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

Santa Cruz Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Santa Cruz delivers an appealing blend of coastal tourism demand and above-average occupancy stability, earning a 58 out of 100 ROI score that signals attractive short-term rental potential. With 329 active Airbnb listings generating an average of $64,210 in annual revenue and an ADR of $377—well below the $551 California state average—the market offers a more accessible price point for guests while still producing meaningful income for hosts. High property values averaging $1,778,288 do compress the revenue-to-price ratio, but the market's seasonal draw and steady demand make it worth a closer look for investors targeting the California coast.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Santa Cruz 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 Cruz

Santa Cruz attracts STR investors with its reliable coastal tourism demand, above-average occupancy stability, and strong summer revenue peaks that offset softer winter months.

Expert Market Assessment

"Santa Cruz presents a moderately attractive opportunity for STR investors who are comfortable navigating high property costs and seasonal revenue swings. The market's strongest months—July at $8,320 and August at $8,106—deliver roughly 2.5 times the revenue of January's $3,213, so cash-flow planning around this seasonality is essential. Occupancy stability rates above average, which helps mitigate some of the risk inherent in a market where the revenue-to-price ratio runs below average due to elevated home values. Investors who target larger properties and optimize for summer peak performance stand to capture the most compelling returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Santa Cruz

Average revenue by month in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz shows pronounced seasonality, with July ($8,320) and August ($8,106) delivering peak revenue that's roughly 2.5 times the January low of $3,213. The spread between peak and off-peak months signals that investors should plan for significant cash-flow variability and consider dynamic pricing strategies to maximize summer returns while managing slower winter periods.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Santa Cruz

One-bedroom units dominate supply at 113 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (79) and 3-bedrooms (78), while only 9 five-bedroom properties are active. The scarcity of larger homes—particularly 4- and 5-bedroom listings—suggests potential opportunity for investors willing to enter a less competitive segment that commands significantly higher nightly rates.

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

ADR scales steeply with property size in Santa Cruz, jumping from $184–$185 for studios and 1-bedrooms to $699 for 4-bedrooms and an impressive $1,257 for 5-bedroom properties. The premium on larger homes is dramatic, with 5-bedroom listings commanding nearly 7 times the rate of a 1-bedroom, making them especially attractive for investors who can absorb the higher acquisition cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Santa Cruz

Revenue per available night climbs consistently with bedroom count, from $59 for 1-bedrooms to $269 for 5-bedroom properties. Four-bedroom listings deliver $218 in RevPAN with a relatively stronger occupancy rate than 5-bedrooms, potentially offering the best balance of revenue efficiency and booking consistency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Santa Cruz

Studios lead occupancy at 37%, while 1- through 4-bedroom properties cluster between 30% and 33%, and 5-bedroom homes trail at 21%. The relatively narrow occupancy band across most property sizes suggests that demand is consistent regardless of unit configuration, though the drop-off for the largest homes indicates a smaller guest pool for premium properties.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Santa Cruz

Monthly revenue differences across property sizes are substantial—studios and 1-bedrooms earn around $2,600, while 5-bedroom homes generate $19,833 per month, nearly 7.5 times more. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($7,529) to 4-bedrooms ($11,652) is particularly noteworthy, representing a 55% revenue increase that could justify the incremental investment in a larger property.

Average annual revenue by property size in Santa Cruz

Annual revenue ranges from $31,215 for studios to $238,004 for 5-bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering a meaningful income boost. Four-bedroom homes at $139,826 annually offer strong return potential and may represent a sweet spot for investors seeking high revenue without the ultra-premium acquisition costs that 5-bedroom coastal properties often require.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Santa Cruz

Parking (92%), kitchen (86%), and self check-in (80%) are near-universal among Santa Cruz listings, establishing them as baseline expectations rather than differentiators. Outdoor amenities like patios (73%), backyards (60%), and BBQ grills (57%) are also widespread, while beach access (32%) and hot tubs (21%) remain less common and could serve as competitive advantages for listings that offer them.

Understanding Santa Cruz'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 Cruz's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics partially offset a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by high coastal property values. Market growth trends register as average, suggesting steady but not explosive expansion. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic assessment of seasonal cash-flow patterns before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Santa Cruz

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Santa Cruz and the State of California 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 Santa Cruz city planning department and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal California markets can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking rules. Some neighborhoods or properties may also be subject to HOA covenants that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, and local governments may impose caps on the total number of permits issued.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes, and Santa Cruz may impose its own local lodging tax on top of state requirements. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with local tax authorities to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Santa Cruz is expected to maintain its strong summer demand cycle, with peak revenue likely concentrated in June through August when monthly earnings can exceed $8,000. The 125% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy and ADR if supply outpaces demand. We estimate ADR may hold steady or see a slight 1–3% increase as hosts refine pricing strategies, while market-wide occupancy could settle in the 30–35% range depending on how quickly new supply is absorbed. Investors entering now should plan for pronounced seasonality and budget conservatively for the slower winter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Santa Cruz, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Santa Cruz?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Santa Cruz is currently 32%, which trails the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios leading at 37% and 5-bedroom homes at the lower end at 21%. While these figures may seem modest, Santa Cruz's above-average occupancy stability means demand tends to be relatively consistent rather than volatile, giving hosts more predictable booking patterns throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Santa Cruz?

Airbnb hosts in Santa Cruz earn an average of $5,350 per month and approximately $64,210 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales significantly with property size—studios and 1-bedrooms average around $2,600 per month, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $11,652 monthly and 5-bedroom homes can generate nearly $19,833 per month. Peak summer months like July push average revenue to $8,320, while January dips to about $3,213.

Is Santa Cruz a good market for Airbnb investment?

Santa Cruz earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 58 out of 100, categorized as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and consistent coastal tourism demand, particularly during the summer months. However, the revenue-to-price ratio is below average due to high property values averaging $1,778,288, so investors need to carefully evaluate whether projected rental income justifies the acquisition cost. Larger properties tend to offer stronger revenue potential, with 4- and 5-bedroom homes generating the highest annual returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Santa Cruz is $377, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR increases substantially with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average around $184–$185 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $317, 3-bedrooms command $485, 4-bedrooms hit $699, and 5-bedroom properties can charge up to $1,257 per night. This tiered pricing structure makes larger properties particularly compelling for investors seeking higher nightly revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in Santa Cruz?

Short-term rentals operate in Santa Cruz, but the city and the State of California may impose specific permitting, registration, and tax requirements on hosts. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should consult directly with the City of Santa Cruz planning department and review any applicable HOA or neighborhood restrictions before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Santa Cruz?

Peak season in Santa Cruz runs from June through August, with July topping the charts at $8,320 in average monthly revenue and August close behind at $8,106. June marks the beginning of the surge at $6,889. The shoulder months of September ($5,738) and May ($5,244) also perform respectably. The slowest months are January ($3,213) and February ($3,444), reflecting the typical pattern for a coastal California market driven by warm-weather tourism.

How many Airbnbs are there in Santa Cruz?

As of April 2026, there are 329 active Airbnb listings in Santa Cruz. The supply is led by 1-bedroom properties (113 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (79) and 3-bedrooms (78). Larger homes with 4 or 5 bedrooms are less common at 28 and 9 listings respectively, which could represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger properties in a segment with less competition. Year-over-year listing growth has been notable at 125%.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Santa Cruz?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Santa Cruz are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, 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 Santa Cruz market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.