Big Bear Lake

As of May 2026, Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City have 6,228 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 3% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Big Bear Lake generates $42K per year. High-performing properties earn $99K/year, while low-performing properties earn $18K/year. The substantial variance between top and bottom performers suggests that market revenue is heavily concentrated, indicating that returns are driven by specific property attributes rather than broad market demand.

Average home prices in Big Bear Lake vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $245K, 2-bedroom homes average $313K, 3-bedroom properties are around $439K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $629K. These prices reflect median home values across the Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Big Bear Lake, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 26%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This spread highlights a bifurcated market where top-tier assets capture significantly higher profitability despite the overall 9% year-over-year revenue contraction.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Big Bear Lake is 23%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $352, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $90 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Big Bear Lake, with an average gross yield of 12% and annual revenue of $73K. These properties balance purchase price ($629K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Big Bear Lake market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Big Bear Lake area. Big Bear Lake: Moderate. Business license required, TOT certificate, safety inspections, good neighbor policy. Caps on new permits in some zones. Active enforcement with complaint-based inspections and fines. Big Bear City: Lenient. TOT registration required, basic safety standards. Unincorporated area with lighter oversight. Enforcement mostly complaint-driven, many operate informally. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Big Bear Lake Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 3% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 9%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized decline in both supply and revenue suggests that the market is adjusting to lower demand levels while maintaining a stable competitive density.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 69% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (September-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Big Bear Lake listings include: Kitchen (95%), Tv (88%), Balcony (75%), Heating (67%), Washing Machine (67%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Lake Access, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 41% more ($71K/year vs $50K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Big Bear Lake over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $1K, October: $2K, November: $3K, December: $7K, January: $5K, February: $4K, March: $2K, April: $1K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Big Bear Lake is $352, up 6% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $200/night, 2-bedroom properties average $228/night, 3-bedroom properties average $330/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $655/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in October.

Guests in Big Bear Lake book an average of 27 days in advance, down 12% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 20 days, 2-bedroom: 24 days, 3-bedroom: 27 days, 4+ bedroom: 36 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Big Bear Lake Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 3%, revenue per listing decreased 9%, occupancy fell 10%, average nightly rates increased 6%, and lead time decreased 12%. These metrics reflect a shift toward shorter booking windows and lower utilization, signaling increased pressure on occupancy rates despite modest rate growth.

In Big Bear Lake, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 149% higher occupancy than weekdays.