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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

50 / 100

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

La Quinta Short-Term Rental Market Overview

La Quinta sits in the heart of the Coachella Valley, where a desert resort lifestyle and major events like music festivals and golf tournaments fuel short-term rental demand. With 1,014 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $457, and occupancy running at 54% — well above California's 43% state average — the market delivers a solid $49,165 in average annual revenue per listing. However, average home values near $1.53 million mean investors need to be strategic about deal sourcing to generate attractive returns on higher-priced properties.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the La Quinta short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 1,014
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $551 state avg. $457
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 43% state avg. 54%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $247
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $4,097
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $49,165

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 Quinta

La Quinta appeals to investors seeking resort-market exposure in the Coachella Valley, where seasonal tourism and event-driven demand create outsized earning potential during peak months.

Key investment factors

  • Occupancy of 54% outperforms the California state average by 11 percentage points
  • Major Coachella Valley events and winter snowbird migration drive consistent seasonal demand
  • Larger properties (5+ bedrooms) command premium nightly rates above $970 and annual revenue exceeding $146,000
  • High amenity standards — 90% of listings feature pools and hot tubs — signal strong guest expectations that differentiated properties can exceed
  • Year-round sunshine and resort-community appeal support a baseline of leisure travel even during off-peak periods

Expert Market Assessment

"La Quinta represents a competitive opportunity where strong demand meets elevated property prices. The market's pronounced seasonality — peaking at $8,088 in average monthly revenue in April before dropping to $2,626 in September — means investors should expect roughly a 3:1 ratio between peak and trough earnings. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio reflects those high acquisition costs, so the best outcomes will come from targeting larger properties or underserved configurations where per-night revenue is meaningfully higher. With average occupancy stability and growth trends both rated at average levels, this is a market that rewards disciplined underwriting more than speculative bets."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding La Quinta's ROI Score: 50/100

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

What This Means for Investors

La Quinta's ROI Score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band — the market draws strong investor interest and guest demand, but elevated home prices create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio that compresses returns. Occupancy stability and market growth both rate at average levels, meaning the fundamentals are sound but not accelerating. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-revenue property configurations will help investors identify deals that outperform the market-level averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in La Quinta

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

Permit Requirements

The City of La Quinta, California generally requires short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements and any application timelines directly with the city's planning or code enforcement department, as local rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California desert resort communities may include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum-stay requirements during certain periods, noise and nuisance ordinances, designated parking standards, and caps on the total number of permits issued. HOA covenants in gated communities — which are prevalent in La Quinta — may impose additional limitations or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in La Quinta are typically subject to California's transient occupancy tax (TOT) and may also owe state sales tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on the host's behalf, but investors should confirm their full obligation with a tax professional familiar with Riverside County requirements.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for La Quinta

Financing an Airbnb investment in La Quinta 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 La Quinta Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, La Quinta's pronounced seasonality — with peak revenues concentrated in March and April — should continue to reward hosts who optimize pricing for the winter and spring festival season. We estimate ADR could edge up 1–3% as the market matures, while occupancy is likely to remain in the 50–56% range given the 118% year-over-year growth in active listings adding competitive supply. Investors entering now should model conservatively for the summer trough (June through October) and plan for strong cash flow during the high season to offset slower months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in La Quinta, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in La Quinta?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in La Quinta is currently 54%, which runs notably above the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom properties leading at 60% while studios sit lower at 39%. Larger homes (4–6+ bedrooms) hover in the 46–49% range, reflecting the narrower pool of guests booking at premium price points.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in La Quinta?
On average, Airbnb hosts in La Quinta earn approximately $4,097 per month and $49,165 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Revenue scales considerably with property size — studios average around $16,247 annually, while 5-bedroom homes bring in roughly $146,148 and 6+ bedroom properties reach about $180,963. Peak-season months like March and April can generate two to three times the revenue of slower summer months.
Is La Quinta a good market for Airbnb investment?
La Quinta scores a 50 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from strong seasonal demand and above-average occupancy, but average home values near $1.53 million create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who source deals carefully — particularly larger properties that command premium nightly rates — can find attractive returns, though the market requires more selective underwriting than lower-cost alternatives.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in La Quinta?
The average daily rate in La Quinta is $457, which sits below the California state average of $551. ADR increases significantly with property size: studios average $159 per night, while 3-bedroom homes command $516, 5-bedroom properties reach $972, and 6+ bedroom listings top $1,351. This premium for larger homes reflects the vacation and group-travel orientation of the Coachella Valley market.
Are short-term rentals legal in La Quinta?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in La Quinta, though they are subject to local permitting and regulatory requirements. The city may require hosts to register their property, comply with occupancy limits, and meet specific operational standards. Because regulations can change, prospective investors should check directly with the City of La Quinta's planning department and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.
When is peak season for Airbnb in La Quinta?
Peak season in La Quinta runs from roughly February through April, coinciding with the Coachella Valley's ideal winter and spring weather, major music festivals, golf tournaments, and snowbird season. April leads with an average monthly revenue of $8,088, followed by March at $6,820 and February at $4,828. Revenue drops significantly during the hot summer months, with September representing the lowest point at $2,626.
How many Airbnbs are there in La Quinta?
As of April 2026, there are 1,014 active Airbnb listings in La Quinta. Three-bedroom homes dominate the supply with 430 listings, followed by 1-bedroom units (235) and 2-bedroom properties (161). Larger homes with 5 or more bedrooms are relatively scarce — just 44 listings combined — which may present an opportunity for investors willing to enter that segment.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in La Quinta?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for La Quinta 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures to what hosts have actually earned recently and naturally reflects seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 by market and property size
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
  • Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
  • Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Supply growth trends and popular amenity breakdowns 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and market conditions as of the dates noted; actual results may differ based on property quality, pricing strategy, and management approach. Local regulations and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing.

Next Steps

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