South San Francisco, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

South San Francisco Short-Term Rental Market Overview

South San Francisco sits at the crossroads of Silicon Valley's biotech corridor and San Francisco International Airport, giving short-term rental hosts access to a steady mix of business travelers, visiting researchers, and leisure guests exploring the Bay Area. With an average occupancy rate of 50% — well above California's 43% state average — and an average annual revenue of $38,493 across 89 active listings, the market shows real demand despite the region's elevated property values. A 90% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the relatively modest $217 ADR compared to the $551 state average reflects the market's positioning as a value alternative to San Francisco proper.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the South San Francisco 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 San Francisco

South San Francisco appeals to STR investors because it combines steady corporate and travel-hub demand with occupancy rates that outperform the California average, all in a market still building out its listing supply.

Expert Market Assessment

"South San Francisco presents an attractive but nuanced opportunity for STR investors. The market's 56-out-of-100 ROI score reflects healthy demand and above-average occupancy, tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by the Bay Area's high home values (averaging $1,516,834). Seasonality is moderate — the gap between peak July revenue ($4,168) and the February low ($2,363) is roughly 76%, meaning cash flow stays relatively consistent year-round compared to resort-driven markets. Investors who target 3- or 4-bedroom properties can capture significantly stronger returns, making property-size selection a critical lever in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in South San Francisco

Average revenue by month in South San Francisco

Revenue follows a clear summer peak, with July topping out at $4,168 and February hitting the annual low at $2,363 — a spread of about $1,800. The relatively moderate seasonality suggests year-round viability, though investors should budget conservatively around the January–February soft spot.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in South San Francisco

One-bedroom units account for more than half of all active listings (46 of 89), while 2-bedroom properties are notably underrepresented at just 8 listings. This supply gap in the 2-bedroom segment could present a differentiation opportunity for investors willing to target mid-size accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in South San Francisco

ADR climbs steeply with bedroom count, from $114 for 1-bedrooms to $468 for 4-bedroom properties — a 4x premium. The jump from 2-bedroom ($219) to 3-bedroom ($308) represents a particularly strong value inflection point where the per-bedroom rate premium remains high.

Average RevPAN by property size in South San Francisco

Revenue per available night scales dramatically with size, from $57 for 1-bedrooms to $267 for 4-bedroom units. Larger properties not only command higher nightly rates but also sustain better occupancy, making 4-bedroom listings the clear RevPAN leaders in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in South San Francisco

Four-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 57%, while 2-bedroom units lag at 40% despite their scarcity in the market. One-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings cluster near the market average at 50% and 49% respectively, indicating that the sweet spot for cash-flow consistency is at the larger end of the size spectrum.

Average monthly revenue by property size in South San Francisco

Monthly revenue differences across property sizes are dramatic: 4-bedroom listings generate $7,561 per month on average, more than 6.5 times the $1,156 earned by 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom properties at $4,744/month offer a strong middle ground for investors who want meaningful revenue without the higher acquisition cost of a 4-bedroom home.

Average annual revenue by property size in South San Francisco

Annual revenue ranges from $13,882 for 1-bedroom units to $90,740 for 4-bedroom properties, underscoring how property size selection can make or break returns in a high-cost market. Investors targeting larger homes stand to earn nearly 7x more per year, which is critical when property values average over $1.5 million.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in South San Francisco

Parking leads at 94%, reflecting the car-dependent nature of Bay Area travel, followed by kitchen access (88%) and self check-in (84%) — amenities that cater to the extended-stay and business traveler segments. Workspace availability at 72% further reinforces the corporate demand profile, and investors should consider these essentials as baseline expectations rather than differentiators.

Understanding South San Francisco's ROI Score: 56/100

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 San Francisco's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, signaling a market with genuine potential that requires careful underwriting. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by Bay Area home values averaging $1,516,834 — is the primary drag, but this is offset by average occupancy stability, above-average market growth trends, and balanced supply-demand dynamics. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger property configurations where revenue potential is strongest relative to acquisition costs.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in South San Francisco

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in South San Francisco, California may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with the City of South San Francisco and San Mateo County, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum-night stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and dedicated parking provisions. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, and some jurisdictions cap the number of active STR permits, so it's important to confirm whether any such caps apply before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Hosts in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and may owe state and local sales taxes on short-term rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the City of South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, South San Francisco's STR market is expected to benefit from continued biotech industry expansion and proximity to SFO, which sustains midweek corporate demand. Seasonal patterns suggest revenues should peak between June and August at roughly $3,800–$4,200 per month, with winter months settling into the $2,300–$2,600 range. ADR growth of 1–3% is plausible given the above-average market growth trend, though the rapid increase in supply could temper occupancy gains. Investors should anticipate occupancy holding in the 48–52% range as new listings compete for the same traveler pool."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in South San Francisco, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in South San Francisco?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in South San Francisco is currently 50%, which outperforms California's statewide average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom units leading at 57% and 2-bedroom units at the lower end around 40%. This above-average occupancy reflects steady demand from business travelers, airport-adjacent guests, and visitors to the broader Bay Area.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in South San Francisco?

Airbnb hosts in South San Francisco earn an average of $3,207 per month, or approximately $38,493 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average about $1,156/month ($13,882 annually), while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $7,561/month ($90,740 annually). Peak earning months are June through August, when monthly revenue can exceed $4,000.

Is South San Francisco a good market for Airbnb investment?

South San Francisco earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 56 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy, solid demand from corporate and airport-related travelers, and above-average market growth trends. However, the Bay Area's high property prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio, so investors should carefully model cash flow — especially for larger properties that generate meaningfully higher revenue.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in South San Francisco is $217, which is well below California's $551 state average. ADR scales considerably with property size: 1-bedroom units average $114 per night, 2-bedrooms $219, 3-bedrooms $308, and 4-bedrooms $468. This pricing positions South San Francisco as a more affordable Bay Area option for guests, which helps drive its above-average occupancy.

Are short-term rentals legal in South San Francisco?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in South San Francisco, though hosts may need to obtain applicable permits or business licenses from the city. Regulations can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and parking requirements, and HOA rules may impose additional restrictions. We recommend checking directly with the City of South San Francisco's planning department for the most current rules before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in South San Francisco?

Peak season in South San Francisco runs from June through August, with July leading at an average monthly revenue of $4,168. September and October remain strong at around $3,500, creating an extended high-demand window. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue dips to roughly $2,400, but even off-peak earnings remain meaningful thanks to consistent business and airport-related demand.

How many Airbnbs are there in South San Francisco?

As of April 2026, there are 89 active Airbnb listings in South San Francisco. The market has seen significant growth, with a 90% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 46 listings, followed by 3-bedroom properties (20 listings), 4-bedroom units (11), and 2-bedroom properties (8), suggesting potential opportunity in the underrepresented 2-bedroom segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in South San Francisco?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for South San Francisco are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance across 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 into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, listing optimization, 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 for South San Francisco and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu's proprietary analytics for consistency

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing. Individual property performance may vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.