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Airbnb market analysis and investment insights
Annual Revenue
$67,009
Based on 394 full time Airbnb rentals
Average Daily Rate
$386
Gross Yield
4%
#423 in the USOccupancy Rate
44%
New this quarter
Revenue and occupancy both rose YoY — demand is outpacing the prior cycle.
Active Operator Revenue (Q1)
Per active full-time listing, Jan–Mar
Average Occupancy (Q1)
Quarterly average across active listings
Explore ADR trends by bedroom count and monthly seasonality
ADR comparison across different property sizes in Santa Cruz, CA
$386
Seasonal ADR fluctuations throughout the year in Santa Cruz, CA
$391
The Average Daily Rate (ADR) in Santa Cruz, CA varies from $355 in low season to $405 during peak months, with an annual average of $380.
Peak ADR: typically in June, July, May, averaging $405 per night.
Shoulder season: ADR around $380 maintains solid RevPAR with high occupancy.
Low months: ADR drops to $355, offering new investors a cost-effective entry point.
Dynamic pricing 30–45 days before peak months helps capture high-value early bookings.
Explore occupancy trends by bedroom count and monthly seasonality
Occupancy comparison across different property sizes in Santa Cruz, CA
44%
Seasonal occupancy fluctuations throughout the year in Santa Cruz, CA
50%
Santa Cruz, CA's short-term rental market shows strong year-round demand with clear seasonal peaks. In 2026, average monthly occupancy ranged from 26% in January to 75% in July, with an annual average of 50%.
The Monthly Occupancy Rate chart shows:
Summer (June–August): occupancy averages 65%, fueled by tourism and family travel.
Winter (Dec–Feb): occupancy dips to around 29%, ideal for mid-term rentals or maintenance downtime.
Spring/Fall: steady 45% with balanced supply and demand.
Revenue trends reflecting occupancy and ADR patterns throughout the year
Revenue per active listing by month in Santa Cruz, CA
$5,216
Revenue directly reflects occupancy × ADR patterns:
High season: hosts earn $5,216–$5,912/month.
Shoulder months: typically $4,509/month.
Low months: about $3,566/month, but extended stays often smooth cash flow.
Across 2026, the average annual Airbnb revenue per active listing in Santa Cruz, CA was $53,666, supported by an average occupancy of 46% and ADR of $380.
Seasonal performance comparison across occupancy, ADR, and monthly revenue
| Season | Avg. Occupancy | Avg. ADR | Avg. Monthly Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 65% | $396 | $5,330 |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 41% | $366 | $4,017 |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 29% | $374 | $3,541 |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 48% | $384 | $5,002 |
Get matched with top Santa Cruz, CA realtors who specialize in short-term rentals — they know which neighborhoods actually cash flow and which to avoid.
Get matched with top Santa Cruz, CA lenders who specialize in short-term rental financing — they understand STR underwriting and offer competitive rates for investment properties.
Before setting up an Airbnb in Santa Cruz, CA, it's essential to review the city's short-term rental regulations. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are popular in Santa Cruz, CA, but hosts should understand how local policies may apply to their property.
Overall, Santa Cruz, CA's regulations are considered relatively host-friendly, though certain neighborhoods may be subject to zoning restrictions. In some cases, property owners may need to register their rental with the city and comply with limits on the number of permits a single host can hold. Additionally, short-term rental operators are required to pay local lodging and Airbnb-related taxes to remain compliant.
Discover the leading hosts in Santa Cruz, CA ranked by guest ratings and active listings. These hosts combine scale with exceptional guest satisfaction, setting the benchmark for success.
Ovr leads the market with 32 active listings and maintains an exceptional 4.94 average guest rating.
Beachnest leads the market with 20 active listings and maintains an exceptional 4.81 average guest rating.
Surf City leads the market with 19 active listings and maintains an exceptional 4.88 average guest rating.
These top performers serve as benchmarks for what drives success in Santa Cruz, CA's competitive short-term rental scene. Their strategies combine operational efficiency with outstanding guest experiences, making them the gold standard for aspiring hosts and property managers in the area.
10 hosts available
Keep your Santa Cruz, CA Airbnb guest-ready with trusted cleaning professionals — connect with vetted cleaners through our partner Turno.
| Bedrooms | Listings | Occupancy | Average Daily Rate | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 28 | 50% | $199 | $35,986 |
| 1 Bedroom | 220 | 41% | $203 | $30,270 |
| 2 Bedroom | 137 | 45% | $423 | $70,091 |
| 3 Bedroom | 116 | 40% | $606 | $87,735 |
| 4 Bedroom | 42 | 38% | $879 | $122,806 |
| 5 Bedroom | 15 | 41% | $1212 | $180,491 |
Looking for the most profitable areas to invest in Santa Cruz, CA short-term rentals? These neighborhoods stand out for strong returns and steady demand.
These top-performing neighborhoods combine solid occupancy with competitive daily rates, making them some of Santa Cruz, CA's most promising Airbnb investment opportunities. Their success serves as a benchmark for what drives profitability in the local market.
Explore detailed analytics for every neighborhood in Santa Cruz, CA. Click on any zipcode to view comprehensive data including occupancy rates, revenue projections, and investment potential.
| Rank | Neighborhood (Zipcode) | Gross Yield | Annual Revenue | Active Listings | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 95062 | 5% | $59,599 | 326 | $1243K |
Zipcode Analytics
Click on any zipcode to view detailed analytics for that area. Data includes occupancy rates, seasonal trends, and investment projections.
Thinking about investing in a Santa Cruz, CA short-term rental? Chalet Airbnb revenue calculator helps you quickly estimate how much you could earn in any neighborhood across the city. Get instant, data-backed insights into occupancy, daily rates, and annual revenue to identify the most profitable Airbnb opportunities in Santa Cruz, CA.
Calculate Your Income PotentialDiscover other high-performing Airbnb markets in the same state as Santa Cruz, CA
Disclaimer
This page and the data presented are for informational purposes only. The information provided should not be construed as financial, legal, or investment advice. Market conditions can change rapidly, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Always consult with qualified professionals before making investment decisions.
| 95003 |
| 6% |
| $83,000 |
| 5 |
| $1277K |
| 3 | 95065 | 2% | $22,769 | 15 | $1274K |
| 4 | 95060 | 4% | $55,998 | 237 | $1305K |
For a complete breakdown, visit our guide to Airbnb laws in Santa Cruz, CA