San Luis Obispo Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in California, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in San Luis Obispo in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for San Luis Obispo, California, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for San Luis Obispo, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 341 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in San Luis Obispo, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in San Luis Obispo (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $9,437+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $6,116 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,753 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $2,262, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the San Luis Obispo STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees 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 San Luis Obispo:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 84%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 69% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 49%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 28% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in San Luis Obispo
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in San Luis Obispo (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in San Luis Obispo involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in San Luis Obispo typically peaks in March 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 $657+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $373 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $229 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $153 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in San Luis Obispo
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in San Luis Obispo (2025)
Peak Season (July, June, May)
- Revenue averages $6,114 per month
- Occupancy rates average 54.7%
- Daily rates average $331
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $5,098 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 49.1%
- Daily rates hold near $329
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $3,986 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 43.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $340
Seasonality Insights for San Luis Obispo
- The Airbnb seasonality in San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $6,687, occupancy reaching a high of 61.6%, and ADRs peaking at $354.
- 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 $3,594, occupancy could drop to 40.0%, and ADRs may adjust down to $320.
- 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 Luis Obispo.
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 Luis Obispo seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in San Luis Obispo (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in San Luis Obispo? 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 / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown San Luis Obispo | The heart of the city, offering eclectic shops, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Great for tourists looking for convenience and accessibility to local attractions and events. | California Polytechnic State University, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, SLO Farmers' Market, Bubblegum Alley, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art |
| Edna Valley | Known for its stunning vineyards and wine tasting experiences. Perfect for visitors seeking a tranquil getaway and those interested in California's wine country. | Edna Valley Vineyard, Tolosa Winery, Kynsi Winery, Chardonnay Meadows, Wineries and scenic views |
| Avila Beach | A charming coastal town that offers beautiful beaches and warm weather. Appeals to families and beach lovers looking for a relaxing getaway by the ocean. | Avila Beach, Avila Valley Barn, Pirate's Cove Beach, Avila Hot Springs, Bob Jones Trail |
| Pismo Beach | A popular beach destination known for its wide sandy shores and lively pier. Ideal for tourists wanting sun and surf, along with fun coastal activities. | Pismo Beach Pier, Dino's and Pismo's Beaches, Monarch Butterfly Grove, Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, Sand Dunes |
| Los Osos | A quiet coastal town near Morro Bay, ideal for visitors looking for nature and wildlife. Popular for its hiking trails and views of the estuary. | Montaña de Oro State Park, Elfin Forest, Morro Bay State Park, Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, Getting close to nature |
| Santa Margarita | A rural town that provides a peaceful retreat with a connection to nature and local farms. Great for visitors seeking relaxation and outdoor activities. | Santa Margarita Lake, Rustic Canyon, Local wineries, Historic train depot, Rural landscapes |
| Shell Beach | A picturesque neighborhood known for its scenic coastal bluffs and tranquility. Attracts visitors looking for a quieter beach experience with stunning views. | Shell Beach, Dunes Beach, Coastal access trails, Seaside parks, Rock formations |
| Los Padres National Forest | A vast natural area perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers. | Hiking trails, Camping sites, Scenic viewpoints, Wildlife viewing, Picnic areas |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in San Luis Obispo (2025)
While San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in San Luis Obispo (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in San Luis Obispobased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
The Ranchhouse at Cavalli Estates
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
The Villa at Cavalli Estates
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Parker’s+Cottage Ranch Estate EPIC Views & Spa
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Black Barn Ranch 2.5 Acres W/Pool Near Downtown
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Parkers Ranch Estate EPIC Views+Spa 10min CalPoly
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Two homes on 41 acres! Sleeps up to 18
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in San Luis Obispo (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in San Luis Obispo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisa | 2 | $785,636 | 18 | 2.50/5.0 |
| Sean & Lindsey | 4 | $694,888 | 347 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Chrissy & Logan | 2 | $627,205 | 176 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Pauline | 6 | $465,047 | 1815 | 4.08/5.0 |
| Retreat | 6 | $405,250 | 335 | 4.07/5.0 |
| Tessa | 9 | $354,522 | 743 | 4.86/5.0 |
| David | 3 | $322,851 | 42 | 5.00/5.0 |
| The SLO Brew Lofts | 5 | $319,212 | 99 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Lindsey | 3 | $271,944 | 60 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Charles | 2 | $262,054 | 342 | 4.95/5.0 |
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 Luis Obispo.
Dive Deeper: Advanced San Luis Obispo STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for San Luis Obispo. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSan Luis Obispo Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for San Luis Obispo
- The San Luis Obispo Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 86.2% of the 341 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in San Luis Obispo, House properties are the most common (53.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 53.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 18.8% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 6.5%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
San Luis Obispo Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for San Luis Obispo
- The dominant room capacity in San Luis Obispo is 1 bedroom listings, making up 38.1% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 65.1% of the active Airbnb listings in San Luis Obispo, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 23.2% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in San Luis Obispo.
San Luis Obispo Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for San Luis Obispo
- The most common guest capacity trend in San Luis Obispo vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (27.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the San Luis Obispo STR market, accounting for 53.1% of listings.
- 29.1% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in San Luis Obispo.
- On average, properties in San Luis Obispo are equipped to host 4.1 guests.
San Luis Obispo Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for San Luis Obispo
- The most common availability pattern in San Luis Obispo falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 31.1% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 58.4% 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 San Luis Obispo (29.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 41.9% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
San Luis Obispo Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
88 listings
27.8% of total
2 Nights
138 listings
43.5% of total
3 Nights
21 listings
6.6% of total
4-6 Nights
5 listings
1.6% of total
7-29 Nights
13 listings
4.1% of total
30+ Nights
52 listings
16.4% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in San Luis Obispo is 2 Nights, adopted by 43.5% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (71.3%) of the San Luis Obispo Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (16.4%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in San Luis Obispo, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 43.5% of San Luis Obispo hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 27.8% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 16.4% 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 Luis Obispo.
San Luis Obispo Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
0.3% of total
Flexible
44 listings
14.6% of total
Moderate
114 listings
37.9% of total
Firm
70 listings
23.3% of total
Strict
72 listings
23.9% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for San Luis Obispo
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in San Luis Obispo is Moderate, used by 37.9% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (52.5%) and stricter (47.2%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 37.9% market standard in San Luis Obispo.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in San Luis Obispo.
San Luis Obispo STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for San Luis Obispo
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in San Luis Obispo is 59 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 98 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 43 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (79 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (48 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (59 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in San Luis Obispo.
- For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 98 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 79 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these San Luis Obispo averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in San Luis Obispo (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for San Luis Obispo
- Essential amenities in San Luis Obispo that guests expect include: Wifi, Smoke alarm, Essentials. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Heating, Carbon monoxide alarm, 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 San Luis Obispo: Wifi, Smoke alarm, Essentials.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Smoke alarm, Essentials.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating 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 San Luis Obispo to stay competitive.
San Luis Obispo Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for San Luis Obispo
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in San Luis Obispo consists of primarily domestic travelers (96%), 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 95.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (95.9%) and United Kingdom (0.8%).
- Top languages spoken are English (66.7%) 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 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 Luis Obispo 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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel Point | 15 | $14,673 | $993.70 | 55% |
| Del Monte Forest | 101 | $9,923 | $908.42 | 45% |
| Los Olivos | 24 | $8,686 | $693.80 | 49% |
| Montecito | 133 | $8,379 | $805.96 | 47% |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | 303 | $8,195 | $647.28 | 47% |
| Castroville | 18 | $7,518 | $503.72 | 51% |
| Santa Ynez | 93 | $7,462 | $539.36 | 47% |
| Carmel | 34 | $7,097 | $521.06 | 49% |
| Toro Canyon | 37 | $6,803 | $581.43 | 42% |
| Sand City | 10 | $6,438 | $428.56 | 60% |