Solana Beach, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Solana Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Solana Beach sits along the San Diego County coastline, drawing steady vacation-rental demand from beachgoers and remote workers alike. With an average occupancy rate of 54% — well above California's 43% state average — and an average annual revenue of $68,863 per listing, the market rewards operators who can navigate its premium price points. The 148 active Airbnb listings reflect a relatively compact supply base, though year-over-year listing growth of 109% signals rising investor interest and intensifying competition.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Solana Beach 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 Solana Beach

Investors are drawn to Solana Beach for its premium coastal location and occupancy rates that consistently outperform the broader California market, though elevated home values require careful deal selection to achieve favorable returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Solana Beach presents a competitive opportunity where strong demand meets elevated acquisition costs. The market's above-average occupancy stability is a genuine bright spot, but a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by average home values near $3.24 million — means investors need to source deals selectively to make the numbers work. Revenue follows a clear seasonal arc: July tops out at $9,527 per month while January dips to $3,907, creating roughly a 2.4× spread that investors should build into their financial models. Overall, this is a market better suited to operators who can command premium rates through property quality and amenity differentiation rather than those seeking easy cash-on-cash returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Solana Beach

Average revenue by month in Solana Beach

Solana Beach exhibits pronounced seasonality, with July's $9,527 average revenue more than doubling January's $3,907 low. A secondary spring bump in March ($6,450) provides a welcome lift between the winter trough and the summer peak, giving investors roughly seven months of above-$5,000 revenue from March through September.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Solana Beach

Two-bedroom listings dominate the market with 77 of 148 active properties, making up over half of total supply. Four-bedroom units are notably scarce at just 5 listings, which — combined with their outsized revenue — could signal an underserved niche for investors willing to acquire larger coastal homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Solana Beach

ADR climbs sharply with size, from $233 for 1-bedroom units to $1,163 for 4-bedroom properties — a nearly 5× premium. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($448) to 4-bedrooms is especially steep, suggesting that the small number of large-format listings allows those hosts to command exceptional nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Solana Beach

RevPAN increases across all property sizes, with 4-bedroom units leading at $432 per available night compared to $132 for 1-bedrooms. Even after factoring in the lower occupancy of larger homes, the revenue per available night nearly doubles with each step up in size, underscoring the earning power of bigger properties in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Solana Beach

Smaller properties fill more consistently, with 1-bedrooms achieving 57% occupancy versus just 37% for 4-bedroom listings. Investors targeting larger homes should expect more vacant nights but can offset that with substantially higher nightly rates and overall revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Solana Beach

Monthly revenue scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedrooms average $4,138, 2-bedrooms $5,577, and 3-bedrooms $7,544, while 4-bedroom units lead dramatically at $16,132 per month. The gap between 3- and 4-bedroom revenue is the largest step up, reflecting the scarcity premium and group-travel demand for larger coastal properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Solana Beach

Four-bedroom properties generate roughly $193,593 in annual revenue — nearly four times what a 1-bedroom earns ($49,660) and almost triple a 2-bedroom's $66,929. For investors weighing return potential, 3-bedroom listings at $90,539 annually offer a strong middle ground between acquisition cost and revenue output.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Solana Beach

Parking (100%) and a full kitchen (99%) are table stakes in Solana Beach, while lifestyle amenities like hot tubs (65%), pools (65%), and BBQ grills (66%) appear in a majority of listings. Beach access (44%) and waterfront positioning (31%) remain differentiators rather than baseline expectations, suggesting that proximity-to-beach marketing can still set a listing apart.

Understanding Solana Beach'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

Solana Beach's ROI Score of 41 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band — a market where demand is genuine but elevated home prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio below average. The bright spot is above-average occupancy stability, which provides a more predictable income floor than many California coastal peers. Investors should pair this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and target properties where acquisition cost or operational differentiation can tilt the return equation in their favor.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Solana Beach

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Solana Beach and the State of California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their property before listing it. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Solana Beach's planning or community development department before acquiring a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal communities can include limits on the number of guests, minimum-stay requirements, designated quiet hours, parking mandates, and caps on the total number of STR permits issued. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, particularly in condominium or planned-community settings, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential before committing to a purchase.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are typically subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and potentially state sales tax obligations. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with both Solana Beach and California state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Solana Beach should continue to benefit from its coastal appeal and above-average occupancy stability. Summer months are likely to remain the dominant revenue driver, with peak-month revenues estimated to stay in the $9,000–$10,000 range, while winter softness may keep off-peak monthly averages closer to $3,900–$4,600. ADR growth of 1–3% is plausible given the market's premium positioning, though the rapid expansion of supply could temper occupancy gains. Investors should plan for seasonal cash-flow swings and monitor how the growing listing count affects booking rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Solana Beach, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Solana Beach?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Solana Beach is currently 54%, which is notably higher than the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size — 1-bedroom units achieve around 57%, while larger 4-bedroom properties average about 37%. This above-average occupancy suggests consistent guest demand driven by the area's coastal appeal.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Solana Beach?

Airbnb hosts in Solana Beach earn an average of $5,738 per month, which translates to approximately $68,863 annually. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average around $49,660 per year, 2-bedrooms about $66,929, 3-bedrooms roughly $90,539, and 4-bedroom properties can reach $193,593 annually. Individual results depend on factors like property quality, pricing strategy, and seasonal management.

Is Solana Beach a good market for Airbnb investment?

Solana Beach holds a Rabbu ROI Score of 41 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and steady coastal demand, but elevated home values (averaging $3,243,063) compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can source properties below market averages or differentiate through premium amenities and superior guest experience are best positioned to generate favorable returns here.

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

The average daily rate in Solana Beach is $366, which sits below the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size — from $233 for 1-bedroom listings up to $1,163 for 4-bedroom properties. This pricing structure reflects the premium that families and larger groups are willing to pay for spacious coastal accommodations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Solana Beach?

Short-term rentals do operate in Solana Beach, as evidenced by 148 active Airbnb listings. However, the City of Solana Beach and the State of California may impose permit, registration, or licensing requirements on STR operators. Prospective investors should contact local authorities and review any HOA or community restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Solana Beach?

Peak season in Solana Beach runs through the summer months, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $9,527. June ($7,156) and August ($7,624) also perform strongly. The slowest period falls in January, when average revenue drops to $3,907. March sees a notable mid-spring bump to $6,450, likely driven by spring break travel to the coast.

How many Airbnbs are there in Solana Beach?

There are currently 148 active Airbnb listings in Solana Beach as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom properties (77 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (32), 1-bedrooms (27), and 4-bedrooms (5). Year-over-year listing growth stands at 109%, indicating significant new supply entering the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Solana Beach?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Solana Beach 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 capture seasonal peaks (like July's $9,527 average) and slower periods (like January's $3,907). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, 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, occupancy rates, and nightly rate data for the Solana Beach market
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking history
• Property-size breakdowns for listings, ADR, occupancy, and revenue to support investment sizing decisions
• Average home values sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for revenue-to-price context
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup and 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 may change; investors should verify current rules with Solana Beach and California authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.