Pacific Grove, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Pacific Grove Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Pacific Grove sits along California's stunning Monterey Peninsula, and its short-term rental market reflects the area's enduring appeal to coastal travelers. With an average annual revenue of $98,623 across 135 active listings and occupancy running at 47%—four points above the state average—hosts here are capturing meaningful income despite an ADR of $403 that actually falls well below California's $551 state average. The market's ROI score of 67 out of 100 signals an attractive opportunity where healthy demand and above-average occupancy stability help offset elevated property values averaging nearly $2 million.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Pacific Grove 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 Pacific Grove

Investors are drawn to Pacific Grove for its coastal tourism demand, above-average occupancy rates, and the revenue potential of larger properties in a market with relatively constrained supply on the Monterey Peninsula.

Expert Market Assessment

"Pacific Grove represents a genuinely attractive opportunity for STR investors who can navigate the high entry cost. The market's pronounced seasonality—with August generating $13,322 in average revenue versus January's $4,867—means cash-flow planning is critical, but the overall $98,623 annual average demonstrates real earning potential. Occupancy stability rated above average and a positive growth trend reinforce the market's resilience, though the below-average supply/demand balance and 82% year-over-year listing growth suggest increasing competition that could temper future gains if left unchecked."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Pacific Grove

Average revenue by month in Pacific Grove

Revenue follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking in August at $13,322 and bottoming out in January at $4,867—a spread of nearly $8,500. The summer months from June through August consistently top $10,000, while the November through February stretch remains below $6,600, making cash reserves important for covering off-season expenses.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Pacific Grove

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 58 listings (43% of the market), followed by 2-bedrooms at 40 and 3-bedrooms at 32. The relatively balanced distribution across sizes means no single category is dramatically underserved, though the smaller share of 3-bedroom properties combined with their higher revenue could signal a competitive edge for investors targeting that segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Pacific Grove

ADR increases steadily with property size, from $324 for 1-bedrooms to $422 for 2-bedrooms and $457 for 3-bedrooms. The jump from 1 to 2 bedrooms represents a $98 premium per night—the largest absolute step—suggesting that upsizing to a 2-bedroom offers a strong rate improvement relative to the incremental investment.

Average RevPAN by property size in Pacific Grove

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $233, with 2-bedrooms at $203 and 1-bedrooms trailing at $149. This $84 gap between the smallest and largest configurations underscores that bigger units not only command higher nightly rates but also maintain strong enough occupancy to convert that pricing power into meaningfully better revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Pacific Grove

Occupancy rates are tightly clustered, ranging from 46% for 1-bedrooms to 51% for 3-bedrooms, with 2-bedrooms in between at 48%. The fact that larger properties maintain the highest occupancy—despite charging more per night—suggests robust demand for family-sized accommodations and reinforces the appeal of 3-bedroom investments for steadier cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Pacific Grove

Three-bedroom listings lead monthly revenue at $10,403, outearning 2-bedrooms ($8,796) by 18% and 1-bedrooms ($6,564) by 58%. For investors weighing acquisition costs, the revenue gap between a 1-bedroom and a 3-bedroom of nearly $3,840 per month can meaningfully improve return profiles if the purchase price differential is manageable.

Average annual revenue by property size in Pacific Grove

Annual revenue scales from $78,771 for 1-bedroom properties to $105,559 for 2-bedrooms and $124,841 for 3-bedrooms. The 3-bedroom configuration offers the best absolute return potential, generating roughly $46,000 more per year than a 1-bedroom—a critical consideration when evaluating whether the additional upfront cost of a larger property justifies the income premium.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Pacific Grove

Parking dominates at 96% of listings, reflecting the car-dependent nature of the Monterey Peninsula, while kitchen access (70%), washer/dryer (63–64%), and patio or balcony (61%) round out the essentials. Beach access (33%), waterfront (27%), and beachfront (20%) listings command a premium positioning, signaling that proximity to the coastline is a meaningful differentiator rather than a baseline expectation in this market.

Understanding Pacific Grove's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Pacific Grove's ROI score of 67 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and a positive market growth trend that signal sustained visitor interest along the Monterey coast. The revenue-to-price ratio lands at average—unsurprising given home values near $2 million—while the supply/demand balance rates below average as listing growth has accelerated to 82% year-over-year. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research to confirm that permit availability and zoning align with their investment timeline.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Pacific Grove

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

Permit Requirements

Pacific Grove, California may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register with the city before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Pacific Grove and Monterey County, as local regulations can change and may include application fees and renewal timelines.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal markets can include limits on the number of guests, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking mandates. Some properties may also be subject to HOA rules that prohibit or restrict short-term rentals, and certain zones may cap the total number of STR permits issued—so due diligence on the specific property and neighborhood is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are generally required to collect and remit transient occupancy tax (TOT), and Pacific Grove may impose its own local rate on top of county obligations. Platforms like Airbnb often collect these taxes automatically on behalf of hosts, but owners should confirm compliance with both state sales tax and any city-specific tourism levies.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Pacific Grove should continue benefiting from strong summer demand, with peak-season monthly revenues likely holding in the $11,000–$13,000 range based on recent trailing performance. Above-average occupancy stability and positive market growth trends suggest ADR could see modest increases of 2–4%, though the supply/demand balance—currently rated below average—warrants monitoring as listing counts grew 82% year-over-year. Investors entering now should plan for pronounced seasonality, with winter months generating roughly a third of summer revenue, and budget accordingly for leaner periods between November and February."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Pacific Grove, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pacific Grove?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pacific Grove is currently 47%, which runs above the California state average of 43%. Occupancy tends to vary by property size, with 3-bedroom listings achieving the highest rates at 51%, followed by 2-bedrooms at 48% and 1-bedrooms at 46%. This above-average occupancy helps provide relatively steady booking activity for hosts throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Pacific Grove?

Airbnb hosts in Pacific Grove earn an average of $8,218 per month, which translates to approximately $98,623 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $78,771 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in about $105,559, and 3-bedroom properties lead with roughly $124,841 per year. Seasonality also plays a major role, with peak summer months generating more than double the revenue of winter months.

Is Pacific Grove a good market for Airbnb investment?

Pacific Grove scores a 67 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a positive growth trend, though the revenue-to-price ratio is average given home values near $1.96 million. Investors should weigh the strong coastal tourism demand and solid annual revenue potential against the premium entry price and increasing competition from a growing supply of listings.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Pacific Grove is $403, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $324 per night, 2-bedrooms command $422, and 3-bedroom properties charge approximately $457. While the ADR is lower than the state benchmark, Pacific Grove's higher-than-average occupancy helps compensate, resulting in competitive revenue per available night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Pacific Grove?

Short-term rentals are subject to local regulations in Pacific Grove, California, and operators may need to obtain permits or register with the city. Regulations can include restrictions on the number of nights a property can be rented, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. Since rules can evolve, investors should check directly with the City of Pacific Grove and consult local ordinances before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Pacific Grove?

Peak season for Airbnb in Pacific Grove runs from June through August, with August being the strongest month at an average revenue of $13,322. July follows closely at $11,993 and June at $10,324. The shoulder months of April, May, and September also perform well, while winter months from November through February represent the softest period, with January averaging the lowest revenue at $4,867.

How many Airbnbs are there in Pacific Grove?

There are currently 135 active Airbnb listings in Pacific Grove as of April 2026. The supply breaks down primarily into 1-bedroom listings (58), 2-bedroom listings (40), and 3-bedroom listings (32). Notably, the market has experienced significant growth, with active listings increasing 82% year-over-year, which investors should factor into their competitive analysis.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Pacific Grove?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Pacific Grove 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 like summer highs and winter lows. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Pacific Grove, and day-to-day 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 rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Property value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index for investment analysis
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 in Pacific Grove may affect property eligibility, and investors should verify compliance before purchasing.