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

San Francisco Short-Term Rental Market Overview

San Francisco's short-term rental market features 2,559 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $41,419 per property. With an occupancy rate of 56% — well above the 43% California state average — the city demonstrates consistent demand driven by its position as a global tech hub, convention destination, and tourist draw. While the average daily rate of $274 sits below the state average of $551, the higher occupancy more than compensates, resulting in a RevPAN of $152 that reflects reliable booking activity across the calendar year.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the San Francisco 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 Francisco

San Francisco appeals to STR investors because its diversified demand base — spanning tech professionals, tourists, and convention attendees — provides above-average occupancy stability even as property prices remain elevated.

Expert Market Assessment

"San Francisco represents an attractive opportunity for STR investors who can navigate its premium property prices. The market's strength lies in occupancy consistency rather than rate dominance — at 56%, it meaningfully outpaces most California peers. Revenue follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking in July at $4,248/month and dipping to $2,491 in December, but the roughly 1.7x spread between peak and trough is moderate enough to support year-round cash flow. Investors targeting larger configurations stand to capture outsized returns, though the limited inventory of 4+ bedroom listings suggests both higher barriers to entry and less competition in that segment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in San Francisco

Average revenue by month in San Francisco

San Francisco's revenue peaks in July at $4,248 and bottoms out in December at $2,491, creating a moderate seasonal spread of about $1,757. The summer months (June–August) consistently outperform, while the shoulder months of March, May, September, and October still deliver solid returns above $3,500 — a pattern that supports relatively stable year-round cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in San Francisco

The market is dominated by 1-bedroom listings, which account for 1,566 of the 2,559 total active listings (61%). Larger properties are significantly underrepresented — only 57 four-bedroom and 19 five-bedroom listings exist — potentially signaling reduced competition and an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger units.

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

ADR scales dramatically with property size in San Francisco, jumping from $179 for 1-bedroom units to $527 for 3-bedrooms and $1,244 for 5-bedrooms. The steepest rate premium appears between 3- and 5-bedroom properties, where investors can capture significantly higher nightly rates while competing against a much thinner supply pool.

Average RevPAN by property size in San Francisco

Revenue per available night climbs steeply with size, from $98 for 1-bedrooms to $742 for 5-bedrooms and $1,080 for 6+ bedroom properties. Even studios ($154 RevPAN) outperform 1-bedrooms on this metric, suggesting that the smallest and largest configurations deliver the strongest revenue efficiency relative to their respective segments.

Average occupancy rates by property size in San Francisco

Occupancy rates are remarkably consistent across most property sizes, ranging from 55% to 58% for studios through 3-bedrooms. Notably, 6+ bedroom properties lead at 65% occupancy while 4-bedrooms dip to 49%, indicating that the very largest group-friendly homes maintain the strongest booking demand despite their premium pricing.

Average monthly revenue by property size in San Francisco

Monthly revenue scales sharply from $2,593 for 1-bedroom units to $9,529 for 4-bedrooms, then leaps to $20,143 for 5-bedrooms and $24,293 for 6+ bedrooms. This exponential jump at the upper end highlights how larger, group-oriented properties in San Francisco can generate revenue multiples far beyond what a portfolio of smaller units would achieve.

Average annual revenue by property size in San Francisco

Five-bedroom properties deliver the most compelling annual revenue at $241,721, nearly eight times the $31,118 earned by 1-bedroom listings, while 6+ bedroom units top the chart at $291,522. For investors evaluating return potential, the 3-bedroom sweet spot at $94,422 annually may offer the best balance between acquisition cost, management complexity, and revenue output.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in San Francisco

Kitchens (80%), self check-in (79%), and parking (77%) top the amenity list, reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience and urban practicality in San Francisco. The high prevalence of dedicated workspaces (70%) signals strong demand from remote workers and business travelers — a differentiator that investors should prioritize to capture weekday bookings.

Understanding San Francisco's ROI Score: 58/100

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 Francisco's ROI Score of 58 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market with genuine upside tempered by high entry costs. The city scores above average on occupancy stability — its strongest factor — while the revenue-to-price ratio pulls the score down given average home values near $1.97 million. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property configurations (particularly 3–5 bedrooms) where revenue potential is highest relative to market competition.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in San Francisco

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

Permit Requirements

San Francisco requires hosts to register for a Short-Term Rental Certificate through the city's Office of Short-Term Rentals before listing a property. California also has state-level requirements, so investors should verify compliance with both city and state regulations before operating.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in San Francisco include limits on the number of nights a property can be rented per year (particularly for unhosted stays), occupancy caps, and requirements around primary residency. Hosts should also be aware of potential HOA rules, noise ordinances, parking limitations, and neighborhood notification requirements that may apply depending on the property and its location.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in San Francisco are typically subject to the city's Transient Occupancy Tax, and California imposes additional state and local tourism-related taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, San Francisco's STR market is expected to maintain steady performance, with occupancy rates likely holding in the 54–58% range given the city's above-average demand stability. Seasonal patterns suggest summer months will continue commanding the strongest returns, with ADR potentially rising 1–3% as the city's convention calendar and tourism rebound continue. Listing growth appears measured — year-over-year supply sits at roughly 102% — which should keep supply and demand relatively balanced and prevent significant rate compression. Investors entering during off-peak months may find acquisition opportunities before the summer revenue surge."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in San Francisco, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Francisco?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Francisco is currently 56%, which is notably higher than the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, ranging from 49% for 4-bedroom units to 65% for 6+ bedroom properties. This above-average occupancy reflects the city's diversified demand from business travelers, tourists, and convention-goers.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in San Francisco?

On average, San Francisco Airbnb hosts earn approximately $3,451 per month, or about $41,419 annually, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average $2,593/month while 5-bedroom properties bring in around $20,143/month. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue to $4,248, while December tends to be the slowest at $2,491.

Is San Francisco a good market for Airbnb investment?

San Francisco scores a 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply/demand dynamics. However, the revenue-to-price ratio is below average due to the city's high property values (averaging $1,968,595), which means investors need to carefully evaluate whether rental income can justify acquisition costs. Larger properties tend to offer the strongest revenue potential relative to the competition.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in San Francisco is $274, which is below the California state average of $551. However, ADR scales sharply with property size: studios average $272, 2-bedrooms reach $344, and 5-bedroom properties command $1,244 per night. The lower market-wide average reflects the heavy concentration of 1-bedroom listings, which make up the largest share of supply.

Are short-term rentals legal in San Francisco?

Yes, short-term rentals are legal in San Francisco, but the city has specific regulations that hosts must follow. A Short-Term Rental Certificate is required, and there are restrictions on the number of rental nights allowed per year, particularly for entire-home listings where the host is not present. Investors should review current rules through San Francisco's Office of Short-Term Rentals and ensure compliance with both city and California state requirements before operating.

When is peak season for Airbnb in San Francisco?

Peak season for San Francisco Airbnbs runs from June through October, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,248. August and September also perform well at $3,973 and $3,756 respectively. The off-peak period falls in the winter months, with December bringing the lowest average revenue at $2,491. This seasonal pattern aligns with the city's busiest tourism and conference months.

How many Airbnbs are there in San Francisco?

As of April 2026, there are 2,559 active Airbnb listings in San Francisco. The supply is heavily concentrated in smaller units — 1-bedroom listings account for 1,566 of the total, while studios add another 233. Larger properties are much scarcer, with only 57 four-bedroom, 19 five-bedroom, and 8 six-plus bedroom listings on the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in San Francisco?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for San Francisco 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. 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
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level comparisons
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 performance and market conditions as of April 2026; local regulations and market dynamics may change. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.