Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Monterey Bay?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Monterey Bay market averaged 1,555 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, down 13% from a year earlier and down 8% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Monterey Bay?

Accepted Answer

An average Monterey Bay listing earns $93K/year. High-performing listings earn $223K, while low-performing listings earn $33K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Monterey Bay home prices by size are 1-bedroom $645K, 2-bedroom $664K, 3-bedroom $834K, and 4+ bedroom $996K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Monterey Bay?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Monterey Bay is 37%, producing RevPAR of $202 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Monterey Bay?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Monterey Bay. Monterey: Strict. Permit required, owner-occupancy mandatory, 30-day minimum stay. Active enforcement with compliance checks and fines.
Santa Cruz: Strict. Hosted-only allowed, owner must be present, lottery system for permits, strict caps. Very active enforcement.
Carmel-by-the-Sea: Strict. STRs effectively banned in residential zones. Strong enforcement through complaints and citations.
Capitola: Strict. Owner-occupancy required, permit mandatory, density limits by zone. Active enforcement with regular monitoring. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Monterey Bay Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Monterey Bay Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has declined 13% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 19%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Monterey Bay?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Monterey Bay?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (99%), TV (98%), Kitchen (96%). The strongest positive revenue associations are TV (+72%), Washing Machine (+65%), Bbq (+30%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Monterey Bay is $615, up 14% year-over-year. Rates peak in August and are lowest in January.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Monterey Bay book an average of 45 days in advance, up 4% from last year. Booking windows range from 38 days for 1-bedroom listings to 52 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday. Weekend occupancy is 55% 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.Moss Landing, Castroville and Prunedale	$125K 37 listings	18.8% 37 listings
2.La Selva Beach and Pajaro Dunes	$75.8K 162 listings	10.2% 162 listings
3.Marina	$75.6K 33 listings	9.4% 33 listings
4.Pacific Grove	$126K 119 listings	9.2% 119 listings
5.Salinas and Toro Park	$75.7K 45 listings	9.1% 45 listings
6.Seaside, Sand City and Del Rey Oaks	$71.5K 123 listings	8.5% 123 listings
7.Carmel Valley	$86.3K 58 listings	7.2% 58 listings
8.Gilroy and Hollister	$57.7K 22 listings	6.1% 22 listings
9.Unincorporated Carmel and Carmel Highlands	$139K 168 listings	5.7% 168 listings
10.Pebble Beach (Del Monte Forest)	$159K 58 listings	5.4% 58 listings