San Carlos 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 San Carlos in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for San Carlos, California, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for San Carlos, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 65 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in San Carlos, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the San Carlos 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 San Carlos Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$191
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in San Carlos.
Occupancy Rate(?)
53.5%
High demand. Good booking frequency.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$28,604
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in San Carlos. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
12.0%
Strong growth (12.0%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
July
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in San Carlos.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
February
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in San Carlos.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
65
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in San Carlos (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in San Carlos is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in San Carlos is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in San Carlos across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,109+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,693 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,996 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,589, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in San Carlos

San Carlos Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the San Carlos STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees 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 San Carlos:

  • 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 60%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 34% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in San Carlos

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in San Carlos (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in San Carlos involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in San Carlos 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 $370+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $258 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $167 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $108 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in San Carlos

Get Live San Carlos Market Intelligence 👇

Discover San Carlos Airbnb Analytics
🏠
🏠
🏠

Explore Real-time Analytics

Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in San Carlos (2025)

Peak Season (July, May, August)
  • Revenue averages $3,829 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 65.3%
  • Daily rates average $210
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $3,255 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 54.7%
  • Daily rates hold near $206
Low Season (January, February, March)
  • Revenue drops to average $2,873 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 51.5%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $205

Seasonality Insights for San Carlos

  • The Airbnb seasonality in San Carlos 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 San Carlos's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,389, occupancy reaching a high of 72.9%, and ADRs peaking at $212.
  • 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 $2,782, occupancy could drop to 46.9%, and ADRs may adjust down to $199.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in San Carlos.

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 San Carlos seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in San Carlos (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in San Carlos? 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
Laurelwood
A quiet residential neighborhood with proximity to parks and schools, making it great for families and long-term stays.
Herbert Hoover Park, Census-designated parks, San Carlos Library, Local eateries
San Carlos Avenue
Offers direct access to downtown San Carlos with shopping and dining options, appealing to urban adventures and convenience seekers.
Downtown San Carlos, Local shops, Restaurants, Farmers Market
White Oaks
A charming neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and community feel, attracting families and visitors looking for a quiet stay.
White Oaks Park, Nature trails, Family-friendly parks, Local cafes
Skyline Plaza
Ideal for those seeking modern amenities and easy commuting options, close to the freeway and public transportation.
Shopping centers, Dining options, Metro stations, Nearby nature reserves
Nuestras Raices Park
A beautiful park area that offers recreational activities and is a central point for community events, attracting families and nature lovers.
Nuestras Raices Park, Eventful local gatherings, Walking trails, Picnic areas
East San Carlos
A quieter area with residential vibes, close to schools and local businesses, popular for longer family stays.
Schools and educational institutions, Local shops, Parks, Community centers
Holly Park
A peaceful area close to nature, ideal for guests looking for scenic views and relaxation, with several parks nearby.
Holly Park, Bay views, Walking paths, Nature trails
Edgewood Park
Known for its hiking trails and nature areas, this location caters to outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a rejuvenating escape.
Edgewood Park and Nature Preserve, Hiking trails, Picnic spots, Nature observation points

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in San Carlos (2025)

While San Carlos, 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 San Carlos to ensure full compliance before hosting.

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

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in San Carlos (2025)

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

Charming 1930 Spanish Haven close to everything

Charming 1930 Spanish Haven close to everything

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$81,782
Revenue
64.7%
Occupancy
$328.95
Daily Rate
Carmelita Creek House

Carmelita Creek House

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$70,492
Revenue
80.3%
Occupancy
$236.21
Daily Rate
New!! Silicon Valley Charming 3B2B House Fast wifi

New!! Silicon Valley Charming 3B2B House Fast wifi

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$69,344
Revenue
53.2%
Occupancy
$391.87
Daily Rate
Private Tranquil Retreat with Stunning Views

Private Tranquil Retreat with Stunning Views

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$66,742
Revenue
59.3%
Occupancy
$250.52
Daily Rate
Chic Studio: King Bed, Walker's Paradise

Chic Studio: King Bed, Walker's Paradise

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$64,473
Revenue
76.7%
Occupancy
$209.41
Daily Rate
Newly Remodeled! Large Bright Modern House Central

Newly Remodeled! Large Bright Modern House Central

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$64,357
Revenue
51.4%
Occupancy
$317.86
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 San Carlos (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in San Carlos 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
Ela4$147,7581414.91/5.0
Marena2$101,6291924.75/5.0
Tammy1$81,7821394.81/5.0
Pirooz And Fara2$78,2331354.90/5.0
Sean1$70,4922224.97/5.0
Danping1$69,3441304.98/5.0
Hamed1$66,742235.00/5.0
Petra1$56,8251064.76/5.0
Kimberly1$56,4902404.95/5.0
Michael1$52,007724.75/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in San Carlos.

Dive Deeper: Advanced San Carlos STR Market Data (2025)

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

Explore Advanced Metrics

San Carlos Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for San Carlos

  • The San Carlos Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 70.8% of the 65 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in San Carlos, House properties are the most common (58.5%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 58.5% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 15.4% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.

San Carlos Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for San Carlos

  • The dominant room capacity in San Carlos is 1 bedroom listings, making up 43.1% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 56.9% of the active Airbnb listings in San Carlos, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.

San Carlos Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for San Carlos

  • The most common guest capacity trend in San Carlos vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (26.2%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the San Carlos STR market, accounting for 46.2% of listings.
  • 21.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in San Carlos.
  • On average, properties in San Carlos are equipped to host 3.1 guests.

San Carlos Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for San Carlos

  • The most common availability pattern in San Carlos falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 32.3% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 56.9% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in San Carlos (24.6%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 43.1% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

San Carlos Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (17.2%)

1 Night

11 listings

17.2% of total

2 Nights (34.4%)

2 Nights

22 listings

34.4% of total

3 Nights (12.5%)

3 Nights

8 listings

12.5% of total

4-6 Nights (9.4%)

4-6 Nights

6 listings

9.4% of total

7-29 Nights (4.7%)

7-29 Nights

3 listings

4.7% of total

30+ Nights (21.9%)

30+ Nights

14 listings

21.9% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in San Carlos is 2 Nights, adopted by 34.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A significant segment (21.9%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in San Carlos, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 34.4% of San Carlos hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 17.2% currently do.
  • A 2-night minimum appears standard (34.4%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 21.9% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in San Carlos.

San Carlos Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Flexible (20.6%)

Flexible

13 listings

20.6% of total

Moderate (33.3%)

Moderate

21 listings

33.3% of total

Firm (25.4%)

Firm

16 listings

25.4% of total

Strict (20.6%)

Strict

13 listings

20.6% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for San Carlos

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in San Carlos is Moderate, used by 33.3% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (53.9%) and stricter (46.0%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 33.3% market standard in San Carlos.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in San Carlos.

San Carlos STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for San Carlos

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in San Carlos is 42 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 62 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in September (average 34 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Summer (58 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (43 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (42 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in San Carlos.
  • For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 62 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 58 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these San Carlos averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in San Carlos (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for San Carlos

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

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for San Carlos: Heating, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Hot water, Carbon monoxide alarm, Hangers, Essentials.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Hot water, Carbon monoxide alarm, Hangers, Essentials.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Microwave or Coffee maker to increase appeal.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in San Carlos to stay competitive.

San Carlos 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 San Carlos

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in San Carlos consists of primarily domestic travelers (85%), 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 84.7% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (84.7%) and Canada (2.8%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (58.4%) followed by Spanish (14.1%).
  • 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 San Francisco.
  • 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 San Carlos 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%

Maximize Your Airbnb Income in San Carlos

Access granular Airbnb data and short term rental analytics. Understand Airbnb occupancy rates, ADR trends, and revenue potential. Optimize your pricing strategy!

Discover Market Insights