San Francisco

As of May 2026, San Francisco has 2,622 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 34% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in San Francisco generates $54K per year. High-performing properties earn $137K/year, while low-performing properties earn $20K/year. This significant spread highlights a bifurcated market where top-tier assets capture outsized returns, effectively separating premium listings from the broader inventory struggling under current occupancy constraints.

Average home prices in San Francisco vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $766K, 2-bedroom homes average $1.3M, 3-bedroom properties are around $1.9M, and 4+ bedroom homes average $2.5M. These prices reflect median home values across the San Francisco area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in San Francisco, 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 top performers suggests that revenue optimization strategies are driving returns far beyond standard market benchmarks.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in San Francisco is 44%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $322, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $100 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in San Francisco, with an average gross yield of 6% and annual revenue of $150K. These properties balance purchase price ($2.5M), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the San Francisco market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the San Francisco area. San Francisco: Strict. Must register with Office of Short-Term Rentals, $250 biennial fee. Hosted stays only (owner present) or max 90 days/year unhosted in primary residence. Business registration and TOT tax required. Very active enforcement with fines up to $1,000/day for violations. Platform liability enforced. High compliance rate due to aggressive city monitoring and neighbor complaints. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The San Francisco Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced with strong demand conditions. Supply has declined 34% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 23%. This indicates healthy demand growth outpacing supply, signaling reduced competition for remaining operators as the market tightens and pricing power shifts in favor of active hosts.

Launch around December, 2-3 months before peak fall season (March peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 37% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (June-July) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in San Francisco listings include: Kitchen (90%), Tv (88%), Heating (86%), Parking (70%), Washing Machine (57%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Bbq, Gym, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 42% more ($105K/year vs $74K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in San Francisco over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $4K, October: $4K, November: $3K, December: $3K, January: $3K, February: $3K, March: $4K, April: $4K. 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 Francisco is $322, up 27% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $205/night, 2-bedroom properties average $389/night, 3-bedroom properties average $580/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $987/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in San Francisco book an average of 37 days in advance, down 10% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 34 days, 2-bedroom: 39 days, 3-bedroom: 43 days, 4+ bedroom: 44 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the San Francisco Airbnb and VRBO market has seen: supply declined 34%, revenue per listing increased 23%, occupancy rose 2%, nightly rates increased 27%, and lead time decreased 10%. These metrics point to a constrained environment where limited availability is pushing rates higher and accelerating booking velocity for remaining inventory.

In San Francisco, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Thursday. Weekends show 10% higher occupancy than weekdays.