Foster City Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in California, United States

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

Is Airbnb profitable in Foster City in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Foster City, California, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Foster City, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 37 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Foster City, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Foster City Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.

Key Foster City Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$161
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Foster City.
Occupancy Rate(?)
55.4%
High demand. Good booking frequency.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$33,687
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Foster City. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
80.1%
Strong growth (80.1%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
December
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Foster City.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
September
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Foster City.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
37
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Foster City (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Foster City 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 Foster City is typically December, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Foster City across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $10,511+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,806 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,319 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,290, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Foster City

Foster City Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Foster City STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Januarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while April 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 Foster City:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 93%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 83% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 64%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 37% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Foster City

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Foster City (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Foster City involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Foster City typically peaks in March and dips lowest during November. 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 $348+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $237 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $144 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $88 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Foster City

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Foster City (2025)

Peak Season (December, January, May)
  • Revenue averages $4,566 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 65.8%
  • Daily rates average $183
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $4,018 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 61.4%
  • Daily rates hold near $179
Low Season (February, April, September)
  • Revenue drops to average $3,404 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 50.5%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $177

Seasonality Insights for Foster City

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Foster City shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Foster City's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,764, occupancy reaching a high of 68.8%, and ADRs peaking at $191.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $3,098, occupancy could drop to 37.5%, and ADRs may adjust down to $175.
  • 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 Foster City.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Foster City seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Foster City (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Foster City? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.

Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Bayside
Beautiful waterfront area ideal for outdoor activities and relaxing by the lagoon. Perfect for families and offers a serene environment for short-term stays.
Foster City Lagoon, Leo J. Ryan Park, Beaches, Foster City Shopping Center, Water Sports Activities
Foster City Parks
Home to several parks with green spaces and playgrounds, ideal for families and outdoor lovers.
Foster City Community Center, Parks like Lighthouse Park and Dog Park, Walking and Biking trails, Picnic Areas
Whalers Cove
Quiet residential area with access to the waterfront and scenic views. A great spot for travelers seeking peace and relaxation.
Whalers Cove Beach, Walking paths along the water, Natural beauty
Mariners Island
A peaceful area known for its islands and waterways, great for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil atmosphere.
Mariners Island Park, Kayaking Opportunities, Bird Watching
North Foster City
A family-friendly neighborhood with convenient access to schools and local amenities, ideal for those traveling with children.
Local Schools, Neighborhood Parks, Community Activities
The Mile
A commercial area with diverse shopping and dining options, attracting tourists looking for convenience.
Restaurants and Cafes, Shopping Centres, Local Events
Burlingame
Nearby town offering beautiful parks and shopping, just a short drive from Foster City, suitable for day trips and additional activities.
Burlingame Avenue, Washington Park, Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia
San Mateo
The larger neighboring city with a variety of attractions, shopping, and dining, perfect for guests wanting more activity options.
San Mateo Central Park, Hillsdale Shopping Center, Coyote Point Park

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Foster City (2025)

While Foster City, California, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Foster City to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Foster City (2025)

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

Lavish Modern Home 4BR near SFO/Palo Alto/Stanford

Lavish Modern Home 4BR near SFO/Palo Alto/Stanford

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$149,291
Revenue
77.8%
Occupancy
$489.82
Daily Rate
High Ceilings! Modern Spacious Bright 4BR Home

High Ceilings! Modern Spacious Bright 4BR Home

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$134,026
Revenue
83.8%
Occupancy
$411.93
Daily Rate
Resort Style, Modern Home 3BR near SFO, Stanford

Resort Style, Modern Home 3BR near SFO, Stanford

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$126,379
Revenue
64.2%
Occupancy
$468.85
Daily Rate
YieldMax (LA) | Remodeled 2b2b +Backyard

YieldMax (LA) | Remodeled 2b2b +Backyard

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$120,788
Revenue
91.6%
Occupancy
$348.78
Daily Rate
Tranquil Lagoon View 3BR House Near SFO

Tranquil Lagoon View 3BR House Near SFO

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$101,104
Revenue
87.0%
Occupancy
$317.21
Daily Rate
NEW Lux Modern Home. 3bd 2bath w/loft

NEW Lux Modern Home. 3bd 2bath w/loft

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$84,852
Revenue
75.2%
Occupancy
$294.87
Daily Rate

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

Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Foster City (2025)

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

Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Tracy2$275,670835.00/5.0
Emily5$206,914554.91/5.0
Anh1$134,026694.97/5.0
Shanshan1$101,1042434.93/5.0
Iris1$84,852185.00/5.0
Steven'S4$64,4361685.00/5.0
Will1$64,211174.82/5.0
Dulce2$46,9284044.96/5.0
Kenny1$37,8471784.86/5.0
Nicola1$31,599814.99/5.0

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 Foster City.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Foster City STR Market Data (2025)

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

Explore Advanced Metrics

Foster City Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Foster City

  • The Foster City Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Private Room listings, which make up 56.8% of the 37 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Foster City, House properties are the most common (75.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 75.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.

Foster City Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Foster City

  • The dominant room capacity in Foster City is 1 bedroom listings, making up 18.9% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 35.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Foster City, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.

Foster City Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Foster City

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Foster City vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (13.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Foster City STR market, accounting for 24.3% of listings.
  • 16.2% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Foster City.
  • On average, properties in Foster City are equipped to host 2.1 guests.

Foster City Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Foster City

  • The most common availability pattern in Foster City falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 27% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 51.3% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 271-366 days range is most frequent in Foster City (27%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 51.3% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Foster City Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (21.2%)

1 Night

7 listings

21.2% of total

2 Nights (12.1%)

2 Nights

4 listings

12.1% of total

3 Nights (18.2%)

3 Nights

6 listings

18.2% of total

4-6 Nights (6.1%)

4-6 Nights

2 listings

6.1% of total

7-29 Nights (24.2%)

7-29 Nights

8 listings

24.2% of total

30+ Nights (18.2%)

30+ Nights

6 listings

18.2% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Foster City is 7-29 Nights, adopted by 24.2% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A significant segment (18.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Foster City, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 7-29 Nights minimum stay, as 24.2% of Foster City hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 21.2% currently do.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 18.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Foster City.

Foster City Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Flexible (25.8%)

Flexible

8 listings

25.8% of total

Moderate (29%)

Moderate

9 listings

29% of total

Firm (9.7%)

Firm

3 listings

9.7% of total

Strict (35.5%)

Strict

11 listings

35.5% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Foster City

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Foster City is Strict, used by 35.5% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (54.8%) and stricter (45.2%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 35.5% market standard in Foster City.
  • With 35.5% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Foster City, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Foster City.

Foster City STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Foster City

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Foster City is 44 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 74 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in April (average 34 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Summer (62 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (37 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (44 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Foster City.
  • For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 74 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 62 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Foster City averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Foster City (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Foster City

  • Essential amenities in Foster City that guests expect include: Wifi, Hot water, Smoke alarm, Heating. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Essentials, Carbon monoxide alarm, Refrigerator are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Foster City: Wifi, Hot water, Smoke alarm, Heating.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Hot water, Smoke alarm, Heating.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Essentials or Carbon monoxide alarm 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 Foster City to stay competitive.

Foster City Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)

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

Guest Profile Summary for Foster City

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Foster City consists of primarily domestic travelers (81%), often arriving from nearby San Francisco, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Chinese.
  • Domestic travelers account for 80.5% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (80.5%) and Canada (1.7%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (54.2%) followed by Chinese (9.9%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from San Francisco and 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.

Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison

How does the Foster City 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.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Carmel Point15$14,673$993.7055%
Del Monte Forest101$9,923$908.4245%
Sonoma226$9,573$786.4045%
Eldridge18$9,143$844.8441%
Moss Beach33$9,049$627.1454%
Glen Ellen78$8,497$722.0543%
Kenwood56$8,325$764.8340%
Dillon Beach78$8,269$654.3743%
Carmel-by-the-Sea303$8,195$647.2847%
Marshall19$7,772$541.7951%

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