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

Monterey Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Monterey's coastal appeal and year-round tourism make it a compelling — if premium-priced — short-term rental market. With 102 active Airbnb listings generating an average of $45,354 in annual revenue and an ROI score of 56 out of 100, the market rewards operators who can navigate high property values ($1,691,582 average) with strong summer demand. Occupancy stability rates above average for the region, and listing growth of 91% year-over-year signals rising investor interest in this iconic California destination.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Monterey 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 Monterey

Monterey attracts STR investors because its world-renowned coastline and tourism infrastructure create reliable seasonal demand, though high property costs require careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Monterey presents an attractive but nuanced opportunity for STR investors. Revenue peaks sharply in the summer — August alone averages $6,125, nearly triple January's $2,238 — creating a market where cash-flow planning around seasonality is critical. The ROI score of 56 reflects above-average occupancy stability and market growth trends tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by the area's elevated home values. Investors who target larger properties and optimize pricing strategy around the June-through-September corridor stand to capture the strongest returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Monterey

Average revenue by month in Monterey

Monterey shows strong seasonality, with August ($6,125) delivering nearly 2.7 times the revenue of the slowest month, January ($2,238). The prime earning window runs June through September, while the November-through-February stretch represents the market's softest period — an important consideration for cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Monterey

One-bedroom units dominate supply at 59 of 102 total listings, while 4-bedroom properties are the scarcest with just 6 active listings. The limited inventory of larger homes, combined with their significantly higher revenue potential, may signal an underserved niche for investors able to acquire multi-bedroom properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Monterey

ADR scales steeply with property size in Monterey — jumping from $191 for 1-bedrooms to $492 for 4-bedrooms, a 2.6x premium. The sharpest ADR increase occurs between 2-bedroom ($248) and 3-bedroom ($417) configurations, suggesting that stepping up to a 3-bedroom unit captures a disproportionate pricing advantage.

Average RevPAN by property size in Monterey

Revenue per available night climbs steadily from $66 for 1-bedroom listings to $191 for 4-bedroom properties, indicating that larger units not only charge more but also convert that pricing power into realized nightly earnings. Four-bedroom listings deliver nearly three times the RevPAN of 1-bedrooms, making them the most efficient earners on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Monterey

Occupancy rates are remarkably consistent across property sizes in Monterey, ranging from 34% for 3-bedrooms to 39% for 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units. This narrow spread means revenue differences between sizes are driven almost entirely by ADR rather than fill rates, giving investors confidence that larger properties won't sit significantly emptier.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Monterey

Monthly revenue differences are dramatic: 4-bedroom properties average $10,783 per month — nearly four times the $2,802 generated by 1-bedroom listings. The jump from 2-bedroom ($3,286) to 3-bedroom ($6,431) represents the biggest revenue step-up, doubling monthly income for one additional bedroom.

Average annual revenue by property size in Monterey

Four-bedroom listings lead with $129,404 in average annual revenue, followed by 3-bedrooms at $77,175 — both significantly outpacing the 1-bedroom figure of $33,629. For investors weighing acquisition cost against return, the 3-bedroom tier may offer the best balance, delivering more than double the revenue of a 2-bedroom ($39,443) with a more accessible price point than a 4-bedroom home.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Monterey

Parking dominates at 96% of listings, reflecting Monterey's car-dependent coastal location, while workspace and kitchen access (both 65%) signal demand from longer-staying guests and families. Outdoor features — patio/balcony (64%), backyard (55%), and outdoor furniture (53%) — are prevalent, underscoring that guests in this market expect spaces that complement Monterey's natural setting.

Understanding Monterey'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

Monterey's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability and positive growth trends are offset by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — a direct consequence of the area's elevated home values. Supply and demand dynamics score as average, suggesting the market isn't oversaturated despite the 91% listing growth. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and realistic cash-flow modeling that accounts for the market's pronounced winter-to-summer revenue swing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Monterey

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Monterey and the State of California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before listing. Investors should verify current licensing requirements directly with Monterey's planning and community development department, as local STR regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking standards, and potential caps on the total number of STR permits issued. HOA rules may further limit short-term rental activity in certain neighborhoods and condominium complexes, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchase is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Monterey are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes, and California may impose additional state-level tourism or sales taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Monterey's STR market is expected to maintain its pronounced summer peak, with revenue estimates ranging from roughly $5,500–$6,100 during the July–August corridor. ADR could see modest upward pressure in the range of 2–4% as supply growth from the 91% listing increase finds equilibrium with sustained coastal tourism demand. Occupancy may settle around 33–38% market-wide, though larger properties should continue outperforming. Investors entering now should plan conservatively for softer winter months while positioning for strong summer returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Monterey, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Monterey?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Monterey is currently 35%, which sits below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size — 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units lead at 39%, while 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units average around 34–35%. The market's pronounced seasonality means occupancy climbs significantly during summer months and dips in winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Monterey?

Airbnb hosts in Monterey earn an average of $3,779 per month, or roughly $45,354 per year, based on trailing 12-month historical data. Earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $33,629 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can generate approximately $129,404 per year. Peak summer months like August push monthly revenue above $6,100, while January typically yields around $2,238.

Is Monterey a good market for Airbnb investment?

Monterey earns an ROI score of 56 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and positive growth trends, but high average home values near $1.69 million create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Larger properties tend to deliver the best returns — a 4-bedroom listing can earn nearly four times the annual revenue of a 1-bedroom — so investors who can acquire multi-bedroom homes and maximize summer season pricing will find the strongest potential here.

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

The average daily rate across all active Airbnb listings in Monterey is $262, which is notably below the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $191 per night, 2-bedrooms run $248, 3-bedrooms command $417, and 4-bedroom properties reach $492 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Monterey?

Short-term rentals operate in Monterey, but the city and the State of California may have specific permit, registration, and tax requirements. Regulations can include occupancy limits, noise restrictions, and parking rules. We strongly recommend checking directly with the City of Monterey's planning department and reviewing any HOA or CC&R restrictions before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Monterey?

Peak season in Monterey runs from June through August, with August being the highest-revenue month at an average of $6,125. July follows closely at $5,516, and June averages $4,749. The off-peak months are January ($2,238) and December ($2,644), creating a roughly 2.7x revenue spread between the best and slowest months — a pattern consistent with coastal California's summer tourism cycle.

How many Airbnbs are there in Monterey?

As of April 2026, there are 102 active Airbnb listings in Monterey. The market has seen significant growth, with a 91% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties dominate supply with 59 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (18), 2-bedrooms (16), and 4-bedrooms (6).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Monterey?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Monterey 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 aggregate the results into 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 a host manages their listing.

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 Monterey market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size and time period
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 is based on trailing performance and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may shift as supply, demand, and local regulations evolve. Individual property performance depends on factors such as location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.