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

Pasadena Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Pasadena, CA offers a competitive short-term rental landscape shaped by its proximity to Los Angeles, cultural attractions like the Rose Bowl, and a steady flow of visitors drawn to its historic neighborhoods and convention activity. With 340 active Airbnb listings averaging $197 in daily rate and 48% occupancy — comfortably above the California state average of 43% — the market demonstrates solid demand. However, average home values near $1.93 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio is below average, so investors will need to be strategic in deal sourcing to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Pasadena 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 Pasadena

Pasadena attracts investor attention thanks to above-average occupancy stability and proximity to one of the country's largest tourism and business hubs, though high property prices demand careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 44 out of 100, Pasadena sits in competitive-opportunity territory — demand and occupancy are strong, but elevated home prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio and limit easy wins. Seasonality is moderate: revenue peaks sharply in July at $3,964 per month and dips to $2,265 in January, creating roughly a 75% swing between the best and softest months. Investors who target larger properties can capture meaningfully higher returns — 4-bedroom listings pull nearly three times the annual revenue of the market average — but the limited supply of just 9 such listings also signals that sourcing those deals will be challenging."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Pasadena

Average revenue by month in Pasadena

Revenue peaks in July at $3,964 and bottoms out in January at $2,265, creating a clear summer-driven seasonality pattern with a roughly 75% spread between highs and lows. The shoulder months of March ($3,091) and June ($3,330) also perform well, suggesting Pasadena benefits from spring event traffic and early summer travel in addition to its midsummer peak.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Pasadena

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 172 listings (over half the market), followed by 89 two-bedroom properties. Larger homes are notably scarce — only 9 four-bedroom listings exist — which may represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger properties in a segment with limited competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Pasadena

ADR scales dramatically with size, jumping from $137 for 1-bedrooms to $307 for 3-bedrooms and $546 for 4-bedroom properties. The steepest premium-to-size jump occurs between 2-bedrooms ($220) and 3-bedrooms ($307), suggesting that the extra bedroom adds meaningful pricing power for group and family travelers.

Average RevPAN by property size in Pasadena

RevPAN climbs consistently with property size, from $64 for 1-bedrooms to $223 for 4-bedroom listings, indicating that larger properties generate superior revenue per available night even after accounting for their somewhat lower occupancy. Two-bedroom units at $107 RevPAN offer a solid middle ground for investors not ready to commit to the acquisition cost of a full-size home.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Pasadena

Studios lead occupancy at 55%, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units cluster near the market average at 47–49%. Larger 3- and 4-bedroom properties see lower occupancy (41–44%), but their significantly higher nightly rates more than compensate, making occupancy alone an incomplete picture of cash-flow potential.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Pasadena

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $8,796, more than four times the $2,160 earned by 1-bedroom units, which dominate the supply. Three-bedroom listings at $4,674 per month also stand out as strong performers, offering substantially more revenue than 2-bedrooms ($3,588) without the extreme rarity and acquisition cost of a 4-bedroom home.

Average annual revenue by property size in Pasadena

Annual revenue ranges from $25,929 for 1-bedrooms to $105,556 for 4-bedroom properties, underscoring that larger units offer the best gross return potential in Pasadena. Given the market's high home values, investors should weigh the $56,091 annual revenue of 3-bedroom properties as a potentially more accessible entry point with strong per-unit income.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Pasadena

Parking (95%) and kitchen access (94%) are near-universal, reflecting baseline guest expectations in a car-dependent Southern California market. The high prevalence of workspaces (76%) signals strong demand from remote workers and business travelers, while outdoor amenities like patios (53%) and backyards (52%) differentiate listings in a market where guests value indoor-outdoor living.

Understanding Pasadena'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

What This Means for Investors

Pasadena's ROI score of 44 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, meaning demand is real but higher property prices create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio that compresses returns. On the positive side, occupancy stability scores above average, and both market growth and supply/demand balance rate at average levels, suggesting the fundamentals aren't deteriorating. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger, higher-earning property types to improve their yield profile.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Pasadena

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

Permit Requirements

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

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Pasadena can include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may impose additional constraints, and some jurisdictions cap the total number of active STR permits, so reviewing both municipal and homeowner association regulations is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes, and the City of Pasadena may levy its own local hotel or tourism tax on stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax obligations with local authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Pasadena's STR market is expected to maintain its above-average occupancy stability, with rates likely hovering in the 46–50% range year-round. Seasonal data suggests ADR could inch up 2–4% during summer peaks (June–August), when monthly revenues already climb past $3,300. Supply growth has been notable at 133% year-over-year, which may temper revenue gains per listing if new inventory outpaces demand. Investors entering now should budget conservatively and focus on property types that command premium nightly rates to offset the market's high acquisition costs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Pasadena, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pasadena?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Pasadena is currently 48%, which outperforms the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios leading at 55% and larger 4-bedroom properties averaging 41%. This above-average occupancy suggests healthy, consistent guest demand across the market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Pasadena?

Airbnb hosts in Pasadena earn an average of $2,925 per month, or roughly $35,106 per year, based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average about $25,929 annually, while 4-bedroom homes can generate approximately $105,556 per year. Seasonal peaks in summer can push monthly income above $3,900.

Is Pasadena a good market for Airbnb investment?

Pasadena presents a competitive opportunity for STR investors. Its above-average occupancy stability and diverse demand drivers — from tourism and events to remote-work travelers — are genuine strengths. However, with average home values around $1.93 million and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio, investors need to be selective about deal sourcing and property type. Larger properties tend to deliver the strongest returns, so targeting multi-bedroom homes and optimizing amenities can improve the investment case.

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

The average daily rate in Pasadena is $197, which is well below the California state average of $551, reflecting the market's more moderate pricing compared to luxury coastal destinations. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average $137–$140 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $546 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Pasadena?

Short-term rentals do operate in Pasadena, with 340 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, like many California cities, Pasadena may have specific permit, licensing, and zoning requirements that operators must follow. Investors should consult the City of Pasadena's planning department and review any applicable HOA rules before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Pasadena?

Peak season in Pasadena runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $3,964 in revenue. August follows closely at $3,812. The slowest month is January at $2,265, meaning there's roughly a 75% difference between peak and off-peak earnings. Spring months like March ($3,091) also perform well, likely tied to events and pleasant Southern California weather.

How many Airbnbs are there in Pasadena?

Pasadena currently has 340 active Airbnb listings. The market has seen significant supply growth, with a 133% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units dominate at 172 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (89) and 3-bedrooms (40), while larger 4-bedroom properties remain scarce with just 9 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Pasadena?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Pasadena 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 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 because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 Pasadena and surrounding areas
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for acquisition benchmarking
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data 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 averages and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as the market evolves. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.