South Pasadena, California Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in South Pasadena, California? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $37,057 per year — at a $251 nightly rate, 49.9% occupancy, and a $125 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 68 active listings, South Pasadena is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 54.5% 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.
Table of Contents [hide] [show]
What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in South Pasadena?
In South Pasadena, the headline Airbnb metrics are $37,057 in average annual revenue,49.9% occupancy, $251 ADR, and $125 in RevPAR, and guests book about 45 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in South Pasadena?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena is typically June, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in South Pasadena across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $8,582+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,856 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,244 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,851, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in South Pasadena
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in South Pasadena?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the South Pasadena STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Aprilsees 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 South Pasadena:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 87%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 76% 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 31% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in South Pasadena
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in South Pasadena?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in South Pasadena involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in South Pasadena typically peaks in June and dips lowest during February. 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 $449+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $292 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $199 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $157 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in South Pasadena
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in South Pasadena?
RevPAR in South Pasadena is currently $125. 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 $64 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $97 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $152 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $252 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in South Pasadena
RevPAR Insights for South Pasadena
- The average RevPAR in South Pasadena is $125. 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% ($252) and bottom 25% ($64) is $188, 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 South Pasadena benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $97, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $152+ 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.
Get Live South Pasadena Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in South Pasadena?
South Pasadena's peak Airbnb season falls in June, April, May, while the softest stretch is January, February, September. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (June, April, May)
- Revenue averages $4,796 per month
- Occupancy rates average 57.0%
- Daily rates average $258
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4,097 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 54.9%
- Daily rates hold near $245
Low Season (January, February, September)
- Revenue drops to average $3,060 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 45.7%
- Daily rates adjust to average $238
Seasonality Insights for South Pasadena
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $4,851, occupancy reaching 60.9%, and ADRs peaking at $264.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,540, occupancy could drop to 36.9%, and ADRs may adjust to $232.
- 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 South Pasadena.
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 South Pasadena seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in South Pasadena?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in South Pasadena, 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 South Pasadena to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 1% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in South Pasadena?
South Pasadena 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown South Pasadena | A lively area known for its charming shops and restaurants, making it popular among visitors looking for a quaint, local experience. | Pasadena Playhouse, South Pasadena Farmers Market, The Rialto Theatre, Barker Block, Transportation Museum |
| South Pasadena Historic District | Rich in history and beautiful architecture, the historic district attracts visitors interested in culture and heritage. | South Pasadena Library, Shields Park, Historic homes, South Pasadena City Hall, Orange Grove Park |
| Mission Street | A lively street lined with various dining and shopping options, ideal for tourists seeking convenience and local flavors. | Mission Street restaurants, Shopping boutiques, Nightlife spots, Coffee shops, Historic buildings |
| Arroyo Seco | An outdoor lover's paradise with parks and trails, appealing to those who appreciate nature and outdoor activities. | Arroyo Seco Park, Nature trails, Hiking paths, Historic bridges, Scenic views |
| South Pasadena High School | Surrounding the local high school, this neighborhood is vibrant and full of family-friendly activities, attracting visitors during school events. | Football games, Local events, Community gatherings, Nearby parks, Cultural events |
| South Pasadena Arts District | A creative hub with art galleries and studios, this area draws art enthusiasts and tourists interested in the local arts scene. | Art galleries, Workshops, Local exhibitions, Cultural events, Live music |
| Surrounding neighborhoods | The areas surrounding South Pasadena offer a wider variety of attractions and easy access to greater Los Angeles, appealing to a wider audience. | Nearby parks, Local eateries, Convenient access to metro, Cultural attractions in LA, Shopping areas |
| Civic Center | The Civic Center offers a hub for community events and activities, making it a great location for those looking to engage with locals. | City Hall, Community events, Public art installations, Civic Center Park, Cultural festivals |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for South Pasadena
- The South Pasadena Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 85.3% of the 68 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in South Pasadena, House properties are the most common (38.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 38.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 27.9% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like unique stays (combined 1.5%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
South Pasadena Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for South Pasadena
- The dominant room capacity in South Pasadena is 1 bedroom listings, making up 42.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 69.1% of the active Airbnb listings in South Pasadena, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
South Pasadena Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for South Pasadena
- The most common guest capacity trend in South Pasadena vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (30.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the South Pasadena STR market, accounting for 57.4% of listings.
- 19.2% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in South Pasadena.
- On average, properties in South Pasadena are equipped to host 3.8 guests.
How Do Listings in South Pasadena Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena
- At 25.4 photos per listing on average, South Pasadena hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 5.9% 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 South Pasadena averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in South Pasadena?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for South Pasadena
- Essential amenities in South Pasadena that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Heating, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Hot water, Carbon monoxide alarm, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Hair dryer, Shampoo, Iron are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for South Pasadena: Air conditioning, Heating, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Hot water, Carbon monoxide alarm, TV.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Heating, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Hot water, Carbon monoxide alarm, TV.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Hair dryer or Shampoo 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 South Pasadena to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in South Pasadena?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in South Pasadena, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dishes and silverware | 85.3% | $41,502 | $11,279 | 268.0% |
Coffee maker | 85.3% | $41,202 | $13,015 | 216.6% |
Microwave | 83.8% | $41,483 | $14,123 | 193.7% |
Essentials | 85.3% | $40,754 | $15,612 | 161.0% |
Cooking basics | 79.4% | $42,284 | $16,898 | 150.2% |
Iron | 88.2% | $39,522 | $18,569 | 112.8% |
Free street parking | 32.4% | $56,534 | $27,742 | 103.8% |
Stove | 72.1% | $43,125 | $21,407 | 101.5% |
Exterior security cameras on property | 38.2% | $53,569 | $26,836 | 99.6% |
Ceiling fan | 25.0% | $57,271 | $30,319 | 88.9% |
Revenue Impact Insights for South Pasadena
- Dishes and silverware tops the revenue impact list with a 268.0% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $41,502 vs. $11,279 without it.
- Dishes and silverware, Coffee maker, Microwave, Essentials, Iron — 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 South Pasadena STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for South Pasadena. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSouth Pasadena Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for South Pasadena
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in South Pasadena consists of primarily domestic travelers (89%), often arriving from nearby Los Angeles, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 89.4% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (89.4%) and Canada (2.2%).
- Top languages spoken are English (58%) followed by Spanish (15.7%).
- 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 Los Angeles and New York.
- 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 South Pasadena?
Listings in South Pasadena average 4.85 out of 5 overall, with about 119.5 reviews per active listing and 52.9% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for South Pasadena
- With an overall rating of 4.85, South Pasadena listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.91), while Value (4.78) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 52.9% 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.
South Pasadena Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for South Pasadena
- The most common availability pattern in South Pasadena falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 36.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 55.9% 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 South Pasadena (30.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 44.1% 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 South Pasadena?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for South Pasadena
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in South Pasadena is 45 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 67 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 28 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (52 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (36 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (45 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in South Pasadena.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 67 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 52 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these South Pasadena averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in South Pasadena?
Guests in South Pasadena stay about 5.2 nights on average, generating roughly 2,022 reservations and 29.7 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in South Pasadena
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for South Pasadena
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 29.7 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 Aug (5.9 nights) and shorten in Sep (3.7 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.
South Pasadena Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
18 listings
26.5% of total
2 Nights
19 listings
27.9% of total
3 Nights
3 listings
4.4% of total
4-6 Nights
4 listings
5.9% of total
7-29 Nights
5 listings
7.4% of total
30+ Nights
19 listings
27.9% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in South Pasadena is 2 Nights, adopted by 27.9% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (27.9%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in South Pasadena, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 27.9% of South Pasadena hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 26.5% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 27.9% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in South Pasadena.
South Pasadena Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
2 listings
2.9% of total
Flexible
9 listings
13.2% of total
Moderate
33 listings
48.5% of total
Firm
15 listings
22.1% of total
Strict
9 listings
13.2% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for South Pasadena
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in South Pasadena is Moderate, used by 48.5% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (61.7%) and stricter (35.3%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 48.5% market standard in South Pasadena.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 13.2% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in South Pasadena.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in South Pasadena?
Cleaning fees in South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena
- 85.3% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in South Pasadena. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($417) and median ($110) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 9.6% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the South Pasadena median of $110. 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 South Pasadena Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in South Pasadenabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Retro Music-Inspired Home w/Piano - Near Rose Bowl
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
South Pasadena Craftsman House w/Serene Front Yard
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Sweet Retreat Craftsman Bungalow in South Pasadena
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Chic Mid Century Modern Retreat South Pasadena
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
LA Pool House
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
South Pasadena Cozy Carriage House 2bd/2ba
Entire Place • 2 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 South Pasadena?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in South Pasadena 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wendy | 3 | $233,758 | 158 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Jin | 2 | $213,417 | 476 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Scott | 1 | $161,208 | 73 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Amber | 2 | $131,367 | 56 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Jennifer | 1 | $121,003 | 250 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Roger | 4 | $111,504 | 453 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Janice | 8 | $102,479 | 481 | 4.72/5.0 |
| Gw | 4 | $95,632 | 243 | 4.60/5.0 |
| Emilio | 2 | $83,631 | 200 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Kristin And Richard | 2 | $80,768 | 852 | 4.88/5.0 |
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 South Pasadena.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in South Pasadena?
South Pasadena is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for South Pasadena
- With 60.3% Superhosts, South Pasadena has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 2.9% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 5.9% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 67.6% 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 29.4% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these South Pasadena averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in South Pasadena
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in South Pasadena, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evolve | 1 | $21,924 | $186 | 40.7% | 4.15/5 |
| Lvl | 1 | $2,890 | $214 | 14.0% | N/A |
Management Company Insights for South Pasadena
- The leading management company, Evolve, operates 1 listings with $21,924 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in South Pasadena.
- Top managers average 1 properties each, suggesting professional management in South Pasadena still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.15/5 in guest ratings — suggesting room for quality improvement even among larger operators.
Recommendations
- With only 2.9% 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 South Pasadena's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the South Pasadena 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, South Pasadena has 5 percentage points lower occupancy and about $297 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 South Pasadena
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for South Pasadena.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in South Pasadena?
South Pasadena hosts earn about $37,057 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $251 and RevPAR of $125. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in South Pasadena, California, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, South Pasadena market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in South Pasadena?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in South Pasadena is 49.9%. June 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 South Pasadena?
Listings in South Pasadena average $251 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 South Pasadena?
South Pasadena currently has about 68 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 South Pasadena?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in South Pasadena as Low. The dataset also shows about 1.5% 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 South Pasadena?
RevPAR in South Pasadena is about $125. 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 South Pasadena?
At 49.9% occupancy, South Pasadena 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 $37,057, 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 South Pasadena?
The average booking lead time in South Pasadena is about 45 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 South Pasadena?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in South Pasadena include Downtown South Pasadena, South Pasadena Historic District, Mission Street. 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 South Pasadena?
entire_home listings make up 85.3% of the active supply in South Pasadena. 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 South Pasadena compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Montecito posts $121,351 in average annual revenue with 48.9% occupancy, compared to South Pasadena's $37,057 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 South Pasadena?
The average Airbnb stay length in South Pasadena is about 5.2 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 South Pasadena?
Airbnb listings in South Pasadena average 4.85 out of 5 overall. About 52.9% 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 South Pasadena?
Dishes and silverware and Coffee maker are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in South Pasadena. 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 South Pasadena?
Yes. About 85.3% of active Airbnb listings in South Pasadena charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $417. 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 South Pasadena?
A 60.3% 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.