Lake Tahoe, CA Short-Term Rental ROI Calculator
Analyze your Airbnb investment with live Lake Tahoe market data. Pre-populated with real ADR, occupancy, and revenue benchmarks.
Investor Quick Take
Strengths
- Premium ADR — $387/night average
- High revenue potential — $78K+ avg/yr
- STR-friendly regulations — low compliance burden
Risks
- High seasonality — significant off-season revenue drop
- High acquisition cost — median home $985K
Moderate Market
Based on ADR, occupancy, and supply metrics
Lake Tahoe properties generate above-average revenue with $78K in annual income potential.
We've pre-populated this calculator with Lake Tahoe's market averages. Adjust the values to match your specific property.
Lake Tahoe Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Lake Tahoe 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 Lake Tahoe generates approximately $77,800 in annual revenue, with an average daily rate of $387 and a 55% occupancy rate across the year. These metrics position Lake Tahoe among the higher-performing US STR markets — particularly attractive to investors seeking premium nightly rates with a concentrated peak season.
Active listings in Lake Tahoe grew by 6% year-over-year, currently sitting at approximately 4,800 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 Lake Tahoe investors: regulatory risk is rated low — Lake Tahoe 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
Lake Tahoe Airbnb Revenue by Property Size
| Property Size | Avg ADR | Avg Occupancy | Avg Annual Revenue | Est. Cap Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $155 | 55% | $30K | 1.4–1.9% |
| 1BR | $232 | 55% | $47K | 2.2–3.0% |
| 2BR | $387 | 55% | $79K | 3.8–5.1% |
| 3BR | $619 | 55% | $134K | 6.4–8.6% |
| 4BR+ | $968 | 55% | $212K | 10.0–13.6% |
Lake Tahoe 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 Lake Tahoe a Good Market for Short-Term Rentals?
Why investors choose Lake Tahoe
- ✓High revenue ceiling: top-performing properties average $109K+ annually
- ✓Reliable occupancy: 55% market average provides predictable income baseline
- ✓Premium pricing power: Lake Tahoe's destination appeal supports $387/night average — significantly above national STR average of ~$180
- ✓Growing market: 6% annual listing growth signals strong investor and visitor confidence
Key risks to consider
- !High seasonality: Lake Tahoe has significant off-peak periods where revenue can drop 40–60% — cash reserves are essential
Lake Tahoe STR Regulatory Overview
ModerateLake Tahoe spans California and Nevada. On the California side, Placer and El Dorado counties have implemented permit caps and registration requirements. South Lake Tahoe has active enforcement.
Key Requirements
- ·County STR permit (limited number available)
- ·Annual renewal and inspection
- ·Transient occupancy tax (TOT) collection
- ·Good Neighbor requirements (parking, noise, trash)
Source: El Dorado and Placer County Code Enforcement · Last verified: 2026-01. Regulations change frequently — always verify current requirements with local authorities before investing.
Compare Lake Tahoe to Similar Markets
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| Metric | Lake Tahoe | Scottsdale | Sedona | Tucson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADR | $387 | $267 | $398 | $142 |
| Occupancy | 55% | 58% | 71% | 52% |
| Avg Revenue | $78K | $57K | $103K | $27K |
| Median Home Value | $985K | $765K | $895K | $295K |
| Regulatory Risk | Low | Moderate | Low | Low |
Lake Tahoe Short-Term Rental FAQs
Is Lake Tahoe a good market for short-term rentals?+
Lake Tahoe, CA is one of the stronger US STR markets. With an average daily rate of $387 and 55% occupancy, the average listing earns approximately $77,800 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 Lake Tahoe?+
The average STR listing in Lake Tahoe generates approximately $77,800 in gross annual revenue at a $387 average daily rate and 55% 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 Lake Tahoe?+
The market-average occupancy in Lake Tahoe is approximately 55%. 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 67–73% occupancy. This market is highly seasonal — plan for meaningful variation between peak and off-peak months.
What are the STR regulations in Lake Tahoe?+
Regulatory risk in Lake Tahoe is rated Low. Lake Tahoe 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 Lake Tahoe?+
In Lake Tahoe, the highest-performing STR properties are typically 2–3 bedroom ski-in/ski-out units and mountain cabins. Guests in Lake Tahoe 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 Lake Tahoe?+
Lake Tahoe 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 Lake Tahoe?+
The median home value in Lake Tahoe is approximately $985,000. With a 20% down payment, you'd invest roughly $227K in cash (including closing costs and setup). At the market-average revenue of $77,800/year, a property at median value would generate a gross revenue yield of approximately 7.9%. Use this calculator to model your specific purchase price, financing terms, and expense assumptions.
How does Lake Tahoe compare to other STR markets?+
Lake Tahoe ranks among the top-tier US STR markets by revenue potential. The $387 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. Lake Tahoe offers a strong combination of revenue potential and market accessibility.
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