South Lake Tahoe, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

South Lake Tahoe Short-Term Rental Market Overview

South Lake Tahoe is a well-established vacation rental market where year-round outdoor recreation drives dual-season demand — ski season in winter and lake activities in summer. With 1,130 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $54,253 against average home values of $977,974, the market presents a revenue-to-price ratio that sits in the average range. An ADR of $478 (below the $551 California state average) reflects the mountain-resort pricing tier, while 38% occupancy underscores the seasonal rhythms that define this destination.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe draws investor interest because of its reliable dual-season tourism demand, strong nightly rates for larger properties, and the enduring appeal of a world-class mountain and lake destination.

Expert Market Assessment

"This market earns an Attractive Opportunity designation, reflecting a balance of healthy demand and reasonable revenue relative to property costs. Seasonality is the defining characteristic — July revenue ($7,945 average) is more than triple that of the April trough ($2,378), so investors need reserves to bridge the quieter shoulder months. Larger properties significantly outperform smaller ones, with 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom homes generating disproportionately higher returns. For investors comfortable with seasonal cash-flow variation and willing to invest in well-appointed, larger cabins or homes, South Lake Tahoe remains a compelling mountain-market play."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in South Lake Tahoe

Average revenue by month in South Lake Tahoe

Revenue peaks sharply in July ($7,945) and August ($7,035), with a secondary winter spike in December ($5,713) and January ($5,551). The shoulder months of April, May, and October dip below $2,400, creating a spread of more than $5,500 between the best and worst months — a clear signal that cash reserves or diversified income are essential to ride out the quieter periods.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in South Lake Tahoe

Three-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 323 listings, followed by 4-bedrooms (226) and 2-bedrooms (189). Larger 5-bedroom (65) and 6+ bedroom (49) homes are relatively scarce, which may present an opportunity given their significantly higher revenue potential and comparable occupancy rates.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in South Lake Tahoe

ADR rises steeply with size — from $214 for studios to $1,643 for 6+ bedroom homes, with each additional bedroom adding meaningfully to nightly pricing power. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($566) to 5 bedrooms ($843) is particularly notable, suggesting that larger group-friendly properties command a substantial premium in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in South Lake Tahoe

RevPAN follows a clear upward curve, from $71 for studios to $714 for 6+ bedroom homes. Five-bedroom properties deliver $363 in RevPAN — nearly double the 4-bedroom figure of $220 — making them a compelling sweet spot for investors looking to maximize revenue per available night without the operational complexity of the very largest homes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in South Lake Tahoe

Occupancy ranges from 33% for studios to 43% for both 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties, a relatively narrow band that suggests larger homes fill nearly as consistently as smaller ones. Two-bedroom units are a slight bright spot at 40% occupancy, outperforming 3-bedrooms (37%), which could reflect their appeal to couples and small families during shoulder seasons.

Average monthly revenue by property size in South Lake Tahoe

Monthly revenue climbs dramatically with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms earn roughly $2,900–$2,977, while 6+ bedroom homes generate $18,019 per month on average. The gap between 4-bedroom ($5,791) and 5-bedroom ($9,299) monthly revenue is striking, reinforcing that investors who can acquire and operate larger properties are rewarded disproportionately in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in South Lake Tahoe

Annual revenue ranges from $34,940 for studios to $216,237 for 6+ bedroom homes, with 5-bedroom properties pulling in a strong $111,599. For investors evaluating return on acquisition cost, the revenue jump at the 4-bedroom ($69,502) to 5-bedroom threshold is where the investment calculus starts to shift meaningfully in favor of larger configurations.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in South Lake Tahoe

Kitchens (95%), parking (93%), and self check-in (87%) are near-universal, reflecting baseline guest expectations in a mountain vacation market. Hot tubs appear in 56% of listings and BBQ grills in 75%, suggesting these outdoor amenities are becoming standard differentiators — investors without them may find themselves at a booking disadvantage.

Understanding South Lake Tahoe's ROI Score: 62/100

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

South Lake Tahoe's ROI Score of 62 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, indicating a market with workable fundamentals but not the highest-octane returns. All four calculation factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance — score in the average range, meaning there are no standout strengths or glaring red flags. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research, as South Lake Tahoe's permit landscape has historically been among the more actively managed in California.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in South Lake Tahoe

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

Permit Requirements

The City of South Lake Tahoe and the state of California generally require short-term rental operators to obtain a vacation home rental permit or equivalent registration before listing. Investors should verify current permit requirements and any application caps directly with South Lake Tahoe's city offices and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, as rules in this area have been subject to change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California resort communities like South Lake Tahoe may include caps on the total number of STR permits, occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements (especially during certain seasons), noise ordinances, designated parking rules, and trash-management protocols. HOA covenants in many Tahoe-area developments may impose additional limitations or outright bans, so investors should review CC&Rs before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in South Lake Tahoe are typically subject to California's transient occupancy tax (TOT) and may owe additional local tourism assessment fees. Major booking platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with El Dorado County and the city to avoid penalties.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect demand to continue following the pronounced summer-winter peaks that characterize Tahoe, with July and December likely remaining the strongest booking months. ADR could edge up modestly — estimates suggest 1–3% gains — as larger, premium homes continue commanding outsized nightly rates. Occupancy may settle in the 36–40% range market-wide given the substantial supply base and the sharp shoulder-season dips visible in April, May, and October. Investors should plan their cash-flow models around these predictable seasonal swings rather than assuming flat monthly income."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in South Lake Tahoe?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in South Lake Tahoe currently sits at 38%, which is below the California state average of 43%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal nature — occupancy spikes during summer months and the winter ski season but dips notably during shoulder periods like April and October. Larger properties (5+ bedrooms) tend to book at higher rates, reaching around 43% occupancy, while studios average closer to 33%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in South Lake Tahoe?

Based on trailing 12-month performance data, the average Airbnb host in South Lake Tahoe earns approximately $4,521 per month or $54,253 annually. However, earnings vary dramatically by property size. Studios and one-bedroom units average around $34,940–$35,725 per year, while 5-bedroom homes generate roughly $111,599 and 6+ bedroom properties can bring in approximately $216,237 annually. Seasonal variation is significant, with July being the highest-earning month at around $7,945 on average.

Is South Lake Tahoe a good market for Airbnb investment?

South Lake Tahoe earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 62 out of 100, classified as an Attractive Opportunity. The market benefits from dual-season demand driven by summer lake recreation and winter skiing, producing two distinct revenue peaks each year. With average home values near $978,000 and average annual revenue of $54,253, the revenue-to-price ratio is in the average range — meaning returns are workable but not exceptional for smaller properties. Investors targeting larger, well-appointed homes (4+ bedrooms) tend to see the strongest performance. As with any STR investment, individual results depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and local regulatory compliance.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe?

The average daily rate across all active Airbnb listings in South Lake Tahoe is $478, which comes in below the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $214 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command an impressive $1,643 per night. Three-bedroom homes — the most common listing size in the market — average $438 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in South Lake Tahoe?

Short-term rentals are permitted in South Lake Tahoe, though they are subject to local regulations that may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, and other operational rules. The City of South Lake Tahoe has historically managed its STR program actively, and rules can change, so prospective investors should verify current permit availability, zoning restrictions, and compliance requirements directly with city officials and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe?

South Lake Tahoe has two distinct peak seasons. Summer is the strongest, with July averaging $7,945 in monthly revenue and August close behind at $7,035. The winter holiday season forms the second peak, with December averaging $5,713 and January at $5,551. The slowest months are April ($2,378), May ($2,398), and October ($2,400), representing the shoulder seasons between ski and lake activities.

How many Airbnbs are there in South Lake Tahoe?

As of April 2026, there are approximately 1,130 active Airbnb listings in South Lake Tahoe. The supply is dominated by 3-bedroom properties (323 listings), followed by 4-bedroom homes (226) and 2-bedroom units (189). Year-over-year listing growth is at 118%, indicating the market has seen substantial new supply entering recently — something investors should factor into their competitive analysis.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in South Lake Tahoe?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for South Lake Tahoe 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like July at $7,945) and slower months (like April at $2,378), since each month uses its own historical performance. 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 booking performance
• Property value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 is sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow as of April 2026; market conditions may have changed since the data was compiled. Local STR regulations in South Lake Tahoe are subject to change — investors should verify current rules with city and regional authorities before purchasing.