Huntington Beach, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

41 / 100

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

Huntington Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Huntington Beach sits at the intersection of Southern California beach culture and a competitive coastal real estate market, drawing steady leisure demand year-round. With 277 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $49,951 and an ADR of $307 — well below California's $551 state average — the market offers a more accessible entry point for coastal STR investors. However, average home values near $1.86 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, requiring careful deal sourcing to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 277
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $551 state avg. $307
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 43% state avg. 45%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $138
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $4,162
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $49,951

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

Why Investors Consider Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach appeals to investors seeking exposure to Southern California's coastal tourism market, though higher property prices demand disciplined deal selection to achieve strong returns.

Key investment factors

  • Year-round beach tourism and surf culture generate consistent leisure demand
  • ADR of $307 is meaningfully below the California state average, offering rate growth potential
  • 4-bedroom properties command $84,470 in annual revenue, the highest among all sizes tracked
  • Larger properties achieve 48% occupancy — above the market average — suggesting group and family travel demand
  • Outdoor amenities like patios, grills, and backyards are prevalent, signaling guest preference for experiential stays

Expert Market Assessment

"Huntington Beach presents a competitive opportunity where strong demand meets elevated property costs, earning an ROI score of 41 out of 100. The market's pronounced seasonality — July revenues of $6,670 versus January's $3,036 — means investors should model cash flow conservatively, accounting for roughly five softer months where monthly revenue stays below $3,800. Larger properties, especially 3- and 4-bedroom homes, offer the best revenue-to-effort ratio, with 4-bedrooms pulling nearly $7,039 per month. Selective investors who target the right property type and price point can find workable returns, but this isn't a market where average deals pencil out easily."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Huntington Beach's ROI Score: 41/100

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 Huntington Beach Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Below average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Huntington Beach's ROI score of 41 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting strong demand tempered by challenging economics. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values near $1.86 million against roughly $50,000 in annual revenue — is the primary drag, while occupancy stability and market growth trend rate as average. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types and locations within Huntington Beach that outperform market averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Huntington Beach

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Huntington Beach, California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before listing them. Investors should verify the latest requirements directly with Huntington Beach's planning or community development department, as local STR regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal markets can include occupancy limits, minimum-night stay requirements, caps on the number of STR permits issued, and noise or parking regulations designed to protect residential neighborhoods. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, so reviewing any CC&Rs before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes and may also owe state and local sales taxes on lodging income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation 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 Huntington Beach can provide current regulatory guidance.

Short-Term Rental Financing for Huntington Beach

Financing an Airbnb investment in Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Huntington Beach's short-term rental market should continue benefiting from reliable summer tourism, with peak-season months like July likely sustaining monthly revenues in the $6,000–$7,000 range. Occupancy is expected to hold steady around 43–47%, roughly in line with state averages, while ADR may see modest increases of 2–4% driven by ongoing coastal demand. The 136% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could compress margins if supply outpaces demand growth. Investors entering now should plan for softer winter months where revenue dips below $3,200 and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Huntington Beach, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Huntington Beach?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Huntington Beach is currently 45%, which edges slightly above the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom properties performing best at 48% and 6+ bedroom units lagging at 30%.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Huntington Beach?
Airbnb hosts in Huntington Beach earn an average of $4,162 per month, or approximately $49,951 per year based on the trailing 12-month historical average. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 4-bedroom listings average $7,039 per month ($84,470 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $2,087 per month ($25,051 annually).
Is Huntington Beach a good market for Airbnb investment?
Huntington Beach scores 41 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' Strong coastal tourism demand supports consistent bookings, but high home values averaging $1,859,124 compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can source properties below market averages or target high-performing property types like 3- and 4-bedroom homes may find attractive returns.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Huntington Beach?
The average daily rate for Airbnb in Huntington Beach is $307, which is notably lower than the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $156 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $959 per night.
Are short-term rentals legal in Huntington Beach?
Short-term rentals may be subject to local permitting and registration requirements in Huntington Beach, California. Regulations can include permit caps, occupancy limits, and minimum stay rules. Investors should check directly with the City of Huntington Beach for the most current rules before purchasing a property for STR use.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Huntington Beach?
Peak season for Airbnb in Huntington Beach runs through the summer months, with July being the strongest month at $6,670 in average revenue. June ($4,927) and August ($5,717) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest months are January ($3,036) and February ($3,199), reflecting typical coastal California seasonality.
How many Airbnbs are there in Huntington Beach?
There are currently 277 active Airbnb listings in Huntington Beach as of April 2026. One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 90 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (65) and 3-bedrooms (60). Active listings have grown 136% year-over-year, indicating significant new investor interest.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Huntington Beach?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Huntington Beach 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 reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Huntington Beach, 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 for Huntington Beach and surrounding zip codes
  • Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Home 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, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify current rules with the City of Huntington Beach before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

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

Browse Airbnbs for Sale

Explore active Airbnbs and STR-ready homes in Charlotte with verified income data.

View Properties

Connect with an Agent

Work with specialized agents who've helped investors acquire over $650M in STR properties.

Find an Agent

Connect with a Lender

Qualify for as low as 15% down on a DSCR loan using the rental property's projected income.

Find a Lender
Browse Airbnbs for Sale