Sausalito, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Sausalito Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sausalito's short-term rental market benefits from its iconic waterfront setting, proximity to San Francisco, and strong appeal to leisure travelers seeking a scenic getaway. With an average daily rate of $300, an occupancy rate of 47% (outpacing the 43% California state average), and average annual revenue of $60,453, the market rewards well-positioned hosts. However, average home values of roughly $2.59 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, making selective deal sourcing essential for investors aiming to generate attractive cash-on-cash returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sausalito 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 Sausalito

Sausalito attracts STR investors because its scarcity of listings, above-average occupancy, and premium coastal setting create pricing power — though high property costs demand disciplined underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sausalito presents a competitive but carefully rewarding opportunity for STR investors who can source deals below market-average home prices. Revenue potential is moderate — averaging $5,037 per month — and heavily seasonal, with July peaking near $7,073 and January dipping to roughly $3,377. The ROI score of 41 out of 100 reflects the tension between strong demand fundamentals (above-average occupancy, limited supply) and the headwind of very high acquisition costs that compress yield. Investors with access to off-market deals or properties that can command premium nightly rates through waterfront views, design upgrades, or unique amenities are best positioned here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sausalito

Average revenue by month in Sausalito

Sausalito shows clear summer-driven seasonality: July ($7,073) and August ($7,034) generate roughly double the revenue of January ($3,377) and February ($3,437), creating a peak-to-trough spread of about $3,700. Investors should plan for four strong months from June through September and budget conservatively for the slower winter quarter.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sausalito

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 30 of 64 total listings, followed by 2-bedroom properties at 21 listings and just 7 studios. Larger property types (3+ bedrooms) appear absent from the data, which may signal a supply gap for group travelers seeking more spacious accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sausalito

ADR scales steadily with size — studios average $182, 1-bedrooms $260, and 2-bedrooms $327 per night. The jump from studio to 1-bedroom represents a 43% rate premium, suggesting that even a modest upgrade in space commands significantly higher nightly pricing in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sausalito

Two-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $142, followed by 1-bedrooms at $124 and studios at $85. The gap between studios and 2-bedrooms is substantial at $57 per available night, reinforcing that larger units extract meaningfully more revenue even after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sausalito

Occupancy rates are remarkably consistent across property sizes, with 1-bedrooms at 48%, studios at 47%, and 2-bedrooms at 44%. This tight range suggests that demand is broad-based and not concentrated in one configuration, which is a positive indicator for cash-flow predictability regardless of unit type.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sausalito

Two-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $5,318, followed by 1-bedrooms at $4,386 and studios at $2,925. The step up from studio to 2-bedroom represents an 82% increase in monthly income, making larger units substantially more productive on a per-listing basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sausalito

Annual revenue ranges from $35,107 for studios to $63,816 for 2-bedroom units, with 1-bedrooms falling in between at $52,639. Given Sausalito's high home values, investors should carefully model whether the incremental revenue from a 2-bedroom justifies the likely higher acquisition cost compared to a 1-bedroom.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sausalito

Parking (98%) and kitchen access (94%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations in a market where most visitors arrive by car and prefer self-catering options. Outdoor living features are also prominent — 80% offer a patio or balcony and 61% provide outdoor furniture — signaling that scenic, al-fresco experiences are a baseline expectation for competitive listings in Sausalito.

Understanding Sausalito's ROI Score: 41/100

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

Sausalito's ROI score of 41 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where demand fundamentals are sound but high acquisition costs compress returns. Above-average occupancy stability is the standout positive factor, while the revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend both score below average — a direct consequence of home values near $2.59 million outpacing the revenue these properties typically generate. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties that can outperform market averages through location, views, or amenity differentiation.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sausalito

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Sausalito and the State of California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits, business licenses, or register their property before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Sausalito's planning or community development department before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal communities can include limits on the number of occupants per unit, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance provisions, parking mandates, and caps on the total number of STR permits issued. HOA rules in Sausalito's many condominium and planned developments may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term renting.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT) at the city level, and in some cases state sales or tourism-related taxes may apply. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the City of Sausalito and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sausalito's STR demand is expected to remain resilient through the summer peak — July and August historically generate monthly revenues above $7,000 — while softer winter months around $3,400 will continue to pull annual averages lower. ADR may edge up 1–3% as limited supply (just 64 active listings) keeps pricing power in hosts' favor, though occupancy is likely to hover in the 45–50% range. The 157% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could moderate per-listing performance if supply continues expanding at that pace. Investors should plan for pronounced seasonality and budget conservatively for the January–March window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sausalito, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sausalito?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sausalito is currently 47%, which sits above the California state average of 43%. Occupancy is relatively consistent across property sizes, ranging from 44% for 2-bedroom units to 48% for 1-bedroom listings. This above-average occupancy reflects steady visitor demand driven by Sausalito's appeal as a waterfront destination near San Francisco.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sausalito?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Sausalito earn approximately $5,037 per month and $60,453 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary by property size: studios average $35,107 annually, 1-bedroom units bring in about $52,639, and 2-bedroom properties lead at roughly $63,816 per year. Summer months are the strongest earning period, with July averaging around $7,073 in revenue.

Is Sausalito a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sausalito carries an ROI score of 41 out of 100, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market offers above-average occupancy and limited supply (just 64 active listings), which supports pricing power and consistent bookings. However, average home values near $2.59 million create a challenging revenue-to-price ratio, so investors will need to be selective in deal sourcing or find ways to command premium nightly rates to achieve strong returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Sausalito is $300, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR scales with property size — studios average $182, 1-bedroom listings come in at $260, and 2-bedroom properties reach $327 per night. The relatively lower ADR compared to the state reflects Sausalito's smaller unit sizes rather than weak demand.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sausalito?

Short-term rentals operate in Sausalito, but hosts should verify current permitting, registration, and licensing requirements with the City of Sausalito and relevant California state agencies. Regulations can include occupancy limits, noise restrictions, parking requirements, and possible permit caps. HOA rules may also apply, particularly in condo or planned developments common in the area.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sausalito?

Peak season for Airbnb in Sausalito runs from June through September, with July and August being the strongest months at roughly $7,073 and $7,034 in average revenue respectively. The off-peak period spans January through March, when monthly revenue drops to the $3,377–$4,419 range. This seasonality pattern aligns with Sausalito's appeal as a warm-weather coastal destination.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sausalito?

As of April 2026, there are 64 active Airbnb listings in Sausalito. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (30 listings), followed by 2-bedroom units (21 listings) and studios (7 listings). This limited inventory keeps competition relatively contained compared to larger California markets, which works in favor of existing and incoming hosts.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sausalito?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sausalito 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. 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 actively 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 for the Sausalito market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to guide property setup decisions
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment modeling

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 may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.