Santa Monica, California Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Santa Monica, California? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $39,753 per year — at a $294 nightly rate, 49.9% occupancy, and a $147 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
Santa Monica's 741 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 25.6% 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 high and 76% of listings show active registration — compliance is the cost of entry. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Santa Monica?
In Santa Monica, the headline Airbnb metrics are $39,753 in average annual revenue,49.9% occupancy, $294 ADR, and $147 in RevPAR, and guests book about 39 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Santa Monica?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica is typically August, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Santa Monica across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $9,402+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $6,430 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $4,020 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $2,063, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Santa Monica
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Santa Monica?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Santa Monica STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees 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 Santa Monica:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 89%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 79% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 58%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 29% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Santa Monica
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Santa Monica?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Santa Monica involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Santa Monica typically peaks in July and dips lowest during October. 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 $478+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $338 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $226 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $159 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Santa Monica
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Santa Monica?
RevPAR in Santa Monica is currently $147. 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 $72 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $123 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $190 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $277 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Santa Monica
RevPAR Insights for Santa Monica
- The average RevPAR in Santa Monica is $147. 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% ($277) and bottom 25% ($72) is $205, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jun and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Santa Monica benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $123, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $190+ 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 Santa Monica?
Santa Monica's peak Airbnb season falls in August, July, June, while the softest stretch is January, September, November. Overall, the market shows relatively stable year-round demand, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (August, July, June)
- Revenue averages $5,456 per month
- Occupancy rates average 57.6%
- Daily rates average $291
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4,679 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 53.2%
- Daily rates hold near $281
Low Season (January, September, November)
- Revenue drops to average $4,212 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 51.8%
- Daily rates adjust to average $276
Seasonality Insights for Santa Monica
- Airbnb seasonality in Santa Monica is subdued — revenue stays within a narrow band throughout the year. This is advantageous for hosts who value predictable cash flow and simpler pricing management.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Santa Monica's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $5,485, occupancy reaching 59.2%, and ADRs peaking at $294.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $4,106, occupancy could drop to 49.0%, and ADRs may adjust to $274.
- 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 Santa Monica.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing. In a high-regulation market like Santa Monica, ensure your permit covers the number of nights you plan to book — some jurisdictions cap annual rental days.
- 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.
- With stable year-round demand, Santa Monica hosts can focus less on seasonal pricing swings and more on incremental improvements — better photos, faster response times, and amenity upgrades that compound over time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Santa Monica?
Yes, Santa Monica, California, United States enforces high STR regulations and 76% of active listings show registration evidence — indicating that enforcement is active and compliance is a prerequisite for operating legally. Hosts entering this market should budget for permit fees, inspections, and potential occupancy tax obligations as part of their startup costs. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Santa Monica to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 76% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Santa Monica?
Location within Santa Monica matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Park | A laid-back beachside neighborhood known for its relaxed vibe, Ocean Park attracts visitors looking for a more local experience while still being close to the beach. | Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Palisades Park, Ocean Park Beach, Santa Monica Farmers Market |
| Downtown Santa Monica | The bustling heart of Santa Monica with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Perfect for tourists wanting easy access to the beach and iconic attractions. | Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Pacific Park, Bergamot Station |
| North of Montana | An upscale residential area featuring luxurious homes and proximity to the ocean, ideal for guests looking for a quiet and affluent stay. | Montana Avenue shops, Gordon House, Laguna Beach, Santa Monica Mountains, Palisades Park |
| Sunset Park | A charming neighborhood that offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, known for its artistic vibe. Great for those seeking a unique Airbnb experience. | Refrigerator Art Gallery, Truxton's, Pico Boulevard, Sunset Park |
| Breeze Avenue | This street runs close to the beach and offers a delightful blend of beach access and local Santa Monica living. Popular with families and beachgoers. | Venice Beach, Boardwalk, Santa Monica Beach, Marina Del Rey |
| Wilshire Boulevard | A major thoroughfare that enjoys high visibility and convenient access to various Santa Monica attractions, making it appealing for tourists. | Santa Monica Place, Civic Center, Tongva Park, Santa Monica Civic Auditorium |
| Pacific Palisades | Located just north of Santa Monica, it's a scenic area with beautiful views, upscale homes, and access to nearby beaches, perfect for high-end guests. | Will Rogers State Historic Park, Pacific Palisades Village, Temescal Canyon, Palisades Park |
| State Beach | Perfect for beach lovers, this area provides direct access to the shoreline and is ideal for those looking to spend their days soaking up the sun and a vibrant beach culture. | The Annenberg Community Beach House, State Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Beach Volleyball Courts, Bike Path |
Because Santa Monica has a high regulation profile, confirming that short-term rental permits are available in your target neighborhood is a critical first step before committing to a property purchase. Regulation can vary at the neighborhood or district level even within the same city.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Santa Monica?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Santa Monica
- The Santa Monica Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 81.1% of the 741 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Santa Monica, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (68.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 16.3% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 11.1% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like others (combined 3.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Santa Monica Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Santa Monica
- The dominant room capacity in Santa Monica is 1 bedroom listings, making up 40.2% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 66.8% of the active Airbnb listings in Santa Monica, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- Listings with 3+ bedrooms (5.9%) represent a smaller niche, potentially indicating an underserved market for larger group accommodations in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Santa Monica
- The most common guest capacity trend in Santa Monica vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (35.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Santa Monica STR market, accounting for 59.7% of listings.
- 11.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Santa Monica.
- On average, properties in Santa Monica are equipped to host 3.0 guests.
How Do Listings in Santa Monica Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica
- At 25.6 photos per listing on average, Santa Monica hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 10.7% 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 Santa Monica averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Santa Monica?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Santa Monica
- Essential amenities in Santa Monica that guests expect include: Wifi, Smoke alarm. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like TV, Heating, Hot water are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Santa Monica: Wifi, Smoke alarm.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Smoke alarm.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Heating 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 Santa Monica to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Santa Monica?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Santa Monica, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Record playerHigh opportunity | 0.7% | $107,106 | $39,295 | 172.6% |
Hair dryer | 89.1% | $42,270 | $19,241 | 119.7% |
Baby safety gatesHigh opportunity | 1.6% | $84,756 | $39,012 | 117.3% |
Air conditioning | 76.9% | $45,160 | $21,729 | 107.8% |
Theme roomHigh opportunity | 1.5% | $80,621 | $39,137 | 106.0% |
Smoke alarm | 98.2% | $40,101 | $20,250 | 98.0% |
TV | 92.2% | $41,325 | $21,238 | 94.6% |
Coffee maker | 81.0% | $43,753 | $22,732 | 92.5% |
Bed linens | 78.9% | $43,995 | $23,845 | 84.5% |
Wine glasses | 61.1% | $48,275 | $26,348 | 83.2% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Santa Monica
- Record player tops the revenue impact list with a 172.6% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $107,106 vs. $39,295 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Record player, Baby safety gates, Theme room — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Hair dryer, Smoke alarm, TV, Coffee maker — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Record player — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Santa Monica.
- 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 Santa Monica STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Santa Monica. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSanta Monica Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Santa Monica
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Santa Monica consists of primarily domestic travelers (74%), often arriving from nearby New York, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 73.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (73.9%) and United Kingdom (4.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (54.3%) followed by Spanish (14.4%).
- 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 New York 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 Santa Monica?
Listings in Santa Monica average 4.79 out of 5 overall, with about 92.5 reviews per active listing and 33.9% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Santa Monica
- An average rating of 4.79 places Santa Monica in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Location (4.87), while Value (4.67) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 33.9% 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.
Santa Monica Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Santa Monica
- The most common availability pattern in Santa Monica falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 39.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 64.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Santa Monica (25.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 37.9% 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 Santa Monica?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Santa Monica
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Santa Monica is 39 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 45 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in December (average 33 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (45 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (34 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 Santa Monica.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 45 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Santa Monica averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Santa Monica?
Guests in Santa Monica stay about 9 nights on average, generating roughly 19,806 reservations and 26.8 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Santa Monica
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Santa Monica
- 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 26.8 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 Mar (7.6 nights) and shorten in Dec (5 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 4:00 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.
Santa Monica Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
151 listings
20.4% of total
2 Nights
87 listings
11.7% of total
3 Nights
24 listings
3.2% of total
4-6 Nights
52 listings
7% of total
7-29 Nights
73 listings
9.9% of total
30+ Nights
354 listings
47.8% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Santa Monica is 30+ Nights, adopted by 47.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (47.8%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Santa Monica, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 47.8% of Santa Monica hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 20.4% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 47.8% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
12 listings
1.6% of total
Non-refundable
4 listings
0.5% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
13 listings
1.8% of total
Limited
13 listings
1.8% of total
Refundable
3 listings
0.4% of total
Flexible
120 listings
16.2% of total
Moderate
137 listings
18.5% of total
Firm
232 listings
31.4% of total
Strict
205 listings
27.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Santa Monica
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Santa Monica is Firm, used by 31.4% of listings.
- A majority (59.1%) of hosts in Santa Monica 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 31.4% market standard in Santa Monica.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Santa Monica.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Santa Monica?
Cleaning fees in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica
- 83.9% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Santa Monica. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($898) and median ($129) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 7.0% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Santa Monica median of $129. 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 Santa Monica Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Santa Monicabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Bright & Charming Beach House Steps from Ocean
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
1 min to Sand & Sea - Santa Monica Dream Home
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Santa Monica DREAM Modern Home
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Santa Monica Beach Front 8 Million $ Estate
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Ocean Vista at an Incredible Santa Monica Beachhouse
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Living the Dream
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
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 Santa Monica?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Santa Monica 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam | 24 | $1,259,573 | 1031 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Jack | 18 | $1,047,442 | 419 | 4.64/5.0 |
| John | 12 | $796,298 | 1018 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Jennifer | 17 | $554,435 | 306 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Joe | 14 | $517,990 | 558 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Mystique Stay | 4 | $473,319 | 119 | 4.54/5.0 |
| Peter | 4 | $354,196 | 314 | 4.77/5.0 |
| Gabriel | 4 | $351,232 | 391 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Walther | 4 | $347,366 | 222 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Shawn | 7 | $336,713 | 447 | 4.86/5.0 |
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 Santa Monica.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Santa Monica
- With 55.7% Superhosts, Santa Monica has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 4.7% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 8.4% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 59.4% 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 32.3% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Santa Monica averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Santa Monica
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Santa Monica, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack | 18 | $1,047,442 | $382 | 43.3% | 4.64/5 |
| Jennifer | 17 | $554,435 | $312 | 44.6% | 4.96/5 |
| Eco Boutique | 2 | $155,573 | $394 | 55.3% | 4.88/5 |
| Viceroy Santa Monica | 4 | $114,777 | $393 | 28.0% | 4.75/5 |
| Tony | 2 | $109,720 | $344 | 45.6% | 4.82/5 |
| Alex | 2 | $98,477 | $375 | 36.1% | 4.79/5 |
| Pooya | 4 | $73,092 | $223 | 34.2% | 4.60/5 |
| Claire | 1 | $55,122 | $329 | 65.5% | 4.82/5 |
| Open Air | 1 | $40,480 | $249 | 67.0% | 5.00/5 |
| Santa Monica Proper Hotel | 1 | $33,919 | $554 | 29.0% | N/A |
Management Company Insights for Santa Monica
- The leading management company, Jack, operates 18 listings with $1,047,442 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Santa Monica.
- Top managers average 5 properties each, suggesting professional management in Santa Monica still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.81/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 4.7% 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 Santa Monica's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Santa Monica 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 La Palma, Santa Monica has 5 percentage points lower occupancy and about $254 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montecito | 129 | $10,113 | $956.33 | 49% |
| Newport Beach | 1,269 | $9,163 | $768.95 | 46% |
| Malibu | 242 | $9,061 | $1299.49 | 35% |
| La Palma | 10 | $8,752 | $548.10 | 55% |
| Manhattan Beach | 260 | $7,883 | $585.18 | 52% |
| Avalon | 246 | $7,004 | $709.07 | 38% |
| Summerland | 85 | $6,878 | $511.92 | 50% |
| Toro Canyon | 33 | $6,477 | $726.84 | 41% |
| Rancho Santa Fe | 32 | $6,213 | $963.92 | 35% |
| Unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains | 114 | $6,070 | $694.08 | 38% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Santa Monica
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Santa Monica.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica hosts earn about $39,753 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $294 and RevPAR of $147. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Santa Monica, California, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Santa Monica market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Santa Monica?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Santa Monica is 49.9%. August is the strongest month and January 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 Santa Monica?
Listings in Santa Monica average $294 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 Santa Monica?
Santa Monica currently has about 741 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 Santa Monica?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Santa Monica as High. The dataset also shows about 75.8% 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 Santa Monica?
RevPAR in Santa Monica is about $147. 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 Santa Monica?
At 49.9% occupancy, Santa Monica 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 $39,753, 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 Santa Monica?
The average booking lead time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Santa Monica include Ocean Park, Downtown Santa Monica, North of Montana. 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 Santa Monica?
entire_home listings make up 81.1% of the active supply in Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Montecito posts $121,351 in average annual revenue with 48.9% occupancy, compared to Santa Monica's $39,753 and 49.9%. 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 Santa Monica?
The average Airbnb stay length in Santa Monica is about 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 Santa Monica?
Airbnb listings in Santa Monica average 4.79 out of 5 overall. About 33.9% 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 Santa Monica?
Record player and Hair dryer are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica?
Yes. About 83.9% of active Airbnb listings in Santa Monica charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $898. 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 Santa Monica?
A 55.7% 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.