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

Imperial Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Imperial Beach, CA presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity for investors drawn to Southern California's coastal appeal. With an average annual revenue of $41,421 across 68 active listings and an ADR of $272—roughly half the state average—this beachside community offers a more accessible entry point than many California coastal markets. The market's ROI score of 59 out of 100 reflects a healthy balance between demand and property values, bolstered by above-average growth trends.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach appeals to investors seeking coastal California exposure at a lower price point than nearby San Diego neighborhoods, with meaningful seasonal upside and growing market traction.

Expert Market Assessment

"Imperial Beach earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, reflecting solid fundamentals tempered by room for improvement on occupancy. The market's seasonal arc is unmistakable: July leads at $5,730 in average monthly revenue while January dips to $2,349, creating a roughly 2.4x spread between peak and trough. Two-bedroom units dominate supply and deliver the strongest occupancy at 47%, making them the workhorse configuration for steady cash flow. Investors willing to navigate the seasonal rhythm and capitalize on the beach-driven summer surge should find this small but growing market worth a closer look."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Imperial Beach

Average revenue by month in Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach shows strong seasonality, with July ($5,730) delivering nearly 2.4 times the revenue of the quietest month, January ($2,349). The summer window from June through August is the clear revenue driver, while the October-through-February stretch hovers in the $2,300–$2,900 range, signaling that investors need a pricing and budgeting strategy that accounts for a significant off-peak dip.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Imperial Beach

Two-bedroom units represent the largest share of supply at 23 listings, followed by one-bedrooms (19), three-bedrooms (15), and studios (7). The relatively thin supply of three-bedroom properties—despite their top revenue performance—could signal a gap worth targeting for investors who can acquire larger configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Imperial Beach

ADR climbs meaningfully with size: three-bedroom listings command $313 per night versus $216 for one-bedrooms, a 45% premium. Interestingly, studios ($227) edge past one-bedrooms on nightly rate, though the real pricing power kicks in at the two-bedroom ($246) and three-bedroom tiers where guests pay for the added space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Imperial Beach

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $116, outperforming even three-bedrooms ($96) thanks to their higher occupancy rates. Studios lag considerably at $54, suggesting that smaller units struggle to convert their nightly rate into consistent booked revenue in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Imperial Beach

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 47%, followed by one-bedrooms at 40%, while three-bedrooms drop to 31% and studios trail at 24%. The occupancy gap between two- and three-bedroom units is notable—investors in larger properties will need to offset lower fill rates with the higher nightly rates those homes command.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Imperial Beach

Three-bedroom properties top monthly revenue at $4,890, nearly double that of studios ($2,241), with two-bedrooms earning $3,239 and one-bedrooms at $2,779. The jump from two- to three-bedroom monthly revenue ($1,651 difference) is the most dramatic tier increase, underscoring the premium guests place on extra space in a beach market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Imperial Beach

Annual revenue scales significantly with property size, from $26,895 for studios to $58,688 for three-bedroom listings. Three-bedroom properties generate roughly 51% more annual revenue than two-bedrooms ($38,873), making them the strongest earners in Imperial Beach—though investors should weigh this against higher acquisition costs and the somewhat lower occupancy rate at that tier.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Imperial Beach

Parking dominates at 91% of listings, reflecting the car-dependent nature of Southern California travel, followed by kitchens (85%) and self check-in (79%). Beach-specific amenities like beach access (29%), outdoor furniture (29%), and hot tubs (27%) appear in roughly a quarter to a third of listings, suggesting that adding these features could differentiate a property and justify premium pricing in this coastal market.

Understanding Imperial Beach's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Imperial Beach's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, meaning the market offers a genuine path to returns but isn't without caveats. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average—reflecting the $1M+ home values and 38% occupancy—while the above-average market growth trend is a positive signal that demand is expanding. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research, as the growth trajectory looks encouraging but profitability will hinge on property selection and smart seasonal pricing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Imperial Beach

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Imperial Beach, California may be required to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Imperial Beach and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal communities can include caps on the number of STR permits issued, minimum-stay requirements, occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise and parking regulations, and rules enforced by homeowners associations. Prospective hosts should review both municipal ordinances and any applicable HOA covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes, and in some cases additional tourism or sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with local and state authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Imperial Beach is poised for continued momentum, supported by above-average market growth trends and a 73% year-over-year increase in active listings signaling rising investor interest. Summer months should remain the revenue engine, with peak earnings likely concentrated in June through August, while shoulder and winter months may see modest ADR increases of 2–4% as the market matures. Occupancy rates—currently at 38%—could tighten toward 40–42% as the supply wave stabilizes and hosts refine their pricing strategies. Investors entering now should plan around pronounced seasonality and budget conservatively for the slower January–February stretch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Imperial Beach, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Imperial Beach?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Imperial Beach is currently 38%, which sits slightly below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies considerably by property size—two-bedroom listings lead at 47%, while studios average just 24%. Investors targeting higher occupancy should consider mid-sized units and competitive pricing during shoulder months to close the gap with the state benchmark.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Imperial Beach?

Airbnb hosts in Imperial Beach earn an average of $3,451 per month, which translates to approximately $41,421 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: three-bedroom listings top the chart at $4,890 per month ($58,688 annually), while studios average $2,241 per month. Summer months drive the bulk of earnings, with July peaking at $5,730 on average.

Is Imperial Beach a good market for Airbnb investment?

Imperial Beach scores 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale, categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from above-average growth trends and a healthy balance of revenue relative to property values (average home value of $1,003,267). While occupancy and revenue-to-price ratios are average, the coastal location and strong summer demand provide a solid seasonal upside. Investors should factor in the pronounced seasonality and confirm local regulations before committing.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Imperial Beach?

The average daily rate in Imperial Beach is $272, which is significantly below the California state average of $551. ADR scales with property size: studios average $227, one-bedrooms $216, two-bedrooms $246, and three-bedrooms command the highest rate at $313. This lower ADR relative to the broader state market can make Imperial Beach an appealing option for guests seeking coastal California stays at a more accessible price point.

Are short-term rentals legal in Imperial Beach?

Short-term rentals may be subject to local permitting and regulatory requirements in Imperial Beach, California. Regulations can include permit or license requirements, occupancy limits, minimum-stay rules, and noise or parking restrictions. We recommend checking directly with the City of Imperial Beach for the most current rules, as STR regulations in California communities can change frequently.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Imperial Beach?

Peak season in Imperial Beach runs from June through August, with July standing out as the top-earning month at $5,730 in average revenue. June ($4,304) and August ($4,584) round out a strong summer trio. The slowest months are January ($2,349) and November ($2,695), so investors should plan for a significant seasonal revenue swing and price accordingly during the off-peak period.

How many Airbnbs are there in Imperial Beach?

As of April 2026, there are 68 active Airbnb listings in Imperial Beach. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties: 23 two-bedroom listings lead the count, followed by 19 one-bedrooms, 15 three-bedrooms, and 7 studios. Notably, the market experienced a 73% year-over-year increase in active listings, reflecting growing investor interest in this coastal community.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Imperial Beach?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Imperial Beach are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—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 to produce a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively a host manages their listing.

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 Imperial Beach and surrounding areas
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends across property sizes
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost benchmarking
• Amenity prevalence data showing what features are most common among 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions may shift. Local regulations governing short-term rentals can change; investors should verify current rules with the City of Imperial Beach before purchasing.