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

Petaluma Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Petaluma sits in the heart of Sonoma County wine country, offering short-term rental investors access to a small but engaged market of 90 active Airbnb listings. With an average annual revenue of $41,234 and an ADR of $266—roughly half the California state average—the market delivers modest returns that reflect its high property values (averaging $1,231,769). Above-average occupancy stability is a bright spot, though investors will need to be selective given the competitive pricing landscape and a revenue-to-price ratio that currently falls below average.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Petaluma 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 Petaluma

Petaluma appeals to investors seeking exposure to Sonoma County's wine country tourism with the stability of above-average occupancy, though higher home prices demand more careful deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Petaluma presents a competitive opportunity where careful property selection matters more than in higher-yielding markets. The ROI score of 49 out of 100 reflects strong investor interest tempered by elevated home prices and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Seasonality is significant—August revenues of $5,176 dwarf January's $2,059—so operators should plan for lean winter months while capitalizing on the summer and early fall peak. Investors targeting 3-bedroom properties stand to benefit most, as that segment delivers the highest annual revenue at $91,072 and a RevPAN of $141."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Petaluma

Average revenue by month in Petaluma

Petaluma exhibits strong seasonality, with August peaking at $5,176 and January bottoming out at $2,059—a 2.5× spread that investors should factor into cash flow planning. The summer corridor from June through September accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, while the November-through-February stretch remains notably softer.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Petaluma

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 40 of the market's 90 listings (44%), while 3- and 4-bedroom properties remain relatively scarce at just 12 and 7 listings respectively. This underrepresentation of larger properties may signal an opportunity, given that those sizes generate significantly higher revenue per listing.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Petaluma

ADR scales sharply with size in Petaluma—studios and 1-bedrooms cluster around $151–$156, while 3-bedrooms command $492 and 4-bedrooms reach $595 per night. The jump from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom ($151 to $299) represents nearly a 2× premium, suggesting that even a modest increase in capacity delivers outsized nightly rate gains.

Average RevPAN by property size in Petaluma

Revenue per available night climbs steadily with property size, from $62–$63 for studios and 1-bedrooms up to $163 for 4-bedroom listings. Three-bedroom properties offer a strong balance at $141 RevPAN, pairing high nightly rates with enough occupancy to convert ADR into actual booked revenue effectively.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Petaluma

Smaller units fill more consistently, with 1-bedrooms leading at 42% occupancy and studios close behind at 40%, while 2- through 4-bedroom properties range from 27% to 29%. Investors in larger properties should expect fewer booked nights but can offset this with substantially higher nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Petaluma

Three-bedroom properties are the clear monthly revenue leaders at $7,589, followed by 4-bedrooms at $6,660 and 2-bedrooms at $4,174. Studios and 1-bedrooms earn between $2,499 and $2,787 per month, making the larger configurations roughly 2.5–3× more lucrative on a per-listing basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Petaluma

At $91,072 per year, 3-bedroom properties deliver the highest annual revenue in Petaluma—more than three times the $29,998 generated by 1-bedrooms. Four-bedroom listings follow at $79,928 annually, suggesting that the sweet spot for return potential lies in the 3-bedroom category where revenue peaks before diminishing returns set in at the 4-bedroom level.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Petaluma

Parking is nearly universal at 99% of listings, reflecting Petaluma's car-dependent Sonoma County setting, while kitchens (86%), patios or balconies (64%), and self check-in (63%) round out the top tier. The prevalence of outdoor living amenities—backyards (62%), outdoor furniture (60%), and BBQ grills (47%)—signals that guests expect a relaxed, home-like wine country experience, and listings without these features may struggle to compete.

Understanding Petaluma's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Petaluma's ROI score of 49 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning the market has genuine demand but requires disciplined deal sourcing to achieve attractive returns. Above-average occupancy stability is the standout positive factor, while the revenue-to-price ratio, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance all rate below average—largely a reflection of Sonoma County's high property values compressing yields. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-revenue property types (especially 3-bedrooms) will be key to unlocking value in this market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Petaluma

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Petaluma and the State of California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before listing them. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Petaluma's planning department and Sonoma County authorities, as local STR ordinances can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and potential caps on the number of permits issued. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, so investors should review any applicable covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes, and Petaluma may levy its own local TOT in addition to state obligations. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm they are meeting all state and local filing requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Petaluma's STR market is likely to maintain its pronounced summer seasonality, with peak revenues in July and August estimated to run 2–2.5× higher than winter lows. Occupancy stability—rated above average—suggests consistent baseline demand even through slower months, though overall occupancy may hover around 34–38%. ADR growth could be constrained by the market's relatively small listing base and high home values, so investors should anticipate incremental gains rather than dramatic shifts. Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) are best positioned to capture premium rates as wine country group travel continues to drive demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Petaluma, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Petaluma?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Petaluma is currently 36%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—studios and 1-bedrooms lead at 40% and 42% respectively, while larger properties (2–4 bedrooms) tend to hover around 27–29%. Despite the lower overall rate, Petaluma's occupancy stability is rated above average, suggesting demand is relatively consistent even if not exceptionally high.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Petaluma?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Petaluma earn approximately $3,436 per month or $41,234 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $29,998 annually, while 3-bedroom properties lead the market at roughly $91,072 per year. Individual results depend on factors like property quality, location within Petaluma, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Petaluma a good market for Airbnb investment?

Petaluma carries an ROI score of 49 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and its desirable Sonoma County location, but high home values (averaging $1,231,769) create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who source deals carefully—particularly targeting 3-bedroom properties that generate the strongest returns—can find viable opportunities, though this market rewards selectivity over broad entry.

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

The average daily rate across all Petaluma Airbnb listings is $266, which is notably below the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average around $151–$156 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $299, and 4-bedroom properties command up to $595 per night. This pricing structure reflects the premium that larger, group-friendly properties can capture in wine country.

Are short-term rentals legal in Petaluma?

Short-term rentals operate in Petaluma, but hosts should verify current permit requirements and any restrictions with the City of Petaluma and Sonoma County. California STR regulations can vary by municipality and may include permit caps, occupancy limits, or minimum stay requirements. It's advisable to consult local planning authorities and review any HOA covenants before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Petaluma?

Peak season in Petaluma runs from June through September, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $5,176. July follows closely at $4,993 and June at $4,013. The slowest months are January ($2,059) and February ($2,258), creating a seasonal spread where peak earnings can be roughly 2.5 times the winter low. This pattern aligns with the wine country tourism calendar and warm-weather travel demand.

How many Airbnbs are there in Petaluma?

Petaluma currently has 90 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (40 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (21), 3-bedrooms (12), studios (10), and 4-bedrooms (7). The relatively small supply base means new entrants face limited direct competition, though it also reflects the market's niche character.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Petaluma?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Petaluma 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 results 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 draws on 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 the Petaluma market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue per available night trends
• Monthly and annual revenue breakdowns by property size based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark 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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change—investors should verify current rules with Petaluma and Sonoma County authorities before purchasing.