South Pasadena, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

South Pasadena Short-Term Rental Market Overview

South Pasadena offers a compact but active short-term rental market with just 45 listings, situated in one of Southern California's most desirable residential communities. With an average annual revenue of $35,765 and home values averaging nearly $2.5 million, the revenue-to-price ratio is tight — but above-average occupancy stability and proximity to major Los Angeles attractions give the market staying power for investors who source deals selectively.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the South Pasadena short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider South Pasadena

Investors are drawn to South Pasadena for its stable occupancy in a premium LA-area location, though the high entry cost demands careful deal selection to achieve meaningful returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"South Pasadena presents a competitive opportunity where above-average occupancy stability is offset by a challenging revenue-to-price ratio — average home values exceed $2.47 million while annual revenue sits around $35,765. Seasonality is moderate: July peaks near $4,038 per month while January dips to roughly $2,307, creating a spread that's manageable but noticeable. The rapid 184% year-over-year growth in active listings warrants close attention, as supply expansion could pressure margins if it outpaces demand. Investors who can secure properties below the market average or optimize for two-bedroom configurations will be best positioned to extract value."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in South Pasadena

Average revenue by month in South Pasadena

Revenue peaks in July at $4,038 and troughs in January at $2,307, producing a roughly 75% seasonal swing. Summer months (June through August) consistently outperform, while fall and winter revenue holds relatively steady in the $2,500–$2,800 range, suggesting manageable off-season softness for well-priced listings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in South Pasadena

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 25 of the market's 45 listings (56%), followed by 12 two-bedroom properties and just 5 studios. The absence of larger 3+ bedroom listings in the data could signal either zoning constraints or an untested niche worth exploring for investors with suitable properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in South Pasadena

ADR scales meaningfully with size: studios command $144 per night, one-bedrooms $167, and two-bedrooms jump to $288 — a 72% premium over one-bedrooms. That steep jump suggests two-bedroom properties capture a distinctly different (and higher-value) guest segment, making them the most attractive size from a rate perspective.

Average RevPAN by property size in South Pasadena

Two-bedroom listings lead decisively with a RevPAN of $134, more than double the $61 for one-bedrooms and nearly triple the $47 for studios. This gap reflects both higher nightly rates and better occupancy, making two-bedrooms the clear performer on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in South Pasadena

Occupancy rises steadily with property size: studios fill 33% of available nights, one-bedrooms reach 37%, and two-bedrooms top the market at 47%. The higher fill rates for larger units suggest stronger demand relative to supply in that segment, offering more predictable cash flow for investors.

Average monthly revenue by property size in South Pasadena

Two-bedroom properties earn an average of $3,044 per month, modestly outpacing one-bedrooms at $2,736 and studios at $2,723. While the monthly gap between studios and one-bedrooms is negligible ($13), the step up to two-bedrooms delivers a meaningful 11% revenue increase that compounds over the year.

Average annual revenue by property size in South Pasadena

Annual revenue ranges from $32,685 for studios to $36,537 for two-bedroom units, a spread of roughly $3,850. Given that two-bedrooms also post the highest occupancy and RevPAN, they represent the strongest overall return configuration in South Pasadena's current STR landscape.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in South Pasadena

Parking tops the amenity list at 89% prevalence — a near-requirement in car-dependent Southern California — followed by self check-in (82%) and kitchen access (78%). The high adoption of workspaces (64%) and laundry facilities (69–73%) signals a guest base that values longer, more independent stays, while luxury differentiators like pools (7%) and EV chargers (2%) remain rare and could help standout listings compete.

Understanding South Pasadena's ROI Score: 43/100

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 Pasadena's ROI score of 43 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting strong occupancy stability (above average) paired with a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by home values near $2.5 million. Market growth trend scores below average as well, though supply and demand balance sits at an average level, suggesting the market isn't yet oversaturated. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on two-bedroom configurations where per-night revenue significantly outperforms smaller units.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in South Pasadena

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in South Pasadena, California may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with the City of South Pasadena and relevant Los Angeles County offices.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include occupancy caps, minimum night stays, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements, and limits on the number of permits issued per host or per area. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Hosts in South Pasadena are generally subject to California's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and may also owe state sales tax on short-term stays. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, South Pasadena's STR market is likely to see continued demand driven by its walkable downtown, proximity to Pasadena's Rose Bowl events, and steady LA-area tourism. Monthly revenue data suggests summer remains the strongest booking window, with July historically clearing $4,000 per listing. Occupancy may hold in the 38–42% range given the market's small supply base, and ADR could edge up 1–3% as hosts refine pricing around peak periods. However, with listing counts growing 184% year-over-year, new supply could temper gains if demand doesn't keep pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in South Pasadena, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in South Pasadena?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in South Pasadena is currently 40%, which sits just slightly below the California state average of 43%. Two-bedroom properties tend to outperform at 47% occupancy, while studios average around 33%. These figures reflect typical booking patterns across the market's 45 active listings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in South Pasadena?

On average, Airbnb hosts in South Pasadena earn approximately $2,980 per month, which translates to about $35,765 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — two-bedroom listings average $3,044 per month ($36,537 annually), while studios and one-bedrooms earn closer to $2,723–$2,736 monthly. Individual results depend on pricing strategy, property quality, and guest experience.

Is South Pasadena a good market for Airbnb investment?

South Pasadena carries an ROI score of 43 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a small, manageable supply of just 45 listings. However, the high average home value of roughly $2.47 million creates a challenging revenue-to-price ratio, meaning investors need to be particularly selective with deal sourcing and property configuration to achieve attractive returns.

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

The current average daily rate in South Pasadena is $211, which is well below the California state average of $551. ADR ranges from $144 for studios up to $288 for two-bedroom properties. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects the market's residential character compared to resort-driven California destinations, though it's paired with steady demand that supports consistent bookings.

Are short-term rentals legal in South Pasadena?

Short-term rentals may operate in South Pasadena subject to local permitting and regulatory requirements. California municipalities have varying rules around STR operations, and South Pasadena may require specific permits, business licenses, or compliance with zoning regulations. Prospective investors should contact the City of South Pasadena directly and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in South Pasadena?

Peak season in South Pasadena runs through the summer months, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $4,038, followed closely by August at $3,882. June and March also perform above the annual average. The softest month is January at $2,307, making the peak-to-trough spread roughly $1,731 — a moderate level of seasonality that experienced hosts can manage through dynamic pricing.

How many Airbnbs are there in South Pasadena?

As of April 2026, there are 45 active Airbnb listings in South Pasadena. The market is dominated by one-bedroom properties (25 listings), followed by two-bedrooms (12 listings) and studios (5 listings). Notably, listing counts have grown 184% year-over-year, indicating rising investor and host interest in this small but active market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in South Pasadena?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for South Pasadena 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 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 across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context
• Amenity prevalence data showing guest expectation benchmarks in the market

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may shift as supply and demand evolve. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.