Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Chico?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Chico market averaged 1,791 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, down 2% from a year earlier and up 25% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Chico?

Accepted Answer

An average Chico listing earns $36K/year. High-performing listings earn $72K, while low-performing listings earn $14K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Chico?

Accepted Answer

Median Chico home prices by size are 1-bedroom $215K, 2-bedroom $282K, 3-bedroom $392K, and 4+ bedroom $487K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Chico?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Chico is 33%, producing RevPAR of $76 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Chico?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Chico. Chico: Moderate. Short-term rentals require a business license and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) registration. No citywide owner-occupancy requirement, but zoning restrictions apply in some residential areas. The city actively monitors platforms and enforces TOT collection. Some hosts operate without permits, but the city has increased compliance efforts with warnings and fines for violations. Standard regulatory approach with moderate enforcement activity. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Chico Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Chico Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has declined 2% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 13%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Chico?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and June; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Chico?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (97%), Parking (96%), Kitchen (96%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+80%), Lake Access (+55%), Hot Tub (+47%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Chico?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Chico is $278, up 20% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in March.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Chico?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Chico book an average of 32 days in advance, up 2% from last year. Booking windows range from 26 days for 1-bedroom listings to 41 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Chico?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 57% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Lake Almanor	$47.8K 94 listings	11.2% 94 listings
2.Quincy	$30.9K 21 listings	11.2% 21 listings
3.Yuba City & Marysville	$35.6K 73 listings	9.7% 73 listings
4.Oroville & Paradise	$27.4K 40 listings	8.9% 40 listings
5.Grass Valley	$41.1K 129 listings	8.9% 129 listings
6.Chico	$29.7K 173 listings	8.4% 173 listings
7.Nevada City	$37.6K 187 listings	8.3% 187 listings