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

San Mateo Short-Term Rental Market Overview

San Mateo sits at the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula, placing it squarely in the path of Silicon Valley's steady stream of corporate travelers, relocating professionals, and visiting families. With an average occupancy rate of 54% — well above the 43% California state average — demand here outpaces many peer markets, though the average daily rate of $246 lands significantly below the $551 statewide figure. Average annual revenue of $37,504 against home values averaging $2,404,300 means investors need to be highly selective on acquisition price to make the numbers work. This is a market where operational excellence and smart deal-finding matter more than broad tailwinds.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the San Mateo 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 Mateo

Investors are drawn to San Mateo for its above-average occupancy driven by proximity to major tech employers, though elevated property prices require disciplined underwriting to achieve attractive returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 45 out of 100, San Mateo falls into the "Competitive Opportunity" band — a market where genuine demand exists but elevated home prices compress returns and require sharper deal-making. Seasonality is moderate: summer months (June–August) push average revenue 40–75% above the January–February trough, giving hosts a meaningful peak window without the extreme swings seen in resort markets. The supply picture is relatively tight at 119 listings, and occupancy stability is a genuine strength, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary headwind. Investors who can source properties below the $2.4M average or target the higher-earning 2–3 bedroom segment stand the best chance of generating competitive cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in San Mateo

Average revenue by month in San Mateo

Revenue in San Mateo follows a clear seasonal curve, peaking at $4,060 in July and bottoming out at $2,301 in February — a spread of roughly 76%. The May-through-October corridor consistently delivers above-average months, giving hosts a six-month window of stronger cash flow before the winter dip.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in San Mateo

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 60 of 119 listings (over 50%), while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties account for 24 and 20 listings respectively. The relatively thin supply of larger units — particularly 3-bedrooms — may signal an opportunity given their significantly higher revenue potential.

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

ADR rises sharply with property size: 1-bedrooms average just $129, while 3-bedroom listings command $398 — more than triple the rate. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($232) to 3-bedrooms is especially pronounced, suggesting guests are willing to pay a premium for larger group-friendly accommodations on the Peninsula.

Average RevPAN by property size in San Mateo

Three-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $163, closely followed by 2-bedrooms at $147, while studios and 1-bedrooms cluster around $68–$75. Despite 3-bedrooms having the lowest occupancy rate, their high ADR more than compensates, making them the most efficient earners on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in San Mateo

Two-bedroom listings achieve the strongest occupancy at 63%, significantly outpacing 3-bedrooms at 41% — the lowest among all sizes. Studios and 1-bedrooms hold steady in the 50–53% range, suggesting that mid-sized properties hit the sweet spot of consistent demand and manageable pricing for guests.

Average monthly revenue by property size in San Mateo

Monthly revenue scales dramatically with size: 3-bedroom properties average $5,414 per month, nearly triple the $1,855–$1,923 range for studios and 1-bedrooms. Two-bedroom units sit in the middle at $3,910, making them a strong option for investors seeking a balance between acquisition cost and monthly income.

Average annual revenue by property size in San Mateo

Three-bedroom properties top the annual revenue chart at $64,978, followed by 2-bedrooms at $46,931 — both substantially above the market-wide average of $37,504. Studios and 1-bedrooms generate $22,261–$23,084 annually, which may be challenging to justify against San Mateo's elevated property prices without a below-market acquisition.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in San Mateo

Parking (98%), kitchen (87%), and self check-in (81%) are near-universal in San Mateo listings, reflecting a guest base that expects convenience and independence — hallmarks of a business-traveler market. Workspace availability at 77% reinforces this profile, while lower-prevalence amenities like pools (9%) and hot tubs (8%) could offer differentiation for properties that include them.

Understanding San Mateo's ROI Score: 45/100

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 Mateo's ROI score of 45 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market with genuine demand but challenging economics for new investors. Occupancy stability is the standout positive factor (rated above average), while the revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance both rate below average — a direct consequence of property values averaging over $2.4 million against roughly $37,500 in annual revenue. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-revenue property configurations like 2–3 bedrooms will be essential for investors seeking viable returns in this market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in San Mateo

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

Permit Requirements

The City of San Mateo and the State of California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their property before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with San Mateo's planning or housing department, as local rules can change and enforcement practices vary.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include limits on the number of guests, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and designated parking provisions. Some neighborhoods may also fall under HOA covenants that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, and certain cities impose caps on the total number of active permits — factors worth investigating before acquiring a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT) and potentially state sales taxes, though platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm the applicable TOT rate in San Mateo and ensure compliance with any additional county or state filing requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, San Mateo's occupancy stability — rated above average — suggests continued resilience in demand, particularly from business travelers and extended-stay guests drawn by Peninsula tech employers. Seasonal patterns point to peak revenue in the June–August corridor, with July topping $4,060 per month on average, while winter months settle closer to $2,300–$2,500. We estimate ADR could edge up 1–3% as supply growth remains modest (year-over-year listing growth at roughly 101%), though the tight revenue-to-price ratio will likely keep overall ROI compressed without careful property selection. Investors should plan around a market that rewards consistent bookings over outsized nightly rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in San Mateo, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Mateo?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Mateo is currently 54%, which sits comfortably above the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 63%, while 3-bedroom properties average 41%. This above-average occupancy reflects consistent demand from business travelers and visitors to the broader Peninsula area.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in San Mateo?

On average, Airbnb hosts in San Mateo earn approximately $3,125 per month or $37,504 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average $1,855–$1,923 monthly, while 3-bedroom properties bring in roughly $5,414 per month ($64,978 annually). Peak months like July can push monthly revenue above $4,060.

Is San Mateo a good market for Airbnb investment?

San Mateo earns an ROI score of 45 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from strong occupancy stability and steady demand from Silicon Valley professionals, but high average home values of $2,404,300 mean the revenue-to-price ratio is below average. Investors who can source well-priced properties — especially in the 2–3 bedroom range — and operate efficiently have the best chance of generating solid returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in San Mateo is $246, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: studios average $151, 1-bedrooms $129, 2-bedrooms $232, and 3-bedroom properties command $398 per night. The lower overall ADR reflects the market's concentration of smaller units.

Are short-term rentals legal in San Mateo?

Short-term rentals operate in San Mateo, but hosts may need to obtain permits or register with the city. Regulations in California can vary by municipality, so it's important to check directly with San Mateo's local planning or housing department for the latest rules on STR permits, zoning restrictions, and any caps on rental activity before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in San Mateo?

Peak season in San Mateo runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $4,060. May through October form a broader high-demand window where revenue consistently exceeds $3,300 per month. The slower months are January and February, when average revenue drops to approximately $2,300–$2,335.

How many Airbnbs are there in San Mateo?

As of April 2026, there are 119 active Airbnb listings in San Mateo. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (60 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (24), 3-bedrooms (20), and studios (6). Year-over-year listing growth is approximately 101%, indicating that supply has remained relatively stable rather than expanding rapidly.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in San Mateo?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for San Mateo 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, remove 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 based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how 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 across the San Mateo market
• 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
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary 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 performance as of the dates noted and may not capture very recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.