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

Riverside Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Riverside, CA offers a competitive short-term rental landscape with 269 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $25,404 per property. With an ADR of $164 — well below California's $551 state average — and occupancy sitting at 35% versus 43% statewide, this market rewards investors who source deals carefully and target higher-performing property sizes. The combination of moderate home values for Southern California ($818,372) and pronounced seasonality creates a market where strategic operators can differentiate themselves from the broader pack.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Riverside 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 Riverside

Riverside appeals to investors seeking a more affordable entry point into Southern California's STR market, though tighter competition and below-average occupancy require disciplined deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Riverside represents a moderate-opportunity market that demands selective deal-finding rather than broad-stroke investing. Seasonality plays a notable role: revenue peaks sharply in March ($3,523) and April ($4,179) before settling to a $1,357–$1,767 range through the summer and fall months. At a 35% occupancy rate and $57 RevPAN, market-wide averages mask the stronger performance of larger properties — 5-bedroom units, for example, pull nearly $85,490 annually. Investors willing to target underserved property sizes and optimize for seasonal pricing stand the best chance of outperforming the market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Riverside

Average revenue by month in Riverside

Revenue in Riverside follows a sharp seasonal curve, peaking at $4,179 in April and bottoming out at $1,357 in September — a spread of nearly $2,800. This roughly 3:1 ratio between peak and trough months signals that investors need robust pricing strategies and cash reserves to manage the extended softer period from May through October.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Riverside

One-bedroom units dominate Riverside's supply with 144 of the 269 active listings (54%), while 2- and 3-bedroom properties each hover around 35–37 listings. The scarcity of 5-bedroom (9 listings) and 6+ bedroom (7 listings) properties stands out as a potential supply gap, especially given their significantly higher revenue potential.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Riverside

ADR in Riverside scales steeply with size, climbing from $87 for 1-bedrooms to $516 for 6+ bedroom properties — nearly a 6x premium. The most notable jump occurs between 2-bedrooms ($160) and 3-bedrooms ($256), suggesting that moving into the 3-bedroom tier meaningfully shifts the revenue ceiling.

Average RevPAN by property size in Riverside

RevPAN rises consistently with property size, from just $26 for 1-bedroom units to $199 for 6+ bedroom listings. Notably, 4-bedroom ($104) and 5-bedroom ($138) properties deliver strong RevPAN figures that reflect a favorable balance of nightly rate and occupancy, making them compelling targets for revenue-focused investors.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Riverside

Studios lead occupancy at 53%, while 1-bedroom units sit lowest at 31% — a surprising inversion given their dominance in supply. Mid-to-large properties cluster in the 34–42% range, with 2-bedrooms at 42% offering the best occupancy among multi-bedroom sizes, which may appeal to investors prioritizing booking consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Riverside

Five-bedroom properties top monthly revenue at $7,124, followed by 6+ bedrooms at $5,236 and 4-bedrooms at $4,144. The drop-off to 1-bedroom listings is severe — they average only $1,050 per month — underscoring that larger properties in Riverside generate meaningfully more cash flow despite the market's overall moderate performance.

Average annual revenue by property size in Riverside

At $85,490 annually, 5-bedroom properties stand out as the highest earners in Riverside, nearly doubling the 4-bedroom figure of $49,733 and vastly outpacing 1-bedrooms at $12,608. This concentration of revenue potential in larger homes, combined with limited supply in those segments, points to a clear opportunity for investors who can acquire and operate bigger properties effectively.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Riverside

Parking (97%) and kitchen access (91%) are near-universal in Riverside's listings, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient stays likely driven by car-dependent travel in the Inland Empire. Amenities like pools (18%) and hot tubs (14%) remain differentiators rather than baseline features, offering hosts a way to stand out and potentially command higher nightly rates.

Understanding Riverside's ROI Score: 43/100

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

Riverside's ROI Score of 43 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where deals exist but require careful selection. The below-average marks across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance indicate that broad market performance won't carry an investment — instead, success hinges on targeting the right property size and nailing seasonal pricing. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic underwriting approach will help investors separate viable acquisitions from properties that struggle to cash flow.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Riverside

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Riverside and the state of California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Riverside's planning or business licensing departments before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California municipalities include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA rules and zoning designations may further limit where short-term rentals can operate, so reviewing CC&Rs and local land-use regulations is essential before committing to an investment.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT), and some jurisdictions may also require collection of state and local sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the City of Riverside and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Riverside's STR market is likely to see steady but modest improvement. The strong spring surge — April revenue peaks near $4,179 — suggests continued demand during event and travel seasons, while summer and fall months may remain softer. ADR growth in the range of 1–3% is plausible given average market growth trends, though occupancy may hover around 33–37% without significant shifts in supply or demand dynamics. Investors should plan for a market that rewards seasonal pricing strategies and targeted property positioning rather than passive, year-round consistency."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Riverside, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Riverside?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Riverside is currently 35%, which sits below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios lead at 53%, while 1-bedroom units trail at 31%. Investors targeting higher occupancy should consider smaller or mid-size properties, though revenue potential tends to be stronger for larger homes despite their slightly lower fill rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Riverside?

Airbnb hosts in Riverside earn an average of $2,117 per month, or approximately $25,404 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $12,608 annually, while 5-bedroom properties lead the market at roughly $85,490 per year. Actual results depend on pricing strategy, property quality, and how well hosts manage seasonal demand swings.

Is Riverside a good market for Airbnb investment?

Riverside earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 43 out of 100, classified as a "Competitive Opportunity." Investor interest and demand exist, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability mean that not every deal pencils out. Success in this market typically requires targeting larger properties that command higher nightly rates, optimizing for the strong spring season, and sourcing acquisitions below the $818,372 average home value to improve cash-on-cash returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Riverside is $164, which is significantly lower than the $551 California state average. ADR scales meaningfully with property size — 1-bedroom units average $87 per night, 3-bedrooms reach $256, and 6+ bedroom properties command around $516. This pricing structure rewards investors who can acquire and manage larger properties efficiently.

Are short-term rentals legal in Riverside?

Short-term rentals may be subject to local regulations in the City of Riverside, including potential permit or registration requirements. California municipalities have varying rules around STR operations, covering areas like zoning, occupancy limits, and minimum stays. Investors should consult directly with the City of Riverside's planning and licensing departments, as well as review any applicable HOA restrictions, before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Riverside?

Peak season for Airbnb in Riverside runs from February through April, with April being the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,179 per listing. March also performs well at $3,523. Revenue drops considerably from May onward, with the lowest month being September at $1,357. This pronounced spring peak and extended softer period through summer and fall mean that effective seasonal pricing is critical for maximizing annual returns.

How many Airbnbs are there in Riverside?

There are currently 269 active Airbnb listings in Riverside as of April 2026. The market is heavily skewed toward 1-bedroom properties, which account for 144 of those listings — more than half the total supply. Larger properties (3+ bedrooms) are comparatively scarce, with only about 80 listings combined, which may represent an opportunity for investors looking to differentiate in an underserved segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Riverside?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Riverside 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 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 uses its own historical performance data. 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy, ADR, and RevPAN trends across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data for active listings in the market

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 the stated date; results may shift as market dynamics evolve. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.