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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

32 / 100

San Clemente appears higher risk based on current data and may require deeper, property-specific diligence to find compelling opportunities.

San Clemente Short-Term Rental Market Overview

San Clemente sits along one of Southern California's most desirable stretches of coastline, and its 193 active Airbnb listings reflect a compact but competitive short-term rental market. With an average annual revenue of $56,793 and home values averaging nearly $2.4 million, the revenue-to-price ratio is tight — making careful property selection essential. Occupancy holds steady at 43%, matching the California state average, while the ADR of $295 comes in well below the $551 state average, reflecting the market's mix of smaller, moderately priced listings. Investors drawn to coastal California lifestyle markets should approach San Clemente with realistic return expectations and a focus on larger properties that generate stronger per-night revenue.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the San Clemente short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 193
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $551 state avg. $295
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 43% state avg. 43%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $125
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $4,732
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $56,793

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider San Clemente

San Clemente appeals to investors seeking coastal California exposure, though the high entry cost relative to rental income demands careful underwriting and a focus on property types with proven revenue.

Key investment factors

  • Beachside Southern California location drives consistent summer tourism demand
  • Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $229, combining solid occupancy (53%) with premium nightly rates
  • Above-average occupancy stability provides some cash-flow predictability despite seasonal swings
  • Outdoor amenities like patios, grills, and beach access (31%) create differentiation opportunities for well-equipped listings
  • Smaller unit sizes (studios, 1-bedrooms) dominate supply, leaving room for larger homes to capture less competitive segments

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 32 out of 100, San Clemente falls into the limited investment potential category — primarily because the revenue-to-price ratio is strained by home values averaging nearly $2.4 million against annual revenue of roughly $56,800. That said, the market isn't without bright spots: occupancy stability scores above average, and three-bedroom listings pull in nearly $79,200 per year with the highest occupancy rate at 53%. Seasonality is pronounced, with July revenues more than double January's, so investors need to budget for lean winter months. Deeper property-level analysis and a willingness to target underrepresented larger homes could uncover pockets of opportunity that the market-wide averages obscure."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding San Clemente's ROI Score: 32/100

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

Factor San Clemente Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Above average 30%
Market Growth Trend Below average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Below average 15%

What This Means for Investors

San Clemente's ROI score of 32 out of 100 places it in the limited investment potential band, driven primarily by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — annual revenue of roughly $56,800 against home values near $2.4 million creates a challenging yield equation. Occupancy stability is the one above-average factor, providing some baseline confidence in booking consistency, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance both score below average amid a 142% surge in active listings. Investors considering this market should pair the data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types — particularly three-bedrooms — where the numbers tell a more favorable story.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in San Clemente

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

Permit Requirements

San Clemente, California may require hosts to obtain a short-term rental permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the City of San Clemente and consult Orange County regulations, as local rules can change frequently.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal markets include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking rules. Some neighborhoods may also be subject to HOA restrictions or permit caps that limit the number of active short-term rentals, so reviewing property-specific covenants is an important step before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and San Clemente may impose its own local lodging tax on stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some or all of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their obligations with the city and state tax authorities.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for San Clemente

Financing an Airbnb investment in San Clemente requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a San Clemente Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, San Clemente's seasonal revenue pattern — peaking sharply in July at $7,584 and dipping to around $3,451 in January — is likely to persist, with summer months continuing to drive the bulk of annual income. Listing supply has grown significantly (142% year-over-year), which could put downward pressure on occupancy and ADR unless demand keeps pace. Investors should anticipate occupancy hovering in the 40–45% range and modest ADR changes of 1–3%, with three-bedroom properties best positioned to capture family and group travel demand during peak season. Pairing a strong summer strategy with shoulder-season pricing adjustments will be key to maximizing returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in San Clemente, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Clemente?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Clemente is currently 43%, which matches the California state average. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — three-bedroom listings lead at 53%, while one-bedroom units average 37% and four-bedrooms sit at 35%. Choosing the right property type can significantly affect how consistently your calendar stays booked.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in San Clemente?
On average, Airbnb hosts in San Clemente earn approximately $4,732 per month or $56,793 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue scales significantly with property size: studios average around $30,395 annually, while four-bedroom homes can reach roughly $91,607 per year. Summer months — especially July at $7,584 — are the primary revenue drivers.
Is San Clemente a good market for Airbnb investment?
San Clemente carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 32 out of 100, placing it in the limited investment potential range. The main challenge is the revenue-to-price ratio — average home values near $2.4 million make it difficult for rental income alone to deliver strong cash-on-cash returns. However, occupancy stability is above average, and investors targeting three-bedroom properties with premium amenities may find better-than-average returns within this coastal market. Property-specific diligence is essential here.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in San Clemente?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in San Clemente is $295, which is notably below the California state average of $551. ADR increases substantially with property size — studios average $156 per night, while four-bedroom homes command $533 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who can offer larger, well-appointed properties.
Are short-term rentals legal in San Clemente?
Short-term rentals operate in San Clemente, CA, with 193 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, specific permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and local regulations may apply. Investors should verify the latest rules directly with the City of San Clemente and Orange County authorities before purchasing a property, as California's regulatory landscape for STRs continues to evolve.
When is peak season for Airbnb in San Clemente?
Peak season in San Clemente runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at $7,584 in average revenue — more than double the January low of $3,451. March also shows a notable bump to $5,211, likely driven by spring break travel. The off-season spans roughly November through February, when monthly revenues dip into the $3,400–$3,700 range.
How many Airbnbs are there in San Clemente?
As of April 2026, there are 193 active Airbnb listings in San Clemente. The supply is dominated by one-bedroom properties (73 listings), followed by two-bedrooms (55) and three-bedrooms (45). Notably, the market has experienced 142% year-over-year growth in active listings, which investors should factor into competitive analysis.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in San Clemente?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for San Clemente 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 remaining data into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks like July and slower periods like January. Individual results will vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within San Clemente, and how effectively the listing is managed.

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 Clemente and surrounding areas
  • Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN tracked over time by property size
  • Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment return context
  • Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu analytics for consistency

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 current market conditions as of the dates noted; actual results will vary by property, location, management, and market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change — investors should verify all rules with city and state authorities before purchasing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in San Clemente's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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