Half Moon Bay, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Half Moon Bay Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Half Moon Bay sits along California's scenic San Mateo Coast, drawing weekend visitors and longer-stay guests who want a quieter alternative to San Francisco—just 30 miles to the north. With an average annual revenue of $64,761 across roughly 80 active listings and above-average occupancy stability, the market rewards hosts who can capture summer and fall demand. High home values averaging over $2 million temper the revenue-to-price ratio, but the combination of premium daily rates ($392 ADR) and a compact, supply-constrained listing pool keeps this coastal market on investors' radar.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay

Investors look at Half Moon Bay for its premium nightly rates, stable occupancy patterns, and the natural supply constraint that comes with a small coastal community near a major metro.

Expert Market Assessment

"Half Moon Bay presents an attractive but nuanced opportunity. The market's ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects strong occupancy stability paired with a below-average revenue-to-price ratio—typical for high-value California coastal markets where acquisition costs are steep. Seasonality is pronounced: July peaks at $7,009 in average monthly revenue, while February dips to about $3,977, creating a roughly 76% spread between the best and softest months. Investors who can tolerate the high entry price and manage through winter slow periods will find a market with genuine pricing power and limited direct competition."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Half Moon Bay

Average revenue by month in Half Moon Bay

Revenue in Half Moon Bay follows a clear coastal seasonality pattern, peaking in July at $7,009 and bottoming out in February at $3,977—a spread of roughly $3,000. The strongest five-month stretch from May through September accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, making summer operations critical to overall profitability.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Half Moon Bay

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 35 of 80 active listings (44%), while 3- and 4-bedroom homes are comparatively scarce at 12 and 8 listings respectively. The limited supply of larger properties, combined with their significantly higher revenue potential, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Half Moon Bay

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count in Half Moon Bay, jumping from $200 for studios to $778 for 4-bedroom properties—nearly a 4x premium. The sharpest rate increase occurs between 3 bedrooms ($458) and 4 bedrooms ($778), suggesting strong group and family demand for larger accommodations along the coast.

Average RevPAN by property size in Half Moon Bay

RevPAN climbs consistently with property size, from $78 for studios to $259 for 4-bedroom homes, confirming that larger units convert their higher ADRs into meaningfully better per-night revenue even after accounting for occupancy. Three-bedroom properties at $180 RevPAN offer a strong middle ground between capital outlay and earning power.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Half Moon Bay

Occupancy rates are remarkably flat across property sizes, ranging from 33% for 4-bedroom homes to 39% for studios and 3-bedroom units. This consistency means that revenue differences between property sizes are driven almost entirely by rate rather than fill rate, giving investors confidence that larger, pricier listings won't sit empty disproportionately.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Half Moon Bay

Monthly revenue rises steadily from $2,897 for studios to $9,802 for 4-bedroom homes, with 3-bedroom units earning a solid $6,712 per month. The jump from 2-bedroom ($5,374) to 4-bedroom revenue is nearly double, underscoring the outsized return potential of larger coastal properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Half Moon Bay

Four-bedroom properties lead the market with $117,624 in average annual revenue, more than triple what a studio earns ($34,766). For investors focused on maximizing gross income, 3-bedroom homes at $80,555 annually offer strong returns with somewhat lower acquisition costs than the largest units.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Half Moon Bay

Parking tops the amenity list at 99% prevalence, followed by kitchens (85%), self check-in (76%), and patios or balconies (76%)—reflecting a guest base that expects home-like comfort and outdoor space in a coastal setting. Differentiators like hot tubs (15%) and beach access (28%) remain relatively uncommon and could help a listing stand out in search results.

Understanding Half Moon Bay's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Half Moon Bay's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability and average growth trends are tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance. The high entry cost—homes average over $2 million—means gross yields are compressed even though absolute revenue figures are healthy. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model that accounts for pronounced seasonality.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Half Moon Bay

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

Permit Requirements

The city of Half Moon Bay and San Mateo County in California may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with local planning and zoning authorities before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal communities can include limits on the number of guests, minimum-night stays, noise and parking requirements, and caps on the total number of permits issued. HOA rules may further restrict STR activity in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential before committing to an investment.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at rates set by the local jurisdiction, in addition to any applicable state and county tourism or sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with Half Moon Bay's specific requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate Half Moon Bay's ADR could hold steady or inch up 1–3%, driven by continued coastal tourism and limited new supply in the area. Occupancy is likely to hover around 34–38% on an annualized basis, with summer months pulling the average higher. The 137% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, so new entrants should monitor whether supply begins to outpace demand. Seasonal peaks in June through October should continue to anchor host revenues, with monthly earnings potentially reaching $6,400–$7,000 during the strongest months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Half Moon Bay, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Half Moon Bay?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Half Moon Bay is currently 36%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy tends to be fairly consistent across property sizes, ranging from 33% for 4-bedroom units to 39% for studios and 3-bedroom properties. Seasonal variation plays a role, with summer months driving higher fill rates than the winter period.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Half Moon Bay?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Half Moon Bay earn approximately $5,396 per month, or about $64,761 annually, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size—studios average around $2,897 per month while 4-bedroom homes pull in roughly $9,802 per month. Peak summer months like July can push monthly revenue above $7,000 for the typical listing.

Is Half Moon Bay a good market for Airbnb investment?

Half Moon Bay earns an ROI score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and premium nightly rates of $392, but the high average home value of over $2 million creates a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. It's best suited for investors who prioritize a stable, low-competition coastal market and can absorb the higher acquisition cost.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Half Moon Bay?

The average daily rate in Half Moon Bay is $392, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR scales meaningfully with property size—studios average $200 per night, while 4-bedroom homes command approximately $778 per night. This premium pricing on larger properties reflects the demand for group and family accommodations along the coast.

Are short-term rentals legal in Half Moon Bay?

Short-term rentals operate in Half Moon Bay, but hosts should verify local permit requirements with the city and San Mateo County before listing. California coastal communities may impose specific restrictions including permit caps, minimum stay requirements, or occupancy limits. Consulting with local authorities and reviewing any HOA rules is strongly recommended before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Half Moon Bay?

Peak season in Half Moon Bay runs from roughly June through October. July leads all months with average revenue of $7,009, followed by August at $6,607 and June at $6,411. The fall shoulder season remains relatively strong—September and October each average close to $5,950—before revenue tapers into the winter months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Half Moon Bay?

There are currently 80 active Airbnb listings in Half Moon Bay. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom units (35 listings), followed by 2-bedroom properties (17) and 3-bedroom homes (12). Active listings have grown 137% year over year, indicating rising investor and host interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Half Moon Bay?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Half Moon Bay are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—they are not a forward-looking projection. 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, seasonal peaks and slower months are naturally reflected. 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
• 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 benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence data across active listings

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 permitting requirements may change; investors should verify current rules with Half Moon Bay and San Mateo County authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.