Chico

As of May 2026, Chico has 1,740 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 12% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Chico generates $35K per year. High-performing properties earn $68K/year, while low-performing properties earn $15K/year. This wide earnings gap suggests that market revenue is heavily concentrated in a small segment of listings, as overall revenue has contracted despite the reduction in supply.

Average home prices in Chico vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $209K, 2-bedroom homes average $282K, 3-bedroom properties are around $395K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $481K. These prices reflect median home values across the Chico area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Chico, with an average gross yield of 9% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 18%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The spread between average and high yields highlights how specific assets capture disproportionate returns despite a broader decline in market revenue.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Chico is 33%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $266, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $66 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Chico, with an average gross yield of 12% and annual revenue of $61K. These properties balance purchase price ($481K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Chico market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Chico area. Chico: Moderate. Business license required, zoning compliance needed. Short-term rentals must comply with residential zoning restrictions - limited in some neighborhoods. No city-wide owner-occupancy mandate but density concerns in certain areas. Enforcement is complaint-driven rather than proactive. Some hosts operate without proper licensing, but city responds to neighbor complaints with warnings and fines for repeat violations. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Chico Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 12% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 15%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics, suggesting that the contraction in inventory is effectively offsetting the downward pressure on per-unit revenue.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 14% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Chico listings include: Kitchen (95%), Air Conditioning (82%), Tv (79%), Heating (71%), Washing Machine (70%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Lake Access, Hot Tub, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 67% more ($55K/year vs $33K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Chico over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $1K, February: $1K, March: $2K, April: $2K. 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 Chico is $266, up 27% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $149/night, 2-bedroom properties average $228/night, 3-bedroom properties average $299/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $482/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in March.

Guests in Chico book an average of 30 days in advance, down 18% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 25 days, 2-bedroom: 30 days, 3-bedroom: 31 days, 4+ bedroom: 38 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Chico Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 12%, revenue per listing decreased 15%, occupancy fell 15%, average nightly rates increased 27%, and lead time decreased 18%. These shifts reflect a tightening market where higher pricing has not fully compensated for the notable drop in occupancy and velocity.

In Chico, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 51% higher occupancy than weekdays.