San Rafael, California Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in San Rafael, California? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $42,087 per year — at a $313 nightly rate, 49.2% occupancy, and a $148 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 137 active listings, San Rafael is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 26.9% 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.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in San Rafael?
In San Rafael, the headline Airbnb metrics are $42,087 in average annual revenue,49.2% occupancy, $313 ADR, and $148 in RevPAR, and guests book about 39 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in San Rafael?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in San Rafael 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 Rafael is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in San Rafael across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $10,599+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $6,128 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,284 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,893, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in San Rafael
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in San Rafael?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the San Rafael STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January 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 Rafael:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 88%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 75% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 55%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 31% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in San Rafael
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in San Rafael?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in San Rafael involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in San Rafael typically peaks in June and dips lowest during January. 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 $690+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $381 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $183 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $129 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in San Rafael
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in San Rafael?
RevPAR in San Rafael is currently $148. 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 $62 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $100 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $181 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $339 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in San Rafael
RevPAR Insights for San Rafael
- The average RevPAR in San Rafael is $148. 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% ($339) and bottom 25% ($62) is $277, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Feb, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these San Rafael benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $100, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $181+ 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 Rafael?
San Rafael's peak Airbnb season falls in July, August, October, while the softest stretch is February, March, April. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (July, August, October)
- Revenue averages $6,098 per month
- Occupancy rates average 60.4%
- Daily rates average $302
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4,864 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 52.1%
- Daily rates hold near $305
Low Season (February, March, April)
- Revenue drops to average $3,991 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 46.5%
- Daily rates adjust to average $304
Seasonality Insights for San Rafael
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in San Rafael 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 Rafael's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $6,669, occupancy reaching 64.6%, and ADRs peaking at $316.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $3,664, occupancy could drop to 43.6%, and ADRs may adjust to $296.
- 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 Rafael.
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 Rafael seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in San Rafael?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in San Rafael, California, United States 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 Rafael to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 1% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in San Rafael?
San Rafael is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| San Rafael Hill | A charming neighborhood with beautiful views of San Francisco Bay and proximity to downtown San Rafael. Ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful retreat. | Mount Tamalpais State Park, China Camp State Park, Marin History Museum, Mission San Rafael Arcángel, San Rafael Pacifics Baseball |
| Downtown San Rafael | The vibrant heart of San Rafael, offering a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. A popular location for visitors who want to explore dining, shopping, and local culture. | Marin Civic Center, San Rafael's Farmers Market, San Rafael Film Center, Art Works Downtown, Bellam Blvd |
| Terra Linda | A suburban gem known for its family-friendly atmosphere and parks. Great for families and those who enjoy outdoor recreation and community vibes. | Terra Linda Community Center, Marinwood Plaza, Indian Valley Organic Farm, Pacheco Valle Open Space |
| Marinwood | A quiet, picturesque area with easy access to hiking trails and parks. Attracts visitors who seek tranquility and nature close to the city. | Marinwood Community Center, Marinwood Plaza Shopping Center, Mount Tamalpais hiking trails |
| Mission San Rafael Area | Rich in history and culture, this area offers a unique experience for guests looking to explore California's heritage and enjoy local events. | Mission San Rafael Arcángel, San Rafael Historical Society, Marin Museum of Contemporary Art |
| North San Rafael | Featuring a mix of residential neighborhoods and green spaces, this area is perfect for those who appreciate a natural setting while still being close to local attractions. | The Marin Art and Garden Center, San Rafael Country Club, Marinwood Plaza |
| San Rafael Plaza | This shopping and dining hub attracts both locals and tourists, offering convenience and variety. Ideal for visitors seeking a lively atmosphere. | Northgate Mall, The 101 Shopping Center, Various restaurants and cafes |
| Canal District | A culturally rich and diverse area with a strong community feel. Great for guests looking to experience local life and multicultural offerings. | Canal Alliance, Civic Center, Leonard R. Miller Park |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, San Rafael 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 Rafael?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for San Rafael
- The San Rafael Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 86.9% of the 137 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in San Rafael, House properties are the most common (50.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 50.4% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 13.1% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 2.2%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
San Rafael Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for San Rafael
- The dominant room capacity in San Rafael is 1 bedroom listings, making up 40.1% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 57.6% of the active Airbnb listings in San Rafael, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 26.2% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in San Rafael.
San Rafael Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for San Rafael
- The most common guest capacity trend in San Rafael vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (29.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the San Rafael STR market, accounting for 48.1% of listings.
- 28.4% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in San Rafael.
- On average, properties in San Rafael are equipped to host 3.8 guests.
How Do Listings in San Rafael Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in San Rafael 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.
Listing Quality Insights for San Rafael
- At 33.8 photos per listing on average, San Rafael hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 13.1% 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 Rafael averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in San Rafael?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for San Rafael
- Essential amenities in San Rafael that guests expect include: Wifi, TV, Heating, Smoke alarm, Hot water. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Carbon monoxide alarm, Hangers, Hair dryer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for San Rafael: Wifi, TV, Heating, Smoke alarm, Hot water.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, TV, Heating, Smoke alarm, Hot water.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Carbon monoxide alarm or Hangers 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 Rafael to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in San Rafael?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in San Rafael, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cooking basics | 85.4% | $48,520 | $4,455 | 989.0% |
Washer | 65.0% | $56,577 | $15,221 | 271.7% |
Dryer | 65.7% | $55,967 | $15,510 | 260.8% |
Refrigerator | 86.1% | $46,735 | $13,221 | 253.5% |
Free parking on premises | 83.9% | $47,353 | $14,561 | 225.2% |
Microwave | 92.0% | $44,534 | $14,061 | 216.7% |
Cleaning products | 78.8% | $49,078 | $16,053 | 205.7% |
Dishwasher | 51.8% | $62,234 | $20,415 | 204.8% |
Hot tub | 18.2% | $92,877 | $30,750 | 202.0% |
Toaster | 73.7% | $50,594 | $18,220 | 177.7% |
Revenue Impact Insights for San Rafael
- Cooking basics tops the revenue impact list with a 989.0% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $48,520 vs. $4,455 without it.
- Cooking basics, Refrigerator, Free parking on premises, Microwave — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
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 Rafael STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for San Rafael. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSan Rafael Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for San Rafael
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in San Rafael consists of primarily domestic travelers (94%), often arriving from nearby San Francisco, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 93.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (93.6%) and United Kingdom (1.2%).
- Top languages spoken are English (59.2%) followed by Spanish (14.9%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
- 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 Rafael?
Listings in San Rafael average 4.87 out of 5 overall, with about 104.6 reviews per active listing and 56.2% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for San Rafael
- With an overall rating of 4.87, San Rafael listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.94), while Value (4.8) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 56.2% 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 Value — 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 Rafael Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for San Rafael
- The most common availability pattern in San Rafael falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 36.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 66.4% 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 Rafael (29.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 34.3% 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 Rafael?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for San Rafael
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in San Rafael is 39 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during November (average 49 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 27 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (44 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (33 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (39 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in San Rafael.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 44 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these San Rafael averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in San Rafael?
Guests in San Rafael stay about 7.9 nights on average, generating roughly 3,453 reservations and 25.2 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 Rafael
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for San Rafael
- 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.
- At 25.2 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Jun (7.5 nights) and shorten in Nov (5.2 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 Rafael Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
23 listings
16.8% of total
2 Nights
28 listings
20.4% of total
3 Nights
19 listings
13.9% of total
4-6 Nights
12 listings
8.8% of total
7-29 Nights
14 listings
10.2% of total
30+ Nights
41 listings
29.9% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in San Rafael is 30+ Nights, adopted by 29.9% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (29.9%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in San Rafael, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 29.9% of San Rafael hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 16.8% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 29.9% 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 Rafael.
San Rafael Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
2 listings
1.5% of total
Flexible
14 listings
10.2% of total
Moderate
46 listings
33.6% of total
Firm
51 listings
37.2% of total
Strict
24 listings
17.5% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for San Rafael
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in San Rafael is Firm, used by 37.2% of listings.
- A majority (54.7%) of hosts in San Rafael utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 37.2% market standard in San Rafael.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in San Rafael.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in San Rafael?
Cleaning fees in San Rafael 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.
Cleaning Fee Insights for San Rafael
- 89.8% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in San Rafael. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($383) and median ($125) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 8.0% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the San Rafael median of $125. 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 Rafael Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in San Rafaelbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Stunning California Home & Pool
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Luxury Tranquil Waterfront Haven w/Pool & Spa
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
6BD/4BA Hilltop Home w/Hot Tub, Billiards & Views!
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Elegant San Rafael Estate | Home & Private Patio
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Waterfront Marin Retreat with Pool & Hot Tub
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Waterfront Retro Retreat - Amazing SF Getaway
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
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 Rafael?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in San Rafael based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amrit | 4 | $387,845 | 169 | 4.64/5.0 |
| Garrett | 1 | $297,763 | 9 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Auravia | 2 | $227,886 | 119 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Sherry | 1 | $191,444 | 276 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Hearth Property | 1 | $172,313 | 21 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Gina | 1 | $157,811 | 217 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Mark | 2 | $151,738 | 749 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Jana & Peter | 1 | $132,002 | 553 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Andrea | 1 | $129,222 | 50 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Naomi | 1 | $124,142 | 240 | 4.98/5.0 |
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 Rafael.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in San Rafael?
San Rafael is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for San Rafael
- With 59.1% Superhosts, San Rafael has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 2.2% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 1.5% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 71.5% 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 31.4% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these San Rafael averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in San Rafael
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in San Rafael, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timothy | 1 | $92,325 | $504 | 49.2% | 4.89/5 |
| Chris | 1 | $85,553 | $495 | 50.3% | 4.96/5 |
| Andriana | 1 | $57,702 | $232 | 68.0% | 4.97/5 |
Management Company Insights for San Rafael
- The leading management company, Timothy, operates 1 listings with $92,325 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in San Rafael.
- Top managers average 1 properties each, suggesting professional management in San Rafael still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.94/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 2.2% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does San Rafael's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the San Rafael 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 Carmel Point, San Rafael has 5 percentage points lower occupancy and about $764 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel Point | 15 | $14,084 | $1077.33 | 54% |
| Moss Beach | 34 | $10,605 | $687.89 | 53% |
| Del Monte Forest | 105 | $10,502 | $1000.19 | 47% |
| Sonoma | 229 | $9,652 | $830.07 | 42% |
| Marshall | 18 | $9,448 | $619.47 | 52% |
| Kenwood | 60 | $8,823 | $837.23 | 41% |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | 304 | $8,709 | $700.07 | 49% |
| Glen Ellen | 83 | $8,689 | $822.35 | 44% |
| Eldridge | 21 | $8,584 | $970.89 | 42% |
| St. Helena | 50 | $8,500 | $926.27 | 36% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in San Rafael
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for San Rafael.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in San Rafael?
San Rafael hosts earn about $42,087 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $313 and RevPAR of $148. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in San Rafael, California, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, San Rafael market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Rafael?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in San Rafael is 49.2%. July is the strongest month and February 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 Rafael?
Listings in San Rafael average $313 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 Rafael?
San Rafael currently has about 137 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 Rafael?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in San Rafael as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.7% 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 Rafael?
RevPAR in San Rafael is about $148. 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 Rafael?
At 49.2% occupancy, San Rafael 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 $42,087, 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 Rafael?
The average booking lead time in San Rafael is about 39 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 Rafael?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in San Rafael include San Rafael Hill, Downtown San Rafael, Terra Linda. 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 Rafael?
entire_home listings make up 86.9% of the active supply in San Rafael. 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 Rafael compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Carmel Point posts $169,010 in average annual revenue with 54.1% occupancy, compared to San Rafael's $42,087 and 49.2%. 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 Rafael?
The average Airbnb stay length in San Rafael is about 7.9 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 Rafael?
Airbnb listings in San Rafael average 4.87 out of 5 overall. About 56.2% 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 Rafael?
Cooking basics and Washer are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in San Rafael. 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 Rafael?
Yes. About 89.8% of active Airbnb listings in San Rafael charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $383. 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 Rafael?
A 59.1% 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.