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

San Diego Short-Term Rental Market Overview

San Diego's short-term rental market combines year-round coastal tourism appeal with above-average occupancy stability, making it a compelling option for STR investors willing to navigate higher property costs. With 4,765 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $47,435 and occupancy running at 44% — slightly above California's 43% state average — the market demonstrates consistent demand. However, the average home value of nearly $1.67 million means revenue-to-price ratios sit below average, so investors should target property configurations and neighborhoods that maximize yield.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the San Diego 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 San Diego

San Diego attracts STR investors with its blend of beach tourism, a temperate climate, and above-average occupancy stability that supports relatively predictable cash flow despite elevated property prices.

Expert Market Assessment

"San Diego represents a moderately attractive STR opportunity where the strength of demand and occupancy stability partially offset a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Seasonality is a defining feature: July leads the year at $6,562 in average revenue, while January dips to $2,691 — a spread that rewards investors who price dynamically and plan for leaner winter months. The market's growth trend and supply/demand balance both sit at average levels, suggesting the landscape is competitive but not yet oversaturated. Investors who focus on larger, higher-yielding property types and deliver amenities guests expect can still carve out strong returns in this coastal market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in San Diego

Average revenue by month in San Diego

San Diego's revenue profile is heavily summer-weighted, with July peaking at $6,562 and January bottoming out at $2,691 — a gap of nearly $3,900. March ($4,442) provides a secondary bump likely tied to spring break travel, while the October-through-February stretch stays relatively flat in the $2,700–$3,300 range, underscoring the importance of dynamic pricing and off-season marketing.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in San Diego

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 1,794 listings (38% of the market), followed by 2-bedrooms at 1,176. Larger properties are significantly underrepresented — only 126 five-bedroom and 85 six-plus-bedroom listings exist — which may signal less competition and stronger pricing power for investors targeting those segments.

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

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count, rising from $133 for studios to $921 for 6+ bedroom properties. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($236) to 3 bedrooms ($345) represents a 46% premium, while 5-bedroom units at $656 offer a strong rate without the operational complexity of the largest homes.

Average RevPAN by property size in San Diego

RevPAN climbs consistently with property size, from $54 for studios all the way to $460 for 6+ bedroom listings — over 8× the smallest category. The 4-bedroom tier delivers $193 in RevPAN, and 5-bedrooms reach $252, suggesting that mid-to-large properties offer the strongest revenue per available night after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in San Diego

Occupancy rates cluster fairly tightly between 38% and 50% across all property sizes, with 6+ bedroom properties leading at 50% and 5-bedroom units dipping to 38%. One- and 2-bedroom listings both hold at 45%, providing relatively stable fill rates that support consistent cash flow for smaller investment properties.

Average monthly revenue by property size in San Diego

Monthly revenue increases dramatically with size: studios bring in about $2,198, while 6+ bedroom properties average $20,481 — nearly 10× more. Even the step from 3 bedrooms ($6,433) to 4 bedrooms ($8,755) adds over $2,300 per month, making larger configurations the clear top earners for investors who can absorb higher acquisition costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in San Diego

Annual revenue ranges from $26,379 for studios to $245,777 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4-bedroom units hitting $105,069 — more than double what a 2-bedroom generates. Investors eyeing yield maximization will find the strongest absolute return potential in the 4- to 6+ bedroom range, though these figures should be weighed against correspondingly higher purchase prices and operating expenses.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in San Diego

Parking (94%) and a kitchen (92%) are near-universal, while self check-in (84%) and laundry (77%) have become baseline guest expectations in San Diego. Outdoor living amenities — patios/balconies (68%), outdoor furniture (58%), and BBQ grills (52%) — are highly prevalent, signaling that guests value outdoor spaces, and listings without them may face a competitive disadvantage.

Understanding San Diego's ROI Score: 56/100

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 Diego's ROI Score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability and average growth trends are tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by the city's high property values. Supply/demand balance scores as average, meaning the market isn't oversaturated but investors face real competition from nearly 4,800 active listings. Pairing this score with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-yielding property sizes will help investors identify the strongest opportunities within the market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in San Diego

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

Permit Requirements

San Diego, California requires short-term rental operators to obtain a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license, with different rules for whole-home and hosted rentals. Investors should verify the latest permit requirements directly with the City of San Diego's Development Services Department before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in San Diego include limits on the number of guests based on property size, minimum stay requirements in certain zones, noise and nuisance ordinances, and designated parking provisions. HOA rules can add additional layers of restriction, and some neighborhoods may have caps on the total number of STR permits issued, so due diligence on the specific property and community is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are typically subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), which in San Diego is collected by the city, along with applicable state and local sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations with a local tax professional to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, San Diego's STR market is expected to maintain steady demand driven by its strong summer peak and mild year-round climate that softens off-season dips. ADR could see modest increases in the range of 2–4% as tourism continues to recover and event-driven travel remains healthy. Occupancy rates are predicted to hold in the 42–46% range, with summer months continuing to push well above the annual average. Investors should keep an eye on supply growth — active listings grew 125% year-over-year — as an expanding inventory could pressure per-listing revenue if demand doesn't keep pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in San Diego, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Diego?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Diego is currently 44%, which edges slightly above the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1- and 2-bedroom units leading at 45%, while 6+ bedroom properties top the chart at 50%. This above-average stability is one of the market's strongest attributes for investors seeking reliable cash flow.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in San Diego?

On average, Airbnb hosts in San Diego earn approximately $3,952 per month or $47,435 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue scales significantly with property size — studios average around $2,198 per month, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in roughly $20,481 monthly. Peak summer months like July can push individual monthly revenue well above $6,500 at the market level.

Is San Diego a good market for Airbnb investment?

San Diego scores a 56 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and consistent year-round tourism demand, though the high average home value of approximately $1.67 million means the revenue-to-price ratio is below average. Investors who select the right property type and neighborhood — particularly larger homes that command premium nightly rates — can still find compelling returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in San Diego is $252, which is notably lower than the California state average of $551. ADR varies dramatically by property size: studios average $133 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $921 per night. This wide range means property selection is critical to achieving strong revenue performance.

Are short-term rentals legal in San Diego?

Yes, short-term rentals are legal in San Diego, though they are regulated. Operators are generally required to obtain a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license from the city, and rules differ depending on whether the rental is a whole-home or hosted listing. Zoning restrictions, guest limits, and permit caps may apply in certain neighborhoods, so investors should verify current regulations with the City of San Diego before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in San Diego?

Peak season for Airbnb in San Diego runs primarily from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $6,562. March also sees an uptick to $4,442, likely driven by spring break travel. The slowest month is January at $2,691, making the peak-to-trough spread roughly $3,871 — a clear signal that dynamic pricing and seasonal planning are important for maximizing returns.

How many Airbnbs are there in San Diego?

As of April 2026, there are 4,765 active Airbnb listings in San Diego. The market has experienced significant supply growth, with active listings increasing 125% year-over-year. One-bedroom properties make up the largest segment at 1,794 listings, followed by 2-bedroom units at 1,176.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in San Diego?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for San Diego 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. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy rate, and RevPAN metrics across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across 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 historical averages and market conditions may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.