San Marcos, TX Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

San Marcos Short-Term Rental Market Overview

San Marcos, TX sits at the intersection of a growing Central Texas corridor and a university-driven rental market, yet its short-term rental fundamentals suggest investors need to be selective. With 120 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $190, and occupancy at 28% — below the 33% Texas state average — the market rewards well-positioned properties while punishing generic ones. Average annual revenue of $21,366 and home values around $473,646 mean returns hinge on finding the right property size and niche rather than relying on broad market tailwinds.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the San Marcos 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 Marcos

San Marcos appeals to investors seeking Central Texas exposure at price points below Austin, though tighter competition and softer occupancy demand careful deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"San Marcos presents a competitive opportunity where selective investors can find pockets of solid performance, particularly in larger property configurations. The 4-bedroom segment stands out with $100 RevPAN and $40,138 in annual revenue — nearly double the market average — while 1- and 2-bedroom units face tighter margins. Seasonality is pronounced: July and August deliver two to two-and-a-half times the revenue of January, meaning cash reserves are essential for navigating quieter months. With occupancy stability and market growth both rated below average in our ROI analysis, this is a market that rewards operational excellence and strategic property selection over passive investment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in San Marcos

Average revenue by month in San Marcos

San Marcos shows strong seasonality, with July ($2,643) and August ($2,363) delivering peak revenue — more than double the January ($1,009) and February ($1,040) lows. March ($2,239) also punches above its weight, likely tied to spring break and early river-season bookings, making the revenue curve less purely summer-dependent than it first appears.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in San Marcos

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 38 listings (32% of the market), followed closely by 2-bedrooms (33) and 3-bedrooms (29), while 4-bedroom properties are the scarcest at just 14 listings. The relative undersupply of larger homes, combined with their stronger revenue metrics, may signal a less crowded competitive lane for investors willing to go bigger.

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

ADR scales steeply with size in San Marcos — from $100 for 1-bedroom units up to $332 for 4-bedrooms, more than tripling across the range. The jump from 2-bedroom ($154) to 3-bedroom ($232) represents a 51% premium, suggesting that the mid-to-large property segment commands outsized nightly pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in San Marcos

Four-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $100 per available night, nearly triple the $35 figure for 1-bedrooms and roughly double the $53 for 3-bedrooms. This gap indicates that despite slightly lower occupancy than 1-bedrooms, the premium nightly rates of larger homes more than compensate on a per-night revenue basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in San Marcos

One-bedroom listings post the highest occupancy at 35%, while 2-bedroom (25%) and 3-bedroom (23%) units lag noticeably behind. Four-bedroom properties recover to 30% occupancy, suggesting that group and family demand keeps larger homes booked more consistently than mid-sized alternatives — an important consideration for cash-flow planning.

Average monthly revenue by property size in San Marcos

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $1,067 for 1-bedrooms to $3,344 for 4-bedroom homes — a 3.1x difference. The jump from 2-bedroom ($1,386) to 3-bedroom ($2,536) is particularly notable, nearly doubling monthly income and marking a clear inflection point in revenue potential.

Average annual revenue by property size in San Marcos

Four-bedroom properties generate $40,138 in average annual revenue, roughly 3x the $12,813 earned by 1-bedroom units and nearly double the 2-bedroom figure of $16,643. For investors targeting meaningful gross income, the 3-bedroom ($30,433) and 4-bedroom configurations offer the strongest return potential, though acquisition and operating costs will scale accordingly.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in San Marcos

Parking (95%) and kitchen access (86%) are near-universal in San Marcos listings, reflecting guest expectations in a car-dependent Texas market. Self check-in (78%), backyard (70%), and laundry amenities (67–68%) round out the essentials, while differentiators like pools (13%) and hot tubs (8%) remain rare — offering potential competitive advantages for properties that include them.

Understanding San Marcos's ROI Score: 42/100

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 Marcos earns an ROI Score of 42 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band where investor interest is strong but returns require careful deal selection. The revenue-to-price ratio grades as average, which is encouraging, but occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance all come in below average — reflecting the 165% surge in new listings and 28% occupancy rate. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focused property-type strategy (particularly larger homes) will be critical for investors looking to outperform in this market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in San Marcos

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

Permit Requirements

The City of San Marcos, Texas may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before listing them on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the San Marcos Development Services Department or city clerk's office before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Texas cities can include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking provisions. HOA rules in San Marcos neighborhoods may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential before committing to a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Texas are generally subject to the state's 6% hotel occupancy tax, and cities like San Marcos may levy an additional local hotel occupancy tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with the Texas Comptroller's office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, San Marcos is likely to see continued supply growth — active listings surged 165% year over year — which could put further pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns point to summer as the revenue anchor (July averaging $2,643/month), so investors should budget for softer winter months when revenue dips below $1,100. ADR may hold steady or tick up modestly in the 1–3% range for well-amenitized properties, but market-wide occupancy is more likely to hover in the 26–30% range until supply and demand find a new equilibrium. Investors entering now should stress-test projections against below-average occupancy scenarios."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in San Marcos, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Marcos?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Marcos is currently 28%, which trails the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 35%, while 3-bedroom listings sit at 23%. Seasonal factors also play a major role, with summer months driving the strongest booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in San Marcos?

Airbnb hosts in San Marcos earn an average of $1,780 per month, or approximately $21,366 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom units average about $12,813 annually, while 4-bedroom properties pull in roughly $40,138 per year. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue above $2,600, while January and February often dip below $1,100.

Is San Marcos a good market for Airbnb investment?

San Marcos carries an ROI Score of 42 out of 100, which Rabbu classifies as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The revenue-to-price ratio is average, but occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate below average. That said, larger properties — particularly 4-bedroom homes — generate meaningful revenue. Success in this market depends on choosing the right property type, pricing strategically, and managing operating costs carefully during slower months.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in San Marcos is $190, compared to the $276 Texas state average. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $100 per night, 2-bedrooms average $154, 3-bedrooms reach $232, and 4-bedroom properties command $332 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in San Marcos?

Short-term rentals do operate in San Marcos, TX, with approximately 120 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations may require permits, registration, or adherence to specific zoning rules. Prospective investors should consult the City of San Marcos and review any applicable HOA restrictions before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in San Marcos?

Peak season in San Marcos runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $2,643 in revenue. March also sees a notable spike to $2,239, likely driven by spring break and river-season kickoff activity. The slowest months are January ($1,009) and February ($1,040), representing roughly 40% of peak-month earnings.

How many Airbnbs are there in San Marcos?

As of April 2026, there are 120 active Airbnb listings in San Marcos. The supply has grown dramatically, with 165% year-over-year growth in active listings. The market is spread across property sizes, with 1-bedroom units making up the largest share at 38 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (33), 3-bedrooms (29), and 4-bedrooms (14).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in San Marcos?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for San Marcos 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 results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical 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 the San Marcos market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends broken down by property size
• Supply distribution and year-over-year listing growth data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 current market snapshots; conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal anomalies. Local short-term rental regulations vary and may change without notice — investors should independently verify permit requirements and tax obligations before purchasing.