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

San Rafael Short-Term Rental Market Overview

San Rafael sits in one of the Bay Area's most desirable corridors, yet its short-term rental market remains relatively compact with just 94 active Airbnb listings. Average annual revenue comes in at $34,373 on a trailing 12-month basis, while an ADR of $283 — well below the $551 California state average — keeps nightly pricing accessible to a broader range of travelers. With home values averaging nearly $1.8 million, the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, making deal sourcing and property selection critical for anyone looking to invest here.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the San Rafael 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 Rafael

San Rafael draws investor interest because of its proximity to San Francisco, strong occupancy stability, and a guest profile that values both leisure and work-friendly stays.

Expert Market Assessment

"San Rafael represents a competitive opportunity rather than an easy win. The ROI score of 42 out of 100 reflects strong occupancy fundamentals — above-average stability — but the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given $1.8M average home values against $34,373 in annual revenue. Seasonality is pronounced: July and August pull in roughly $4,000 per month, while January and February dip below $2,000, so investors need to plan for meaningful cash-flow swings. Selective deal sourcing and targeting larger property configurations can meaningfully improve returns in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in San Rafael

Average revenue by month in San Rafael

San Rafael shows clear summer-driven seasonality, with July ($4,021) and August ($4,000) generating roughly double the revenue of the January ($1,920) and February ($1,953) lows. The spread between peak and off-peak months signals that investors should budget for meaningful winter softness and consider dynamic pricing to maximize summer gains.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in San Rafael

One-bedroom listings dominate the market with 53 of the 94 active properties, while 3-bedroom and studio units each account for just 6 listings. The relatively thin supply of 3-bedroom homes is notable given their outsized revenue potential, which could represent an opportunity for investors willing to target that segment.

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

ADR scales steeply with size in San Rafael — from $119 for studios to $653 for 4-bedroom properties. The sharpest jump occurs between 2-bedrooms ($226) and 3-bedrooms ($498), suggesting that larger family- or group-oriented properties command a significant nightly premium in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in San Rafael

Three-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $235, far outpacing the next-best 4-bedroom category at $176 and the overall market average of $122. Studios and 1-bedrooms cluster much lower at $73 and $66 respectively, indicating that mid-to-large properties generate the strongest returns per available night after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in San Rafael

Studios lead occupancy at 61%, followed by 1-bedrooms and 3-bedrooms tied at 47%, while 4-bedroom properties lag at just 27%. The higher fill rates for smaller units offer more predictable cash flow, but the lower occupancy of larger homes is offset by their substantially higher nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in San Rafael

Three-bedroom properties are the clear top earners at $9,785 per month — more than four times what a 1-bedroom generates ($2,299) and nearly $2,200 more than 4-bedrooms ($7,624). Studios bring in the least at $1,788 monthly, confirming that mid-size to larger configurations drive the bulk of revenue in San Rafael.

Average annual revenue by property size in San Rafael

Annually, 3-bedroom listings generate $117,420 on average — more than triple the 2-bedroom figure of $44,880 and over four times the 1-bedroom average of $27,594. Four-bedroom properties also perform well at $91,491 per year, though the 3-bedroom sweet spot offers the best return potential for investors considering the favorable RevPAN and relatively limited supply.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in San Rafael

Parking is nearly universal at 98% of listings, reflecting a car-dependent market, while kitchen access (87%) and patio or balcony space (73%) round out the top three. The prevalence of workspaces (67%) and self check-in (70%) signals strong demand from remote workers and independent travelers who expect a home-like, low-friction experience.

Understanding San Rafael'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 Rafael's ROI score of 42 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting a market where strong demand fundamentals — particularly above-average occupancy stability — are offset by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by Marin County's high home values. Supply/demand balance also trends below average, with 113% year-over-year listing growth introducing more competition. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types — especially 3-bedroom homes — that meaningfully outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in San Rafael

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

Permit Requirements

The City of San Rafael and Marin County may require short-term rental hosts to obtain a business license or STR permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with San Rafael's planning or community development department, as California municipalities frequently update their STR regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. Some neighborhoods may also be subject to HOA rules that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, and permit caps could apply depending on zoning — investors should confirm all applicable restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in San Rafael are typically subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT), and California also imposes state sales tax obligations on lodging. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax responsibilities with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect seasonal patterns similar to recent trends: summer months should continue generating monthly revenue in the $3,200–$4,000 range, while winter dips to around $1,900–$2,000 are likely. The market's above-average occupancy stability suggests steady baseline demand, and ADR could see modest growth of 1–3% if supply growth levels off. Investors should keep an eye on the 113% year-over-year increase in active listings, which signals rising competition that may temper revenue gains for less-differentiated properties."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in San Rafael, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Rafael?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Rafael is currently 43%, which matches the California state average. Occupancy varies by property size — studios lead at 61%, while 4-bedroom properties sit lower at 27%. Investors targeting smaller units can generally expect more consistent bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in San Rafael?

On a trailing 12-month basis, the average Airbnb host in San Rafael earns approximately $34,373 per year, or about $2,864 per month. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 3-bedroom listings average $117,420 annually, while studios bring in roughly $21,457. Summer months are the strongest revenue period, with July averaging around $4,021.

Is San Rafael a good market for Airbnb investment?

San Rafael scores 42 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and proximity to San Francisco, but the high average home value of $1,799,242 compresses the revenue-to-price ratio. Success here depends on sourcing the right deal and targeting property configurations — particularly 3-bedroom homes — that generate outsized returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in San Rafael is $283, which is significantly below the California state average of $551. ADR scales sharply with property size: studios average $119 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $653. This pricing structure means larger homes can capture substantially higher nightly revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in San Rafael?

Short-term rentals operate in San Rafael, but hosts may need to obtain permits, business licenses, or meet other local regulatory requirements. California municipalities frequently adjust STR rules, so investors should contact the City of San Rafael's planning department directly and review any applicable HOA restrictions before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in San Rafael?

Peak season for Airbnb in San Rafael runs from June through August, with July being the top-earning month at approximately $4,021 in average revenue. August is close behind at $4,000. The slowest months are January ($1,920) and February ($1,953), meaning the summer peak generates roughly double the revenue of the winter low.

How many Airbnbs are there in San Rafael?

As of April 2026, there are 94 active Airbnb listings in San Rafael. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (53 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (15) and 4-bedrooms (8). Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 113%, suggesting increasing investor and host interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in San Rafael?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for San Rafael 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 roll 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 a host manages their listing.

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 Rafael and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Annual and monthly revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home 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 12-month averages as of the dates noted and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.