San Luis Obispo, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

San Luis Obispo Short-Term Rental Market Overview

San Luis Obispo sits along California's Central Coast, drawing visitors with its wine country proximity, outdoor recreation, and university-town charm. With 205 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $53,298, the market commands a solid $367 ADR — well below the $551 state average — while occupancy of 39% suggests selective demand rather than year-round saturation. An ROI score of 50 out of 100 signals a competitive landscape where higher home values ($1,502,927 average) require careful deal sourcing to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo

Investors are drawn to San Luis Obispo for its Central Coast tourism appeal and above-average occupancy stability, though elevated home prices demand disciplined deal selection to achieve meaningful returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"San Luis Obispo presents a moderately competitive opportunity for STR investors who can source properties at favorable price points relative to the market's revenue potential. Seasonality is a defining characteristic — July and August revenues ($6,894 and $6,315 respectively) are more than double the January low of $2,671, so investors need to budget for meaningful off-peak softness. The market's above-average occupancy stability is a bright spot, and larger properties in particular can generate substantial income, with 6+ bedroom listings averaging $289,292 annually. However, with average home values above $1.5 million and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio, the path to strong cash-on-cash returns requires either off-market deals, value-add strategies, or targeting underserved property sizes."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in San Luis Obispo

Average revenue by month in San Luis Obispo

Revenue in San Luis Obispo follows a pronounced seasonal curve, peaking in July at $6,894 and bottoming out in January at $2,671 — a spread of more than $4,200. The summer months (June–August) are clearly the primary revenue drivers, while the October–December shoulder season holds relatively steady around $3,800–$4,300, offering a modest buffer before the winter dip.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in San Luis Obispo

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 82 listings (40% of the market), followed by 2-bedrooms at 58, while properties with 4 or more bedrooms total just 24 listings combined. This concentration at the smaller end may create less competition and stronger pricing power for investors targeting mid-size or larger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in San Luis Obispo

ADR rises steeply with bedroom count, from $152 for studios to $1,683 for 6+ bedroom properties — an 11x premium that reflects the scarcity and group-travel appeal of larger homes. The sharpest price jump occurs between 2-bedroom ($291) and 3-bedroom ($540) units, suggesting the 3-bedroom tier is where the market begins to command a meaningful nightly rate premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in San Luis Obispo

Revenue per available night tells a compelling story for larger properties: 6+ bedroom listings lead at $625 RevPAN, followed by 4-bedrooms at $245, while studios and 1-bedrooms lag at $67 and $74 respectively. The 5-bedroom segment dips slightly to $211 RevPAN compared to 4-bedrooms, likely reflecting its lower 23% occupancy rate, so investors in that tier should weigh nightly revenue against fill rate carefully.

Average occupancy rates by property size in San Luis Obispo

Studios (44%) and 2-bedroom units (45%) achieve the highest occupancy rates in the market, while 5-bedroom properties sit notably lower at 23%, suggesting that the largest homes fill less frequently despite commanding premium nightly rates. For investors prioritizing consistent cash flow, the 2-bedroom segment offers the best balance of occupancy and revenue potential.

Average monthly revenue by property size in San Luis Obispo

Monthly revenue scales reliably with size, from $2,735 for studios to $24,107 for 6+ bedroom properties — a nearly 9x difference that underscores the income potential of larger homes. Even the jump from 2-bedrooms ($5,005) to 3-bedrooms ($7,959) represents a 59% increase, making mid-size properties a compelling sweet spot for investors seeking higher revenue without the operational complexity of very large homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in San Luis Obispo

Annual revenue ranges from $32,831 for studios to $289,292 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4-bedroom units ($115,515) and 5-bedroom units ($130,321) both crossing the six-figure threshold. Given the market's average home value of $1,502,927, investors looking to optimize their revenue-to-price ratio should carefully compare acquisition costs across property sizes to identify where the return profile is strongest.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in San Luis Obispo

Parking dominates at 98% prevalence, reflecting the car-dependent nature of Central Coast travel, while kitchens (89%), self check-in (76%), and patio or balcony access (71%) round out the essentials. Notably, hot tubs (12%) and EV chargers (11%) remain relatively uncommon — adding either could serve as a meaningful differentiator in a market where most listings already check the standard amenity boxes.

Understanding San Luis Obispo's ROI Score: 50/100

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 Luis Obispo's ROI score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where strong demand and above-average occupancy stability are counterbalanced by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and tighter supply/demand dynamics. The high average home value relative to rental income means investors need to be especially strategic in sourcing deals — properties at or below market value with strong amenity packages will outperform the averages. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research is essential, as permit availability and STR restrictions on the Central Coast can directly impact an investment's viability.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in San Luis Obispo

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

Permit Requirements

The City of San Luis Obispo and San Luis Obispo County in California may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit, business license, or registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the city's Community Development or Planning department, as local STR rules on the Central Coast have evolved in recent years.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal communities can include caps on the number of STR permits issued, minimum-stay requirements (especially in residential zones), occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise and nuisance ordinances, designated parking requirements, and prohibitions or limitations imposed by HOAs or condo associations. It's important to review both city-level and county-level rules, as regulations may differ depending on exact property location.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and San Luis Obispo may assess additional local tourism or business taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the San Luis Obispo County Tax Collector's office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, San Luis Obispo's summer-driven seasonality should continue to anchor earnings, with peak months like July likely sustaining monthly revenues near the $6,800–$6,900 range. Listing growth has been essentially flat year-over-year at 101%, suggesting supply is stabilizing rather than flooding the market, which could support modest ADR increases of 1–3% as competition levels off. Occupancy is expected to hover in the 37–42% range market-wide, though larger properties with strong amenity packages may outperform. Investors entering this market should anticipate that performance will remain heavily seasonal, and underwriting should account for softer winter months when revenues can dip below $3,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in San Luis Obispo, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Luis Obispo?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in San Luis Obispo is currently 39%, which sits slightly below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios and 2-bedroom units tend to fill at higher rates (44% and 45% respectively), while larger 5-bedroom properties average around 23%. Seasonality also plays a major role, with summer months delivering the strongest booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in San Luis Obispo?

On average, Airbnb hosts in San Luis Obispo earn approximately $4,441 per month or $53,298 annually, based on trailing 12-month booking data from active comparable listings. Earnings scale considerably with property size — 1-bedroom units average around $37,314 per year, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $115,515 and 6+ bedroom homes can average $289,292 annually. Individual results will depend on property quality, location, pricing strategy, and how well a host manages seasonal demand fluctuations.

Is San Luis Obispo a good market for Airbnb investment?

San Luis Obispo earns an ROI score of 50 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and steady Central Coast tourism demand, but elevated home prices (averaging $1,502,927) create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio that challenges cash flow. Investors who can find well-priced properties — particularly larger homes that command premium nightly rates — may find attractive returns, but this market rewards selective, well-researched deal sourcing over broad-stroke investing.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in San Luis Obispo is $367, which is notably below the California state average of $551. ADR scales sharply with property size: studios average $152 per night, while 3-bedroom properties command $540, and 6+ bedroom homes reach $1,683. This pricing gradient makes larger properties particularly appealing for investors looking to maximize nightly revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in San Luis Obispo?

Short-term rentals operate in San Luis Obispo, but local regulations may require permits, business licenses, or registration. The City of San Luis Obispo and San Luis Obispo County each have their own rules that can include permit caps, minimum stay requirements, and occupancy limits. Prospective investors should consult the city's planning department and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in San Luis Obispo?

Peak season in San Luis Obispo runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $6,894 and August close behind at $6,315. The shoulder months of May and September also perform reasonably well, averaging $4,295 and $4,764 respectively. The slowest period is January, when average revenue drops to $2,671 — less than 40% of the July peak — so investors should plan for meaningful seasonal variability in their cash flow projections.

How many Airbnbs are there in San Luis Obispo?

As of April 2026, there are 205 active Airbnb listings in San Luis Obispo. The supply is heavily weighted toward smaller properties, with 1-bedroom units making up 82 listings (40% of the market) and 2-bedroom units accounting for 58. Larger properties with 4 or more bedrooms represent just 24 listings combined, which may signal less competition — and potentially more opportunity — in that segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in San Luis Obispo?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for San Luis Obispo 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drop regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, amenity offerings, 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 Luis Obispo and surrounding zip codes
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and the Zillow Home Value Index 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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax obligations can change; always verify current rules with municipal authorities before investing.