Malibu

As of May 2026, Malibu, Santa Monica, Calabasas have 5,721 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 28% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Malibu generates $64K per year. High-performing properties earn $171K/year, while low-performing properties earn $19K/year. This massive revenue disparity suggests that market returns are highly sensitive to property-specific appeal, as the top-tier segment captures a disproportionate share of the limited inventory.

Average home prices in Malibu vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $594K, 2-bedroom homes average $1.0M, 3-bedroom properties are around $1.7M, and 4+ bedroom homes average $2.3M. These prices reflect median home values across the Malibu, Santa Monica, Calabasas area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Malibu, with an average gross yield of 4% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 10%, which is considered good for short-term rental investment. The gap between average and high yields highlights how effectively top operators leverage current supply constraints to maximize capital efficiency.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Malibu is 37%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $450, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $130 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Malibu, with an average gross yield of 6% and annual revenue of $57K. These properties balance purchase price ($1.0M), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Malibu market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Malibu area. Malibu: Strict. STRs banned citywide except hosted rentals in primary residence. Active enforcement with significant fines. Few operate illegally due to small community and neighbor complaints. Santa Monica: Strict. Only primary residence, owner must be present during rental, 30-day minimum for non-hosted. Registration required. Very active enforcement with steep penalties. Underground market minimal. Calabasas: Strict. Complete STR ban except 30+ day rentals. No permits issued. Active enforcement through complaints and monitoring platforms. Violations result in fines and legal action. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Malibu Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 28% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 2%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in listings without a corresponding collapse in revenue suggests that remaining operators benefit from reduced saturation, stabilizing the competitive landscape.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak spring season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 1% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (August-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Malibu listings include: Kitchen (96%), Air Conditioning (91%), Tv (90%), Heating (81%), Washing Machine (80%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Pool, Washing Machine, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 77% more ($166K/year vs $94K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Malibu over the last 12 months: May: $3K, June: $3K, July: $4K, August: $4K, September: $4K, October: $4K, November: $4K, December: $4K, January: $4K, February: $4K, March: $5K, April: $5K. 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 Malibu is $450, up 8% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $225/night, 2-bedroom properties average $378/night, 3-bedroom properties average $588/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $1K/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Guests in Malibu book an average of 31 days in advance, down 11% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 29 days, 2-bedroom: 31 days, 3-bedroom: 35 days, 4+ bedroom: 34 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Malibu Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 28%, revenue per listing increased 2%, occupancy fell 2%, average nightly rates increased 8%, and lead time decreased 11%. These shifts reflect a move toward higher pricing power despite softer occupancy, signaling a market recalibrating toward shorter, more premium-priced bookings.

In Malibu, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 18% higher occupancy than weekdays.