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

Richmond Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Richmond, CA sits in the East Bay with proximity to San Francisco and a growing market presence — active listings have seen 96% year-over-year growth, signaling rising investor interest. With an average annual revenue of $22,113 across 78 active listings and an ADR of $149 (well below the $551 California state average), the market offers a more accessible entry point for Bay Area short-term rental investors. However, average home values of $812,779 and a 39% occupancy rate mean deal selection and operational excellence will be critical to achieving strong returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Richmond 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 Richmond

Richmond's position as a more affordable Bay Area market with rapid listing growth and proximity to San Francisco makes it attractive to investors seeking California exposure without premium pricing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Richmond presents a competitive opportunity where selective deal-sourcing can make the difference between a marginal and profitable investment. The market's strongest performers are 2- and 3-bedroom properties, which command RevPAN of $76–$82 compared to just $35–$38 for studios and 1-bedrooms. Seasonality is moderate — July peaks at $2,416 in average monthly revenue while February bottoms out at $1,235, a roughly 2:1 spread that's manageable with smart pricing. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio (driven by $812,779 average home values) means investors need to target properties that can consistently outperform market averages or find acquisition deals below the median."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Richmond

Average revenue by month in Richmond

Richmond's revenue cycle peaks in July at $2,416 and bottoms in February at $1,235, creating a roughly 2:1 seasonal spread. The summer months (June–September) consistently deliver above-average returns, while winter months from December through March represent the softest earning period — investors should price dynamically and build reserves for the slower season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Richmond

One-bedroom listings dominate Richmond's supply at 39 of 78 total units (50%), while 3-bedroom properties represent just 9 listings despite generating the highest revenue. This supply gap in larger properties could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire multi-bedroom homes in a segment with limited competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Richmond

ADR scales predictably with size in Richmond, rising from $95 for studios to $247 for 3-bedroom units — a 2.6x premium. The jump from 1-bedroom ($102) to 2-bedroom ($170) represents the steepest increase at 67%, suggesting 2-bedroom properties offer a strong ADR uplift relative to the incremental cost of an additional bedroom.

Average RevPAN by property size in Richmond

Three-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $82, closely followed by 2-bedrooms at $76 — both more than double the $35–$38 range seen in studios and 1-bedrooms. This gap makes larger properties substantially more efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis, even accounting for the lower occupancy of 3-bedroom units.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Richmond

Two-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy in Richmond at 45%, outpacing studios (40%), 1-bedrooms (35%), and 3-bedrooms (33%). The combination of strong occupancy and solid ADR makes 2-bedroom units the most balanced option for investors prioritizing steady cash flow over peak revenue potential.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Richmond

Three-bedroom properties earn the most at $3,322/month, roughly triple the $1,058–$1,094 range for studios and 1-bedroom units. Two-bedroom listings generate a solid $2,453/month, representing a practical middle ground for investors who want meaningful monthly income without the higher acquisition and maintenance costs of larger homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Richmond

Annual revenue ranges from $12,696 for 1-bedroom listings to $39,864 for 3-bedroom properties, with each step up in bedroom count delivering a significant revenue increase. The 3-bedroom segment's $39,864 annual average is the strongest configuration for return potential, though investors should weigh this against the higher purchase price and operating costs of larger properties in the Richmond market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Richmond

Parking tops the amenity list at 94% prevalence, reflecting the car-dependent nature of the East Bay, while kitchen (91%) and self check-in (83%) round out the essential trio guests expect. The strong presence of workspace amenities (76%) signals meaningful demand from remote workers and business travelers, and investors should treat parking, kitchen, self check-in, and a dedicated workspace as table-stakes features for competitive listings in Richmond.

Understanding Richmond's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Richmond's ROI Score of 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where strong growth trends and balanced supply/demand dynamics are tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. The high average home value ($812,779) relative to the $22,113 in average annual revenue means investors need to be particularly selective about acquisition pricing to achieve attractive yields. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-performing 2- and 3-bedroom properties can help investors extract the best returns from this evolving Bay Area market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Richmond

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Richmond, California may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the City of Richmond's planning or finance department, as regulations in California municipalities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. Some neighborhoods may also be subject to HOA rules that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, and the city may impose caps on the number of permits issued in certain zones.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Richmond are typically subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and California also requires collection of state and local sales taxes on rentals under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts 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 Richmond can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Richmond's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investors respond to its relative affordability within the Bay Area. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will peak during summer months (July–August) with ADR potentially rising 2–4% as the market matures and operators refine pricing strategies. Occupancy may stabilize in the 38–42% range as supply additions are absorbed, though larger properties (2–3 bedrooms) should continue outperforming on a per-night basis. Investors entering now should plan for softer winter months where revenue can dip below $1,300 and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Richmond, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Richmond?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Richmond, CA is currently 39%, which sits slightly below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead the market at 45%, while 3-bedroom properties see lower occupancy at 33%. One-bedroom units average 35% and studios come in at 40%. These figures reflect current market conditions and can shift with seasonality and local demand patterns.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Richmond?

Airbnb hosts in Richmond, CA earn an average of $1,842 per month or $22,113 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 3-bedroom listings lead at $3,322/month ($39,864 annually), followed by 2-bedrooms at $2,453/month ($29,444 annually). Studios and 1-bedroom units generate roughly $1,058–$1,094 per month. Peak earning months are July and August, when average monthly revenue exceeds $2,380.

Is Richmond a good market for Airbnb investment?

Richmond earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 54 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average growth trends and its East Bay location near San Francisco, but the revenue-to-price ratio is below average due to home values averaging $812,779. Investors who source deals strategically — particularly targeting 2- and 3-bedroom properties that generate the strongest RevPAN ($76–$82) — can find viable returns. The 96% year-over-year growth in listings signals strong investor interest, which also means increasing competition.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Richmond, CA is $149, which is well below the California state average of $551. ADR scales with property size: studios average $95, 1-bedrooms $102, 2-bedrooms $170, and 3-bedrooms $247. This pricing reflects Richmond's positioning as a more affordable alternative within the Bay Area, which can appeal to budget-conscious travelers and longer-stay guests.

Are short-term rentals legal in Richmond?

Short-term rentals operate in Richmond, CA, with 78 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, investors should verify all applicable local regulations, including any permit or licensing requirements, with the City of Richmond and Contra Costa County. California municipalities have varying rules regarding STR operations, and regulations can change, so consulting with local authorities or a real estate attorney before purchasing is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Richmond?

Peak season for Airbnb in Richmond runs from June through September, with July being the top-earning month at $2,416 in average revenue. August follows closely at $2,387, and June and September both exceed $2,100. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to approximately $1,235–$1,251. This roughly 2:1 ratio between peak and trough months represents moderate seasonality that's manageable with dynamic pricing strategies.

How many Airbnbs are there in Richmond?

There are currently 78 active Airbnb listings in Richmond, CA as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 96% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom units (39 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (19), 3-bedrooms (9), and studios (6). The relatively small total inventory suggests the market is still in an early growth phase compared to more established California STR markets.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Richmond?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Richmond 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 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, since each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Richmond, 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, occupancy rates, and daily rates for the Richmond, CA market
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue broken down by property size
• Seasonal revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to guide property setup decisions
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost context

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 historical averages and current market snapshots; conditions may change as new listings enter the market. Local regulations and tax requirements vary and may change — investors should verify current rules with the City of Richmond and qualified professionals before purchasing.