Luxury Oceanview Compound for 30 Entire home · 14 bedrooms Rated 5.00 - Revenue
- $583,784
- Occupancy
- 54.7%
- Daily rate
- $3,492
Airbnb market data · 202612 months to September 2026
Santa Cruz, CA Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in Santa Cruz brought in $61,497 over the 12 months through September 2026, about 43% more than the California average of $43,088.
The short answer
Santa Cruz Airbnb Market at a Glance
Rates in Santa Cruz run ahead of the California average, with bookings close to it. Listings averaged $435 a night and were booked on 45% of available nights, against $355 and 43% for the California average.
Timing matters: in July, usually the best month, the average listing earns about 2.6 times as much as in February, usually the slowest.
With 340 active listings, Santa Cruz is the 66th-largest of 643 California markets AirROI tracks. From a year earlier, average revenue fell 3% while the number of active listings grew 21%.
Browse the live Santa Cruz Airbnb market
See Every Santa Cruz Listing
Revenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Santa Cruz?
Gross bookings per Santa Cruz listing averaged $61,497 over the 12 months to September 2026 (California average: $43,088), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
In a typical year, the average Santa Cruz listing brings in $11,600 in July, its best month, and $4,530 in February, its slowest. January runs within 2% of February, so either can be the slowest in a given year. The three strongest months bring in 37% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
In a typical month, a top-quarter listing earns at least 3.4 times as much as a bottom-quarter one.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $14,100+ a month, about 2.8 times the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn $8,830 or more, roughly $3,900 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about $4,960 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $2,570 or less, about half of the median.
These are monthly figures for listings active in each month. The annual average above also counts listings that operated for only part of the year, so it runs below twelve times these figures.
July earns about 2.6 times what February does
Average revenue per active listing, by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average $7,000 $11,600 $4,270
Each point is one month as recorded, averaged over the listings active in it. The best and slowest months in the text average each calendar month over the past two years, so they can differ from the highest and lowest points here.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the September 2026 data. September's figures are still coming in, so the rows run to August.
July 2026 led on revenue and nightly rate; bookings peaked in August 2026.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | RevPAR | Booking Lead Time | Avg. Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | $6,686 | 49.6% | $399 | $223 | 64 days | 3.7 nights |
| Oct 2025 | $6,607 | 47.8% | $391 | $213 | 52 days | 3.9 nights |
| Nov 2025 | $6,425 | 47.7% | $390 | $214 | 59 days | 3.5 nights |
| Dec 2025 | $5,617 | 39.7% | $390 | $181 | 44 days | 4.3 nights |
| Jan 2026 | $4,272 | 33.5% | $373 | $138 | 33 days | 4.8 nights |
| Feb 2026 | $4,465 | 40.1% | $376 | $159 | 32 days | 3.7 nights |
| Mar 2026 | $5,787 | 46.0% | $380 | $187 | 39 days | 3.7 nights |
| Apr 2026 | $6,066 | 46.3% | $388 | $202 | 41 days | 3.7 nights |
| May 2026 | $6,801 | 46.2% | $420 | $219 | 56 days | 4.2 nights |
| Jun 2026 | $9,521 | 57.7% | $481 | $317 | 74 days | 3.9 nights |
| Jul 2026 | $11,620 | 56.8% | $496 | $375 | 80 days | 4.6 nights |
| Aug 2026 | $9,751 | 59.4% | $472 | $315 | 60 days | 3.4 nights |
Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month of the 12. RevPAR is the month's revenue spread over its nights, booked or not. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in, and length of stay the nights per booking, for stays in that month.
For a figure on one home rather than the whole Santa Cruz market, enter its address and size in the Airbnb income calculator, which compares it with similar listings nearby.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in Santa Cruz Profitable?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Santa Cruz Airbnb took in $61,497 in the 12 months to September 2026, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about $3,310 a month of that is left after running costs, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes money. A listing in the top quarter leaves about $5,950 a month.
Cleaning it yourself keeps the $6,450 a year guests pay in cleaning fees, for about $3,850 a month. Handing the listing to a co-host at about 10% of nightly bookings still leaves about $2,850 a month.
These amounts come before housing costs. Where the mortgage or rent is less each month, the difference is profit; a home owned outright keeps it all after property tax, home insurance and any HOA or condo fees.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Nightly bookings | $55,047 | $97,970 |
| Cleaning fees guests pay10% of Santa Cruz bookings | $6,450 | $11,490 |
| Gross bookings | $61,497 | $109,460 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's feeAbout 13%: 15.5% for the 84% of Santa Cruz listings on Simplified Pricing, 3% for the rest | −$8,270 | −$14,710 |
| Cleaning and laundryPaid for by the cleaning fee; $0 if you clean yourself | −$6,450 | −$11,490 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −$3,070 | −$5,470 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −$1,230 | −$2,190 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −$1,840 | −$3,280 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −$610 | −$610 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −$310 | −$310 |
| Management$0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookings | $0 | $0 |
| Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are free | $0 | $0 |
| Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed on | $0 | $0 |
| Total running costsAbout 25% of bookings, plus cleaning paid for by the cleaning fee | −$21,780 | −$38,060 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | $39,717about $3,310 a month | $71,400about $5,950 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, HOA or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own Santa Cruz Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from Santa Cruz's average listing, run by its owner. Change how the listing performs, who runs it and who cleans to see what is left for the mortgage or rent.
To work out the profit on one Santa Cruz home, with its price, its mortgage or rent and your own costs, use the Airbnb profit calculator. It starts from the comparable listings around the address.
How Santa Cruz's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Santa Cruz listings are booked on 68% or more of their nights, against 48% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of $295 adds about $2,960 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge $525 a night or more, against a median of $295. That is a separate ranking from the busiest quarter, so the two marks don't multiply into one listing's takings. For the average listing, a 10% higher rate on the nights it already books adds about $5,500 a year.
- Open for the busy months. In a typical year, July brings the average listing about $11,600, against $4,530 in February, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
- Reviews that stand out. Santa Cruz listings average 4.83 stars, and 53% carry Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge, which guests can filter for.
What a listing keeps comes down to the figures this page measures: nightly rate, nights booked and the months it's open. A listing at the top-quarter mark takes in about $9,120 a month, against $5,120 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz listings were booked on 45% of the nights they were open over the past year, 2 percentage points above the California average (43%) and 4 points above the U.S. average (41%). In a typical year, occupancy swings from 36% in January to 61% in July.
The busiest tenth of listings are booked about 3.1 times as often as the bottom quarter.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 82%+ of open nights, 34 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 68% or more, roughly five nights a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 48% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 26% or less, under two nights a week.
July is usually the busiest month in Santa Cruz, January the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average 49% 65% 34%
The 12-month rate of 45% averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Nightly rates
How Much Does an Airbnb Cost per Night in Santa Cruz?
The average nightly rate in Santa Cruz, known as ADR (average daily rate), was $435 over the past year, about 23% above the California average of $355 and about 36% above the U.S. average of $320. In a typical year, rates peak in June and July at about $465 and bottom out in October and November at about $360.
Prices span a wide range: the top 10% charge about 4.3 times the rate of the bottom quarter.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge $800+ a night, about 2.7 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge $525 or more, about $230 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about $295 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge $190 or less, about two-thirds of the median.
July rates run 30% above November's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average $398 $496 $327
The 12-month ADR of $435 averages each listing's own rate across its whole year; the monthly points average listings month by month, so the two differ.
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Santa Cruz?
RevPAR, or revenue per available night, divides a listing's income by every night it was open to book, so it rises with both price and bookings. In Santa Cruz it averaged $213 over the past year, from about $148 in a typical January to about $373 in a typical July.
Per open night, by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $420+ per open night, about 2.7 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn $270 or more, about $120 a night above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about $154 per open night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $82 or less, about half of the median.
July RevPAR is about 2.5 times January's
Revenue per open night (RevPAR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average $230 $375 $138
The 12-month RevPAR of $213 averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Seasonality
Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has one high season, June through August, which makes it a highly seasonal market. Business is slowest from October to March. A listing earns about twice as much a month in June through August as in December through February.
Average revenue by month in Santa Cruz
Average revenue per active listing, each calendar month averaged over the past two years
Monthly average $7,000 $11,600 $4,530
Revenue by month in Santa Cruz in numbers
| Month | Season | Revenue per listing |
|---|---|---|
| January | Low season | $4,600 |
| February | Low season | $4,530 |
| March | Low season | $6,090 |
| April | Shoulder season | $6,620 |
| May | Shoulder season | $7,020 |
| June | High season | $9,550 |
| July | High season | $11,600 |
| August | High season | $9,620 |
| September | Shoulder season | $6,470 |
| October | Low season | $6,110 |
| November | Low season | $6,250 |
| December | Low season | $5,560 |
| Season | Revenue per month | Occupancy | Nightly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| High seasonJune–August | $10,200 | 59% | $457 |
| Shoulder seasonApril–May, September | $6,700 | 49% | $394 |
| Low seasonOctober–March | $5,520 | 43% | $371 |
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Santa Cruz?
Guests book Santa Cruz stays 53 days ahead on average (about eight weeks). July stays are booked furthest out, about 77 days ahead, and February stays closest to arrival, about 34 days. A typical July booking is made in late April.
July stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average 53 days 80 days 32 days
Permits
Airbnb Permits and Registration in Santa Cruz
None of the 340 active listings in Santa Cruz display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply: some places don't ask hosts to show a number on the listing, and listing data doesn't capture every scheme.
Registration, permit, zoning and occupancy-tax rules vary by address and change often, so confirm them with the city or county before buying or listing in Santa Cruz.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Santa Cruz
AirROI's area guide picks five Santa Cruz neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Westside, Downtown Santa Cruz and Seabright. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.
| Area | Who it suits | Landmarks nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Westside | A popular residential area known for its proximity to the beach and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Ideal for families and vacationers looking for beach access and local attractions. | Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Main Beach, Santa Cruz Wharf, Natural Bridges State Beach, Cowell Beach |
| Downtown Santa Cruz | The vibrant downtown area features shopping, dining, and nightlife, making it an attractive spot for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. | Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, Local shops and eateries, Rebel Kitchen, The Catalyst |
| Seabright | A tranquil beach community adjacent to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, perfect for visitors looking for a quieter beach experience with close access to the action. | Seabright State Beach, Santa Cruz Harbor, Seabright Brewery, Arana Gulch, Mariners Point |
| East Cliff | Known for its beautiful ocean views and coastal walking paths, East Cliff attracts visitors seeking scenic beauty and outdoor activities. | East Cliff Drive, Its Beach, Twin Lakes State Beach, Scarlett's, The Point |
| Soquel | A suburban area just a few minutes from Santa Cruz, known for its wineries and laid-back atmosphere, appealing to visitors looking for a more relaxed vibe. | Bargetto Winery, Kresge Estate Winery, The Soquel Creek, Local parks and trails, Soquel Village |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Listings
Santa Cruz Airbnb Listings by Type and Size
Entire homes make up 75% of listings in Santa Cruz, but private rooms are a real segment: more than one listing in five (22%) rents out a single room. Houses are the most common property type at 62%, about 2.4 times the share of hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs (26%).
Mostly entire homes, with a private-room segment
Santa Cruz Airbnb listings by room type
- Entire home 75%
- Private room 22%
- Hotel room 2%
- Shared room <1%
Room types in numbers
| Room type | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Entire home | 75.0% | 255 |
| Private room | 22.4% | 76 |
| Hotel room | 2.1% | 7 |
| Shared room | 0.6% | 2 |
Listings by property type
Santa Cruz Airbnb listings by property type
- House 62%
- Hotel/Boutique 26%
- Apartment/Condo 7%
- Others 4%
- Cabin/Outdoor <1%
Property types in numbers
| Property type | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| House | 61.8% | 210 |
| Hotel/Boutique | 26.2% | 89 |
| Apartment/Condo | 7.4% | 25 |
| Others | 4.1% | 14 |
| Cabin/Outdoor | 0.6% | 2 |
How Many Bedrooms Do Airbnb Listings in Santa Cruz Have?
Two-bedroom homes are the most common size in Santa Cruz (28% of entire homes), and 43% have three or more bedrooms. Shares are of the 246 entire homes that give a bedroom count; rented rooms are left out.
Santa Cruz entire homes by number of bedrooms
Entire homes with each number of bedrooms, of those with a bedroom count on file
4%
25%
28%
25%
11%
7%
Bedroom counts in numbers
| Bedrooms | Share of entire homes with a bedroom count | Entire homes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 4.5% | 11 |
| 1 bedroom | 25.2% | 62 |
| 2 bedrooms | 27.6% | 68 |
| 3 bedrooms | 25.2% | 62 |
| 4 bedrooms | 11.0% | 27 |
| 5+ bedrooms | 6.5% | 16 |
What Each Home Size Earns in Santa Cruz
A typical studio in Santa Cruz earned $28,200 over the past year, against $204,000 for a home with five or more bedrooms.
| Home size | Listings | Typical annual revenue (median) | Average annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 11 | $28,200 | $25,900 | $218 | 42% |
| 1 bedroom | 62 | $36,800 | $38,700 | $229 | 53% |
| 2 bedrooms | 68 | $52,600 | $55,700 | $348 | 52% |
| 3 bedrooms | 62 | $78,200 | $76,100 | $581 | 47% |
| 4 bedrooms | 27 | $131,000 | $129,000 | $859 | 48% |
| 5+ bedrooms | 16 | $204,000 | $252,000 | $1,488 | 50% |
How Many Guests Do Airbnbs in Santa Cruz Sleep?
The most common capacity in Santa Cruz is four guests (25% of listings), and 41% of listings sleep six or more. Shares are of the 308 listings with a guest capacity on file (91% of the market).
Santa Cruz listings by guest capacity
Share of listings by the number of guests they sleep, of those with a capacity on file
1%
21%
7%
25%
6%
17%
3%
21%
Guest capacity in numbers
| Guest capacity | Share of listings with a capacity on file | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 guest | 0.6% | 2 |
| 2 guests | 20.8% | 64 |
| 3 guests | 7.1% | 22 |
| 4 guests | 24.7% | 76 |
| 5 guests | 6.2% | 19 |
| 6 guests | 16.9% | 52 |
| 7 guests | 2.6% | 8 |
| 8+ guests | 21.1% | 65 |
How Santa Cruz Airbnb Listings Are Set Up
Santa Cruz hosts set up an average of 3 beds per listing. About a third of listings (34%) show their exact location on the listing map; the rest show an approximate area.
- Photos per listing
- 11
- Beds per listing
- 3
- Show exact location
- 34%
What Amenities Do Airbnb Listings in Santa Cruz Offer?
Self check-in is close to standard in Santa Cruz: 76% of listings offer it, and 74% offer free parking on site.
Share of Santa Cruz listings with each common amenity
Airbnb Amenities Linked to Higher Revenue in Santa Cruz
Listings in Santa Cruz with a barbecue grill earned about 2.5 times as much a year, on average, as those without: $89,500 against $35,700. The gap is smaller for a fire pit (about 2.2 times as much) and a patio or balcony (about twice as much). Bigger, professionally run homes tend to carry more amenities, so these gaps reflect the kind of listing as much as the feature itself.
Revenue gap for Santa Cruz listings with each amenity
How much more listings with the amenity earned in a year than those without, and the share of listings that have it
Revenue by amenity in numbers
| Amenity | Listings with it | Avg. revenue with | Avg. revenue without | Revenue gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBQ grill | 48% | $89,500 | $35,700 | +150% |
| Fire pit | 21% | $107,000 | $49,600 | +116% |
| Patio or balcony | 67% | $74,400 | $35,300 | +111% |
| Outdoor shower | 21% | $97,000 | $52,100 | +86% |
| Waterfront | 5% | $108,000 | $59,000 | +84% |
| Free parking on premises | 74% | $69,900 | $38,100 | +84% |
| Self check-in | 76% | $69,000 | $37,800 | +83% |
| Beach essentials | 33% | $87,500 | $48,600 | +80% |
| Hammock | 5% | $101,000 | $59,400 | +70% |
| Outdoor dining area | 44% | $79,800 | $47,400 | +69% |
Guests
Who Books Airbnbs in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz draws mostly domestic guests: 94% of those who left reviews live in the United States. No single city dominates: San Francisco is the largest source, at about 8% of reviews. Of the 6% from abroad, the largest groups come from the United Kingdom and Germany. English is spoken by 61% of guests, and Spanish by 17%.
94% of Santa Cruz guests are domestic
Where guests who left reviews live
- Domestic 94%
- International 6%
Where Santa Cruz guests come from: top cities
Share of guests who left reviews
Top origin cities in numbers
| Origin city | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| San Francisco | 7.6% |
| Sacramento | 3.5% |
| Los Angeles | 2.9% |
| Oakland | 2.4% |
| San Jose | 2.3% |
Where Santa Cruz guests come from: top countries
Share of guests who left reviews
Top origin countries in numbers
| Origin country | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| United States | 94.2% |
| United Kingdom | 1.1% |
| Germany | 0.9% |
| Canada | 0.6% |
Languages spoken by Santa Cruz guests
Share of guests who left reviews
Top languages in numbers
| Language | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| English | 60.7% |
| Spanish | 16.6% |
| French | 6.2% |
| German | 3.6% |
| Chinese | 1.7% |
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz Airbnbs average 4.83 stars, and 53% of listings hold Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge. Guests are toughest on value for money: it scores 4.70, against 4.93 for check-in. Listings here carry long review histories, about 139 reviews each on average.
Check-in scores highest in Santa Cruz; value is lowest
Average guest rating out of 5 by category; the bars start at 4.0
Category scores in numbers
| Category | Average rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | 4.85 |
| Cleanliness | 4.83 |
| Communication | 4.89 |
| Location | 4.91 |
| Check-in | 4.93 |
| Value | 4.70 |
Booking patterns
How Guests Book in Santa Cruz: Stays, Rules and Fees
About seven in ten Santa Cruz listings are open to guests more than 180 days a year, but only 32% are booked or blocked that many days. The most common booked-or-blocked total is 91 to 180 days a year, covering 29% of listings; blocked nights include any the host closes off.
Days a year Santa Cruz listings are open to guests
Share of listings by days a year
- 271-366 days 41%
- 181-270 days 29%
- 91-180 days 25%
- 31-90 days 5%
Open days in numbers
| Days a year | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 271-366 days | 40.6% | 138 |
| 181-270 days | 28.8% | 98 |
| 91-180 days | 25.3% | 86 |
| 31-90 days | 5.3% | 18 |
Days a year Santa Cruz listings are booked or blocked
Share of listings by days a year
- 271-366 days 6%
- 181-270 days 26%
- 91-180 days 29%
- 31-90 days 26%
- 1-30 days 14%
Booked or blocked days in numbers
| Days a year | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 271-366 days | 5.9% | 20 |
| 181-270 days | 25.9% | 88 |
| 91-180 days | 28.8% | 98 |
| 31-90 days | 25.9% | 88 |
| 1-30 days | 13.5% | 46 |
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Santa Cruz?
The average Santa Cruz booking lasts 4.8 nights, longest in May and shortest in September. Listings took about 32 bookings each over the year, some 10,700 in all. Check-in is split almost evenly between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., with check-out usually at 11 a.m.
Average length of stay by month in Santa Cruz
Average nights per booking, by month of stay
Average 4.3 nights 5 nights 3.6 nights
Two-year average by calendar month.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements
About two-thirds of listings in Santa Cruz accept stays of one or two nights. A smaller group, 7%, takes only stays of 30 nights or more.
Minimum stay set by Santa Cruz listings
Share of listings by the shortest stay they accept, from one night to 30 or more
What Cancellation Policies Do Airbnb Hosts Use in Santa Cruz?
Firm is the most common cancellation policy in Santa Cruz, used by 37% of listings; it refunds guests in full only if they cancel at least 30 days before check-in. 45% of listings offer Flexible or Moderate terms and 50% use Firm or stricter ones, so neither camp dominates.
Cancellation policies of Santa Cruz listings, from most to least flexible
Share of listings by the policy they use
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Santa Cruz?
More than eight in ten Santa Cruz listings charge a cleaning fee. The typical fee is $185, but a minority of much higher fees lifts the average to $502, so the median is the better guide. Spread over the average stay of 4.8 nights, that adds roughly $40 a night to what guests pay. For listings that charge one, cleaning fees make up about 10% of gross revenue.
- Median cleaning fee
- $185
- Average cleaning fee
- $502
- Listings charging a fee
- 82.1%
- Share of gross revenue
- 10.5%
Top earners
Top-Earning Airbnbs and Hosts in Santa Cruz
The top-grossing Airbnb in Santa Cruz, a 14-bedroom home, took in $584,000 over the past year, about 9.5 times the city's average of $61,500. Five of the six listings below have five or more bedrooms; the other one has four bedrooms.
Luxury Oceanview Compound for 30 Entire home · 14 bedrooms Rated 5.00 
WOW! Luxury 5000sf Oceanview next to Main Beach Entire home · 9 bedrooms Rated 4.95 - Revenue
- $499,174
- Occupancy
- 65.7%
- Daily rate
- $1,981
West Cliff Villa Entire home · 8 bedrooms Rated 4.87 - Revenue
- $416,975
- Occupancy
- 50.7%
- Daily rate
- $2,068
Sunlit Surf Retreat Entire home · 6 bedrooms Rated 5.00 - Revenue
- $356,092
- Occupancy
- 69.7%
- Daily rate
- $1,813
Pleasure Point Dream Home Entire home · 4 bedrooms Rated 4.93 - Revenue
- $324,424
- Occupancy
- 61.3%
- Daily rate
- $1,248
Mitchell's Cove Ocean Front Home ~Panoramic Views! Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 4.96 - Revenue
- $312,723
- Occupancy
- 48.8%
- Daily rate
- $1,767
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Santa Cruz?
Ovr is the top-grossing host in Santa Cruz, with $1.85 million in bookings across 16 listings over the past year. Together, the ten top-grossing hosts run 23% of the market's 340 listings. Per listing, a smaller operator earns more: Derek grossed $328,000 per listing, about 2.8 times Ovr's $116,000.
| # | Host | Listings | Gross revenue | Per listing | Avg. rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ovr | 16 | $1,849,004 | $115,563 | 4.85/5 | |
| Derek | 4 | $1,311,753 | $327,938 | 4.96/5 | |
| Mike And Ashlie | 6 | $964,050 | $160,675 | 4.95/5 | |
| 4 | Evan | 4 | $729,147 | $182,287 | 4.86/5 |
| 5 | Beachnest Vacation Rentals | 11 | $636,899 | $57,900 | 4.85/5 |
| 6 | Janiece | 8 | $594,122 | $74,265 | 4.89/5 |
| 7 | Surf City | 7 | $497,629 | $71,090 | 4.83/5 |
| 8 | RoomPicks | 7 | $449,691 | $64,242 | 4.63/5 |
| 9 | Casablanca | 5 | $427,266 | $85,453 | 4.60/5 |
| 10 | Sara | 11 | $421,262 | $38,297 | 4.86/5 |
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Santa Cruz?
Professional management companies run one in five Santa Cruz listings and owners run the rest, though 36% of listings have a co-host. 63% of listings are run by Superhosts, so a strong review record is the norm here rather than an edge. Airbnb's Simplified Pricing, where the host pays the whole service fee and guests see one price with no separate Airbnb charge, covers 84% of listings.
- Superhosts
- 62.6%
- Professional management
- 20.3%
- Cohosted listings
- 35.9%
- Instant Book enabled
- 33.8%
- Simplified Pricing
- 83.5%
Nearby markets
Santa Cruz vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets
Of the eight nearby markets in the table, all within 12 km, Pleasure Point (4 km away, 85 listings) earned the most per listing, about 59% more than Santa Cruz.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Lakes 3 km | 79 | $84,099 | $516 | 51% |
| Pleasure Point 4 km | 85 | $97,561 | $541 | 54% |
| Capitola 6 km | 115 | $64,442 | $466 | 47% |
| Seacliff 10 km | 57 | $60,312 | $414 | 46% |
| Felton 10 km | 59 | $50,548 | $362 | 51% |
| Scotts Valley 11 km | 34 | $24,827 | $193 | 51% |
| Aptos 11 km | 58 | $62,228 | $425 | 49% |
| Rio del Mar 12 km | 176 | $58,471 | $494 | 40% |
Other Airbnb Markets in California
- Los Angeles Airbnb data 9,937 listings
- San Diego Airbnb data 9,532 listings
- San Francisco Airbnb data 4,310 listings
- Palm Springs Airbnb data 3,491 listings
- Big Bear Lake Airbnb data 3,189 listings
- Mammoth Lakes Airbnb data 2,652 listings
- San Jose Airbnb data 2,228 listings
- South Lake Tahoe Airbnb data 1,814 listings
See all 643 California Airbnb markets
Markets Similar to Santa Cruz
Markets elsewhere in the United States with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to Santa Cruz:
- Harpswell Airbnb data ME · $431/night · 44.7%
- Kahaluu-Keauhou Airbnb data HI · $430/night · 44.4%
- Wellfleet Airbnb data MA · $444/night · 44.6%
- Bandon Airbnb data OR · $427/night · 44.5%
- Biddeford Airbnb data ME · $421/night · 45.4%
- Hayden Airbnb data ID · $425/night · 44.5%
FAQ
Santa Cruz Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Santa Cruz?
An active Santa Cruz Airbnb grossed $61,497 on average in the 12 months to September 2026, according to AirROI's tracking of 340 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in $8,830 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in Santa Cruz?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Santa Cruz listings earn between $2,570 and $8,830 in a typical month, and the top tenth $14,100 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Santa Cruz?
Listings in Santa Cruz were booked on 45% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 43% for the California average. July is usually the busiest month.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Santa Cruz?
The average booked night in Santa Cruz cost $435 before fees. Half of listings charge between $190 and $525, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Santa Cruz?
None of the active Santa Cruz listings display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply, so confirm registration, permit and occupancy-tax rules with the city or county before buying.
Is Airbnb profitable in Santa Cruz?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Santa Cruz Airbnb grossed $61,497 in the 12 months to September 2026, 43% above the California average of $43,088. Run by its owner, with the cleaning fee covering the cleaner and everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, $39,717 a year (about $3,310 a month) is left before the mortgage or rent. A home that costs less than that to own or rent makes a profit, and a listing at the top-quarter mark leaves about $5,950 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb estimator.
When is Airbnb peak season in Santa Cruz?
July usually pays best, averaging $11,600 per active listing over the past two years, and February usually pays least. The month-by-month table above shows how the latest 12 months played out.
What is the Airbnb RevPAR in Santa Cruz?
Each night a Santa Cruz listing was open to book earned $213 on average over the past year, booked or not. That figure, revenue per available night (RevPAR), folds price and occupancy into one number; the top 10% of listings made $420 or more.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz stays were booked 53 days (about eight weeks) before arrival on average over the past year, so most of a month is booked well before it starts.
How long do guests stay at Airbnbs in Santa Cruz?
The average Santa Cruz Airbnb stay lasted 4.8 nights over the past year. A listing took 32 reservations over the year on average.
How are Airbnbs in Santa Cruz rated?
Guests rate Santa Cruz Airbnbs 4.83 out of 5 on average. Guests score check-in highest and value lowest.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Santa Cruz?
Westside, Downtown Santa Cruz and Seabright draw the most short-term rental interest in Santa Cruz. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in Santa Cruz?
AirROI counted 340 active Airbnb listings in Santa Cruz as of September 2026. The closest tracked market is Twin Lakes, 3 km away.
How much are Airbnb cleaning fees in Santa Cruz?
In Santa Cruz, more than eight in ten listings add a cleaning fee. The median fee is $185, but a minority of much higher fees lifts the average to $502, so the median is the better guide.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 340 active Airbnb listings in Santa Cruz from October 2025 to September 2026 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. Money figures are in U.S. dollars. Annual revenue averages every listing active during the period, including those listed for only part of it; monthly figures average the listings active in each month; the tier lists show the spread. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-assisted. See the methodology for definitions.
Need this programmatically? The same metrics are available through the AirROI Airbnb Data API and bulk downloads in the data portal.