San Diego

As of May 2026, San Diego, La Jolla, Coronado, Carlsbad have 10,300 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 9% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in San Diego generates $86K per year. High-performing properties earn $183K/year, while low-performing properties earn $28K/year. This significant variance suggests that market returns are highly sensitive to property positioning, as the gap between top earners and the average persists despite a contraction in overall supply.

Average home prices in San Diego vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $451K, 2-bedroom homes average $633K, 3-bedroom properties are around $962K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $1.1M. These prices reflect median home values across the San Diego, La Jolla, Coronado, Carlsbad area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in San Diego, with an average gross yield of 8% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 17%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The wide spread in yields highlights a tiered market where top-tier assets capture outsized returns, effectively insulating them from broader market volatility.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in San Diego is 47%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $422, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $162 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in San Diego, with an average gross yield of 13% and annual revenue of $174K. These properties balance purchase price ($1.1M), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the San Diego market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the San Diego area. San Diego: Strict. Whole-home STRs banned citywide except Mission Beach (lottery system, 30-day minimum elsewhere). Primary residence required. Very active enforcement with major fines. La Jolla: Strict. Part of San Diego - same rules apply. Whole-home STRs prohibited, 30-day minimum required. Active enforcement. Coronado: Strict. STRs banned in residential zones since 2018. Only commercial zones allowed with permits. Aggressive enforcement, few operate illegally. Carlsbad: Strict. Coastal zone STRs banned, primary residence required elsewhere, TOT certificate needed. Active code enforcement with neighbor complaints. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The San Diego Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced with strong demand conditions. Supply has declined 9% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 5%. This indicates healthy demand growth outpacing supply. Such dynamics suggest a tightening inventory environment that supports revenue stability even as the total number of active listings recedes.

Launch around December, 2-3 months before peak summer season (March peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 41% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (May-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in San Diego listings include: Kitchen (95%), Tv (83%), Washing Machine (80%), Air Conditioning (79%), Heating (67%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Hot Tub, Pool, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 61% more ($108K/year vs $67K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in San Diego over the last 12 months: May: $4K, June: $6K, July: $7K, August: $5K, September: $4K, October: $4K, November: $4K, December: $5K, January: $3K, February: $4K, March: $7K, April: $6K. 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 San Diego is $422, up 15% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $207/night, 2-bedroom properties average $341/night, 3-bedroom properties average $511/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $920/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Guests in San Diego book an average of 39 days in advance, down 11% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 32 days, 2-bedroom: 40 days, 3-bedroom: 45 days, 4+ bedroom: 50 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the San Diego Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 9%, revenue per listing increased 5%, occupancy rose 2%, average nightly rates increased 15%, and lead time decreased 11%. These shifts reflect a more urgent booking environment where reduced supply allows operators to leverage higher pricing power.

In San Diego, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 37% higher occupancy than weekdays.