San Carlos, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

San Carlos Short-Term Rental Market Overview

San Carlos sits in one of the most expensive residential corridors on the San Francisco Peninsula, which creates a challenging but potentially rewarding dynamic for short-term rental investors. With an average home value of $3,147,008 and annual STR revenue averaging $35,153, the revenue-to-price ratio is tight — but occupancy at 48% outpaces the California state average of 43%, signaling consistent demand. The market is small (42 active listings) and caters primarily to business travelers and visitors to Silicon Valley, which can give well-positioned hosts a meaningful edge in a supply-constrained environment.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the San Carlos 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 San Carlos

Investors are drawn to San Carlos for its limited supply, above-average occupancy relative to California, and consistent demand from the Peninsula's tech and business ecosystem.

Expert Market Assessment

"San Carlos presents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing matters more than in higher-yield markets. The occupancy stability is a genuine bright spot — above-average for the state — but the steep home values make it difficult to achieve strong revenue-to-price returns without favorable acquisition terms. Seasonality follows a clear summer peak (July at $3,805) with winter months dipping to around $2,159, so investors should plan for meaningful cash-flow variation across the year. This market rewards operators who can secure below-market properties and maximize nightly rates through superior guest experience and amenity strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in San Carlos

Average revenue by month in San Carlos

Revenue peaks in July at $3,805 and bottoms out in February at $2,159, representing a roughly 76% spread that signals moderate but meaningful seasonality. The summer months (June–September) consistently deliver above-average returns, while the November–February stretch is the softest period for hosts to plan around.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in San Carlos

The market is overwhelmingly composed of 1-bedroom listings (27 of 42 total), with just 6 two-bedroom units. This heavy concentration in smaller units could signal an opportunity for investors who can offer larger properties — particularly since no 3+ bedroom listings appear in the active supply.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in San Carlos

Two-bedroom listings command a $222 ADR compared to $150 for 1-bedrooms, a 48% premium that reflects meaningful pricing power for the larger format. Given the relatively modest ADR bump investors need to justify a second bedroom, the trade-off looks favorable for 2-bedroom properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in San Carlos

Two-bedroom properties generate $94 in RevPAN versus $70 for 1-bedrooms, a 34% advantage that holds even though 2-bedroom occupancy is slightly lower. This makes the 2-bedroom configuration the stronger revenue generator on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in San Carlos

One-bedroom listings maintain a slight occupancy edge at 47% compared to 42% for 2-bedrooms, consistent with their lower price point attracting a broader pool of solo and business travelers. Both sizes remain within a reasonable range, suggesting neither format struggles with demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in San Carlos

Two-bedroom properties earn an average of $3,008 per month — roughly 29% more than the $2,327 generated by 1-bedroom units. The higher nightly rate more than compensates for the modest occupancy difference, making 2-bedrooms the clear monthly revenue leader.

Average annual revenue by property size in San Carlos

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom listings bring in approximately $36,102 compared to $27,930 for 1-bedrooms, an $8,172 difference that could meaningfully impact investment returns. Investors targeting San Carlos should weigh this revenue advantage against the incremental acquisition and furnishing costs of a second bedroom.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in San Carlos

Parking is universal at 100% of listings — essentially table stakes in a suburban Peninsula market — while self check-in (83%), kitchen (81%), and workspace (81%) round out the top tier. The high prevalence of workspace amenities reflects strong business-traveler demand, and investors who add differentiators like EV chargers (currently only 5%) or hot tubs (5%) could stand out.

Understanding San Carlos's ROI Score: 48/100

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

San Carlos's ROI score of 48 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where demand is real but high property prices create a challenging revenue-to-price ratio (rated below average). On the positive side, occupancy stability scores above average — a sign that bookings are consistent rather than feast-or-famine — while market growth and supply/demand balance both rate as average. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear acquisition strategy to ensure the numbers work at their specific price point.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in San Carlos

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

Permit Requirements

The City of San Carlos 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 the San Carlos planning department and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Peninsula communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA rules may also apply and can be more restrictive than city ordinances, so investors should review any applicable CC&Rs before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions levy additional tourism or business license fees. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm all applicable obligations with local and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, San Carlos is expected to maintain steady demand driven by its proximity to major Peninsula employers and San Francisco. Seasonal patterns suggest ADR could nudge up 1–3% during summer months when occupancy typically peaks, while winter softness may keep annual occupancy in the 45–50% range. Listing growth of 112% year-over-year indicates rising investor interest, so hosts who differentiate on amenities and pricing strategy should fare best as competition gradually tightens."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in San Carlos, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Carlos?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Carlos is currently 48%, which is notably above the California state average of 43%. This above-average occupancy suggests steady demand, likely supported by business travelers and visitors to the broader Silicon Valley area.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in San Carlos?

Airbnb hosts in San Carlos earn an average of $2,929 per month, which translates to roughly $35,153 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Actual earnings vary by property size — 1-bedroom listings average about $27,930 annually while 2-bedroom listings average approximately $36,102.

Is San Carlos a good market for Airbnb investment?

San Carlos carries an ROI score of 48 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. While occupancy stability is above average and the market has limited supply, the extremely high home values (averaging $3,147,008) compress the revenue-to-price ratio significantly. Success here typically requires finding properties at favorable prices or leveraging existing properties to generate supplemental income.

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

The average daily rate in San Carlos is $208, which is well below the California state average of $551. This reflects the market's concentration of smaller 1- and 2-bedroom listings rather than luxury vacation properties. Two-bedroom units command about $222 per night while 1-bedrooms average $150.

Are short-term rentals legal in San Carlos?

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction and can change frequently. San Carlos, located in San Mateo County, California, may have specific permit or registration requirements for STR operators. Investors should consult the City of San Carlos directly and review any applicable HOA rules before listing a property for short-term rental.

When is peak season for Airbnb in San Carlos?

Peak season in San Carlos runs from June through September, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $3,805 in revenue. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to around $2,159–$2,187. This roughly 75% spread between peak and off-peak months reflects moderate seasonality.

How many Airbnbs are there in San Carlos?

San Carlos currently has 42 active Airbnb listings, making it a small and supply-constrained market. The vast majority (27) are 1-bedroom properties, with only 6 two-bedroom listings. Year-over-year listing growth of 112% suggests the market is expanding, though it remains compact compared to nearby urban centers.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in San Carlos?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for San Carlos are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results to produce 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 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 for San Carlos and surrounding markets
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence and property-size distribution across active listings

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. Local short-term rental regulations may change and could impact the ability to operate an STR in San Carlos. Always verify current rules before investing. Individual property results will vary depending on location, condition, management quality, and pricing strategy.