San Rafael Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in California, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in San Rafael in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for San Rafael, California, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for San Rafael, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 135 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in San Rafael, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the San Rafael 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 Rafael Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in San Rafael (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in San Rafael 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 Rafael 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 Rafael across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $8,936+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,062 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,927 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,652, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in San Rafael
San Rafael Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the San Rafael STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March 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 Rafael:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 89%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 77% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 55%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 29% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in San Rafael
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in San Rafael (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in San Rafael involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in San Rafael 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 $540+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $290 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $155 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $109 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in San Rafael
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in San Rafael (2025)
Peak Season (July, August, May)
- Revenue averages $4,911 per month
- Occupancy rates average 58.0%
- Daily rates average $243
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4,091 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 52.9%
- Daily rates hold near $245
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $3,218 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 49.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $251
Seasonality Insights for San Rafael
- The Airbnb seasonality in San Rafael 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 Rafael's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $5,008, occupancy reaching a high of 61.4%, and ADRs peaking at $262.
- 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 $3,117, occupancy could drop to 47.5%, and ADRs may adjust down to $238.
- 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 Rafael.
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 Rafael seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in San Rafael (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in San Rafael? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| San Rafael Hill | A charming neighborhood with beautiful views of San Francisco Bay and proximity to downtown San Rafael. Ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful retreat. | Mount Tamalpais State Park, China Camp State Park, Marin History Museum, Mission San Rafael Arcángel, San Rafael Pacifics Baseball |
| Downtown San Rafael | The vibrant heart of San Rafael, offering a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. A popular location for visitors who want to explore dining, shopping, and local culture. | Marin Civic Center, San Rafael's Farmers Market, San Rafael Film Center, Art Works Downtown, Bellam Blvd |
| Terra Linda | A suburban gem known for its family-friendly atmosphere and parks. Great for families and those who enjoy outdoor recreation and community vibes. | Terra Linda Community Center, Marinwood Plaza, Indian Valley Organic Farm, Pacheco Valle Open Space |
| Marinwood | A quiet, picturesque area with easy access to hiking trails and parks. Attracts visitors who seek tranquility and nature close to the city. | Marinwood Community Center, Marinwood Plaza Shopping Center, Mount Tamalpais hiking trails |
| Mission San Rafael Area | Rich in history and culture, this area offers a unique experience for guests looking to explore California's heritage and enjoy local events. | Mission San Rafael Arcángel, San Rafael Historical Society, Marin Museum of Contemporary Art |
| North San Rafael | Featuring a mix of residential neighborhoods and green spaces, this area is perfect for those who appreciate a natural setting while still being close to local attractions. | The Marin Art and Garden Center, San Rafael Country Club, Marinwood Plaza |
| San Rafael Plaza | This shopping and dining hub attracts both locals and tourists, offering convenience and variety. Ideal for visitors seeking a lively atmosphere. | Northgate Mall, The 101 Shopping Center, Various restaurants and cafes |
| Canal District | A culturally rich and diverse area with a strong community feel. Great for guests looking to experience local life and multicultural offerings. | Canal Alliance, Civic Center, Leonard R. Miller Park |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in San Rafael (2025)
While San Rafael, 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 Rafael to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in San Rafael (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in San Rafaelbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Luxury estate - heated pool, ocean views, hot tub
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Tranquil Waterfront Haven
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Marin Poolside Villa
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Bayfront Retro Retreat - Amazing SF Getaway
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
SPACIOUS-CLEAN-PRIVATE-MARIN-BAY AREA FAMILY HOME
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
WATERFRONT BAY HOUSE 15 MIN 2 GG BRIDGE 45 2 NAPA
Entire Place • 2 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 Rafael (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in San Rafael 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark | 4 | $298,293 | 1716 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Dorothy | 1 | $187,135 | 11 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Sherry | 1 | $182,458 | 249 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Frank | 1 | $164,918 | 17 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Kyle | 1 | $158,004 | 66 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Kristi | 2 | $121,616 | 12 | 2.21/5.0 |
| Amrit | 2 | $119,101 | 87 | 4.63/5.0 |
| Joseph | 1 | $116,768 | 203 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Cord | 1 | $107,801 | 60 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Courtney | 1 | $104,675 | 54 | 4.93/5.0 |
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 Rafael.
Dive Deeper: Advanced San Rafael STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for San Rafael. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSan Rafael Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for San Rafael
- The San Rafael Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 86.7% of the 135 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in San Rafael, House properties are the most common (47.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 47.4% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 12.6% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique (combined 1.5%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
San Rafael Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for San Rafael
- The dominant room capacity in San Rafael is 1 bedroom listings, making up 42.2% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 59.2% of the active Airbnb listings in San Rafael, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 25.2% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in San Rafael.
San Rafael Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for San Rafael
- The most common guest capacity trend in San Rafael vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (28.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 8+ guests dominate the San Rafael STR market, accounting for 45.2% of listings.
- 28.2% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in San Rafael.
- On average, properties in San Rafael are equipped to host 3.7 guests.
San Rafael Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for San Rafael
- The most common availability pattern in San Rafael falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 30.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 54.8% 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 Rafael (31.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 48.2% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
San Rafael Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
15 listings
12% of total
2 Nights
34 listings
27.2% of total
3 Nights
26 listings
20.8% of total
4-6 Nights
11 listings
8.8% of total
7-29 Nights
10 listings
8% of total
30+ Nights
29 listings
23.2% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in San Rafael is 2 Nights, adopted by 27.2% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (23.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in San Rafael, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 27.2% of San Rafael hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 12% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 23.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in San Rafael.
San Rafael Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
11 listings
9% of total
Moderate
36 listings
29.5% of total
Firm
33 listings
27% of total
Strict
42 listings
34.4% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for San Rafael
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in San Rafael is Strict, used by 34.4% of listings.
- A majority (61.4%) of hosts in San Rafael utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 34.4% market standard in San Rafael.
- With 34.4% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in San Rafael, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in San Rafael.
San Rafael STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for San Rafael
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in San Rafael is 39 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 49 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 33 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (45 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (41 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (39 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in San Rafael.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 45 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these San Rafael averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in San Rafael (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for San Rafael
- Essential amenities in San Rafael that guests expect include: Heating, Wifi, Hot water, Smoke alarm, Hangers. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Essentials, Carbon monoxide alarm, Dishes and silverware are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for San Rafael: Heating, Wifi, Hot water, Smoke alarm, Hangers.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Hot water, Smoke alarm, Hangers.
- 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 San Rafael to stay competitive.
San Rafael Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for San Rafael
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in San Rafael consists of primarily domestic travelers (92%), often arriving from nearby San Francisco, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 91.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (91.6%) and United Kingdom (1.7%).
- Top languages spoken are English (64.1%) 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 San Francisco and Los Angeles.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the San Rafael 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% |
| Sonoma | 226 | $9,573 | $786.40 | 45% |
| Eldridge | 18 | $9,143 | $844.84 | 41% |
| Moss Beach | 33 | $9,049 | $627.14 | 54% |
| Glen Ellen | 78 | $8,497 | $722.05 | 43% |
| Kenwood | 56 | $8,325 | $764.83 | 40% |
| Dillon Beach | 78 | $8,269 | $654.37 | 43% |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | 303 | $8,195 | $647.28 | 47% |
| Marshall | 19 | $7,772 | $541.79 | 51% |