Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in La Mesa, California, United States

Last updated: 2025-01-31

Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in La Mesa? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in La Mesa:

Average Daily Rate
$271
Occupancy Rate
54.39%
Annual Revenue
$48,020
Revenue Growth YoY
14.47%
Best Month
June
Worst Month
January
Regulation
Low
Active Listings
262

How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in La Mesa?

The short-term rental market in La Mesa shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:

  • Typical properties (median) earn $3,437 per month
  • Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $5,802 or more
  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $11,148+ monthly
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $1,922

Revenue Variations by Month

Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in La Mesa

The market in La Mesa shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:

  • Typical properties (median) maintain 58% occupancy rates
  • Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 78% or higher
  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 89%+occupancy
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 35%

Occupancy Variations by Month

Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in La Mesa

Daily rates in La Mesa vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:

  • Typical properties (median) generate $160 per night
  • Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $284 or more
  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $521+ per night
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $109

Daily Rate Variations by Month

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Seasonality patterns in La Mesa

Peak Season (June, July, May)
  • Revenue peaks at $6725.56 per month
  • Occupancy rates reach 75.32%
  • Daily rates average $274.93
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $5011.28 per month
  • Occupancy maintains 55.41%
  • Daily rates hold at $256.55
Low Season (October, September, January)
  • Revenue drops to $3300.30 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to 44.32%
  • Daily rates adjust to $233.08

Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in La Mesa in 2025?

Yes! La Mesa demonstrates highly seasonal trends requiring strategic adaptation, featuring a healthy occupancy rate of 55% and strong monthly revenue averaging $5011 and With 262 active listings, the market shows established demand while maintaining room for growth. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:

Peak Season Strategy
  • Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
  • Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
  • Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
  • Maintain competitive market-based pricing
  • Offer moderate-length stay incentives
  • Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
  • Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
  • Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
  • Target different guest segments (business travelers, long-term stays, holiday visitors, event attendees, remote workers)
  • Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy

Top Places to Start Airbnb in La Mesa

AreaWhy Choose This AreaKey Attractions
La Mesa Village
Charming small-town atmosphere with a pedestrian-friendly village center. Popular for its local shops, dining, and community events, making it appealing for families and couples.
La Mesa Farmers Market, Lake Murray, Mt. Helix Park, La Mesa Depot Museum, Village Park
Grossmont Center
A bustling shopping and entertainment district nearby, providing easy access to restaurants, shopping, and theaters. Great for travelers interested in retail and dining options.
Grossmont Center Mall, AMC Theatres, Coffee Shops, Dining options, Nearby hiking trails
Mount Helix
Known for its stunning views and upscale residences, this area is ideal for travelers seeking peace and nature alongside easy access to urban amenities.
Mount Helix Park, Hidden Valley, Nature hiking trails, Scenic viewpoints
Lake Murray
A beautiful and serene lake area offering outdoor activities and a family-friendly environment that attracts those looking to relax and unwind.
Lake Murray, Fishing and boating, Picnic areas, Walking trails, Playgrounds
San Carlos
A quiet neighborhood with access to outdoor recreation and family-friendly amenities. Attractive for longer stays and families.
Cowles Mountain, Mission Trails Regional Park, San Carlos Golf Course, Shopping plazas
College Area
Proximity to San Diego State University makes this area popular among students and visitors to the university, providing vibrant energy and affordable dining.
SDSU campus, Shopping options, Restaurants, Bars, College events
Alpine
A bit further out, known for its scenic rural landscape and outdoor activities. Attractive for those seeking a getaway to nature while still being accessible to San Diego.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Nature hikes, Local wineries, Scenic vistas
Lemon Grove
A growing neighborhood with access to parks and community activities. A bit quieter, making it attractive for families or those needing longer-term stays.
Lemon Grove Park, Historic sites, Farmers markets, Community events

Do you need a license for Airbnb in La Mesa?

We recommend checking directly with La Mesa's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in La Mesa

San Diego Serenity Hills_Infinity Pool_Pickleball

San Diego Serenity Hills_Infinity Pool_Pickleball

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$325,293
Revenue
47.9%
Occupancy
$1400.73
Daily Rate
Luxury 5br/3.5ba w/Pool & Hot Tub

Luxury 5br/3.5ba w/Pool & Hot Tub

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$255,337
Revenue
44.5%
Occupancy
$976.05
Daily Rate
*Heated pool/Hot tub/Pizza oven/Playground/No tax*

*Heated pool/Hot tub/Pizza oven/Playground/No tax*

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$247,858
Revenue
43.9%
Occupancy
$915.62
Daily Rate
Paradise Lagoon: Resort-Style Pool Getaway

Paradise Lagoon: Resort-Style Pool Getaway

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$225,437
Revenue
77.7%
Occupancy
$711.82
Daily Rate
SD Family Getaway Pool Spa near Lake and Trails

SD Family Getaway Pool Spa near Lake and Trails

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$211,986
Revenue
67.8%
Occupancy
$711.01
Daily Rate
Groups 2 | Hot Tubs | Game Room

Groups 2 | Hot Tubs | Game Room

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$201,373
Revenue
38.1%
Occupancy
$1081.46
Daily Rate

Top Performing Professional Hosts in La Mesa

Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
813436234$601,6921034.79/5.0
66883896$483,061713.27/5.0
Air Concierge2$410,9481164.79/5.0
357869941$325,293215.00/5.0
Derek3$324,852914.92/5.0
Destiny And Sal2$296,9341145.00/5.0
Chris And Kecia1$255,337394.92/5.0
Nicole1$247,858364.86/5.0
Evan3$217,5312854.86/5.0
Alycia3$204,7381214.77/5.0

Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in La Mesa

AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Key Insights

  • Market dominated by entire home listings (87.4%), with house and boutique & hotels properties comprising 81.3% of inventory
  • Strong specialty sector (15.6%) combining boutique hotels, unique stays, and outdoor accommodations indicates market maturity and premium opportunities
  • Untapped potential in outdoor & mobile, unique stays segments (1.5% combined)

Room Capacity Distribution

Analysis of 262 properties in La Mesa shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 32.8% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 48.9% of all listings.

Key Insights

  • Most common: 1 bedroom (32.8%)
  • Least common: 5+ bedrooms (8.4%)
  • Market concentration: 48.9% in top 2 sizes
  • Market skew: Favors smaller properties

Guest Capacity Distribution

Analysis of 262 properties in La Mesa reveals that 8+ guests properties dominate the market, representing 28.2% of all listings. The average property accommodates 4.6 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 8+ guests and 4 guests make up 48.1% of the market.

Key Insights

  • Most common capacity: 8+ guests (28.2% of market)
  • Least common capacity: 7 guests (1.9% of market)
  • Average guest capacity: 4.6 guests per property
  • Market concentration: 48.1% in top 2 capacity sizes
  • Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities

Booking and Availability Patterns

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Among 262 properties in La Mesa, the most common availability pattern is 91-180 days (33.6% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 181-270 days (34% of properties).

Key Insights

  • Most common availability window: 91-180 days (33.6%)
  • Most common booking duration: 181-270 days (34%)
  • Properties with high availability (180+ days): 46.2%
  • Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 55.3%

Minimum Stay Distributions

1 Night (16.6%)

1 Night

37 listings

16.6% of total

2 Nights (44.4%)

2 Nights

99 listings

44.4% of total

3 Nights (16.1%)

3 Nights

36 listings

16.1% of total

4-6 Nights (4.5%)

4-6 Nights

10 listings

4.5% of total

7-29 Nights (8.1%)

7-29 Nights

18 listings

8.1% of total

30+ Nights (10.3%)

30+ Nights

23 listings

10.3% of total

Key Insights

  • Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 61.0%
  • Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 4.5% of listings
  • Monthly+ stays (10.3%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
  • High market flexibility with 77.1% accepting 3 nights or less

Recommendations

  • Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
  • Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
  • Consider monthly stay discounts to capture the growing extended-stay market
  • Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays

Cancellation Policy Distribution

Flexible (19.9%)

Flexible

44 listings

19.9% of total

Moderate (29.9%)

Moderate

66 listings

29.9% of total

Firm (29%)

Firm

64 listings

29% of total

Strict (21.3%)

Strict

47 listings

21.3% of total

Key Insights

  • Moderate is the preferred policy at 29.9% of listings
  • The market shows a balanced distribution between guest-friendly (49.8%) and strict (50.3%) policies
  • Flexible policies are least common at 19.9% of listings

Recommendations

  • Market supports various policies - choose based on your property type and target guests
  • Diverse policy distribution indicates an opportunity to differentiate through policy choice

Booking Lead Time Trends

Key Insights

  • Peak booking lead times occur in Jul, Jun, May, averaging 61 days
  • Shortest booking windows are in Apr, Oct, Sep, averaging 41 days
  • Summer shows the longest average booking window at 59 days, while Fall has the shortest at 42 days

Recommendations

  • Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Summer bookings at least 59 days in advance
  • Consider early bird discounts during Fall to encourage longer lead times
  • Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Apr-Sep when lead times are shortest

Popular Airbnb Amenities in La Mesa

Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in La Mesa:

Traveler Demographics

Guest Origin Distribution
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Age Distribution

Key Insights

  • Domestic travelers make up 91.4% of total guests, indicating a dominant local market share.
  • Primary international markets: Canada (2.4%) and Mexico (1.6%)
  • English is the top language at 71.6%, followed by Spanish (21.6%)
  • Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 8.1%

Recommendations

  • Target marketing campaigns for San Diego and Los Angeles markets
  • Develop localized content for Canada and Mexico
  • Prioritize English and Spanish language support
  • Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
  • Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns

Nearby Markets

Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding La Mesa. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:

MarketPropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateOccupancy
Rancho San Diego28$9,026$520.1253%
Thousand Palms34$8,092$656.1241%
Del Mar108$7,629$627.1251%
GlenOak Hills38$7,543$595.8740%
Newport Beach1,268$7,104$643.6746%
Manhattan Beach232$7,054$486.6452%
Avalon218$6,867$634.6039%
Lakeside34$6,788$501.2051%
Rancho Santa Fe28$6,225$732.9041%
Bermuda Dunes138$6,223$599.0639%

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