Menlo Park, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

44 / 100

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

Menlo Park Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Menlo Park sits at the heart of Silicon Valley, where a steady stream of business travelers, tech professionals, and visiting families sustains year-round short-term rental demand. With an average occupancy rate of 47% — outpacing the California state average of 43% — and an average daily rate of $400, the market delivers roughly $50,715 in annual revenue per listing. However, home values averaging over $4.5 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, making deal sourcing and property selection critical for investors looking to generate meaningful returns here.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 116
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $551 state avg. $400
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 43% state avg. 47%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $189
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $4,226
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $50,715

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Menlo Park

Menlo Park's proximity to major tech campuses and above-average occupancy stability make it appealing for investors who can navigate high acquisition costs with selective deal sourcing.

Key investment factors

  • Proximity to Meta, Stanford, and Sand Hill Road drives consistent corporate and academic travel demand
  • Occupancy rate of 47% beats the California state average, signaling reliable booking volume
  • Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) generate $75K–$97K annually, offering premium revenue potential
  • 78% of listings feature a dedicated workspace, reflecting strong demand from business travelers
  • Year-round demand reduces the cash-flow volatility common in seasonal vacation markets

Expert Market Assessment

"Menlo Park registers as a competitive opportunity, scoring 44 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score. Strong occupancy stability is the market's standout strength, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by median home values above $4.5 million — means investors need to be strategic about acquisition. Seasonality is moderate: revenue peaks in July at $5,488 per month and dips to around $3,112 in February, a roughly 76% swing that's manageable for well-capitalized operators. The market rewards those who target larger properties and maintain competitive amenity packages, particularly given the rising listing count."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Menlo Park's ROI Score: 44/100

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

What This Means for Investors

Menlo Park's ROI Score of 44 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band — a market where demand and occupancy are genuinely strong, but sky-high property prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio well below average. Occupancy stability scores above average, which is a meaningful positive for cash-flow predictability, while supply/demand balance rates below average as the 108% year-over-year listing growth intensifies competition. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear strategy for targeting underrepresented property sizes will be essential for investors looking to make the numbers work here.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Menlo Park

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

Permit Requirements

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

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include limits on the number of guests, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and caps on the total number of permitted short-term rentals. HOA rules may impose additional constraints that could supersede city regulations, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Menlo Park are typically subject to California's transient occupancy tax (TOT), and may also owe state and local sales taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the San Mateo County tax office.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Menlo Park

Financing an Airbnb investment in Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Menlo Park's occupancy is expected to remain above the state average, hovering in the 45–50% range, supported by consistent corporate and tech-sector travel demand. Seasonal peaks in June through August — when monthly revenues have historically climbed above $5,000 — should continue to anchor annual performance. ADR could see modest movement in the 1–3% range, though the 108% year-over-year growth in active listings signals increasing competition that may pressure pricing power. Investors who target larger property configurations and maintain sharp operational execution are best positioned to capture outsized returns in this environment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Menlo Park, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Menlo Park?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Menlo Park is currently 47%, which is notably above the California state average of 43%. Studios lead all property types with a 72% occupancy rate, while 2-bedroom units sit lower at 41%. This above-average occupancy reflects the market's steady demand from business travelers and tech professionals.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Menlo Park?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Menlo Park earn approximately $4,226 per month, or about $50,715 annually. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average around $33,961 per year, while 4-bedroom properties can generate roughly $96,596 annually. Peak months like July push monthly earnings above $5,400, while winter months typically dip below $3,200.
Is Menlo Park a good market for Airbnb investment?
Menlo Park presents a competitive opportunity with a Rabbu ROI Score of 44 out of 100. The market's above-average occupancy and consistent tech-driven demand are clear positives, but home values averaging over $4.5 million create a challenging revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can source deals below market or target higher-revenue larger properties may find attractive returns, but this isn't a market where generic acquisitions pencil easily.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Menlo Park?
The average daily rate in Menlo Park is $400, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $169 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $846. This pricing structure rewards investors who can accommodate larger groups or families willing to pay a premium.
Are short-term rentals legal in Menlo Park?
Short-term rentals operate in Menlo Park, but hosts should verify current permit and licensing requirements with the City of Menlo Park and San Mateo County. Local regulations may include restrictions on rental duration, occupancy limits, and parking. As rules can evolve, consulting the city's planning department and reviewing any applicable HOA rules before investing is strongly recommended.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Menlo Park?
Peak season in Menlo Park runs from June through August, with July being the top-performing month at an average revenue of $5,488 per listing. September and October remain solid at around $4,650, while the slowest months are January and February, when revenues drop to approximately $3,100–$3,200. The seasonal spread is moderate compared to vacation-driven markets, reflecting Menlo Park's year-round business travel demand.
How many Airbnbs are there in Menlo Park?
As of April 2026, there are 116 active Airbnb listings in Menlo Park. The market has seen notable growth, with a 108% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest segment at 50 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 32. Larger properties (3 and 4 bedrooms) are less common, with just 9 and 11 listings respectively, which may signal opportunity for differentiation.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Menlo Park?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Menlo Park 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, drop 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, location within the market, 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
  • Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue per available night across property configurations
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
  • Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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 may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local short-term rental regulations can change; investors should independently verify current permit requirements, tax obligations, and zoning rules before purchasing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Menlo Park's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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