La Mesa, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

La Mesa Short-Term Rental Market Overview

La Mesa sits in the heart of San Diego County and offers a modest but active short-term rental market with 199 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $41,184. With an ADR of $249 — well below California's $551 state average — and occupancy at 42%, the market rewards investors who can identify the right property size and pricing strategy. Above-average occupancy stability signals consistent demand, though elevated home values near $1.1M mean deal sourcing requires discipline.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the La Mesa 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 La Mesa

Investors are drawn to La Mesa for its stable occupancy patterns and proximity to San Diego's tourism and employment centers, though competitive pricing and high home values require careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"La Mesa represents a competitive opportunity where above-average occupancy stability is offset by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and rapid supply growth. Seasonality is a defining feature: July is the clear revenue peak at $5,698 per month, while January dips to $2,336 — a spread that investors need to plan around. Larger properties significantly outperform smaller ones on both revenue and RevPAN, suggesting that the best returns come from 3+ bedroom homes that can justify premium nightly rates. With home values averaging over $1.1M, the math works best for investors who secure properties below market or add value through renovation and amenity upgrades."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in La Mesa

Average revenue by month in La Mesa

Revenue in La Mesa peaks sharply in July at $5,698 and bottoms out in January at $2,336, creating a seasonal spread of over $3,300 that underscores how critical the summer months are to annual performance. The shoulder months of March ($3,857) and August ($4,559) also deliver above-average returns, while the October–February stretch remains relatively flat in the $2,300–$2,900 range.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in La Mesa

One-bedroom units dominate the La Mesa supply with 87 of the 199 active listings, far outpacing 3-bedroom (30) and 2-bedroom (24) properties. The relative scarcity of 4-bedroom (22) and 5-bedroom (17) listings — combined with their superior revenue metrics — could signal an opportunity for investors willing to enter the larger-home segment where competition is thinner.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in La Mesa

ADR scales steeply with size in La Mesa, from $123 for studios to $639 for 5-bedroom homes — a fivefold increase that reflects strong pricing power for larger properties. The jump from 3-bedroom ($279) to 4-bedroom ($388) represents a meaningful premium that, when paired with reasonable occupancy, can significantly improve revenue per booking.

Average RevPAN by property size in La Mesa

RevPAN climbs consistently with property size, from $53 for 1-bedroom units to $194 for 5-bedroom homes, confirming that larger properties deliver more revenue per available night even after accounting for lower occupancy. The 2-bedroom tier at $91 RevPAN offers a notable step up from studios and 1-bedrooms and may represent a strong entry point for investors seeking better yield without the capital outlay of a larger home.

Average occupancy rates by property size in La Mesa

Two-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 48%, while studios and 3-bedrooms hold steady at 46%, and 1-bedrooms trail slightly at 40%. Five-bedroom units drop to 30% occupancy — still viable given their outsized nightly rates, but investors should expect more variable booking patterns and plan accordingly for cash-flow gaps.

Average monthly revenue by property size in La Mesa

Monthly revenue ranges from $2,115 for 1-bedroom units to $12,343 for 5-bedroom properties, with a clear inflection point at the 3-bedroom level ($5,493) where revenue meaningfully outpaces smaller formats. The jump from 4-bedroom ($6,587) to 5-bedroom ($12,343) is particularly striking, nearly doubling monthly income for one additional bedroom.

Average annual revenue by property size in La Mesa

Annual revenue potential in La Mesa ranges from $25,391 for 1-bedroom listings to $148,127 for 5-bedroom homes, making the largest properties the clear top earners. Four-bedroom units at $79,044 per year also stand out as strong performers, and their more moderate acquisition cost compared to 5-bedroom homes may offer a more attractive risk-adjusted return for many investors.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in La Mesa

Parking (98%) and kitchen access (90%) are near-universal in La Mesa listings, reflecting baseline guest expectations in this suburban San Diego market. Outdoor living features — including outdoor furniture (73%), patios or balconies (69%), backyards (68%), and BBQ grills (55%) — are heavily represented, signaling that guests value Southern California indoor-outdoor lifestyle amenities and investors should prioritize these to stay competitive.

Understanding La Mesa's ROI Score: 48/100

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

La Mesa's ROI Score of 48 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning investor interest and demand are present but the economics require careful deal selection. The score reflects above-average occupancy stability — a positive sign for booking consistency — but is weighed down by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio given average home values above $1.1M, along with below-average market growth trend and supply/demand balance as listings surged 148% year-over-year. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types (particularly 3+ bedrooms) that offer the strongest revenue-to-cost upside.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in La Mesa

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

Permit Requirements

The City of La Mesa, California may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with La Mesa's city planning or community development department, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking rules. HOA restrictions may further limit STR activity in certain La Mesa neighborhoods, and some jurisdictions impose caps on the number of active permits, so it's worth confirming whether any such limits apply locally.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in La Mesa are typically subject to California's transient occupancy tax (TOT) and may owe state and local sales taxes on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligation with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, La Mesa's STR market is likely to see continued demand driven by its proximity to San Diego's attractions and a stable occupancy base. However, with active listings up 148% year-over-year, new supply could compress RevPAN if demand doesn't keep pace — investors should anticipate occupancy holding in the 40–45% range and modest ADR growth of 1–3%. Peak summer months (June–August) will continue to carry a disproportionate share of annual revenue, making cash-flow planning around seasonality essential. Selective deal sourcing and differentiation through amenities or larger property formats will be key to outperforming the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in La Mesa, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in La Mesa?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in La Mesa is currently 42%, which is just slightly below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units leading at 48% and 5-bedroom properties coming in lower at 30%. This relatively stable occupancy base helps support consistent booking activity throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in La Mesa?

On average, Airbnb hosts in La Mesa earn approximately $3,432 per month or $41,184 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average around $2,115/month while 5-bedroom homes can bring in roughly $12,343/month. Peak months like July can see revenues reach $5,698, whereas slower months like January may drop to around $2,336.

Is La Mesa a good market for Airbnb investment?

La Mesa scores a 48 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability, but the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values near $1.1M. Investors who focus on larger properties and operate efficiently can achieve stronger returns, though selective deal sourcing is essential to make the numbers work.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in La Mesa is $249, which is significantly lower than California's state average of $551. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: studios average $123 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $639. This pricing structure makes larger homes particularly attractive for maximizing nightly revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in La Mesa?

Short-term rentals operate in La Mesa, though hosts may need to obtain local permits or business licenses and comply with applicable city regulations. Rules governing STRs can include occupancy limits, noise restrictions, and parking requirements. Investors should check directly with La Mesa's local government and review any HOA rules before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in La Mesa?

Peak season for Airbnb in La Mesa runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $5,698 in revenue. The summer months benefit from vacation travel and San Diego's warm weather. The off-season low comes in January at $2,336, making the peak-to-trough spread roughly $3,362 — a factor investors should build into their cash-flow planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in La Mesa?

There are currently 199 active Airbnb listings in La Mesa as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom units (87 listings), followed by 3-bedroom (30), 2-bedroom (24), 4-bedroom (22), 5-bedroom (17), and studio (16) properties. Active listings have grown 148% year-over-year, indicating significant new supply entering the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in La Mesa?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for La Mesa 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 roll the results into 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 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 for La Mesa and surrounding zip codes
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers including Rabbu proprietary analytics

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 — investors should verify current rules with La Mesa city authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.