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

Malibu Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Malibu commands one of the highest average daily rates in California at $803—well above the $551 state average—yet its 30% occupancy rate trails the state benchmark of 43%, creating a challenging revenue-to-price dynamic. With average home values near $7.6 million and annual revenue averaging $90,234, the yield on a typical property is thin. The market's 90% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest, but incoming supply may pressure occupancy further. Malibu's appeal is undeniable as a luxury coastal destination, though investors will need to be highly selective to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Malibu 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 Malibu

Investors are drawn to Malibu for its iconic coastal brand and premium nightly rates, but the extreme entry cost and below-average occupancy demand careful, property-level underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Malibu presents a limited-opportunity profile at the market level—premium rates are offset by low occupancy and sky-high property prices, resulting in narrow yield margins for most configurations. Seasonality is pronounced: July revenue of $10,191 is roughly 75% higher than January's $5,825, so cash-flow planning needs to account for several lean months. That said, the above-average market growth trend suggests Malibu's demand trajectory is improving, and investors who secure the right property—particularly larger homes with beach access and luxury amenities—may outperform market averages meaningfully. This is a market where property-specific diligence matters far more than market-level averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Malibu

Average revenue by month in Malibu

Malibu shows strong summer seasonality, with July ($10,191) and August ($9,801) delivering the highest monthly revenues—roughly 75% more than January's $5,825 low. The shoulder months of March through May hover in the $7,100–$7,900 range, providing some mid-year stability before the summer surge.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Malibu

One-bedroom listings dominate Malibu's supply with 65 of 200 active listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (42) and 2-bedrooms (39). Larger properties with 5+ bedrooms represent just 16 total listings, suggesting relatively limited competition in the luxury tier that commands the highest nightly rates.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Malibu

ADR scales steeply with size in Malibu: studios average $304 per night while 6+ bedroom properties reach $2,525, an 8x premium. The sharpest rate jump occurs between 2-bedrooms ($676) and 3-bedrooms ($916), suggesting that the move from compact to family-sized homes unlocks a meaningful pricing tier.

Average RevPAN by property size in Malibu

Revenue per available night climbs steadily from $85 for studios to $820 for 6+ bedroom properties, with larger homes clearly delivering superior per-night economics despite lower occupancy. The 6+ bedroom tier stands out, generating nearly double the RevPAN of 5-bedroom units ($429), indicating outsized earning power for the biggest luxury listings.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Malibu

Occupancy rates across Malibu are relatively compressed, ranging from 25% for 5-bedroom properties to 34% for 2-bedrooms. The narrow spread suggests that occupancy is more a function of the overall market than property size, though 2-bedroom and 6+ bedroom listings (33%) slightly outperform their peers on fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Malibu

Monthly revenue diverges sharply by size: 1-bedroom units average $3,640 per month, while 6+ bedroom properties generate $25,890—a 7x difference driven almost entirely by rate rather than occupancy. Investors targeting mid-range options will find 3-bedroom listings earn a solid $10,284 monthly, offering a meaningful step up from smaller configurations.

Average annual revenue by property size in Malibu

Annual revenue potential ranges from $43,688 for 1-bedroom units to $310,682 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedrooms at $273,085 also representing a strong revenue tier. Given Malibu's high home values, investors should weigh these top-line figures against acquisition costs—larger properties generate more gross revenue but require substantially higher capital outlay.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Malibu

Parking (99%), kitchens (95%), and patios or balconies (94%) are near-universal in Malibu listings, reflecting the baseline guest expectation for this market. Differentiating amenities like beach access (36%), hot tubs (31%), and waterfront positioning (37%) appear in roughly one-third of listings, suggesting these features can help a property stand out in a competitive luxury market.

Understanding Malibu's ROI Score: 10/100

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

Malibu's ROI score of 10 out of 100 places it in the 'Limited' investment band, driven primarily by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio—annual revenue of $90,234 against average home values of $7.6 million yields a thin return. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance also rate below average, with 30% occupancy and a 90% year-over-year supply increase adding to the caution. The one bright spot is an above-average market growth trend, but investors should pair this data with thorough property-level analysis and local regulatory research before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Malibu

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Malibu, California may require short-term rental permits or business licenses before hosts can legally operate. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the city's planning or community development department before acquiring a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal California markets can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA rules in Malibu communities may add additional layers of restriction, so reviewing CC&Rs alongside municipal codes is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes, and Malibu may impose its own local lodging or tourism taxes on top of state obligations. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm they are fully compliant with both state and local requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Malibu's summer peak—July and August historically generate $9,800–$10,191 in average monthly revenue—should continue to anchor host earnings, while winter months may settle around $5,800–$6,500. The 90% year-over-year jump in active listings suggests the supply side is expanding quickly, which could keep occupancy rates in the high-20% to low-30% range absent a proportional demand increase. ADR may hold steady or edge up modestly given the luxury nature of the market, but investors should estimate conservatively and plan for pronounced seasonality in their cash-flow models."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Malibu, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Malibu?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Malibu is currently 30%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 34% and 5-bedroom properties sitting at 25%. These figures reflect a luxury market where high nightly rates naturally correspond with fewer but higher-value bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Malibu?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Malibu earn approximately $7,519 per month or $90,234 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom listings average around $43,688 per year, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate roughly $310,682. Peak summer months like July push monthly averages above $10,000 for many hosts.

Is Malibu a good market for Airbnb investment?

Malibu currently carries an ROI score of 10 out of 100, indicating limited investment potential at the broad market level. The primary challenge is the disconnect between extremely high home values (averaging $7.6 million) and annual revenue that, while substantial at $90,234, produces a thin yield. Investors who find the right property—especially larger luxury homes with standout amenities—may be able to outperform these averages, but deep due diligence is essential.

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

Malibu's average daily rate sits at $803, which is 46% higher than the California state average of $551. ADR scales dramatically with property size: studios average $304 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $2,525. This premium pricing reflects Malibu's status as one of California's most sought-after coastal destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Malibu?

Short-term rentals operate in Malibu, but the City of Malibu and the State of California may impose specific permit, licensing, and tax requirements. Regulations can change frequently in coastal California communities, so prospective investors should consult directly with local authorities and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Malibu?

Peak season in Malibu runs through the summer months, with July leading at an average of $10,191 in monthly revenue, followed by August at $9,801 and June at $8,558. The slowest month is January at $5,825, making the peak-to-trough spread roughly 75%. Spring months like March also perform reasonably well at $7,943, showing some shoulder-season strength.

How many Airbnbs are there in Malibu?

There are currently 200 active Airbnb listings in Malibu. The supply has grown 90% year over year, a significant increase that investors should monitor closely. One-bedroom listings make up the largest share with 65 units, followed by 3-bedrooms (42) and 2-bedrooms (39), while studios and 5+ bedroom properties each account for 8 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Malibu?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Malibu are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics derived from current listing data
• Monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data compiled 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations governing short-term rentals in Malibu can change; investors should verify current rules with city authorities before purchasing.