Best Airbnb Markets California, The United States

Based on data from Airbtics, this page shows the largest Airbnb markets with key statistics like regulations, average occupancy rate and daily rate. This allows you to discover the most profitable locations to buy, own or invest in rental properties.

Top 20 Largest Airbnb Markets in California, The United States
Updated May, 2025

The occupancy rate, daily rate, and revenue are averages from the last twelve months, starting from the last updated period. Methodology for Airbtics Market Score: The Airbtics Market Score indicates how attractive a location is for Airbnb investment. The primary criterion is short-term rental yield, which is the percentage of revenue relative to property price. The second criterion is regulation, with markets that have STR-friendly rules receiving a higher score. The remaining three criteria are:

  1. Market size (larger markets score higher due to the ease of acquiring and selling properties)
  2. Growth (whether the market is becoming saturated)
  3. Seasonality (less seasonality is preferred)
Learn more about how we collect the data and accuracy

PositionMarket NameRegulation No of ListingsAvg. Occupancy RateAvg. Daily RateRevenueShort-term Rental Yield Rent Gap
1 Los angeles
Strict
13,62167%$197$47,13412.3%34.5%
2 San diego
Strict
10,89170%$200$49,13112.3%34.5%
3 San francisco
Strict
4,53868%$168$39,72912.3%34.5%
4 Palm springs-tmp
Lenient
3,72256%$364$70,43412.3%34.5%
5 Palm springs
Lenient
3,69456%$366$70,78012.3%34.5%
6 Big bear lake
Strict
2,79637%$255$34,71912.3%34.5%
7 San jose
Lenient
2,15068%$104$25,60012.3%34.5%
8 Big bear city
Strict
2,11037%$214$30,90812.3%34.5%
9 Fresno
Lenient
1,87053%$140$27,15912.3%34.5%
10 Nevada
Lenient
1,75150%$262$46,79112.3%34.5%
11 Cobb
Lenient
1,61858%$132$27,90812.3%34.5%
12 Kern
Lenient
1,54052%$137$25,50812.3%34.5%
13 Bakersfield
Lenient
1,53652%$138$25,50112.3%34.5%
14 Santa cruz
Lenient
1,52061%$281$58,97212.3%34.5%
15 Monterey
Lenient
1,51762%$278$60,86712.3%34.5%
16 La quinta
Strict
1,51353%$297$57,13012.3%34.5%
17 North lake tahoe
Lenient
1,50051%$324$62,02712.3%34.5%
18 Contra costa
Lenient
1,49359%$126$28,06212.3%34.5%
19 Madera
Lenient
1,44354%$205$38,92312.3%34.5%
20 Long beach
Strict
1,41368%$174$42,90712.3%34.5%


  1. Starting an Airbnb in The United States? Check out our guide on how to start an Airbnb in The United States (Startup cost, profitability, and nationwide vacation rental statistics)
  2. Download the entire list in Excel. Also available in the zip code level. Request to purchase here.
  3. For short-term rental market analysis, visit our Airbnb Analytics app.