Santa Barbara, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Santa Barbara Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Santa Barbara's coastal allure and year-round mild climate drive steady short-term rental demand, with 695 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $73,979. Occupancy sits at 46%, outpacing the California state average of 43%, while the average daily rate of $464 reflects the premium guests are willing to pay for this iconic stretch of the Central Coast. High property values—averaging roughly $2.86 million—temper the revenue-to-price ratio, but the market's occupancy stability and reliable tourist draw keep it squarely in "attractive opportunity" territory.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara appeals to investors seeking a premium coastal market with above-average occupancy stability and strong seasonal revenue spikes driven by tourism and leisure travel.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 58 out of 100, Santa Barbara represents an attractive opportunity where healthy occupancy and premium nightly rates offset the challenge of elevated property prices. Seasonality is pronounced: revenue climbs sharply from spring into a July–August peak before tapering through winter, so investors should plan cash reserves for slower months. The market's supply-and-demand balance and growth trend both sit at average levels, indicating a competitive but not oversaturated environment. Pairing the right property type with strategic pricing during shoulder and peak seasons can help maximize returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Santa Barbara

Average revenue by month in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara's revenue peaks sharply in July ($9,399) and August ($9,105), more than double the January low of $4,278, highlighting a pronounced summer seasonality pattern. Shoulder months like June ($6,814) and September ($6,676) still perform well, giving hosts roughly five strong months of elevated income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Santa Barbara

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 333 of 695 total properties, while 2-bedrooms (152) and 3-bedrooms (107) round out the next tiers. Larger homes with 4+ bedrooms account for just 72 listings combined, suggesting a potential supply gap for investors targeting the luxury family or group-travel segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Santa Barbara

ADR scales aggressively with size in Santa Barbara—from $201 for studios up to $2,137 for 6+ bedroom properties, reflecting the premium guests place on space in a coastal market. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($678) to 4 bedrooms ($1,122) is particularly notable, suggesting strong pricing power for mid-to-large homes.

Average RevPAN by property size in Santa Barbara

Revenue per available night climbs steadily from $95 for studios to $1,068 for 6+ bedroom listings, with 5-bedroom properties delivering a strong $723 RevPAN. This progression indicates that larger properties not only command higher nightly rates but also maintain enough occupancy to convert those rates into meaningful per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Santa Barbara

Occupancy remains relatively consistent across most property sizes, ranging from 44% (1-bedroom) to 50% (5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom), with 4-bedroom listings being the notable exception at 39%. The higher occupancy for larger luxury properties suggests sustained group-travel demand, while the 4-bedroom dip may reflect higher price sensitivity at that tier.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Santa Barbara

Monthly revenue increases dramatically with size: studios average $3,461 while 6+ bedroom homes generate $45,910 per month—over 13 times more. Even the step from 2-bedroom ($7,766) to 3-bedroom ($11,583) represents a meaningful jump, underscoring the revenue advantage of offering more space in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Santa Barbara

Annual revenue ranges from $41,536 for studios to $550,929 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedroom homes at $312,243 standing out as a compelling option given the limited supply in that category. Three-bedroom listings averaging $139,007 annually may offer the best balance of acquisition cost and revenue potential for many investors.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Santa Barbara

Parking leads amenity prevalence at 96%, followed by kitchens (85%) and self check-in (71%), signaling that guests in Santa Barbara expect a car-friendly, home-like experience with minimal friction at arrival. Outdoor living features—patios, outdoor furniture, and backyards—appear in over half of listings, reflecting the market's emphasis on California's indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Understanding Santa Barbara'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

Santa Barbara's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and a balanced supply-and-demand environment. The main drag on the score is a below-average revenue-to-price ratio, a natural consequence of the area's premium real estate values averaging $2.86 million. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research to ensure their target property can operate as an STR and generate returns aligned with expectations.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Santa Barbara

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Santa Barbara and the State of California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits, register their properties, and comply with local zoning rules. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the city's planning and community development departments before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal California markets can include caps on the number of STR permits issued, minimum-stay requirements, occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, and noise or parking standards. HOA rules may impose additional constraints, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential for condos and planned communities.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT), and some jurisdictions may also levy tourism or business improvement district assessments. Major booking platforms often collect and remit state and local taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Santa Barbara tax collector's office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Santa Barbara's summer peak—where monthly revenue nearly doubles the winter baseline—should continue to anchor strong seasonal earnings, with July and August revenues likely holding in the $9,000–$9,500 range. ADR could edge up an estimated 2–4% as travel demand along the California coast remains resilient, while occupancy is expected to hover around 44–48% market-wide. Supply growth appears moderate at 103% year-over-year, suggesting the market is absorbing new inventory without significant oversaturation. Investors should monitor any tightening of local STR regulations that could shift the supply landscape."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Santa Barbara, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Santa Barbara?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Santa Barbara is currently 46%, which outperforms the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size—5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom listings reach 50%, while 4-bedroom properties tend to sit lower at around 39%. This above-average occupancy reflects the area's consistent tourism demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Santa Barbara?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Santa Barbara earn roughly $6,164 per month, which translates to approximately $73,979 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: studios average about $41,536 annually, while 5-bedroom homes can bring in around $312,243. Peak summer months like July push monthly earnings to nearly $9,400 on average.

Is Santa Barbara a good market for Airbnb investment?

Santa Barbara earns an ROI score of 58 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. Its strengths include above-average occupancy stability and premium nightly rates fueled by coastal tourism and wine-country proximity. The main consideration is the high average home value of roughly $2.86 million, which places the revenue-to-price ratio below average. Investors who can secure the right property at a competitive basis will find solid earning potential here.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Santa Barbara?

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Santa Barbara is $464, compared to the California state average of $551. Rates scale steeply with size: studios average $201 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $447, and 4-bedroom properties command $1,122. Larger luxury homes with 6 or more bedrooms can average over $2,137 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Santa Barbara?

Short-term rentals do operate in Santa Barbara, but local regulations may require permits, registration, and compliance with specific zoning and safety standards. Rules can change, so prospective investors should consult the City of Santa Barbara's planning department and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Santa Barbara?

Peak season in Santa Barbara runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $9,399 per listing. August follows closely at $9,105. The slowest months are January ($4,278) and February ($4,667), making the summer-to-winter revenue spread roughly 2.2x—a clear seasonal pattern that investors should factor into cash-flow planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Santa Barbara?

There are currently 695 active Airbnb listings in Santa Barbara. One-bedroom units make up the largest share at 333 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (152) and 3-bedrooms (107). Larger properties with 5 or more bedrooms are relatively scarce, with only 23 combined listings in those categories.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Santa Barbara?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Santa Barbara 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 data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively 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 Santa Barbara market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from 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.