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

Irvine Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Irvine's short-term rental market sits at the intersection of strong demand drivers—corporate travel, proximity to major Orange County attractions, and a well-educated resident base—and steep entry costs that compress yields. With an average home value of $2,323,423 and annual STR revenue averaging $36,150, the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, earning the market an ROI score of 35 out of 100. That said, occupancy runs at 51%, well above California's 43% state average, and listing growth of 94% year-over-year signals that investors see long-term upside in this affluent Southern California market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Irvine 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 Irvine

Investors are drawn to Irvine for its affluent demographics, corporate demand base, and location within Orange County's tourism corridor, though high property prices require careful deal selection to achieve positive cash flow.

Expert Market Assessment

"Irvine presents a competitive but challenging opportunity for STR investors. The market's above-average occupancy and strong summer seasonality—July revenues peak at $4,827—point to genuine demand, yet the below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability scores mean returns are heavily dependent on property selection and pricing strategy. Investors who focus on larger 3–4 bedroom properties, which deliver RevPAN of $139–$205 compared to just $55 for one-bedrooms, stand the best chance of achieving meaningful cash flow. The winter trough is relatively mild, with January being the softest month at $2,197, suggesting the market avoids the severe seasonal swings that plague pure resort destinations."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Irvine

Average revenue by month in Irvine

Revenue in Irvine peaks sharply in July at $4,827 and dips to its lowest point in January at $2,197, creating a roughly 2.2x spread between the best and weakest months. The summer surge from June through August accounts for the lion's share of annual outperformance, while the remaining months cluster relatively tightly in the $2,300–$3,300 range, indicating moderate rather than extreme seasonality.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Irvine

One-bedroom units dominate Irvine's supply at 63 of 125 listings (50%), while 4-bedroom properties represent just 13 listings. The scarcity of larger homes, combined with their significantly higher revenue potential, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to target 3- and 4-bedroom configurations where competition is thinner.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Irvine

ADR in Irvine scales predictably with size, from $112 for 1-bedroom units up to $328 for 4-bedroom properties—nearly a 3x premium. The jump from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom ($112 to $233) represents the steepest percentage increase, suggesting that the additional bedroom commands a significant pricing uplift relative to cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Irvine

RevPAN climbs steadily with property size, from $55 for 1-bedrooms to $205 for 4-bedroom listings—a nearly 4x differential. Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest revenue per available night by a wide margin, driven by both higher nightly rates and the market's best occupancy at 62%.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Irvine

Four-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 62%, while 2-bedroom units lag at 44%. One- and 3-bedroom listings both sit at 49%, suggesting that the largest properties benefit from group and family travel demand that keeps them booked more consistently than mid-sized units.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Irvine

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,395 for 1-bedroom listings to $5,429 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms close behind at $5,314. The relatively small gap between 3- and 4-bedroom monthly revenue ($115) suggests both sizes serve similar demand segments, though 4-bedrooms edge ahead thanks to higher occupancy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Irvine

On an annual basis, 4-bedroom properties lead at $65,156, narrowly edging out 3-bedrooms at $63,769, while 1-bedroom units trail significantly at $16,740. For investors evaluating return potential, the 2-bedroom tier at $39,737 annually may offer the best balance of revenue and lower acquisition cost relative to larger homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Irvine

Parking tops the amenity list at 98%, followed by washer (94%), dryer (91%), and kitchen (91%)—all practically table stakes in this market. The high prevalence of pools (71%), hot tubs (62%), and workspaces (76%) signals that Irvine guests expect resort-style comfort and remote-work capability, making these amenities near-essential for competitive positioning.

Understanding Irvine's ROI Score: 35/100

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

Irvine's ROI score of 35 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, signaling that while demand exists, the math is harder to make work than in many other markets. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary headwind—average annual revenue of $36,150 against home values exceeding $2.3 million leaves little room for error. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on deal-specific underwriting rather than relying on market-wide averages to justify an acquisition.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Irvine

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Irvine, California may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Irvine's planning and licensing departments, as local regulations in California can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California cities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances with specific quiet hours, designated parking mandates, and caps on the total number of permits issued. HOA rules in Irvine's many master-planned communities may impose additional restrictions or outright prohibitions, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Irvine are typically subject to California's transient occupancy tax (TOT) and may also owe state sales tax on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Orange County Tax Collector 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 Irvine can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Irvine's STR market is likely to see continued supply expansion as investor interest remains strong, though the pace of new listings may moderate as competition intensifies. Summer months should continue to deliver peak revenues in the $4,100–$4,800 range, while off-peak months will likely hover around $2,200–$2,700. ADR could see modest increases of 1–3% driven by Irvine's corporate and leisure demand, but occupancy stability—currently below average—may face pressure from the rapid supply growth unless demand keeps pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Irvine, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Irvine?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Irvine is currently 51%, which is notably higher than California's overall state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom listings leading at 62% and 2-bedroom units at the lower end with 44%. This above-average occupancy suggests consistent demand in the market, though individual results depend on factors like location within Irvine, pricing strategy, and listing quality.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Irvine?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Irvine earns approximately $3,012 per month or $36,150 per year. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average $16,740 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $65,156 per year. Seasonal patterns also play a role, with July being the peak month at $4,827 in average revenue and January the slowest at $2,197.

Is Irvine a good market for Airbnb investment?

Irvine scores 35 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from strong demand drivers and above-average occupancy, but high property prices (averaging $2,323,423) compress the revenue-to-price ratio significantly. Investors who can source properties below market value or who target larger configurations—where revenue per available night is substantially higher—may find workable returns, but this is not a market where average deals pencil out easily.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Irvine is $192, which is well below California's state average of $551. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $112 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $233, 3-bedrooms hit $283, and 4-bedroom properties command $328. The relatively modest ADR compared to the state average reflects Irvine's mix of primarily residential listings rather than luxury vacation rentals.

Are short-term rentals legal in Irvine?

Short-term rental regulations in Irvine, California are subject to local ordinances that may require permits, business licenses, or compliance with specific operational rules. Many communities within Irvine are governed by HOAs with their own restrictions on short-term rentals, which can range from minimum stay requirements to outright bans. Investors should consult the City of Irvine's planning department and review any applicable HOA CC&Rs before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Irvine?

Peak season for Airbnb in Irvine runs through the summer months, with July topping the chart at $4,827 in average monthly revenue and August close behind at $4,137. June also performs well at $3,564. The slowest months are January ($2,197) and February ($2,314), though the spread between peak and off-peak is relatively moderate compared to purely seasonal markets, reflecting Irvine's mix of corporate and leisure demand throughout the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Irvine?

As of April 2026, there are 125 active Airbnb listings in Irvine. The market has seen significant growth, with a 94% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share at 63 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (23), 3-bedrooms (20), and 4-bedrooms (13). The rapid supply growth is worth monitoring, as it could affect occupancy and pricing dynamics going forward.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Irvine?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Irvine 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, drops 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 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 across the Irvine market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence among active listings to guide property setup decisions

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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory changes or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.