San Francisco, Heredia Province Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROIReviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI
Updated:

How much can you earn on Airbnb in San Francisco, Heredia Province? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $4,509 per year — at a $47 nightly rate, 41.7% occupancy, and a $19 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.

With just 24 active listings, San Francisco is a micro-market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 71.4% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.

Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.

What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, the headline Airbnb metrics are $4,509 in average annual revenue,41.7% occupancy, $47 ADR, and $19 in RevPAR, and guests book about 23 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$47
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in San Francisco.
Occupancy Rate(?)
41.7%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Avg. Annual Revenue(?)
$4,509
Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in San Francisco. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
RevPAR(?)
$19
Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
5.4%
Positive growth (5.4%) vs. last year.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
24
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.
Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)
23 days
How far in advance guests typically book in San Francisco. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
December
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in San Francisco.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
May
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in San Francisco.
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How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in San Francisco?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in San Francisco is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in San Francisco is typically December, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in San Francisco across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,463+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $918 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $457 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $215, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in San Francisco

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in San Francisco?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the San Francisco STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while September experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in San Francisco:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 78%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 63% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 37%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 20% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in San Francisco

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in San Francisco?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in San Francisco involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in San Francisco typically peaks in March and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $80+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $58 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $32 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $24 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in San Francisco

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in San Francisco?

RevPAR in San Francisco is currently $19. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.

  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $8 RevPAR.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate $14 RevPAR.
  • Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $22 RevPAR.
  • Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $42 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in San Francisco

RevPAR Insights for San Francisco

  • The average RevPAR in San Francisco is $19. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
  • The gap between the top 10% ($42) and bottom 25% ($8) is $34, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
  • RevPAR peaks in Dec and bottoms out in May, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Track your own RevPAR monthly against these San Francisco benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $14, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
  • Top-quartile listings achieve $22+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
  • Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.

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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in San Francisco?

San Francisco's peak Airbnb season falls in December, March, November, while the softest stretch is April, May, September. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (December, March, November)
  • Revenue averages $827 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 50.7%
  • Daily rates average $45
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $655 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 42.9%
  • Daily rates hold near $45
Low Season (April, May, September)
  • Revenue drops to average $504 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 32.5%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $42

Seasonality Insights for San Francisco

  • The Airbnb seasonality pattern in San Francisco shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases San Francisco's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $845, occupancy reaching 54.1%, and ADRs peaking at $47.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $468, occupancy could drop to 30.0%, and ADRs may adjust to $41.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in San Francisco.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these San Francisco seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Do You Need a License for Airbnb in San Francisco?

Low regulation and minimal registration activity in San Francisco, Heredia Province, Costa Rica point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for San Francisco to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in San Francisco?

With a compact short-term rental market, San Francisco gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in San Francisco
Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Santa Teresa
Renowned for its surf beaches and stunning sunsets, Santa Teresa attracts tourists looking for both relaxation and adventure. This area is popular with surfers, yoga enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
Santa Teresa Beach, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, Manzanillo Beach, Malpais Beach, Yoga retreats
Escazu
An upscale suburb of San Jose, Escazu offers luxury shopping, gourmet dining, and beautiful mountain views. It's popular with expats and travelers seeking a more residential feel with modern amenities.
Multiplaza Escazu, Zona Franca, Museum of Costa Rican Art, Natural reserves, High-end restaurants
La Fortuna
Famous for the Arenal Volcano and hot springs, La Fortuna is a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. There's plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery.
Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Tabacon Hot Springs, Lake Arenal, Hiking trails
Monteverde
Known for its cloud forests and biodiversity, Monteverde is a haven for ecotourists. Visitors come to experience zip-lining, canopy tours, and bird watching.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Sky Walk, Ziplining tours, Butterfly Gardens, Hummingbird Gardens
Tamarindo
A vibrant beach town known for its surfing and laid-back lifestyle. Tamarindo attracts both tourists and locals seeking beachside fun and nightlife.
Tamarindo Beach, Langosta Beach, Surf shops, Nightlife, Restaurant scene
Jaco Beach
A bustling beach town popular with both locals and tourists, Jaco Beach is known for its surf breaks, nightlife, and proximity to national parks.
Jaco Beach, Rainforest Adventures, Carara National Park, Nightclubs, Dining options
Puerto Viejo
Located on the Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. It attracts a diverse range of travelers looking for a unique experience.
Cahuita National Park, Puerto Viejo Beach, Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, Local chocolate tours, Cultural festivals
San Jose Downtown
The capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose is rich in culture and history. It's a hub for arts, dining, and historical sites, attracting those interested in urban experiences.
National Theatre of Costa Rica, Precolumbian Gold Museum, Central Market, Artisan market, Museums and galleries

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, San Francisco offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.

What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in San Francisco?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for San Francisco

  • The San Francisco Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 62.5% of the 24 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • However, a notable 37.5% share for Private Rooms suggests opportunities for budget-conscious travelers or hosts renting out spare rooms.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in San Francisco, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (45.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 45.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 8.3% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.

San Francisco Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for San Francisco

  • The dominant room capacity in San Francisco is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 33.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 66.6% of the active Airbnb listings in San Francisco, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • Listings with 3+ bedrooms (4.2%) represent a smaller niche, potentially indicating an underserved market for larger group accommodations in San Francisco.

San Francisco Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for San Francisco

  • The most common guest capacity trend in San Francisco vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (16.7%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 3 guests dominate the San Francisco STR market, accounting for 33.4% of listings.
  • 16.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in San Francisco.
  • On average, properties in San Francisco are equipped to host 2.5 guests.

How Do Listings in San Francisco Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in San Francisco can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.

Average Photos per Listing(?)
26.5
More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.
Average Beds per Listing(?)
2
Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.
Exact Location Enabled(?)
33.3%
Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for San Francisco

  • At 26.5 photos per listing on average, San Francisco hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
  • 33.3% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
  • Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the San Francisco averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in San Francisco?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for San Francisco

  • Essential amenities in San Francisco that guests expect include: Wifi, Dishes and silverware, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Washer, Essentials, Cooking basics are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for San Francisco: Wifi, Dishes and silverware, TV.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Dishes and silverware, TV.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Washer or Essentials to increase appeal.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in San Francisco to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in San Francisco?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in San Francisco, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

AmenityPrevalenceRevenue WithRevenue WithoutRevenue Uplift
Air conditioning
37.5%$10,925$6591556.6%
Pets allowed
33.3%$10,183$1,672509.0%
Shower gel
20.8%$11,664$2,626344.2%
Room-darkening shades
33.3%$9,274$2,127336.1%
Baking sheet
20.8%$11,238$2,738310.4%
Private entrance
20.8%$11,238$2,738310.4%
Freezer
25.0%$10,303$2,578299.7%
Dryer
54.2%$6,825$1,771285.3%
Toaster
29.2%$9,180$2,586255.0%
Shampoo
33.3%$8,462$2,533234.1%

Revenue Impact Insights for San Francisco

  • Air conditioning tops the revenue impact list with a 1556.6% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $10,925 vs. $659 without it.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
  • Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.

Dive Deeper: Advanced San Francisco STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for San Francisco. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

San Francisco Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for San Francisco

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in San Francisco consists of a mix of domestic (39%) and international guests, with top international origins including United States, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking Spanish or English.
  • Domestic travelers account for 38.9% of guests.
  • Key international markets include Costa Rica (38.9%) and United States (34.3%).
  • Top languages spoken are Spanish (41.8%) followed by English (40.9%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from United States.
  • Offer listing details and communication support in Spanish.
  • Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
  • Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
  • Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in San Francisco?

Listings in San Francisco average 4.84 out of 5 overall, with about 42.5 reviews per active listing and 37.5% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for San Francisco

  • With an overall rating of 4.84, San Francisco listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
  • The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.9), while Location (4.8) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
  • 37.5% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus improvement efforts on Cleanliness — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
  • Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.

San Francisco Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for San Francisco

  • The most common availability pattern in San Francisco falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 58.3% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 95.8% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in San Francisco (41.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 4.2% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in San Francisco?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for San Francisco

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in San Francisco is 23 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during November (average 38 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in April (average 8 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (22 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (15 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (23 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in San Francisco.
  • For November stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 38 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • During April, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (8 days avg.).
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 22 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these San Francisco averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in San Francisco?

Guests in San Francisco stay about 10.9 nights on average, generating roughly 280 reservations and 11.7 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.

Monthly Length of Stay in San Francisco

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for San Francisco

  • Longer stays mean fewer turnovers and lower cleaning costs per revenue dollar. This pattern also opens the door to monthly discount strategies that attract remote workers and extended-stay travelers.
  • 11.7 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
  • Stay lengths peak in Jul (10.6 nights) and shorten in Aug (3.1 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
  • Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
  • Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.

San Francisco Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (45.8%)

1 Night

11 listings

45.8% of total

2 Nights (20.8%)

2 Nights

5 listings

20.8% of total

3 Nights (8.3%)

3 Nights

2 listings

8.3% of total

7-29 Nights (12.5%)

7-29 Nights

3 listings

12.5% of total

30+ Nights (12.5%)

30+ Nights

3 listings

12.5% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in San Francisco is 1 Night, adopted by 45.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (66.6%) of the San Francisco Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
  • A significant segment (12.5%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in San Francisco, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 45.8% of San Francisco hosts use this setting.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 12.5% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in San Francisco.

San Francisco Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Flexible (16.7%)

Flexible

4 listings

16.7% of total

Moderate (62.5%)

Moderate

15 listings

62.5% of total

Firm (20.8%)

Firm

5 listings

20.8% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for San Francisco

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in San Francisco is Moderate, used by 62.5% of listings.
  • The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 79.2% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in San Francisco may expect booking flexibility.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 62.5% market standard in San Francisco.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in San Francisco.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in San Francisco?

Cleaning fees in San Francisco are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.

Average Cleaning Fee
$24
Median Cleaning Fee
$25
Listings Charging a Fee
37.5%
Fee as Revenue Share
6.7%

Cleaning Fee Insights for San Francisco

  • Only 37.5% of listings charge a cleaning fee, suggesting that most hosts in San Francisco bundle cleaning costs into the nightly rate.
  • The average cleaning fee of $24 is close to the median ($25), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
  • Cleaning fees represent 6.7% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Price your cleaning fee competitively against the San Francisco median of $25. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
  • Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.

What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in San Francisco Look Like?

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in San Franciscobased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Mediterranean Villa

Mediterranean Villa

Private Room • 2 bedrooms

$24,822
Revenue
41.4%
Occupancy
$166.98
Daily Rate
Altamira Oasis and Calma, swimming pool and amenities 405

Altamira Oasis and Calma, swimming pool and amenities 405

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$12,493
Revenue
47.9%
Occupancy
$71.25
Daily Rate
Designer Decor Just Minutes from Airport

Designer Decor Just Minutes from Airport

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$11,938
Revenue
53.3%
Occupancy
$60.93
Daily Rate
Altamira Relax Enjoy Pool Work Areas 404

Altamira Relax Enjoy Pool Work Areas 404

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$11,543
Revenue
57.7%
Occupancy
$70.52
Daily Rate
Vintage-style family home.

Vintage-style family home.

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$6,805
Revenue
51.4%
Occupancy
$43.29
Daily Rate
Furnished apartment, attached garage Heredia, CR.

Furnished apartment, attached garage Heredia, CR.

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$5,462
Revenue
47.1%
Occupancy
$31.38
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in San Francisco?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in San Francisco based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in San Francisco by revenue
Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Rober1$24,822664.89/5.0
DevOp2$24,0361184.79/5.0
Miguel1$11,938494.78/5.0
René3$9,482474.90/5.0
Rosa3$8,1781864.92/5.0
Milena1$6,805934.74/5.0
Diana1$4,3471004.87/5.0
Yorleny1$3,829324.78/5.0
Ubelia3$2,862474.94/5.0
Bra1$2,849264.96/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in San Francisco.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in San Francisco?

San Francisco is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.

Superhosts
70.8%
Professional Management
0.0%
Cohosted Listings
25.0%
Instant Book Enabled
0.0%
Simplified Pricing
66.7%

Host Profile Insights for San Francisco

  • With 70.8% Superhosts, San Francisco has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
  • 0.0% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
  • 66.7% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
  • With 25.0% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
  • Benchmark your host metrics against these San Francisco averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

How Does San Francisco's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the San Francisco Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

Compared with Playa Grande, San Francisco has 5 percentage points lower occupancy and about $398 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near San Francisco — performance comparison
MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Nacascolo32$6,407$1258.6332%
Playa Grande33$5,305$444.8947%
Pinilla92$5,276$559.9734%
Playa Tamarindo22$5,016$384.5645%
Playa Langosta163$4,131$474.9737%
Tamarindo1,278$3,972$395.5040%
Punta Islita27$3,729$518.8833%
Cabo Velas880$3,417$387.2837%
Savegre de Aguirre16$3,268$386.4936%
Nosara857$3,200$424.0938%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in San Francisco

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for San Francisco.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in San Francisco?

San Francisco hosts earn about $4,509 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $47 and RevPAR of $19. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in San Francisco, Heredia Province, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, San Francisco market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Francisco?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Francisco is 41.7%. December is the strongest month and May is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.

What is the average Airbnb daily rate in San Francisco?

Listings in San Francisco average $47 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.

How many Airbnb listings are active in San Francisco?

San Francisco currently has about 24 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.

How strict are short-term rental regulations in San Francisco?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in San Francisco as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.

What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in San Francisco?

RevPAR in San Francisco is about $19. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.

Is Airbnb profitable in San Francisco?

At 41.7% occupancy, San Francisco can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $4,509, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in San Francisco?

The average booking lead time in San Francisco is about 23 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in San Francisco?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in San Francisco include Santa Teresa, Escazu, La Fortuna. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.

What type of property performs best on Airbnb in San Francisco?

entire_home listings make up 62.5% of the active supply in San Francisco. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.

How does San Francisco compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Nacascolo posts $76,884 in average annual revenue with 31.5% occupancy, compared to San Francisco's $4,509 and 41.7%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.

What is the average length of stay in San Francisco?

The average Airbnb stay length in San Francisco is about 10.9 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.

What is the average Airbnb guest rating in San Francisco?

Airbnb listings in San Francisco average 4.84 out of 5 overall. About 37.5% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.

Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in San Francisco?

Air conditioning and Pets allowed are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in San Francisco. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.

Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in San Francisco?

Yes. About 37.5% of active Airbnb listings in San Francisco charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $24. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.

What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in San Francisco?

A 70.8% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.

About AirROI Market Data

AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.

Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.

AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.

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