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

Topanga Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Topanga is a niche, nature-oriented enclave in the Santa Monica Mountains where high property values and modest occupancy create a challenging revenue-to-price equation for short-term rental investors. With an average daily rate of $339 — well below the $551 California state average — and occupancy sitting at 36% versus 43% statewide, the market skews toward lifestyle-driven getaways rather than high-volume bookings. Average annual revenue of $41,667 against a median home value above $2.1 million signals that investors will need to be highly selective about property type and pricing strategy to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Topanga 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 Topanga

Investors eye Topanga for its proximity to Los Angeles, its rustic mountain appeal, and the potential for premium nightly rates on larger properties — though the steep cost of entry demands careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Topanga presents limited investment potential overall, scoring 33 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale, largely due to a steep revenue-to-price ratio that makes cash-flow positive outcomes difficult at the market level. That said, there's a clear bifurcation: studios and one-bedrooms average just $22K–$25K annually, while 4-bedroom properties pull in roughly $143K — a dramatically different proposition. Seasonality is pronounced, with July revenue peaking at $4,706 and January dipping to $2,689, so investors should plan for a roughly 43% swing between peak and trough months. The market rewards operators who target the higher end of the property-size spectrum and lean into the outdoor, retreat-style experience guests seek here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Topanga

Average revenue by month in Topanga

Revenue peaks sharply in July at $4,706 and August at $4,525, while January marks the low point at $2,689 — a spread of roughly $2,000 between peak and trough. This 43% seasonal swing signals that investors should budget for leaner winter months and capitalize on strong summer demand.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Topanga

One-bedroom listings dominate the market with 80 of 150 active properties, while 4-bedroom homes account for just 9 listings. The scarcity of larger properties, combined with their significantly higher revenue, could represent an opportunity for investors willing to enter the premium segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Topanga

ADR scales dramatically with size — from $204 for 1-bedrooms to $847 for 4-bedroom homes, a 4x increase. The jump from 2-bedroom ($414) to 3-bedroom ($556) represents a strong premium-to-cost inflection point where investors may find the best pricing leverage.

Average RevPAN by property size in Topanga

RevPAN climbs consistently from $61 for studios to $322 for 4-bedroom properties, confirming that larger units not only charge more but also convert that pricing power into real per-night revenue. The $215 RevPAN for 3-bedrooms is nearly triple that of 1-bedrooms ($71), making mid-to-large properties the clear revenue drivers.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Topanga

Occupancy is relatively compressed across sizes, ranging from 29% for studios to 39% for 3-bedrooms. The narrow spread suggests that property size doesn't dramatically impact fill rates, but studios notably lag — making their lower ADR even harder to offset.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Topanga

Monthly revenue diverges sharply by size: studios and 1-bedrooms earn $1,866–$2,122, while 4-bedroom properties bring in $11,938 — nearly six times more. The 2-bedroom tier at $4,715 represents a meaningful step up from smaller units and may offer a more accessible entry point for investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Topanga

At $143,256 per year, 4-bedroom properties generate more than five times the revenue of 1-bedrooms ($25,466) and represent by far the strongest gross revenue opportunity in Topanga. Three-bedroom listings at $84,079 annually also stand out, though investors should weigh these figures against the substantial acquisition costs in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Topanga

Parking (97%) and kitchen access (96%) are virtually universal, reflecting the rural, car-dependent nature of Topanga and guest expectations for self-catering stays. Outdoor-focused amenities — patios (79%), outdoor furniture (73%), and backyards (71%) — dominate the next tier, signaling that guests come to Topanga for the outdoor experience and expect properties to deliver on that promise.

Understanding Topanga's ROI Score: 33/100

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

Topanga's ROI Score of 33 out of 100 places it in the "Limited" investment band, driven primarily by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — average annual revenue of $41,667 against home values exceeding $2.1 million makes broad market-level returns difficult to achieve. Occupancy stability rates as average and market growth trend scores above average, but the supply/demand balance is below average as listing counts have nearly doubled year-over-year. Investors interested in Topanga should pair this data with thorough property-specific analysis and local regulatory research, focusing on larger properties where the revenue dynamics are markedly more favorable.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Topanga

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

Permit Requirements

Topanga falls within unincorporated Los Angeles County, California, where short-term rental operators may be required to obtain a county permit or registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning before committing to a purchase.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in the greater Los Angeles area include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA or community association rules in Topanga's residential developments may impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential before operating an STR.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT), and Los Angeles County may levy its own occupancy or tourism-related taxes on stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the county tax collector.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Topanga's above-average market growth trend suggests listings are gaining traction, with active supply nearly doubling year-over-year. Summer months should continue to anchor revenue, with July and August estimates in the $4,500–$4,700 range, while the winter trough may hover around $2,700–$3,000. ADR could see modest upward pressure in the 1–3% range as larger, amenity-rich properties command premiums, but occupancy is likely to remain in the mid-30s given ongoing supply expansion and the area's weekend-getaway demand profile."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Topanga, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Topanga?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Topanga is currently 36%, which trails the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, ranging from 29% for studios up to 39% for 3-bedroom homes. These figures reflect the area's appeal as a weekend and seasonal getaway rather than a year-round, high-turnover market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Topanga?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Topanga earn approximately $3,472 per month or $41,667 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, revenue varies significantly by property size — studios average around $1,866 per month while 4-bedroom properties can bring in roughly $11,938 monthly, or about $143,256 annually. Individual performance depends on pricing strategy, amenities, guest experience, and listing quality.

Is Topanga a good market for Airbnb investment?

Topanga scores 33 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, indicating limited investment potential at the broad market level. The primary challenge is the revenue-to-price ratio: with average home values above $2.1 million and average annual revenue around $41,667, the math is tough for most properties. That said, larger homes — particularly 3- and 4-bedroom properties — generate substantially higher returns and could pencil out for investors who find the right property at the right price.

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

The average daily rate in Topanga is $339, below the California state average of $551. Rates scale sharply with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average $204–$212 per night, while 3-bedroom listings command around $556 and 4-bedroom homes average $847 per night. This pricing dynamic underscores the premium that larger, well-appointed Topanga retreats can command.

Are short-term rentals legal in Topanga?

Topanga is located in unincorporated Los Angeles County, California, where short-term rental regulations may require permits or registration. Rules around minimum stays, occupancy caps, parking, and noise may apply. Because regulations can change, investors should verify the latest requirements with Los Angeles County and review any applicable HOA or community association restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Topanga?

Peak season in Topanga runs through the summer months, with July generating the highest average revenue at $4,706, followed closely by August at $4,525. The shoulder months of March through June also perform reasonably well, while January is the softest month at $2,689. This seasonal pattern reflects demand for Topanga's mountain and outdoor lifestyle during warmer weather.

How many Airbnbs are there in Topanga?

There are currently 150 active Airbnb listings in Topanga. The supply is heavily concentrated in 1-bedroom properties (80 listings), with 24 two-bedrooms, 20 three-bedrooms, 15 studios, and just 9 four-bedroom listings. Year-over-year listing growth is 96%, indicating the market is expanding rapidly.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Topanga?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Topanga 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 roll the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July at $4,706) and slower periods (like January at $2,689). 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 Topanga market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and combined for consistency

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. Local regulations and permitting requirements may change; always verify current rules with the relevant county or municipal authority before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.