Los Alamos, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Los Alamos Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Los Alamos, a small wine-country community along California's Central Coast, presents an intriguing niche opportunity for short-term rental investors. With just 27 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $65,427 per property, the market is compact yet meaningful — especially for larger homes that can command premium nightly rates of $530 or more. An ROI score of 56 out of 100 signals attractive potential, though investors should weigh the below-state-average occupancy of 29% against the elevated ADR of $442 and strong summer seasonality.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos

Los Alamos appeals to investors seeking a low-competition, tourism-driven market where high nightly rates can offset modest occupancy to produce meaningful returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Los Alamos represents a moderate-to-attractive investment opportunity for hosts who choose the right property type and manage seasonality effectively. Revenue is sharply seasonal — July peaks at $8,311 while January bottoms out at $3,784, creating a roughly 2.2x swing that investors should plan for in their cash-flow models. The market's below-average occupancy (29% vs. 43% statewide) is partially offset by a healthy ADR and the strong earning power of 3-bedroom homes. Investors willing to ride the seasonal curve and differentiate through amenities and guest experience can find real upside here, particularly given the still-small competitive set."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Los Alamos

Average revenue by month in Los Alamos

Los Alamos shows pronounced seasonality, with July ($8,311) and August ($8,048) generating roughly double the revenue of the slowest month, January ($3,784). The summer surge aligns with peak wine-country tourism, while winter months settle into a $3,800–$4,700 baseline — important context for investors modeling year-round cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Los Alamos

Supply is evenly split between 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties at 10 listings each, with 1-bedroom units accounting for just 6 of the 27 total. The relative scarcity of 1-bedrooms could suggest either lower demand for that size or a potential gap worth exploring for investors targeting couples and solo travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Los Alamos

ADR more than doubles from 1-bedroom ($254) to 3-bedroom ($530) properties, with each step up in size adding roughly $115–$160 to the nightly rate. Three-bedroom homes offer the most compelling premium, reflecting the willingness of groups and families visiting wine country to pay for space and comfort.

Average RevPAN by property size in Los Alamos

Revenue per available night climbs sharply with property size: 3-bedroom listings lead at $143 RevPAN, nearly three times the $49 generated by 1-bedrooms. Two-bedroom properties deliver a solid $119 RevPAN, making them a potentially balanced middle-ground option for investors seeking good returns without the higher acquisition costs of larger homes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Los Alamos

Two-bedroom properties achieve the highest occupancy at 32%, while 3-bedrooms come in at 27% and 1-bedrooms trail at just 19%. The occupancy gap suggests that smaller units struggle to attract consistent bookings in this market, and investors should factor in the relatively low fill rates across all sizes when projecting income.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Los Alamos

Three-bedroom homes dominate monthly earnings at $7,684 — nearly double the $4,046 pulled in by 2-bedroom units and over four times the $1,827 from 1-bedrooms. This steep revenue curve makes a strong case for targeting larger properties, though the higher purchase price should be weighed against the incremental income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Los Alamos

Annualized, 3-bedroom listings generate $92,218 — the clear leader and the only size surpassing the market-wide average of $65,427. Two-bedroom properties earn a respectable $48,563, while 1-bedrooms at $21,926 may be difficult to justify unless acquisition costs are proportionally lower or the property serves a dual-use purpose.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Los Alamos

Every listing in Los Alamos offers a kitchen, and 96% include parking — both essentials in a rural destination where dining options are limited and driving is necessary. High prevalence of patios (93%), self check-in (89%), and backyards (74%) signals that guests expect a relaxed, private outdoor experience, so investors should prioritize properties with quality outdoor living spaces to stay competitive.

Understanding Los Alamos's ROI Score: 56/100

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

With an ROI score of 56 out of 100, Los Alamos falls into the 'Attractive Opportunity' band — suggesting meaningful income potential tempered by a few softer metrics. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance both rate as average, reflecting the market's premium home values alongside solid nightly rates, while occupancy stability and market growth trend score below average due to the 29% occupancy and rapid supply expansion. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model will help investors determine whether Los Alamos fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Los Alamos

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Los Alamos, California, should verify whether Santa Barbara County requires a permit, registration, or business license for vacation rental properties. Regulations can vary at the county level and may be updated periodically, so checking directly with the Santa Barbara County Planning & Development Department is strongly recommended before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in this area include occupancy limits, minimum-night stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking provisions, and potential HOA-level rules that could further limit rental activity. Some jurisdictions in California also impose caps on the number of active permits, so investors should confirm availability early in their due diligence process.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), which is collected at the county or city level and may be supplemented by state and local sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle TOT collection on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with Santa Barbara County's specific tax requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Los Alamos should continue to benefit from growing interest in California's Santa Ynez Valley wine region and the broader trend of travelers seeking rural boutique experiences. Summer months are likely to remain the revenue driver, with July and August estimated to generate $8,000+ per listing, while shoulder and winter months may hover in the $3,800–$5,100 range. Occupancy could face modest pressure given the 147% year-over-year growth in active listings, so pricing strategy will matter more than ever. Investors who target 2- and 3-bedroom properties and lean into the area's outdoor lifestyle may see occupancy stabilize around 27–32%."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Los Alamos, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Los Alamos?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Los Alamos is currently 29%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings average 32%, while 1-bedroom units sit closer to 19%. Seasonality plays a major role, with summer months driving notably higher bookings than the winter period.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Los Alamos?

Airbnb hosts in Los Alamos earn an average of $5,452 per month, or roughly $65,427 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary widely by property size: 3-bedroom homes lead with approximately $7,684 per month ($92,218 annually), while 1-bedroom units average around $1,827 per month. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue above $8,300.

Is Los Alamos a good market for Airbnb investment?

Los Alamos carries an ROI score of 56 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from limited competition (just 27 active listings), premium nightly rates, and strong summer demand tied to Central Coast wine tourism. However, below-average occupancy and seasonal variability mean investors should model conservatively and focus on property types — particularly 2- and 3-bedroom homes — that demonstrate the strongest performance.

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

The average daily rate in Los Alamos is $442, which is below the California state average of $551 but still reflects premium pricing for a small rural market. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom units average $254, 2-bedrooms come in at $369, and 3-bedroom properties command $530 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Los Alamos?

Short-term rentals operate in Los Alamos under the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County, California. Regulations may require permits, registrations, or business licenses, and rules can change over time. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Santa Barbara County Planning & Development Department and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Los Alamos?

Peak season in Los Alamos runs through the summer months, with July ($8,311 average revenue) and August ($8,048) standing well above the rest of the year. June and September serve as strong shoulder months at roughly $5,900–$6,000. The slowest period is January through February, when monthly revenue dips to $3,784–$4,127.

How many Airbnbs are there in Los Alamos?

As of April 2026, there are 27 active Airbnb listings in Los Alamos. The supply is split across 1-bedroom (6 listings), 2-bedroom (10 listings), and 3-bedroom (10 listings) properties. Notably, active listings have grown 147% year-over-year, so this compact market is seeing meaningful new supply enter.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Los Alamos?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Los Alamos 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 data up to 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 actively the listing is managed.

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 the Los Alamos market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and seasonal revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Revenue and yield metrics broken down by property size (bedroom count)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with the appropriate authorities before purchasing.