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

Whittier Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Whittier, CA is a suburban Los Angeles County market with 102 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $31,139 per property. With an ADR of $184—well below the $551 state average—the market is positioned as a more affordable alternative for guests visiting the greater LA region, though occupancy sits at a modest 42%. Larger properties (3- and 4-bedroom homes) significantly outperform smaller units on both revenue and RevPAN, suggesting the strongest opportunity lies in family-sized accommodations rather than studios or one-bedrooms.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Whittier 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 Whittier

Investors are drawn to Whittier for its proximity to Los Angeles, relatively affordable entry compared to coastal California markets, and growing demand for short-term rentals in suburban settings.

Expert Market Assessment

"Whittier earns a Competitive Opportunity designation with an ROI score of 52 out of 100, reflecting a market where demand is present but profitability requires thoughtful deal sourcing. Revenue follows a clear seasonal curve—July peaks at $3,517 per month while January dips to $2,009—so cash-flow planning around a roughly 75% spread between peak and trough months is essential. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio underscores that high Southern California home values can compress yields, making property acquisition price the single most important variable for achieving positive returns in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Whittier

Average revenue by month in Whittier

Whittier's revenue cycle peaks sharply in summer, with July ($3,517) and August ($3,380) outpacing the slowest month—January ($2,009)—by roughly 75%. Spring and fall hover in the $2,400–$2,700 range, indicating a moderate shoulder season that softens but doesn't eliminate cash flow between peaks.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Whittier

One-bedroom units dominate the supply at 40 of 102 listings (39%), while 3- and 4-bedroom homes account for just 27 combined listings. This lighter competition among larger properties, paired with their stronger revenue performance, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire family-sized homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Whittier

ADR escalates significantly with size: 1-bedrooms average $119 per night while 4-bedrooms command $355, nearly a 3x premium. The steepest jump occurs between 2-bedroom ($167) and 3-bedroom ($296) properties, suggesting that the move into larger formats carries the most meaningful pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in Whittier

Revenue per available night climbs steadily with property size, from $48 for 1-bedrooms to $162 for 4-bedroom homes—more than a 3x difference. This gap indicates that larger properties not only command higher nightly rates but maintain strong enough occupancy to convert that pricing advantage into meaningfully better per-night yield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Whittier

Occupancy rates are relatively consistent across property sizes, ranging from 39% for studios to 46% for 4-bedroom homes. The narrow spread suggests that cash-flow differences between property types in Whittier are driven primarily by ADR rather than fill rates, with 4-bedrooms holding a slight edge on both fronts.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Whittier

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $6,261—nearly four times the $1,670 that 1-bedroom listings generate. The revenue step-up between 2-bedrooms ($2,972) and 3-bedrooms ($4,255) is particularly notable, making mid-size to larger homes the clear revenue leaders in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Whittier

Annual revenue ranges from about $20,040 for 1-bedroom units to $75,143 for 4-bedroom homes, a nearly 4x difference that underscores the earning power of larger properties. Three-bedroom homes at $51,061 per year represent a potential sweet spot for investors seeking strong returns without the higher acquisition and maintenance costs of 4-bedroom properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Whittier

Kitchen and parking are virtually universal at 97% of listings, reflecting Whittier's drive-to, home-base guest profile. Self check-in (86%) and workspace (70%) are also widespread, while premium amenities like pools (11%) and hot tubs (8%) remain uncommon—presenting a potential differentiation opportunity for hosts looking to stand out and justify higher nightly rates.

Understanding Whittier's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Whittier's ROI score of 52 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, where demand exists but deal selection matters. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag—driven by Southern California home values near $972K against $31K in average annual revenue—while average occupancy stability and above-average market growth partially offset that pressure. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger properties or below-market acquisitions to improve their yield potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Whittier

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Whittier and the State of California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their property before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Whittier's planning or business licensing department and check California state regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA rules in specific neighborhoods may impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT) and may owe state sales tax on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with local and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Whittier's short-term rental market is expected to benefit from its above-average growth trend, with the 92% year-over-year increase in active listings signaling rising investor interest and demand recognition. Summer months should continue to drive peak performance—July and August revenues have historically topped $3,300–$3,500 per month—while the off-season (January through February) will likely remain closer to the $2,000–$2,200 range. ADR increases of 1–3% are plausible given steady demand from LA-area visitors, though the expanding supply base may keep occupancy rates in the low-to-mid 40% range unless operators differentiate on amenities and pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Whittier, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Whittier?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Whittier is currently 42%, which is just below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom homes achieving the highest rate at 46% and studios sitting at 39%. These figures reflect current market conditions and can shift with seasonality and competitive dynamics.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Whittier?

Airbnb hosts in Whittier earn an average of $2,595 per month, which translates to roughly $31,139 annually based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom listings average about $1,670 per month, while 4-bedroom properties bring in approximately $6,261 monthly ($75,143 per year). Individual results depend on factors like listing quality, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Whittier a good market for Airbnb investment?

Whittier scores a 52 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the Competitive Opportunity category. Investor interest and demand are strong—evidenced by 92% year-over-year listing growth—but average home values near $972K and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio mean investors need to be selective about acquisition price. Larger properties with 3–4 bedrooms tend to deliver the best returns, with annual revenues of $51K–$75K helping offset higher purchase costs.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Whittier is $184, which is considerably below the California state average of $551. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms range from $119–$127, while 3- and 4-bedroom homes command $296–$355 per night. This pricing reflects Whittier's positioning as a more affordable, suburban alternative within the greater Los Angeles area.

Are short-term rentals legal in Whittier?

Short-term rentals may be permitted in Whittier, but operators should verify the latest regulations with the City of Whittier's planning or business licensing department. California municipalities frequently update their STR rules, and requirements can include permits, registration, occupancy limits, and tax obligations. Checking local ordinances and any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Whittier?

Peak season in Whittier runs through the summer months, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,517, followed closely by August at $3,380. June also performs well at $2,953. The slowest months are January ($2,009) and February ($2,234), creating a seasonal spread of about 75% between peak and off-peak periods. Investors should budget for this seasonality when projecting annual cash flow.

How many Airbnbs are there in Whittier?

There are currently 102 active Airbnb listings in Whittier as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 1-bedroom units making up the largest segment at 40 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (21) and 3-bedrooms (15). The market has seen significant 92% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating increasing investor and host interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Whittier?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Whittier are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 for the Whittier market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics 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, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with the City of Whittier and the State of California. Individual property results may vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management approach.