $551 state average, keeping the market accessible to a broader guest pool

Expert Market Assessment

"Fullerton represents a competitive opportunity where solid demand fundamentals meet rising supply and premium property prices. Revenue peaks sharply in summer—July averages $6,883, more than double January's $3,133—so investors should factor meaningful seasonality into cash-flow projections. The market's above-average occupancy stability and growth trend are encouraging, but a below-average revenue-to-price ratio means deal sourcing and operational efficiency will separate profitable investments from underperformers. Targeting larger properties, particularly 5-bedroom homes, offers the clearest path to stronger returns given their standout RevPAN and annual revenue figures."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Fullerton's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Factor Fullerton Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Above average 30%
Market Growth Trend Above average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Below average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Fullerton's ROI Score of 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, signaling a market where demand is real but returns require careful underwriting. Above-average occupancy stability and a positive market growth trend work in investors' favor, yet the below-average revenue-to-price ratio and tightening supply/demand balance mean margins can compress quickly without disciplined deal sourcing. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear property-size strategy—particularly targeting larger homes—will be key to unlocking the market's potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fullerton

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Fullerton, California may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Fullerton's planning or licensing department, as local STR regulations in California cities can change frequently.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that apply to STR markets like Fullerton include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions. Some neighborhoods may also be subject to HOA rules that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, and permit caps could apply depending on the area's zoning classification.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT), and Fullerton may impose its own local rate on top of any county obligations. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the city 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 Fullerton can provide current regulatory guidance.

Short-Term Rental Financing for Fullerton

Financing an Airbnb investment in Fullerton requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Fullerton Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fullerton's above-average occupancy stability and positive market growth trend suggest steady demand, though the 88% year-over-year listing growth signals that competition is intensifying quickly. Expect ADR to remain in the $230–$245 range as new supply moderates pricing power, while occupancy may hold between 47–51% thanks to consistent theme-park and university-driven traffic. Summer will likely continue delivering the strongest returns—July revenue averaged $6,883—so investors should budget conservatively for the softer January-through-February window when monthly income dips below $3,400."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fullerton, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fullerton?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fullerton is currently 49%, which outpaces California's statewide average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 5-bedroom listings leading at 64% while 4-bedroom properties average a lower 39%. This above-average occupancy reflects Fullerton's steady demand from nearby attractions, the university, and business travelers.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fullerton?
Airbnb hosts in Fullerton earn an average of $4,296 per month, which works out to roughly $51,553 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size—studios and 1-bedroom units average around $2,065–$2,130 monthly, while 5-bedroom homes pull in approximately $7,343 per month ($88,120 annually). Peak earnings occur during summer, with July averaging $6,883 across all listings.
Is Fullerton a good market for Airbnb investment?
Fullerton scores a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a positive growth trend, but higher home values (averaging $1,450,833) and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio mean investors need to be selective about deal sourcing. Larger properties—especially 5-bedroom homes—offer the strongest revenue potential and may help offset the higher entry cost.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Fullerton?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Fullerton is $234, which is significantly below California's $551 state average. ADR scales with property size: studios and 1-bedroom units average $128 per night, while 5-bedroom homes command $386 per night. This pricing structure keeps Fullerton competitive for guests visiting Orange County attractions while still offering solid per-night income for larger properties.
Are short-term rentals legal in Fullerton?
Short-term rental regulations vary and can change, so investors should check directly with the City of Fullerton's planning or licensing department for the most current rules. California cities commonly require STR permits or business licenses, and local ordinances may include restrictions on occupancy, noise, parking, and minimum stays. HOA rules in specific neighborhoods may also limit or prohibit short-term rental activity.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Fullerton?
Peak season in Fullerton runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $6,883. June ($5,085) and August ($5,901) also perform strongly, driven by summer tourism to nearby attractions like Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. The slowest months are January ($3,133) and February ($3,302), creating a roughly 2:1 revenue spread between peak and off-peak periods.
How many Airbnbs are there in Fullerton?
Fullerton currently has 162 active Airbnb listings. The supply is fairly distributed across property sizes, with 3-bedroom listings being the most common at 47, followed by 1-bedrooms at 42 and 4-bedrooms at 27. Notably, listings have grown 88% year over year, indicating a rapidly expanding market that investors should monitor for competitive dynamics.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fullerton?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Fullerton are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder 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. 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 for the Fullerton market
  • Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends across property sizes
  • Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual revenue estimates
  • Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu 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 and tax requirements may change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Fullerton's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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