Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in San Mateo, 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 Mateo? 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 Mateo:

Average Daily Rate
$196
Occupancy Rate
52.12%
Annual Revenue
$31,612
Revenue Growth YoY
7.84%
Best Month
June
Worst Month
January
Regulation
Low
Active Listings
180

How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in San Mateo?

The short-term rental market in San Mateo 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 $2,936 per month
  • Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $5,121 or more
  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $7,318+ monthly
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $1,526

Revenue Variations by Month

Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in San Mateo

The market in San Mateo 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 59% occupancy rates
  • Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 80% or higher
  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 90%+occupancy
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 31%

Occupancy Variations by Month

Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in San Mateo

Daily rates in San Mateo 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 $143 per night
  • Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $228 or more
  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $350+ per night
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $87

Daily Rate Variations by Month

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Seasonality patterns in San Mateo

Peak Season (June, July, October)
  • Revenue peaks at $4419.32 per month
  • Occupancy rates reach 65.23%
  • Daily rates average $199.01
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $3724.09 per month
  • Occupancy maintains 55.08%
  • Daily rates hold at $190.61
Low Season (April, February, January)
  • Revenue drops to $2918.07 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to 46.69%
  • Daily rates adjust to $185.80

Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in San Mateo in 2025?

Yes! San Mateo demonstrates moderate seasonality with good off-peak opportunities, featuring a healthy occupancy rate of 55% and strong monthly revenue averaging $3724 and The market's 180 active listings indicate growing demand with plenty of opportunity for new properties. 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 Mateo

AreaWhy Choose This AreaKey Attractions
Downtown San Mateo
The vibrant center of the city with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a hub for both business and leisure travelers due to its accessibility and amenities.
Central Park, San Mateo County History Museum, Downtown shops and restaurants, Events Plaza, San Mateo Performing Arts Center
San Mateo Park
A charming and quiet residential neighborhood with beautiful homes and parks, ideal for families and travelers looking for a peaceful stay with easy access to the city’s amenities.
Central Park, Laurelwood Park, Pine Hill Park, Coyote Point Recreation Area, Los Prados Park
Burlingame
Located just south of San Mateo, Burlingame offers a picturesque downtown area and proximity to the Bay. It's known for its upscale dining and shopping, attracting visitors looking for a serene suburban experience.
Burlingame Avenue, Coyote Point Park, Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia, Washington Park, The San Francisco Bay Trail
Bayside
A beautiful waterfront area ideal for nature enthusiasts. It provides a perfect vessel for recreational activities and access to stunning bay views, making it attractive for outdoor lovers and families.
Coyote Point Recreation Area, Bayside Park, Poplar Creek Golf Course, San Mateo Shoreline, Bay Trail
Hillsdale
A suburban neighborhood known for its shopping mall and proximity to major transportation links. It appeals to visitors looking for convenience and access to various attractions in the Bay Area.
Hillsdale Shopping Center, Gellert Park, San Mateo's Japanese Garden, Laurelwood Park, The San Francisco Bay Area
Foster City
A planned community with a variety of outdoor activities and scenic waterways. Popular for families and professionals looking for a community feel while still being close to the urban areas of San Mateo and beyond.
Foster City Lagoon, Leo J. Ryan Park, Foster City Parks and Recreation, The San Francisco Bay Trail, Maguire Academy of Aeronautics
Slice of Paradise
A fresh, emerging neighborhood filled with quaint shops and eateries. It attracts younger demographics and those seeking local experiences away from the mainstream tourist spots.
Local Art Galleries, Trendy Cafés, Riverside Walks, Community Events, Night Markets
Bridgepointe
A retail and residential area that appeals to visitors looking for convenience and amenities. It's close to major roads and transportation options, making it ideal for short stays.
Bridgepointe Shopping Center, Nearby Restaurants, Coyote Point Recreation Area, Nature Trails, Community Parks

Do you need a license for Airbnb in San Mateo?

We recommend checking directly with San Mateo's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (1% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in San Mateo

LG Spacious Comfy Modern 8BR Group Retreat, Quiet

LG Spacious Comfy Modern 8BR Group Retreat, Quiet

Entire Place • 8 bedrooms

$157,203
Revenue
39.4%
Occupancy
$1099.75
Daily Rate
@ Marbella Lane - Modern Refreshing Home

@ Marbella Lane - Modern Refreshing Home

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$132,557
Revenue
70.3%
Occupancy
$514.98
Daily Rate
Tesla EV Charger Basketball Pool Table Hot Tub Spa

Tesla EV Charger Basketball Pool Table Hot Tub Spa

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$114,095
Revenue
37.7%
Occupancy
$897.76
Daily Rate
Lovely 3b2b house with garden & grill 12min to SFO

Lovely 3b2b house with garden & grill 12min to SFO

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$112,946
Revenue
58.8%
Occupancy
$428.61
Daily Rate
Lovely Home in Kid Friendly Neighborhood

Lovely Home in Kid Friendly Neighborhood

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$104,841
Revenue
52.1%
Occupancy
$385.03
Daily Rate
Spacious Modern House

Spacious Modern House

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$103,380
Revenue
74.8%
Occupancy
$464.13
Daily Rate

Top Performing Professional Hosts in San Mateo

Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Emily12$482,356984.46/5.0
Alex3$300,047553.32/5.0
Sharon4$278,2294344.95/5.0
Wendy3$189,1181184.51/5.0
Victor 53$153,3881894.69/5.0
Alvin6$143,7678034.75/5.0
Saik Kia2$131,0991104.87/5.0
Susan2$123,613304.81/5.0
Kenny3$116,5906894.87/5.0
Jason1$114,095425.00/5.0

Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in San Mateo

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 (61.7%), with house and apartment & condo properties comprising 85.0% of inventory

Room Capacity Distribution

Analysis of 180 properties in San Mateo shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 31.7% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 3 bedrooms together representing 46.1% of all listings.

Key Insights

  • Most common: 1 bedroom (31.7%)
  • Least common: 5+ bedrooms (2.8%)
  • Market concentration: 46.1% in top 2 sizes
  • Market skew: Favors smaller properties

Guest Capacity Distribution

Analysis of 180 properties in San Mateo reveals that 2 guests properties dominate the market, representing 23.9% of all listings. The average property accommodates 3.0 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 2 guests and 4 guests make up 37.8% of the market.

Key Insights

  • Most common capacity: 2 guests (23.9% of market)
  • Least common capacity: 3 guests (2.8% of market)
  • Average guest capacity: 3.0 guests per property
  • Market concentration: 37.8% in top 2 capacity sizes
  • Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities

Booking and Availability Patterns

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Among 180 properties in San Mateo, the most common availability pattern is 91-180 days (31.1% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 181-270 days (32.2% of properties).

Key Insights

  • Most common availability window: 91-180 days (31.1%)
  • Most common booking duration: 181-270 days (32.2%)
  • Properties with high availability (180+ days): 57.2%
  • Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 44.4%

Minimum Stay Distributions

1 Night (25.8%)

1 Night

41 listings

25.8% of total

2 Nights (27.7%)

2 Nights

44 listings

27.7% of total

3 Nights (6.9%)

3 Nights

11 listings

6.9% of total

4-6 Nights (6.3%)

4-6 Nights

10 listings

6.3% of total

7-29 Nights (8.8%)

7-29 Nights

14 listings

8.8% of total

30+ Nights (24.5%)

30+ Nights

39 listings

24.5% of total

Key Insights

  • Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 53.5%
  • Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 6.3% of listings
  • Monthly+ stays (24.5%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
  • High market flexibility with 60.4% 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 (12.9%)

Flexible

20 listings

12.9% of total

Moderate (34.8%)

Moderate

54 listings

34.8% of total

Firm (21.3%)

Firm

33 listings

21.3% of total

Strict (31%)

Strict

48 listings

31% of total

Key Insights

  • Moderate is the preferred policy at 34.8% of listings
  • The market shows a balanced distribution between guest-friendly (47.7%) and strict (52.3%) policies
  • Strong market consensus around Moderate policies
  • Flexible policies are least common at 12.9% of listings

Recommendations

  • Market supports various policies - choose based on your property type and target guests
  • Strong market preference for Moderate policies suggests this should be your baseline

Booking Lead Time Trends

Key Insights

  • Peak booking lead times occur in Jun, Jul, Aug, averaging 63 days
  • Shortest booking windows are in Feb, Mar, Jan, averaging 34 days
  • Summer shows the longest average booking window at 63 days, while Winter has the shortest at 36 days

Recommendations

  • Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Summer bookings at least 63 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 Mateo

Every property in San Mateo comes standard with Wifi. Below shows the distribution of other amenities:

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 82.6% of total guests, indicating a dominant local market share.
  • Primary international markets: Canada (3.8%) and China (2.3%)
  • English is the top language at 69%, followed by Spanish (13.4%)
  • Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 5.6%

Recommendations

  • Target marketing campaigns for San Francisco and San Mateo markets
  • Develop localized content for Canada and China
  • 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 Mateo. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:

MarketPropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateOccupancy
Carmel Point14$17,197$1060.2154%
Big Sur10$13,758$1307.4849%
Del Monte Forest102$10,351$907.2347%
Sonoma226$9,950$763.7846%
Eldridge18$9,899$862.2144%
Glen Ellen79$9,092$738.0144%
Carmel-by-the-Sea309$8,776$666.3048%
Dillon Beach79$8,690$647.6544%
Moss Beach35$8,668$635.2351%
Kenwood55$8,081$707.3440%

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