San Diego, CA Short-Term Rental ROI Calculator
Analyze your Airbnb investment with live San Diego market data. Pre-populated with real ADR, occupancy, and revenue benchmarks.
Investor Quick Take
Strengths
- Strong occupancy — 65% market average
- Premium ADR — $312/night average
- High revenue potential — $74K+ avg/yr
- STR-friendly regulations — low compliance burden
Risks
- Moderate seasonality — plan for slower months
- High acquisition cost — median home $985K
Strong Market
Based on ADR, occupancy, and supply metrics
At 65% average occupancy, San Diego ranks among the top-performing STR markets in the US.
We've pre-populated this calculator with San Diego's market averages. Adjust the values to match your specific property.
San Diego Short-Term Rental Market Overview
San Diego is one of the nation's premier beach destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually seeking sun, surf, and waterfront accommodations. Demand peaks sharply in summer but the mild climate extends the shoulder season well into spring and fall, giving STR operators a longer revenue window than inland markets.
The average STR in San Diego generates approximately $74,100 in annual revenue, with an average daily rate of $312 and a 65% occupancy rate across the year. These metrics position San Diego among the higher-performing US STR markets — particularly attractive to investors seeking consistent year-round cash flow.
Active listings in San Diego grew by 5% year-over-year, currently sitting at approximately 9,400 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 San Diego investors: regulatory risk is rated low — San Diego 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
San Diego Airbnb Revenue by Property Size
| Property Size | Avg ADR | Avg Occupancy | Avg Annual Revenue | Est. Cap Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $156 | 65% | $37K | 1.8–2.4% |
| 1BR | $218 | 65% | $53K | 2.5–3.4% |
| 2BR | $328 | 65% | $82K | 3.9–5.2% |
| 3BR | $474 | 65% | $120K | 5.7–7.7% |
| 4BR+ | $686 | 65% | $178K | 8.4–11.4% |
San Diego STR Revenue Calendar
Seasonal Insight: Peak season runs July, June, and August. Expect up to 58% higher revenue during peak months. Plan for January and November as your slowest period — approximately 32% below the annual average.
Is San Diego a Good Market for Short-Term Rentals?
Why investors choose San Diego
- ✓High revenue ceiling: top-performing properties average $104K+ annually
- ✓Strong occupancy: 65% market average leaves limited dead inventory risk
- ✓Premium pricing power: San Diego's destination appeal supports $312/night average — significantly above national STR average of ~$180
- ✓Growing market: 5% annual listing growth signals strong investor and visitor confidence
Key risks to consider
- !Moderate seasonality: revenue varies materially by month — budget conservatively for shoulder and off-peak periods
San Diego STR Regulatory Overview
ModerateSan Diego implemented a tiered licensing system in 2023. Mission Beach and some areas have permit caps. Non-primary-residence STRs require Tier 3 licenses which are subject to a lottery system.
Key Requirements
- ·Tiered STR license system (Tier 1–3)
- ·Primary residence preference
- ·Permit lottery for Tier 3 (non-primary)
- ·Transient occupancy tax collection
Source: City of San Diego Development Services · Last verified: 2026-01. Regulations change frequently — always verify current requirements with local authorities before investing.
Compare San Diego to Similar Markets
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| Metric | San Diego | Scottsdale | Sedona | Tucson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADR | $312 | $267 | $398 | $142 |
| Occupancy | 65% | 58% | 71% | 52% |
| Avg Revenue | $74K | $57K | $103K | $27K |
| Median Home Value | $985K | $765K | $895K | $295K |
| Regulatory Risk | Low | Moderate | Low | Low |
San Diego Short-Term Rental FAQs
Is San Diego a good market for short-term rentals?+
San Diego, CA is one of the stronger US STR markets. With an average daily rate of $312 and 65% occupancy, the average listing earns approximately $74,100 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 San Diego?+
The average STR listing in San Diego generates approximately $74,100 in gross annual revenue at a $312 average daily rate and 65% 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 San Diego?+
The market-average occupancy in San Diego is approximately 65%. 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 77–83% occupancy. This market is moderately seasonal — plan for meaningful variation between peak and off-peak months.
What are the STR regulations in San Diego?+
Regulatory risk in San Diego is rated Low. San Diego 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 San Diego?+
In San Diego, the highest-performing STR properties are typically 3-bedroom beach houses and condos with ocean views. Guests in San Diego prioritize proximity to key attractions, unique character, and outdoor space. The premium segment by revenue-per-dollar-invested is typically the 2-bedroom category.
What is the best season for Airbnb in San Diego?+
San Diego sees peak STR demand during June through August. During peak season, top properties can command rates 58% above their annual average. Demand remains relatively stable throughout the year, with only moderate seasonal variation.
How much does it cost to buy an STR investment property in San Diego?+
The median home value in San Diego 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 $74,100/year, a property at median value would generate a gross revenue yield of approximately 7.5%. Use this calculator to model your specific purchase price, financing terms, and expense assumptions.
How does San Diego compare to other STR markets?+
San Diego ranks among the top-tier US STR markets by revenue potential. The $312 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. San Diego offers a strong combination of revenue potential and market accessibility.
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