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

Sonoma Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sonoma's wine-country appeal drives a premium short-term rental market where hosts earn an average of $106,183 annually and command an ADR of $645 — well above the $551 California state average. With 259 active listings and an ROI score of 65 out of 100, the market offers attractive return potential, though occupancy sits at 30% compared to a 43% state average, reflecting its leisure-driven, seasonal demand pattern. Investors willing to target larger properties can unlock significantly higher revenue, with 4- and 5-bedroom homes generating $186,922 and $264,225 per year respectively.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sonoma 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 Sonoma

Sonoma attracts investors because its high-ADR, tourism-driven market offers strong per-night revenue potential even at moderate occupancy levels.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sonoma presents an attractive opportunity for STR investors who are comfortable with a pronounced seasonal curve and high entry costs. Revenue peaks sharply in July and August — with average monthly earnings reaching $12,860 and $13,333 respectively — before tapering to around $5,300 in January, creating a roughly 2.5× spread between peak and off-peak months. The market's strength lies in its high nightly rates rather than occupancy volume, making property quality and guest experience the primary levers for outperformance. Given average home values near $1.73 million, investors should carefully model cash flow against acquisition costs, but those who target the right property size and amenity mix can generate meaningful returns in this premium leisure market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sonoma

Average revenue by month in Sonoma

Sonoma's revenue curve peaks in August at $13,333 and bottoms in January at $5,303, creating a 2.5× seasonal spread that underscores the market's summer-driven demand cycle. Shoulder months like May ($9,397) and October ($9,007) provide meaningful transitional revenue, but investors should plan for significantly lighter cash flow from November through February.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sonoma

Three-bedroom properties dominate Sonoma's supply at 69 listings, while studios and 6+ bedroom homes are the scarcest with just 11 each. The relative undersupply of larger properties (5+ bedrooms) combined with their outsized revenue potential may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire premium-sized homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sonoma

ADR scales steeply in Sonoma — from $205 for studios to $1,794 for 6+ bedroom properties — reflecting the premium that groups and families will pay for spacious wine-country accommodations. The sharpest jump occurs between 3 bedrooms ($597) and 4 bedrooms ($1,074), nearly doubling, which suggests the 4-bedroom tier offers a notable pricing inflection point.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sonoma

RevPAN climbs consistently with property size, from $43 for studios to $517 for 6+ bedroom listings, confirming that larger properties generate more revenue per available night even after accounting for their lower occupancy. The gap between 4-bedroom ($357) and 5-bedroom ($366) RevPAN is narrow, suggesting the incremental investment from 4 to 5 bedrooms may not justify the additional cost for all investors.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sonoma

Two-bedroom listings lead Sonoma's occupancy at 34%, while studios trail at 21%, indicating that smaller units struggle to attract consistent bookings in this premium market. Mid-range and larger properties cluster between 29% and 33%, reflecting a fairly uniform demand distribution that rewards ADR optimization over occupancy maximization.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sonoma

Monthly revenue ranges from $2,694 for studios to $31,708 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering a meaningful revenue increase. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($15,576) to 5 bedrooms ($22,018) is particularly notable at $6,442 per month, making larger luxury properties the clear revenue leaders in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sonoma

Annual revenue tops out at $380,496 for 6+ bedroom properties, roughly 12× the $32,332 earned by studios, illustrating the massive revenue leverage that comes with scale in Sonoma. For investors targeting the mid-market, 3-bedroom homes at $107,674 per year offer a more accessible entry point that still approximates the market-wide average.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sonoma

Parking leads at 98% prevalence, reflecting the car-dependent nature of wine country, while kitchens (89%), patios or balconies (82%), and laundry facilities (80%) form the baseline expectation for guests. Higher-end differentiators like hot tubs (49%) and pools (31%) are far from universal, suggesting that adding these amenities could help a listing stand out and command a premium in a market where outdoor entertaining is central to the guest experience.

Understanding Sonoma's ROI Score: 65/100

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

Sonoma's ROI score of 65 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average performance across all four calculation factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance. The score indicates that while Sonoma's premium ADR and strong per-night revenue are real strengths, they are partially offset by moderate occupancy and elevated property values that temper overall yield. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and a property-specific cash flow analysis to determine whether the numbers work for their investment criteria.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sonoma

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sonoma, California may be required to obtain a vacation rental permit or business registration from the City of Sonoma or Sonoma County, depending on the property's jurisdiction. Investors should verify all current permitting and registration requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California's wine country communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain periods, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA-level restrictions that can vary by neighborhood. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the total number of STR permits issued, so it's worth confirming availability early in the due-diligence process.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Sonoma are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT), and California state sales tax obligations may also apply depending on the rental structure. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sonoma's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with peak revenue concentrated between June and September and softer winter months pulling the annual average down. ADR could see modest gains of 1–3% as wine tourism and experiential travel continue drawing affluent visitors to the region. Occupancy may remain in the 28–33% range market-wide, though well-positioned larger properties with premium amenities are likely to outperform. Listing supply has held roughly stable year-over-year at 102%, suggesting the market isn't facing a rapid supply glut."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sonoma, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sonoma?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sonoma is currently 30%, which sits below the California state average of 43%. This reflects Sonoma's identity as a leisure-driven, seasonal market where guests tend to book premium stays during warmer months rather than year-round. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings seeing the highest rates at 34% and studios the lowest at 21%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sonoma?

Airbnb hosts in Sonoma earn an average of $8,848 per month and approximately $106,183 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales dramatically with property size — studios average $32,332 annually while 6+ bedroom properties generate around $380,496 per year. These figures reflect actual historical performance of active listings, so individual results will vary based on pricing strategy, property condition, and amenities offered.

Is Sonoma a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sonoma earns an ROI score of 65 out of 100 from Rabbu, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from strong daily rates ($645 ADR vs. $551 state average) and a stable supply base of 259 listings. However, investors should weigh the moderate occupancy rate (30%) and high average home values (~$1.73 million) when modeling returns. Larger properties tend to generate the most compelling revenue-to-cost ratios in this market.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Sonoma is $645, which is approximately 17% higher than the California state average of $551. ADR increases substantially with property size, ranging from $205 for studios to $1,794 for 6+ bedroom properties. This premium pricing reflects the high-end nature of Sonoma's wine-country guest base.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sonoma?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Sonoma, though they may be subject to local permitting, registration, and regulatory requirements from the City of Sonoma or Sonoma County. Regulations can include occupancy limits, noise restrictions, parking rules, and potential caps on the number of permits issued. Investors should consult with local planning and zoning authorities to confirm current rules before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sonoma?

Peak season for Airbnb in Sonoma runs from June through September, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $13,333 in revenue, followed closely by July at $12,860. The shoulder months of May ($9,397) and October ($9,007) also perform well, likely driven by wine harvest season and fall foliage tourism. Winter months are the slowest, with January averaging $5,303 — about 40% of peak-month revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sonoma?

There are currently 259 active Airbnb listings in Sonoma as of April 2026. The supply is distributed across property sizes, with 3-bedroom listings being the most common (69 listings), followed closely by 1-bedroom (53) and 2-bedroom (52) properties. Year-over-year listing growth is at approximately 102%, indicating a relatively stable supply environment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sonoma?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sonoma 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 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 data. 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Property value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 recent regulatory or market shifts. Local short-term rental regulations, permit availability, and tax obligations should be independently verified before making investment decisions.