Source: BNBCalc market metadata · Reviewed by Parker Place, CTO of BNBCalc.com · Data updated July 10, 2026
Best Airbnb Markets in California by Gross Yield
Visalia is the top California short-term rental market across Airbnb and Vrbo by gross yield, with 17.2% gross yield, $60,834 in average annual revenue, and 920 active listings.
Top gross yield
17.2%
Visalia
Median gross yield
7.5%
44 markets with yield data
Median annual revenue
$59.2K
Average listing revenue
Tracked markets
44
Statewide market coverage
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Bedroom count
Performance tier
Top 10 California Airbnb and Vrbo Markets
#1
Visalia
The Visalia short-term rental market presents strong profit potential with $53,601 in annual revenue and a 15.2% gross yield. Smart investors can leverage a $316 average daily rate and 38% occupancy, though standing out among the 888 active listings is crucial for long-term success.
Yield
17.2%
Revenue
$60.8K
Listings
920
#2
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a lucrative market for short-term rental investors, delivering $58,804 in annual revenue and a 13.2% gross yield. However, with 1,915 active listings, competition is strong, and buyers must strategically price their properties around the $373 average daily rate to overcome a 34% occupancy rate.
Yield
16.8%
Revenue
$75.6K
Listings
1,977
#3
Palm Springs
The Palm Springs short-term rental market features a premium average daily rate of $479, driving a strong annual revenue of $61,210 for property owners. However, investors must navigate intense competition from 7,490 active listings, which contributes to a lower average occupancy rate of 31% despite the attractive 12.5% gross yield.
Yield
16.1%
Revenue
$78.5K
Listings
7,661
#4
Clear Lake
Clear Lake offers short-term rental investors an impressive average daily rate of $445 and a strong annual revenue of $57,900. While the 10.0% gross yield is highly attractive, the 30% occupancy rate across 1,420 active listings indicates that strategic pricing is essential to maximize returns.
Yield
12.8%
Revenue
$73.6K
Listings
1,442
#5
Kirkwood
In Kirkwood, short-term rental investors can capitalize on a strong average daily rate of $335, driving a solid 8.7% gross yield and $37,867 in annual revenue. However, with only 202 active listings, this niche market suffers from a low 27% occupancy rate, indicating highly seasonal demand that requires careful financial planning.
Yield
12.7%
Revenue
$55.5K
Listings
210
#6
Eureka
The Eureka short-term rental market offers a strong annual revenue of $41,861 and a healthy 10.5% gross yield for active investors. However, with 1,245 active listings competing in the area, maintaining a steady cash flow requires navigating a moderate 38% occupancy rate and an average daily rate of $259.
Yield
12.6%
Revenue
$50.5K
Listings
1,283
#7
Redding
Redding offers a promising opportunity for short-term rental buyers, delivering a 13.4% gross yield and $43,236 in annual revenue. However, with 805 active listings and a 36% occupancy rate, investors must implement smart marketing strategies to leverage the $281 average daily rate and stand out from the competition.
Yield
12.6%
Revenue
$40.8K
Listings
833
#8
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake offers short-term rental investors a strong $352 ADR and an 11.0% gross yield, leading to $41,546 in annual revenue. However, with 1,605 active listings, high competition contributes to a low 23% occupancy rate that buyers must carefully factor into their financial models.
Yield
11.9%
Revenue
$44.8K
Listings
1,647
#9
Temecula
Temecula offers short-term rental investors an impressive annual revenue of $61,348 and a strong $474 average daily rate. While the 9.7% gross yield is highly attractive, buyers must develop effective marketing strategies to overcome a lower 30% occupancy rate across the 484 active listings.
Yield
11.1%
Revenue
$70.4K
Listings
512
#10
Crestline
The Crestline short-term rental market delivers a 9.7% gross yield and a solid annual revenue of $38,536. However, with 467 active listings, investors should note that the occupancy rate is quite low at 23%, requiring strong marketing to capture the $342 average daily rate.
Yield
10.7%
Revenue
$42.6K
Listings
492
All California Short-Term Rental Markets
Every market below links to its full BNBCalc market page. Rankings use gross yield first, then annual revenue when yield is missing.
Active listings are Airbnb and Vrbo listings observed as active in the selected market metadata segment. The all-bedrooms view uses all active listings in that market; bedroom filters use the active listing count for the selected bedroom group.
For US markets, BNBCalc ranks state market pages by gross yield: annual Airbnb and Vrbo short-term rental revenue divided by estimated property value. Gross yield is a fast way to compare market-level opportunity before operating expenses, financing, taxes, insurance, seasonality, and local rules.
Annual revenue uses ADR, adjusted occupancy, and estimated cleaning revenue when cleaning and stay data exists.
ADR is nightly-only and excludes cleaning fees and other guest fees.
Occupancy is adjusted occupancy of bookable nights, excluding host-blocked nights.
Gross yield uses annual revenue divided by estimated property value; it does not include operating expenses, financing, taxes, or local regulation risk.
Compare Rental Demand in California
For long-term rental context, compare statewide Section 8 Fair Market Rent data alongside short-term rental market performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Airbnb and Vrbo Markets
The best short-term rental market in California for Airbnb and Vrbo investors by gross yield is Visalia, with 17.2% gross yield, $60,834 in average annual revenue, and 920 active listings.
US markets are ranked by gross yield, which compares annual short-term rental revenue from demand sources like Airbnb and Vrbo with estimated property value. Gross yield is useful for comparing markets before expenses, financing, taxes, and local regulation are included.
Gross yield is usually better for market comparison because it accounts for both revenue potential and property value. Revenue alone can favor expensive markets where purchase prices may reduce investor returns.
Monthly revenue is calculated from the average yearly revenue per listing over the last twelve months (LTM), divided by 12. This figure represents gross booking revenue across short-term rental demand sources, including Airbnb and Vrbo, before expenses like cleaning fees, platform fees, and property management costs.
ADR is the average nightly price that guests pay to book a short-term rental in a given market. It's calculated by dividing the total revenue by the number of booked nights. Higher ADR markets typically have premium properties or are in high-demand tourist destinations.