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

Lafayette Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lafayette, CA is a small but active short-term rental market nestled in Contra Costa County's affluent East Bay corridor. With just 35 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $35,069, the market is compact yet showing notable growth — active listings surged 118% year over year. Occupancy sits at 45%, edging above the California state average of 43%, though the market's high home values ($2,763,162 average) create a challenging revenue-to-price dynamic that demands careful deal sourcing.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Lafayette

Investors look at Lafayette for its affluent East Bay location, above-average occupancy stability, and a still-small supply base that offers room for differentiated properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lafayette represents a competitive opportunity where demand fundamentals are sound but elevated property prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio. The market's occupancy stability and favorable supply/demand balance are genuine strengths — few listings relative to demand keeps competition manageable. However, pronounced seasonality means investors need to budget for quieter months; revenue nearly doubles from the February low of $1,959 to the July peak of $3,832. Properties that are well-positioned and thoughtfully amenitized can perform above the market average, but the high entry cost means margins require disciplined underwriting."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lafayette

Average revenue by month in Lafayette

Lafayette shows clear seasonality, with July ($3,832) and August ($3,786) leading as peak months while February ($1,959) marks the annual low — a spread of nearly $1,900 that investors should factor into cash-flow planning. The shoulder months of May through October all exceed $3,000, giving hosts a solid six-month earning window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lafayette

Supply is concentrated in one-bedroom (14 listings) and two-bedroom (12 listings) properties, with no larger configurations represented in the data. This narrow mix could signal an opportunity for investors willing to bring three-bedroom or larger properties to an underserved segment of the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lafayette

Two-bedroom properties command an ADR of $197 compared to $141 for one-bedrooms, representing a 40% premium for just one additional bedroom. This step-up suggests that the incremental investment in a second bedroom delivers outsized pricing power relative to the added cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lafayette

Revenue per available night is $97 for two-bedroom listings versus $69 for one-bedrooms, reflecting a meaningful gap even though both sizes share identical occupancy rates. The $28 RevPAN advantage for two-bedroom units is driven entirely by their higher daily rates, making them the more efficient revenue generators.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lafayette

Both one-bedroom and two-bedroom properties achieve a 49% occupancy rate, indicating demand is evenly distributed across the two available size categories. This consistency suggests that neither size has a distinct booking advantage, and revenue differences are driven by pricing rather than fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lafayette

Two-bedroom listings earn $3,241 per month on average — roughly 57% more than the $2,062 generated by one-bedroom properties. For investors targeting higher monthly cash flow, the two-bedroom configuration clearly delivers superior top-line performance in Lafayette.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lafayette

At $38,896 annually, two-bedroom properties generate over $14,000 more per year than one-bedroom units at $24,755. Given Lafayette's high home values, the two-bedroom configuration offers the stronger path to offsetting carrying costs, though both sizes face pressure from the elevated price-to-revenue ratio.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lafayette

Parking is universal at 100% of listings — a must-have in this suburban East Bay market — while kitchens (89%), patios or balconies (74%), and self check-in (71%) round out the top tier. The prevalence of workspaces (60%) and laundry facilities (69%) signals a guest base that values longer, comfort-oriented stays rather than quick overnight visits.

Understanding Lafayette's ROI Score: 47/100

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

Lafayette's ROI Score of 47 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting a market where strong occupancy stability and favorable supply/demand dynamics are offset by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by home values exceeding $2.7 million. The market growth trend rates as average, suggesting steady but not explosive demand expansion. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties where renovation or positioning can push revenue above market averages to justify the premium entry price.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lafayette

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

Permit Requirements

Operators planning to list a short-term rental in Lafayette, California should verify whether the city or Contra Costa County requires a specific STR permit, business license, or registration. Requirements can change, so confirming current rules with the Lafayette city planning department before listing is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential HOA rules that may prohibit or limit rentals. Some jurisdictions also cap the number of STR permits issued or restrict non-owner-occupied rentals, so investors should review both municipal codes and any applicable homeowner association bylaws.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT), and some localities may impose additional tourism or sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligation with local tax authorities to remain compliant.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lafayette's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest in the area remains strong, though the pace of new listings may moderate from the sharp 118% year-over-year increase. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will concentrate in the June–September window, with peak monthly earnings around $3,500–$3,800 and softer winter months closer to $1,950–$2,500. ADR could see modest upward pressure in the range of 2–5% as the market matures, and occupancy is expected to hold steady around 44–47% given the above-average stability reflected in current data. Investors should plan for meaningful seasonal swings and ensure their financial models account for the quieter January–April stretch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lafayette, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lafayette?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lafayette is currently 45%, which sits slightly above the California state average of 43%. Both one-bedroom and two-bedroom properties achieve a 49% occupancy rate, indicating consistent demand across the available property sizes in this market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lafayette?

Airbnb hosts in Lafayette earn an average of $2,922 per month, which translates to roughly $35,069 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Two-bedroom listings tend to outperform significantly, averaging $3,241 per month ($38,896 annually) compared to $2,062 per month ($24,755 annually) for one-bedroom units.

Is Lafayette a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lafayette scores a 47 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values averaging $2,763,162 — means investors need to be selective about deal sourcing. Properties that can command premium nightly rates through quality amenities and positioning will fare best.

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

The average daily rate in Lafayette is $225, which is well below the California state average of $551. Two-bedroom properties command an ADR of $197 while one-bedroom listings average $141. The relatively modest ADR reflects the market's mix of smaller property types rather than luxury or resort-style rentals.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lafayette?

Short-term rentals operate in Lafayette, CA, with 35 active listings currently on the market. However, local regulations including permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations may apply. Investors should check directly with the City of Lafayette and Contra Costa County for the most current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lafayette?

Peak season in Lafayette runs from June through September, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,832. August follows closely at $3,786, while September and October remain strong at $3,337 and $3,322 respectively. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue dips to around $1,960–$1,984.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lafayette?

There are currently 35 active Airbnb listings in Lafayette as of April 2026. The market is split primarily between one-bedroom properties (14 listings) and two-bedroom properties (12 listings). Active listings have grown 118% year over year, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host activity.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lafayette?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lafayette 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 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 for Lafayette and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Historical monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property positioning

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.