Tahoe City, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Tahoe City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Tahoe City draws investors with a compelling blend of winter ski traffic and summer lakeside recreation, creating a dual-season revenue engine that most mountain markets can't match. With 545 active listings generating an average of $66,643 in annual revenue and a $511 average daily rate, the market commands premium nightly pricing — though at 38% occupancy (below California's 43% average) and home values averaging over $2 million, the revenue-to-price ratio demands careful deal sourcing. The ROI score of 53 out of 100 reflects a competitive landscape where strong demand meets high entry costs, rewarding investors who target the right property size and location.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Tahoe City 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 Tahoe City

Tahoe City appeals to investors seeking a high-ADR mountain and lake market with proven dual-season demand drivers, though premium home prices require disciplined underwriting to achieve attractive returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Tahoe City represents a competitive but rewarding opportunity for investors willing to navigate high entry costs and seasonal variability. Revenue peaks sharply in July ($9,249 average) and holds strong through the winter months of January ($7,158), February ($6,981), and December ($6,882), while shoulder months like October ($2,491) and May ($2,856) create meaningful troughs. The market's ROI score of 53 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — a direct consequence of $2M+ median home values — offset by average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics. Investors who target larger properties and optimize for both ski and summer seasons stand to outperform the market-wide averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Tahoe City

Average revenue by month in Tahoe City

Tahoe City displays a pronounced dual-peak seasonality, with July topping out at $9,249 and winter months (January $7,158, February $6,981, December $6,882) forming a strong secondary peak. The spread between the highest and lowest months is nearly $6,800, with October ($2,491) and May ($2,856) representing the deepest troughs — investors should plan cash reserves to bridge these shoulder-month dips.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Tahoe City

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply at 200 listings (37% of the market), followed by 4-bedrooms at 144. Studios (11) and 6+ bedrooms (13) remain scarce, which may present less competitive niches for investors willing to operate at either end of the size spectrum.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Tahoe City

ADR scales steeply with property size in Tahoe City, jumping from $257 for 1-bedrooms to $589 for 4-bedrooms and reaching $1,559 for 6+ bedroom properties. The most notable jump occurs between 4 and 5 bedrooms ($589 to $922), suggesting a strong premium for larger group-friendly accommodations in this vacation market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Tahoe City

Revenue per available night climbs dramatically with size, from $86 for studios to $843 for 6+ bedroom homes — nearly a 10x difference. The 4-bedroom ($224) and 5-bedroom ($364) segments offer meaningful RevPAN step-ups that may represent a more accessible entry point than the 6+ category while still delivering strong per-night economics.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Tahoe City

Occupancy rates are surprisingly consistent across most property sizes (35–42%), with one standout: 6+ bedroom homes lead at 54%, suggesting strong group and event demand in Tahoe City. Studios lag at 27%, indicating that solo or couple travelers may prefer hotel alternatives over standalone vacation rentals in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Tahoe City

Monthly revenue rises steadily from $1,896 for studios to $16,144 for 6+ bedroom homes, with the 4-bedroom ($7,196) and 5-bedroom ($10,812) segments standing out as strong revenue generators relative to their supply levels. The gap between 3-bedrooms ($4,932) and 4-bedrooms ($7,196) is notable, suggesting a meaningful revenue premium for that additional bedroom in a family and group-oriented market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Tahoe City

Annual revenue potential ranges from $22,759 for studios to $193,728 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedrooms at $129,751 offering the strongest return potential given their more moderate supply (44 listings). Investors focused on the dominant 3-bedroom segment should expect around $59,191 annually, which against $2M+ home values underscores why selective deal sourcing matters in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Tahoe City

Kitchens (96%), parking (95%), and washer/dryer (92%) are near-universal, reflecting a guest base that expects full-home functionality for extended mountain stays. Amenities like hot tubs (46%), lake access (35%), and BBQ grills (62%) serve as meaningful differentiators — properties that include these features are better positioned to command premium nightly rates in a competitive field.

Understanding Tahoe City's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Tahoe City's ROI score of 53 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where strong demand and premium pricing are offset by high acquisition costs. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag on the score, driven by home values averaging over $2 million, while occupancy stability, market growth trends, and supply/demand balance all rate as average. Investors can improve their individual outcomes by targeting higher-yielding property sizes and pairing this data with thorough local regulatory and financial due diligence.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Tahoe City

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

Permit Requirements

Tahoe City, California, and the surrounding Placer County area may require short-term rental permits or registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Placer County and any applicable local agencies, as regulations in the Lake Tahoe region can be layered across county and regional planning bodies like the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain and lakeside communities like Tahoe City include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum stay requirements (particularly during certain seasons), noise ordinances, parking caps based on available off-street spaces, and potential permit caps that limit the total number of STR licenses issued. HOA covenants can also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in specific developments, so investors should review CC&Rs before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are typically subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT) and may also owe state and local sales taxes depending on the jurisdiction. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their full tax obligations with Placer County 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 Tahoe City can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Tahoe City's dual-season demand profile should continue to support ADR in the $500–$530 range, with peak months (July and August) likely holding firm as summer lake tourism remains robust. The 135% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy if supply outpaces demand — expect occupancy to hover around 36–40% market-wide. Investors targeting larger properties (5+ bedrooms) may see the best insulation from competitive pressures, given their significantly higher RevPAN and limited supply. Seasonal softness in April, May, and October will likely persist, so revenue projections should account for these leaner shoulder months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Tahoe City, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Tahoe City?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Tahoe City is currently 38%, which falls slightly below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies considerably by property size — 6+ bedroom homes lead at 54%, while studios sit at just 27%. The dual-season nature of the market (winter ski and summer lake activity) means occupancy concentrates in peak months, with lighter booking volume during shoulder periods like April, May, and October.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Tahoe City?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Tahoe City earn approximately $5,553 per month and $66,643 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. However, revenue varies dramatically by property size: studios average around $22,759 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in roughly $193,728 per year. Peak earning months are July ($9,249) and August ($8,641), with winter months also performing well thanks to ski-season demand.

Is Tahoe City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Tahoe City earns an ROI score of 53 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from strong dual-season demand and premium nightly rates ($511 ADR), but average home values above $2 million create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who source deals selectively — particularly in the 4–6+ bedroom segment where annual revenues range from $86,352 to $193,728 — can find attractive returns. Pairing market data with thorough local regulatory research is essential before committing.

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

The average daily rate in Tahoe City is $511, which is slightly below California's $551 state average. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $316 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $1,559. Even mid-range 3-bedroom homes achieve $425 per night, reflecting the premium guests are willing to pay for Tahoe's mountain and lakefront setting.

Are short-term rentals legal in Tahoe City?

Short-term rentals operate in Tahoe City, but the area is subject to regulations from multiple jurisdictions including Placer County and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. Permits, occupancy limits, parking requirements, and potential caps on the number of licenses may apply. Investors should verify the latest local rules before purchasing, as STR regulations in the Lake Tahoe region have been an active area of policy discussion in recent years.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Tahoe City?

Tahoe City enjoys two distinct peak seasons. Summer leads the way with July averaging $9,249 in monthly revenue and August at $8,641, driven by lakeside recreation and outdoor tourism. The winter ski season forms a strong second peak, with January ($7,158), February ($6,981), and December ($6,882) all performing well above the annual average. The softest months are October ($2,491), May ($2,856), and April ($3,324).

How many Airbnbs are there in Tahoe City?

As of April 2026, there are 545 active Airbnb listings in Tahoe City. The supply is heavily concentrated in 3-bedroom homes (200 listings) and 4-bedroom properties (144 listings), while studios (11) and 6+ bedroom homes (13) are much less common. Year-over-year listing growth of 135% indicates significant new supply entering the market, which is worth monitoring for its potential impact on occupancy and pricing.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Tahoe City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Tahoe City 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 remaining data 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's $9,249 average) and slower months (like October's $2,491) because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results will 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 for the Tahoe City market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level benchmarks for comparison
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue across bedroom counts
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 averages as of the dates noted and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax obligations can change — investors should verify current rules with Placer County and relevant agencies before purchasing.