Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in San Diego, 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 San Diego? 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 San Diego:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in San Diego?
The short-term rental market in San Diego 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 $4,245 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $7,415 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $12,359+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $2,292
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in San Diego
The market in San Diego 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 76% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 88%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 33%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in San Diego
Daily rates in San Diego 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 $216 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $380 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $646+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $132
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in San Diego
Peak Season (July, June, August)
- Revenue peaks at $8252.68 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 69.11%
- Daily rates average $343.12
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $5974.81 per month
- Occupancy maintains 54.40%
- Daily rates hold at $320.71
Low Season (November, December, January)
- Revenue drops to $4023.51 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 43.18%
- Daily rates adjust to $296.87
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in San Diego in 2025?
Yes! San Diego demonstrates highly seasonal trends requiring strategic adaptation, featuring a healthy occupancy rate of 54% and strong monthly revenue averaging $5975 and As a mature market with 9167 active listings, there's strong demand despite the competition. 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 San Diego
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Beach | A vibrant beachfront community known for its lively atmosphere, surf culture, and nightlife. Attracts tourists looking for beachfront accommodations and local events. | Pacific Beach Boardwalk, Crystal Pier, Mission Beach, Surf shops, Restaurants and bars |
| La Jolla | A picturesque coastal village known for its stunning beaches, upscale shops, and natural beauty. Ideal for travelers seeking a more luxurious and serene experience. | La Jolla Cove, Children's Pool, La Jolla Shores, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Birch Aquarium |
| Downtown San Diego | The urban center of San Diego, offering a mix of culture, dining, and nightlife. Perfect for travelers wanting to be in the heart of the city near attractions and events. | Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park |
| Coronado | A charming island community known for its beautiful beaches and iconic Hotel del Coronado. Attracts tourists looking for a relaxing getaway with stunning views. | Coronado Beach, Hotel del Coronado, Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado Ferry Landing, Bayside Park |
| Mission Valley | A central hub for shopping, dining, and access to attractions. Popular with families and groups seeking convenience and comfort. | Fashion Valley Mall, Riverwalk Golf Club, Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley Park, San Diego River |
| Point Loma | A historic peninsula with stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. Great for those who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic coastlines. | Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma Lighthouse, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Liberty Station, Harbor Island Park |
| Old Town | The historic heart of San Diego showcasing its rich history and cultural heritage. Ideal for visitors interested in the origins of San Diego with plenty of dining options. | Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Mason Street School, Whaley House Museum, Café Coyote, Market in Old Town |
| Mission Beach | A lively beach community perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and seaside fun. Ideal for young travelers and families looking for beach activities. | Mission Beach Boardwalk, Giant Oceanfront Dipper, Belmont Park, Mission Bay Park, Surfing and water sports |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in San Diego?
Yes, San Diego requires a license for operating an Airbnb. Current market data shows 75% of active listings maintain proper licensing, confirming this requirement. Getting licensed is an essential first step before listing your property.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in San Diego
Blue Sea Villa, Centered in La Jolla Shores!
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
9,000 sq ft Celebrity Oceanfront Estate, La Jolla
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Winter Discounts -Luxury Oceanfront Home - views
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Crown Jewel in Mission Beach w/ rooftop hot tub
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Ocean View ☆ Steps to Beach & Dining ☆ AC ☆ DogsOK
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Windansea Escape
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in San Diego
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluewater Vacation Homes | 93 | $14,403,723 | 3165 | 4.63/5.0 |
| Drift Vacation Homes | 64 | $11,643,063 | 1072 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Coast Vacation Homes | 83 | $11,218,434 | 1721 | 4.80/5.0 |
| AvantStay San Diego | 64 | $8,541,017 | 2857 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Surf Style | 151 | $8,475,270 | 1716 | 3.46/5.0 |
| Nxt | 53 | $6,951,272 | 590 | 3.64/5.0 |
| Evan | 85 | $5,959,362 | 12234 | 4.78/5.0 |
| La Jolla | 72 | $5,807,899 | 3504 | 4.56/5.0 |
| Kyle | 38 | $5,683,997 | 3172 | 4.01/5.0 |
| Cindy | 32 | $5,344,905 | 2427 | 4.90/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in San Diego
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 (87.9%), with house and apartment & condo properties comprising 87.5% of inventory
- Untapped potential in others, outdoor & mobile, unique stays segments (4.6% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 9,167 properties in San Diego shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 32.4% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 57.6% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (32.4%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (4.9%)
- Market concentration: 57.6% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 9,167 properties in San Diego reveals that 8+ guests properties dominate the market, representing 22.3% 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 42.1% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 8+ guests (22.3% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (1.2% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 4.6 guests per property
- Market concentration: 42.1% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 9,167 properties in San Diego, the most common availability pattern is 91-180 days (31.6% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 181-270 days (31.5% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 91-180 days (31.6%)
- Most common booking duration: 181-270 days (31.5%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 51.9%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 49.7%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
906 listings
11.1% of total
2 Nights
2785 listings
34.2% of total
3 Nights
1609 listings
19.8% of total
4-6 Nights
672 listings
8.3% of total
7-29 Nights
281 listings
3.5% of total
30+ Nights
1890 listings
23.2% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 45.3%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 8.3% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (23.2%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 65.1% 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
Refundable
6 listings
0.1% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
145 listings
1.8% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
142 listings
1.8% of total
Non-refundable
4 listings
0.1% of total
Flexible
805 listings
10.1% of total
Moderate
1643 listings
20.7% of total
Firm
2241 listings
28.2% of total
Strict
2964 listings
37.3% of total
Key Insights
- Strict is the preferred policy at 37.3% of listings
- Stricter policies (Firm & Strict) dominate at 65.5% of the market
- Strong market consensus around Strict policies
- Non-refundable policies are least common at 0.1% of listings
Recommendations
- The market supports stricter policies, with 65.5% using Firm or Strict terms
- Strong market preference for Strict policies suggests this should be your baseline
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Jul, Jun, May, averaging 65 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Feb, Oct, Jan, averaging 44 days
- Summer shows the longest average booking window at 64 days, while Winter has the shortest at 45 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Summer bookings at least 64 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Winter to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Feb-Jan when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in San Diego
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in San Diego:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 90% of total guests, indicating a dominant local market share.
- Primary international markets: Canada (2.3%) and Mexico (1.4%)
- English is the top language at 72.4%, followed by Spanish (18.3%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 5.6%
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 San Diego. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rancho San Diego | 28 | $9,026 | $520.12 | 53% |
| Thousand Palms | 34 | $8,092 | $656.12 | 41% |
| Del Mar | 108 | $7,629 | $627.12 | 51% |
| GlenOak Hills | 38 | $7,543 | $595.87 | 40% |
| Newport Beach | 1,268 | $7,104 | $643.67 | 46% |
| Manhattan Beach | 232 | $7,054 | $486.64 | 52% |
| Avalon | 218 | $6,867 | $634.60 | 39% |
| Lakeside | 34 | $6,788 | $501.20 | 51% |
| Rancho Santa Fe | 28 | $6,225 | $732.90 | 41% |
| Bermuda Dunes | 138 | $6,223 | $599.06 | 39% |
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