Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Pismo Beach?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Pismo Beach market averaged 1,560 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, down 7% from a year earlier.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Pismo Beach?

Accepted Answer

An average Pismo Beach listing earns $68K/year. High-performing listings earn $142K, while low-performing listings earn $22K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Pismo Beach home prices by size are 1-bedroom $610K, 2-bedroom $762K, 3-bedroom $1.0M, and 4+ bedroom $1.3M.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Pismo Beach?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Pismo Beach is 36%, producing RevPAR of $146 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Pismo Beach?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Pismo Beach. Pismo Beach: Strict. Permit required, 14-day annual cap per property, owner must be present during rentals. Active enforcement with significant fines and compliance monitoring.
San Luis Obispo: Strict. Conditional use permit required, must be owner-occupied primary residence, 28-night minimum stay. Active enforcement, few permits issued.
Morro Bay: Moderate. Business license and TOT certificate required, zoning restrictions apply. Moderate enforcement, some unlicensed operations exist. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Pismo Beach Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Pismo Beach Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has declined 7% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 23%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Pismo Beach?

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 Pismo Beach?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (98%), TV (96%), Kitchen (96%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+73%), Bbq (+54%), Pool (+49%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Pismo Beach is $451, up 16% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Pismo Beach book an average of 39 days in advance, down 4% from last year. Booking windows range from 32 days for 1-bedroom listings to 51 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

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 75% 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.Oceano	$92.0K 72 listings	12.2% 72 listings
2.Grover Beach	$55.5K 69 listings	7.2% 69 listings
3.Morro Bay	$61.3K 175 listings	7.0% 175 listings
4.San Luis Obispo	$60.7K 171 listings	6.9% 171 listings
5.Arroyo Grande	$52.3K 87 listings	6.4% 87 listings
6.Avila Beach	$70.8K 88 listings	6.0% 88 listings
7.Los Osos	$41.3K 51 listings	5.9% 51 listings
8.Pismo Beach	$58.7K 163 listings	5.7% 163 listings
9.Nipomo	$52.6K 40 listings	5.3% 40 listings