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

Montara Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Montara, CA is a small coastal community with just 19 active Airbnb listings, creating a tight supply environment that favors well-positioned hosts. With an average annual revenue of $83,782 and above-average occupancy stability, the market delivers meaningful income despite an ADR of $432 that sits below the California state average. The combination of limited competition and steady demand makes Montara a compelling niche market for investors willing to navigate its premium property values.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Montara 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 Montara

Montara's limited supply, above-average occupancy stability, and coastal California appeal create an environment where disciplined operators can capture premium nightly rates with relatively few competitors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Montara presents an attractive but selective opportunity for STR investors. The market's ROI score of 63 out of 100 reflects solid fundamentals — particularly above-average occupancy stability and a healthy supply/demand balance — balanced against average revenue-to-price ratios driven by high home values. Seasonality is pronounced, with July revenues ($9,071) running roughly 76% higher than the February trough ($5,144), so investors should plan cash reserves to carry through quieter winter months. For those who can acquire property in this tight market, the combination of limited competition and consistent coastal demand creates a defensible income stream."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Montara

Average revenue by month in Montara

Revenue in Montara follows a clear seasonal curve, peaking at $9,071 in July and dipping to $5,144 in February — a spread of nearly $4,000. The extended shoulder season is notable, with October ($7,689) rivaling traditional summer months, giving hosts a longer window of strong earnings before the winter slowdown.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Montara

Montara's supply is split between 1-bedroom listings (6) and 3-bedroom properties (5), with no reported inventory in the 2-bedroom, 4-bedroom, or studio categories. This gap could represent an opportunity for investors who acquire 2-bedroom or uniquely configured properties to fill an underserved niche.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Montara

ADR scales meaningfully with size in Montara: 3-bedroom properties command $410 per night compared to $297 for 1-bedroom units, a 38% premium. Given that 3-bedroom listings also achieve significantly higher occupancy, the step-up in nightly rate comes with fewer trade-offs than investors might expect.

Average RevPAN by property size in Montara

Three-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $218 — nearly double the $112 achieved by 1-bedroom listings — making them the clear efficiency leader in Montara. This gap reflects both the higher nightly rate and substantially better occupancy that larger units capture in this coastal market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Montara

Three-bedroom listings maintain a 53% occupancy rate, outperforming 1-bedroom units at 38% by a significant margin. The 15-percentage-point gap suggests that groups and families drive much of Montara's demand, and smaller units may struggle with more inconsistent booking patterns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Montara

Monthly revenue diverges sharply by size: 3-bedroom properties earn $7,626 per month on average, more than 2.5 times the $2,954 generated by 1-bedroom listings. For investors focused on cash flow, larger properties are the clear path to meaningful monthly income in Montara.

Average annual revenue by property size in Montara

At $91,512 in annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties in Montara offer the strongest return potential and account for the bulk of the market's earning power. One-bedroom units generate $35,454 annually, which may still pencil out for investors with lower acquisition costs or properties that serve as part-time personal retreats.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Montara

Parking is universal (100%) among Montara listings, reflecting the car-dependent nature of this coastal community, while kitchens (95%) and self check-in (84%) round out the essentials. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (68%), patios (68%), and pet-friendliness (63%) signal that guests expect a relaxed, home-like experience — investors should prioritize these features to remain competitive.

Understanding Montara's ROI Score: 63/100

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

Montara's ROI score of 63 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance partially offset an average revenue-to-price ratio driven by home values near $1.82 million. Market growth trends are average, suggesting steady but not explosive expansion ahead. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic assessment of acquisition costs to determine whether the income potential justifies the premium entry point.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Montara

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Montara should check with San Mateo County for any permit or registration requirements, as unincorporated communities in California often fall under county-level oversight. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current rules with local planning and zoning authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may impose additional constraints, and some jurisdictions cap the total number of STR permits issued, so it's worth confirming availability early in the acquisition process.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes, and San Mateo County may levy additional local assessments. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with a local tax advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Montara's short-term rental market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm with peak revenues concentrated in the June–September window. Given above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance, ADR could see modest increases in the range of 2–5%, particularly during summer months when coastal demand intensifies. Active listing growth of 120% year-over-year signals rising investor interest, so early movers should monitor whether new supply begins to dilute occupancy rates. Overall, the market's fundamentals support continued attractive performance, though investors should temper expectations with the reality of high home values averaging nearly $1.82 million."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Montara, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Montara?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Montara is currently 42%, which is just slightly below the California state average of 43%. Larger properties tend to perform better — 3-bedroom listings average 53% occupancy compared to 38% for 1-bedroom units. This suggests guests visiting Montara often travel in groups or families, favoring more spacious accommodations.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Montara?

Airbnb hosts in Montara earn an average of $6,981 per month, which translates to approximately $83,782 annually based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 3-bedroom listings generate around $91,512 per year, while 1-bedroom properties average $35,454. Peak summer months like July can push monthly earnings above $9,000.

Is Montara a good market for Airbnb investment?

Montara carries an ROI score of 63 out of 100, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance, with only 19 active listings competing for guest bookings. The main consideration is the high average home value of $1,819,786, which means the revenue-to-price ratio is average rather than exceptional. Investors who can comfortably acquire property at these price points stand to benefit from limited competition and consistent coastal demand.

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

The average daily rate in Montara is $432, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR varies by property size, with 1-bedroom listings averaging $297 per night and 3-bedroom properties commanding $410. Despite being under the state average, these rates reflect Montara's positioning as an accessible coastal retreat rather than a luxury resort destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Montara?

Montara is an unincorporated community in San Mateo County, California, so short-term rental regulations typically fall under county jurisdiction. Prospective hosts should verify current permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and any applicable ordinances with San Mateo County planning offices before operating an STR. Local rules can change, so checking with authorities directly is always recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Montara?

Peak season in Montara runs from June through September, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $9,071 in revenue. August ($8,547) and June ($8,292) follow closely. The slowest months are January ($5,214) and February ($5,144), creating a seasonal spread of roughly 76% between the peak and trough. October ($7,689) also performs surprisingly well, extending the profitable window into fall.

How many Airbnbs are there in Montara?

There are currently 19 active Airbnb listings in Montara as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 120% year-over-year. Supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (6 listings) and 3-bedroom (5 listings) properties, leaving potential gaps in other size categories.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Montara?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Montara 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 remaining data 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 the Montara market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue per available night trends
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index

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 may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and permit requirements are subject to change — always verify with local authorities before investing.