Big Bear, CA Short-Term Rental ROI Calculator
Analyze your Airbnb investment with live Big Bear market data. Pre-populated with real ADR, occupancy, and revenue benchmarks.
Investor Quick Take
Strengths
- Premium ADR — $287/night average
- STR-friendly regulations — low compliance burden
Risks
- High seasonality — significant off-season revenue drop
- Below-average occupancy — careful underwriting required
Moderate Market
Based on ADR, occupancy, and supply metrics
Big Bear is a ski market with 52% average occupancy and $287 ADR.
We've pre-populated this calculator with Big Bear's market averages. Adjust the values to match your specific property.
Big Bear Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Big Bear is a world-class ski resort destination with a captive audience of high-spending visitors during peak winter season. The combination of premium nightly rates and strong shoulder-season activity (summer hiking, mountain biking, festivals) creates a compelling revenue profile across all 12 months.
The average STR in Big Bear generates approximately $54,700 in annual revenue, with an average daily rate of $287 and a 52% occupancy rate across the year. These metrics position Big Bear as a solid mid-tier STR market — particularly attractive to investors seeking premium nightly rates with a concentrated peak season.
Active listings in Big Bear grew by 8% year-over-year, currently sitting at approximately 3,600 active STR units. This moderate growth rate suggests a market finding equilibrium between supply and demand, which typically supports stable occupancy and ADR. Investors should track supply trends quarterly using tools like AirDNA or Rabbu before committing capital.
Key considerations for Big Bear investors: regulatory risk is rated low — Big Bear currently has minimal STR regulation, making it an investor-friendly market from a compliance perspective. Monitor local policy, as regulations can change. Property management costs, cleaning turnover for short stays, and platform fee optimization are the primary levers operators use to improve net margin in this market.
Market Metrics
Big Bear Airbnb Revenue by Property Size
| Property Size | Avg ADR | Avg Occupancy | Avg Annual Revenue | Est. Cap Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $115 | 52% | $21K | 1.8–2.4% |
| 1BR | $172 | 52% | $33K | 2.8–3.8% |
| 2BR | $287 | 52% | $56K | 4.8–6.5% |
| 3BR | $459 | 52% | $94K | 8.1–10.9% |
| 4BR+ | $718 | 52% | $149K | 12.8–17.3% |
Big Bear STR Revenue Calendar
Seasonal Insight: Peak season runs February, January, and December. Expect up to 58% higher revenue during peak months. Plan for October and May as your slowest period — approximately 38% below the annual average.
Is Big Bear a Good Market for Short-Term Rentals?
Why investors choose Big Bear
- ✓Solid revenue potential: market average of $54,700 per year with upside for well-managed properties
- ✓Premium pricing power: Big Bear's destination appeal supports $287/night average — significantly above national STR average of ~$180
- ✓Growing market: 8% annual listing growth signals strong investor and visitor confidence
Key risks to consider
- !High seasonality: Big Bear has significant off-peak periods where revenue can drop 40–60% — cash reserves are essential
- !Below-average occupancy: 52% market average means careful property selection and pricing strategy are critical to profitability
Big Bear STR Regulatory Overview
LowBig Bear Lake has a long history of vacation rentals and a clear permitting process. San Bernardino County requires registration and tax collection.
Key Requirements
- ·County business registration
- ·Transient occupancy tax (7%)
- ·Good neighbor rules enforced
- ·Occupancy limits per unit size
Source: San Bernardino County Land Use Services · Last verified: 2026-01. Regulations change frequently — always verify current requirements with local authorities before investing.
Compare Big Bear to Similar Markets
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| Metric | Big Bear | Scottsdale | Sedona | Tucson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADR | $287 | $267 | $398 | $142 |
| Occupancy | 52% | 58% | 71% | 52% |
| Avg Revenue | $55K | $57K | $103K | $27K |
| Median Home Value | $545K | $765K | $895K | $295K |
| Regulatory Risk | Low | Moderate | Low | Low |
Big Bear Short-Term Rental FAQs
Is Big Bear a good market for short-term rentals?+
Big Bear, CA is a solid US STR markets. With an average daily rate of $287 and 52% occupancy, the average listing earns approximately $54,700 per year. Market performance varies significantly by property type, location within the city, and management quality — this calculator helps you model your specific scenario.
What is the average Airbnb income in Big Bear?+
The average STR listing in Big Bear generates approximately $54,700 in gross annual revenue at a $287 average daily rate and 52% occupancy. Top-performing listings with premium amenities, strong reviews, and professional management can earn 30–50% above the market average. After platform fees (3–5%), cleaning costs, and other expenses, net revenue typically ranges 60–75% of gross.
What occupancy rate can I expect for an Airbnb in Big Bear?+
The market-average occupancy in Big Bear is approximately 52%. New listings typically underperform the market average for the first 3–6 months while accumulating reviews. Properties with professional photography, competitive pricing, and consistently high ratings can reach 64–70% occupancy. This market is highly seasonal — plan for meaningful variation between peak and off-peak months.
What are the STR regulations in Big Bear?+
Regulatory risk in Big Bear is rated Low. Big Bear currently has minimal STR regulation, making it investor-friendly from a compliance standpoint. Always verify current requirements — local policies can change. Regulations change frequently; always confirm current rules with local authorities.
What type of property performs best as an Airbnb in Big Bear?+
In Big Bear, the highest-performing STR properties are typically 2–3 bedroom ski-in/ski-out units and mountain cabins. Guests in Big Bear prioritize privacy, unique ambiance, and well-equipped spaces. The premium segment by revenue-per-dollar-invested is typically the 2-bedroom category.
What is the best season for Airbnb in Big Bear?+
Big Bear sees peak STR demand during December through February and July. During peak season, top properties can command rates 58% above their annual average. The off-peak period sees materially lower rates and occupancy — conservative underwriting should assume 40–50% of peak revenue during the slowest months.
How much does it cost to buy an STR investment property in Big Bear?+
The median home value in Big Bear is approximately $545,000. With a 20% down payment, you'd invest roughly $125K in cash (including closing costs and setup). At the market-average revenue of $54,700/year, a property at median value would generate a gross revenue yield of approximately 10.0%. Use this calculator to model your specific purchase price, financing terms, and expense assumptions.
How does Big Bear compare to other STR markets?+
Big Bear performs above the national average for STR revenue. The $287 ADR is above the national STR average of roughly $185. For comparison, markets like Aspen and Malibu exceed $450 ADR but require significantly higher acquisition costs. Big Bear offers a strong combination of revenue potential and market accessibility.
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