Santa Barbara Oceanfront Villa Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 5.00 - Revenue
- $855,524
- Occupancy
- 62.2%
- Daily rate
- $3,663
Airbnb market data · 202612 months to September 2026
Santa Barbara, CA Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in Santa Barbara brought in $69,578 over the 12 months through September 2026, about 61% more than the California average of $43,088.
The short answer
Santa Barbara Airbnb Market at a Glance
Both rates and bookings run ahead of the California average. Listings averaged $467 a night and were booked on 48% of available nights, against $355 and 43% for the California average.
July, usually the best month, brings in about 79% more per listing than January, usually the slowest.
With 1,031 active listings, Santa Barbara is the 20th-largest of 643 California markets AirROI tracks. From a year earlier, average revenue rose 8% while the number of active listings grew 9%.
Browse the live Santa Barbara Airbnb market
See Every Santa Barbara Listing
Revenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Santa Barbara?
Gross bookings per Santa Barbara listing averaged $69,578 over the 12 months to September 2026 (California average: $43,088), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
In a typical year, the average Santa Barbara listing brings in $10,800 in July, its best month, and $6,040 in January, its slowest. February runs within 4% of January, so either can be the slowest in a given year. The three strongest months bring in 32% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
In a typical month, a top-quarter listing earns at least 3.5 times as much as a bottom-quarter one.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $17,600+ a month, about 3.1 times the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn $10,100 or more, roughly $4,500 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about $5,580 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $2,860 or less, about half of the median.
These are monthly figures for listings active in each month. The annual average above also counts listings that operated for only part of the year, so it runs below twelve times these figures.
July earns about 1.8 times what January does
Average revenue per active listing, by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average $7,820 $11,400 $5,820
Each point is one month as recorded, averaged over the listings active in it. The best and slowest months in the text average each calendar month over the past two years, so they can differ from the highest and lowest points here.
Santa Barbara Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the September 2026 data. September's figures are still coming in, so the rows run to August.
July 2026 led on revenue and nightly rate; bookings peaked in August 2026.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | RevPAR | Booking Lead Time | Avg. Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | $7,123 | 50.7% | $439 | $237 | 57 days | 4.7 nights |
| Oct 2025 | $7,508 | 51.4% | $438 | $242 | 60 days | 4.5 nights |
| Nov 2025 | $7,316 | 50.6% | $436 | $244 | 55 days | 4.8 nights |
| Dec 2025 | $7,344 | 47.8% | $437 | $237 | 45 days | 5.7 nights |
| Jan 2026 | $5,825 | 43.6% | $420 | $188 | 41 days | 6.4 nights |
| Feb 2026 | $6,183 | 49.5% | $421 | $221 | 49 days | 6.2 nights |
| Mar 2026 | $7,611 | 54.6% | $423 | $246 | 44 days | 5.4 nights |
| Apr 2026 | $7,500 | 53.5% | $432 | $250 | 45 days | 5.1 nights |
| May 2026 | $8,272 | 51.1% | $456 | $267 | 49 days | 4.8 nights |
| Jun 2026 | $9,918 | 56.8% | $490 | $331 | 73 days | 4.9 nights |
| Jul 2026 | $11,418 | 55.0% | $506 | $368 | 70 days | 5.5 nights |
| Aug 2026 | $10,693 | 59.4% | $491 | $345 | 65 days | 4.1 nights |
Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month of the 12. RevPAR is the month's revenue spread over its nights, booked or not. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in, and length of stay the nights per booking, for stays in that month.
For a figure on one home rather than the whole Santa Barbara market, enter its address and size in the Airbnb calculator, which compares it with similar listings nearby.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in Santa Barbara Profitable?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Santa Barbara Airbnb took in $69,578 in the 12 months to September 2026, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about $3,930 a month of that is left after running costs, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes money. A listing in the top quarter leaves about $7,170 a month.
Cleaning it yourself keeps the $5,330 a year guests pay in cleaning fees, for about $4,380 a month. Handing the listing to a co-host at about 10% of nightly bookings still leaves about $3,400 a month.
These amounts come before housing costs. Where the mortgage or rent is less each month, the difference is profit; a home owned outright keeps it all after property tax, home insurance and any HOA or condo fees.
Santa Barbara Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Nightly bookings | $64,248 | $115,930 |
| Cleaning fees guests pay8% of Santa Barbara bookings | $5,330 | $9,610 |
| Gross bookings | $69,578 | $125,540 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's feeAbout 13%: 15.5% for the 80% of Santa Barbara listings on Simplified Pricing, 3% for the rest | −$9,030 | −$16,290 |
| Cleaning and laundryPaid for by the cleaning fee; $0 if you clean yourself | −$5,330 | −$9,610 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −$3,480 | −$6,280 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −$1,390 | −$2,510 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −$2,090 | −$3,770 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −$700 | −$700 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required: see Santa Barbara's Airbnb rules | −$350 | −$350 |
| Management$0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookings | $0 | $0 |
| Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are free | $0 | $0 |
| Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed on | $0 | $0 |
| Total running costsAbout 24% of bookings, plus cleaning paid for by the cleaning fee | −$22,370 | −$39,510 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | $47,208about $3,930 a month | $86,030about $7,170 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, HOA or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own Santa Barbara Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from Santa Barbara's average listing, run by its owner. Change how the listing performs, who runs it and who cleans to see what is left for the mortgage or rent.
To work out the profit on one Santa Barbara home, with its price, its mortgage or rent and your own costs, use the Airbnb profit calculator. It starts from the comparable listings around the address.
How Santa Barbara's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Santa Barbara listings are booked on 74% or more of their nights, against 54% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of $320 adds about $3,210 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge $540 a night or more, against a median of $320. That is a separate ranking from the busiest quarter, so the two marks don't multiply into one listing's takings. For the average listing, a 10% higher rate on the nights it already books adds about $6,420 a year.
- Open for the busy months. In a typical year, July brings the average listing about $10,800, against $6,040 in January, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
- Reviews that stand out. Santa Barbara listings average 4.87 stars, and 52% carry Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge, which guests can filter for.
What a listing keeps comes down to the figures this page measures: nightly rate, nights booked and the months it's open. A listing at the top-quarter mark takes in about $10,460 a month, against $5,800 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara listings were booked on 48% of the nights they were open over the past year, 5 percentage points above the California average (43%) and 7 points above the U.S. average (41%). In a typical year, occupancy climbs to 60% in August and falls to 45% in January.
The busiest tenth of listings are booked about 2.8 times as often as the bottom quarter.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 87%+ of open nights, 33 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 74% or more, roughly five nights a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 54% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 30% or less, under three nights a week.
August is usually the busiest month in Santa Barbara, January the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average 52% 62% 44%
The 12-month rate of 48% averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Nightly rates
How Much Does an Airbnb Cost per Night in Santa Barbara?
The average nightly rate in Santa Barbara, known as ADR (average daily rate), was $467 over the past year, about 32% above the California average of $355 and about 46% above the U.S. average of $320. In a typical year, rates peak in June and July at about $490 and bottom out in October and November at about $410.
Prices span a wide range: the top 10% charge about 4.3 times the rate of the bottom quarter.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge $900+ a night, about 2.8 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge $540 or more, about $220 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about $320 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge $210 or less, about two-thirds of the median.
July rates run 19% above November's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average $441 $506 $386
The 12-month ADR of $467 averages each listing's own rate across its whole year; the monthly points average listings month by month, so the two differ.
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Santa Barbara?
RevPAR, or revenue per available night, divides a listing's income by every night it was open to book, so it rises with both price and bookings. In Santa Barbara it averaged $239 over the past year, from about $195 in a typical January to about $349 in a typical July.
A small group of listings earns several times more per open night than the rest.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $513+ per open night, about 3.2 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn $293 or more, about $130 a night above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about $163 per open night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $86 or less, about half of the median.
July RevPAR is about 1.8 times January's
Revenue per open night (RevPAR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average $257 $368 $188
The 12-month RevPAR of $239 averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Seasonality
Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara has one high season, June through August, which makes it a moderately seasonal market. Business is slowest from September to February. A listing earns about 58% more a month in June through August than in December through February.
Average revenue by month in Santa Barbara
Average revenue per active listing, each calendar month averaged over the past two years
Monthly average $7,820 $10,800 $6,040
Revenue by month in Santa Barbara in numbers
| Month | Season | Revenue per listing |
|---|---|---|
| January | Low season | $6,040 |
| February | Low season | $6,270 |
| March | Shoulder season | $7,680 |
| April | Shoulder season | $7,880 |
| May | Shoulder season | $8,010 |
| June | High season | $9,380 |
| July | High season | $10,800 |
| August | High season | $10,300 |
| September | Low season | $6,780 |
| October | Low season | $6,920 |
| November | Low season | $6,780 |
| December | Low season | $7,010 |
| Season | Revenue per month | Occupancy | Nightly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| High seasonJune–August | $10,200 | 58% | $484 |
| Shoulder seasonMarch–May | $7,860 | 53% | $444 |
| Low seasonSeptember–February | $6,630 | 49% | $417 |
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Santa Barbara?
Guests book Santa Barbara stays 56 days ahead on average (about eight weeks). June stays are booked furthest out, about 73 days ahead, and January stays closest to arrival, about 39 days. A typical June booking is made in early April.
June stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average 53 days 73 days 36 days
Permits
Airbnb Permits and Registration in Santa Barbara
Short-term rentals are allowed in Santa Barbara only in hotel-type zones, not in single-unit or two-unit residential areas. A planned city license, proposed at $3,334, would open inland January 11, 2027. Taxes: 12% hotel tax plus 2%.
None of the 1,031 active listings in Santa Barbara display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply: some places don't ask hosts to show a number on the listing, and listing data doesn't capture every scheme.
The permit, operating limits and taxes on a stay are set out in the Santa Barbara Airbnb regulations, each rule linked to its official source and checked October 2026.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Santa Barbara
AirROI's area guide picks seven Santa Barbara neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by West Beach, East Beach and Lower Village. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.
| Area | Who it suits | Landmarks nearby |
|---|---|---|
| West Beach | A picturesque area known for its stunning Santa Barbara waterfront and proximity to shops and restaurants. Ideal for tourists who want easy access to the beach and vibrant downtown. | Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Harbor, East Beach, West Beach, Funk Zone |
| East Beach | Family-friendly beach destination with recreational opportunities such as volleyball and picnic areas. Attracts families and beachgoers looking for a relaxed atmosphere. | East Beach, Santa Barbara Zoo, Montecito, Sandyland Road, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History |
| Lower Village | Charming community area in Montecito with upscale shopping and dining. Perfect for travelers seeking a luxurious and tranquil getaway. | Montecito's upscale boutiques, Historic sites, Fine dining restaurants, Spas |
| Santa Barbara Downtown | Vibrant cultural and commercial hub with restaurants, shops, and historic sites. A must-visit for anyone looking to experience the local culture and lifestyle. | State Street, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, The Granada Theatre, El Presidio de Santa Barbara |
| Hope Ranch | Exclusive residential area known for its scenic views and luxury homes. Attracts visitors looking for a prestigious and private experience. | Hope Ranch Beach, Horse trails, Golf club, Scenic estates |
| Mesa | A laid-back coastal community offering scenic views and easy access to beaches. Appeals to those looking for a relaxed beach lifestyle and community vibe. | Shoreline Park, Mesa Lane Beach, Local shops and restaurants, Hiking paths |
| San Ysidro Ranch | Luxurious resort area known for its beauty and historical significance. Ideal for high-end travelers looking for romance and relaxation. | San Ysidro Ranch, Private estate, Gorgeous landscaping, Spa services |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Listings
Santa Barbara Airbnb Listings by Type and Size
Entire homes make up 83% of listings in Santa Barbara, but private rooms are a real segment: about one listing in six (16%) rents out a single room. Houses are the most common property type at 51%, about twice the share of apartments and condos (26%).
Mostly entire homes, with a private-room segment
Santa Barbara Airbnb listings by room type
- Entire home 83%
- Private room 16%
- Shared room <1%
- Hotel room <1%
Room types in numbers
| Room type | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Entire home | 83.4% | 860 |
| Private room | 15.8% | 163 |
| Shared room | 0.6% | 6 |
| Hotel room | 0.2% | 2 |
Listings by property type
Santa Barbara Airbnb listings by property type
- House 51%
- Apartment/Condo 26%
- Hotel/Boutique 15%
- Others 6%
- Cabin/Outdoor 1%
- Unique stay <1%
Property types in numbers
| Property type | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| House | 51.2% | 528 |
| Apartment/Condo | 25.6% | 264 |
| Hotel/Boutique | 15.1% | 156 |
| Others | 6.5% | 67 |
| Cabin/Outdoor | 1.4% | 14 |
| Unique stay | 0.2% | 2 |
How Many Bedrooms Do Airbnb Listings in Santa Barbara Have?
One-bedroom homes are the most common size in Santa Barbara (32% of entire homes), and 31% have three or more bedrooms. Shares are of the 838 entire homes that give a bedroom count; rented rooms are left out.
Santa Barbara entire homes by number of bedrooms
Entire homes with each number of bedrooms, of those with a bedroom count on file
11%
32%
27%
18%
10%
3%
Bedroom counts in numbers
| Bedrooms | Share of entire homes with a bedroom count | Entire homes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 10.5% | 88 |
| 1 bedroom | 32.0% | 268 |
| 2 bedrooms | 26.6% | 223 |
| 3 bedrooms | 18.5% | 155 |
| 4 bedrooms | 9.7% | 81 |
| 5+ bedrooms | 2.7% | 23 |
What Each Home Size Earns in Santa Barbara
A typical studio in Santa Barbara earned $43,900 over the past year, against $242,000 for a home with five or more bedrooms.
| Home size | Listings | Typical annual revenue (median) | Average annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 88 | $43,900 | $47,000 | $256 | 54% |
| 1 bedroom | 268 | $34,900 | $42,200 | $281 | 50% |
| 2 bedrooms | 223 | $58,100 | $68,600 | $439 | 50% |
| 3 bedrooms | 155 | $106,000 | $116,000 | $730 | 49% |
| 4 bedrooms | 81 | $128,000 | $139,000 | $1,052 | 48% |
| 5+ bedrooms | 23 | $242,000 | $266,000 | $1,584 | 50% |
How Many Guests Do Airbnbs in Santa Barbara Sleep?
Most Santa Barbara listings are sized for couples and small families: 65% sleep four guests or fewer, and just 13% take eight or more. Shares are of the 950 listings with a guest capacity on file (92% of the market).
Santa Barbara listings by guest capacity
Share of listings by the number of guests they sleep, of those with a capacity on file
1%
34%
5%
25%
4%
17%
1%
13%
Guest capacity in numbers
| Guest capacity | Share of listings with a capacity on file | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 guest | 1.1% | 10 |
| 2 guests | 34.0% | 323 |
| 3 guests | 5.3% | 50 |
| 4 guests | 24.8% | 236 |
| 5 guests | 3.6% | 34 |
| 6 guests | 17.3% | 164 |
| 7 guests | 1.3% | 12 |
| 8+ guests | 12.7% | 121 |
How Santa Barbara Airbnb Listings Are Set Up
Santa Barbara hosts set up an average of 2.3 beds per listing, close to one bed per bedroom. Only 18% of listings show their exact location on the listing map; the rest show an approximate area.
- Photos per listing
- 13
- Beds per listing
- 2.3
- Show exact location
- 18%
What Amenities Do Airbnb Listings in Santa Barbara Offer?
Barbecue grills are common in Santa Barbara: 45% of listings have one.
Share of Santa Barbara listings with each common amenity
Airbnb Amenities Linked to Higher Revenue in Santa Barbara
Listings in Santa Barbara with a pool view earned about 2.8 times as much a year, on average, as those without: $190,000 against $68,200. The gap is smaller for children’s bikes (about 2.7 times as much) and a waterfront setting (about 2.7 times as much). Bigger, professionally run homes tend to carry more amenities, so these gaps reflect the kind of listing as much as the feature itself.
Revenue gap for Santa Barbara listings with each amenity
How much more listings with the amenity earned in a year than those without, and the share of listings that have it
Revenue by amenity in numbers
| Amenity | Listings with it | Avg. revenue with | Avg. revenue without | Revenue gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pool view | 1% | $190,000 | $68,200 | +178% |
| Children’s bikes | 1% | $184,000 | $68,100 | +170% |
| Waterfront | 5% | $173,000 | $64,200 | +170% |
| Children's playroom | 1% | $171,000 | $68,200 | +150% |
| Sauna | 1% | $169,000 | $68,100 | +148% |
| Gym | 4% | $150,000 | $66,000 | +128% |
| Hot tub | 19% | $116,000 | $58,400 | +99% |
| Ping pong table | 2% | $133,000 | $68,000 | +96% |
| Outdoor kitchen | 3% | $126,000 | $68,000 | +85% |
| BBQ grill | 45% | $92,000 | $51,600 | +78% |
Guests
Who Books Airbnbs in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara draws mostly domestic guests: 92% of those who left reviews live in the United States. No single city dominates: Los Angeles is the largest source, at about 9% of reviews. Of the 8% from abroad, the largest groups come from the United Kingdom and Germany. English is spoken by 62% of guests, and Spanish by 15%.
92% of Santa Barbara guests are domestic
Where guests who left reviews live
- Domestic 92%
- International 8%
Where Santa Barbara guests come from: top cities
Share of guests who left reviews
Top origin cities in numbers
| Origin city | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 9.2% |
| San Francisco | 4.1% |
| San Diego | 3.7% |
| New York | 2.5% |
Where Santa Barbara guests come from: top countries
Share of guests who left reviews
Top origin countries in numbers
| Origin country | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| United States | 92.0% |
| United Kingdom | 1.8% |
| Germany | 1.0% |
| Canada | 0.7% |
Languages spoken by Santa Barbara guests
Share of guests who left reviews
Top languages in numbers
| Language | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| English | 62.3% |
| Spanish | 15.3% |
| French | 5.6% |
| German | 3.3% |
| Chinese | 2.3% |
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara Airbnbs average 4.87 stars, and 52% of listings hold Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge. Guests are toughest on value for money: it scores 4.73, against 4.93 for check-in. Listings here carry long review histories, about 97 reviews each on average.
Check-in scores highest in Santa Barbara; value is lowest
Average guest rating out of 5 by category; the bars start at 4.0
Category scores in numbers
| Category | Average rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | 4.88 |
| Cleanliness | 4.87 |
| Communication | 4.91 |
| Location | 4.91 |
| Check-in | 4.93 |
| Value | 4.73 |
Booking patterns
How Guests Book in Santa Barbara: Stays, Rules and Fees
Nearly two-thirds of Santa Barbara listings are open to guests more than 180 days a year, and 38% are booked or blocked that many days. The most common booked-or-blocked total is 181 to 270 days a year, covering 28% of listings; blocked nights include any the host closes off.
Days a year Santa Barbara listings are open to guests
Share of listings by days a year
- 271-366 days 35%
- 181-270 days 29%
- 91-180 days 28%
- 31-90 days 8%
- 1-30 days <1%
Open days in numbers
| Days a year | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 271-366 days | 35.0% | 361 |
| 181-270 days | 28.8% | 297 |
| 91-180 days | 27.5% | 284 |
| 31-90 days | 8.1% | 84 |
| 1-30 days | 0.5% | 5 |
Days a year Santa Barbara listings are booked or blocked
Share of listings by days a year
- 271-366 days 10%
- 181-270 days 28%
- 91-180 days 28%
- 31-90 days 18%
- 1-30 days 16%
Booked or blocked days in numbers
| Days a year | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 271-366 days | 9.7% | 100 |
| 181-270 days | 28.1% | 290 |
| 91-180 days | 28.1% | 290 |
| 31-90 days | 18.1% | 187 |
| 1-30 days | 15.9% | 164 |
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Santa Barbara?
Bookings in Santa Barbara average 4.4 to 6.4 nights depending on the month, longest in February and shortest in October. Listings took about 31 bookings each over the year, some 32,100 in all. Check-in is split almost evenly between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., with check-out usually at 11 a.m.
Average length of stay by month in Santa Barbara
Average nights per booking, by month of stay
Average 5.2 nights 6.4 nights 4.4 nights
Two-year average by calendar month.
Santa Barbara Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements
56% of listings in Santa Barbara accept stays of one or two nights. A smaller group, 17%, takes only stays of 30 nights or more.
Minimum stay set by Santa Barbara listings
Share of listings by the shortest stay they accept, from one night to 30 or more
What Cancellation Policies Do Airbnb Hosts Use in Santa Barbara?
Firm is the most common cancellation policy in Santa Barbara, used by 38% of listings; it refunds guests in full only if they cancel at least 30 days before check-in. Hosts here lean strict: more than six in ten listings use Firm or stricter terms, against 33% on Flexible or Moderate.
Cancellation policies of Santa Barbara listings, from most to least flexible
Share of listings by the policy they use
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Santa Barbara?
More than eight in ten Santa Barbara listings charge a cleaning fee. The typical fee is $200; a handful of extreme values pull the simple average far above that, so the median is the better guide. Spread over the average stay of about five nights, that adds roughly $40 a night to what guests pay. For listings that charge one, cleaning fees make up about 8% of gross revenue.
- Median cleaning fee
- $200
- Listings charging a fee
- 82.8%
- Share of gross revenue
- 7.7%
Top earners
Top-Earning Airbnbs and Hosts in Santa Barbara
The top-grossing Airbnb in Santa Barbara, a five-bedroom home, took in $856,000 over the past year, about 12 times the city's average of $69,600. Four of the six listings below have five or more bedrooms; the other two have three and four bedrooms.
Santa Barbara Oceanfront Villa Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 5.00 
Fully Licensed 8 Bd/8 Bath Victorian Home Downtown Entire home · 8 bedrooms Rated 4.90 - Revenue
- $691,501
- Occupancy
- 79.6%
- Daily rate
- $2,557
Serene Beachfront Luxury - Best of Miramar Beach Entire home · 3 bedrooms Rated 4.88 - Revenue
- $603,230
- Occupancy
- 54.2%
- Daily rate
- $3,400
Santa Barbara Oceanfront Luxury + Beach Access Entire home · 4 bedrooms Rated 5.00 - Revenue
- $562,915
- Occupancy
- 58.1%
- Daily rate
- $2,621
Fully Licensed Downtown Craftsman with 6 Bathrooms Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 5.00 - Revenue
- $526,314
- Occupancy
- 71.7%
- Daily rate
- $1,981
Luxury Beach Villas - Private Beach, Baja Pool/Spa Entire home · 6 bedrooms Rated 5.00 - Revenue
- $502,172
- Occupancy
- 56.3%
- Daily rate
- $2,188
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Santa Barbara?
Paradise Retreats is the top-grossing host in Santa Barbara, with $6.36 million in bookings across 46 listings over the past year. Together, the ten top-grossing hosts run 22% of the market's 1,031 listings. Per listing, a smaller operator earns more: Ashley grossed $308,000 per listing, about 2.2 times Paradise Retreats' $138,000.
| # | Host | Listings | Gross revenue | Per listing | Avg. rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paradise Retreats | 46 | $6,360,116 | $138,263 | 4.83/5 | |
| Zenstay | 74 | $6,059,373 | $81,883 | 4.94/5 | |
| Vacation Rentals | 33 | $2,540,926 | $76,998 | 4.87/5 | |
| 4 | Haller Coastal | 16 | $2,235,833 | $139,740 | 4.92/5 |
| 5 | Brent | 8 | $1,724,066 | $215,508 | 4.98/5 |
| 6 | Ashley | 5 | $1,541,938 | $308,388 | 4.90/5 |
| 7 | Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals… | 10 | $1,541,068 | $154,107 | 4.82/5 |
| 8 | Cody | 17 | $1,428,862 | $84,051 | 4.98/5 |
| 9 | Wanderlust Luxury Rentals The Wanderlust | 9 | $1,144,229 | $127,137 | 4.84/5 |
| 10 | Casago Santa Barbara | 12 | $1,025,363 | $85,447 | 4.86/5 |
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Santa Barbara?
Professional management companies run 23% of Santa Barbara listings and owners run the rest, though 27% of listings have a co-host. 69% of listings are run by Superhosts, so a strong review record is the norm here rather than an edge. Airbnb's Simplified Pricing, where the host pays the whole service fee and guests see one price with no separate Airbnb charge, covers 80% of listings.
- Superhosts
- 68.7%
- Professional management
- 22.7%
- Cohosted listings
- 27.3%
- Instant Book enabled
- 36.4%
- Simplified Pricing
- 79.8%
Largest Airbnb Management Companies in Santa Barbara
5 management companies run five or more active Airbnb listings in Santa Barbara, and companies run 25% of its 1,031 active listings. Zenstay is the largest, with 74 listings and an average guest rating of 4.91; the next largest are Maza Hospitality, Casago, Vacasa and The Wanderlust.
The five largest run 12% of Santa Barbara's listings
Share of Santa Barbara's 1,031 active Airbnb listings each company runs as host or co-host
- Zenstay 7% · 74
- Maza Hospitality 2% · 16
- Casago 1% · 12
- Vacasa <1% · 10
- The Wanderlust <1% · 9
- All other listings 88%
Listings each company runs as host or co-host, 12 months to September 2026. Guest ratings average each listing's Airbnb rating, weighted by its reviews.
See the largest management companies in California, with a profile of each.
Nearby markets
Santa Barbara vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets
Of the eight nearby markets in the table, all within 42 km, Montecito (8 km away) earned the most per listing, about 86% more than Santa Barbara. Mission Canyon was the busiest, booked on 55% of nights against 48% in Santa Barbara.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Canyon 3 km | 30 | $61,111 | $422 | 55% |
| Montecito 8 km | 141 | $129,218 | $964 | 50% |
| Summerland 11 km | 86 | $86,585 | $524 | 50% |
| Toro Canyon 15 km | 31 | $93,182 | $778 | 43% |
| Goleta 15 km | 89 | $54,576 | $353 | 48% |
| Carpinteria 18 km | 163 | $66,474 | $496 | 43% |
| Santa Ynez 41 km | 125 | $82,172 | $637 | 41% |
| Ventura 42 km | 318 | $53,442 | $370 | 47% |
Other Airbnb Markets in California
- Los Angeles Airbnb data 9,937 listings
- San Diego Airbnb data 9,532 listings
- San Francisco Airbnb data 4,310 listings
- Palm Springs Airbnb data 3,491 listings
- Big Bear Lake Airbnb data 3,189 listings
- Mammoth Lakes Airbnb data 2,652 listings
- San Jose Airbnb data 2,228 listings
- South Lake Tahoe Airbnb data 1,814 listings
See all 643 California Airbnb markets
Markets Similar to Santa Barbara
Markets elsewhere in the United States with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to Santa Barbara:
- Indian Rocks Beach Airbnb data FL · $452/night · 48.4%
- Cannon Beach Airbnb data OR · $482/night · 48.7%
- Princeville Airbnb data HI · $467/night · 49.5%
- Napili Airbnb data HI · $472/night · 46.4%
- Mount Desert Airbnb data ME · $465/night · 50.0%
- Portsmouth Airbnb data RI · $473/night · 46.2%
FAQ
Santa Barbara Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Santa Barbara?
An active Santa Barbara Airbnb grossed $69,578 on average in the 12 months to September 2026, according to AirROI's tracking of 1,031 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in $10,100 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in Santa Barbara?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Santa Barbara listings earn between $2,860 and $10,100 in a typical month, and the top tenth $17,600 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb income calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Santa Barbara?
Listings in Santa Barbara were booked on 48% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 43% for the California average. August is usually the busiest month.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Santa Barbara?
The average booked night in Santa Barbara cost $467 before fees. Half of listings charge between $210 and $540, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Santa Barbara?
Only in a few hotel-type zones today, with a planned city license for stays of 30 days or less due to open inland on January 11, 2027 if Council adopts it on October 27; in single-unit and two-unit residential zones, short-term rentals are not allowed. The Santa Barbara Airbnb regulations set out the permit, its cost, the taxes on a stay and the operating limits, each linked to its official source.
Is Airbnb profitable in Santa Barbara?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Santa Barbara Airbnb grossed $69,578 in the 12 months to September 2026, 61% above the California average of $43,088. Run by its owner, with the cleaning fee covering the cleaner and everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, $47,208 a year (about $3,930 a month) is left before the mortgage or rent. A home that costs less than that to own or rent makes a profit, and a listing at the top-quarter mark leaves about $7,170 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb estimator.
When is Airbnb peak season in Santa Barbara?
July usually pays best, averaging $10,800 per active listing over the past two years, and January usually pays least. The month-by-month table above shows how the latest 12 months played out.
What is the Airbnb RevPAR in Santa Barbara?
Each night a Santa Barbara listing was open to book earned $239 on average over the past year, booked or not. That figure, revenue per available night (RevPAR), folds price and occupancy into one number; the top 10% of listings made $513 or more.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara stays were booked 56 days (about eight weeks) before arrival on average over the past year, so most of a month is booked well before it starts.
How long do guests stay at Airbnbs in Santa Barbara?
The average Santa Barbara Airbnb stay lasts about five nights. A listing took 31 reservations over the year on average.
How are Airbnbs in Santa Barbara rated?
Guests rate Santa Barbara Airbnbs 4.87 out of 5 on average. Guests score check-in highest and value lowest.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Santa Barbara?
West Beach, East Beach and Lower Village draw the most short-term rental interest in Santa Barbara. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in Santa Barbara?
AirROI counted 1,031 active Airbnb listings in Santa Barbara as of September 2026. The closest tracked market is Mission Canyon, 3 km away.
How much are Airbnb cleaning fees in Santa Barbara?
In Santa Barbara, more than eight in ten listings add a cleaning fee. The median fee is $200; a handful of extreme values pull the simple average far above that, so the median is the better guide.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 1,031 active Airbnb listings in Santa Barbara from October 2025 to September 2026 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. Money figures are in U.S. dollars. Annual revenue averages every listing active during the period, including those listed for only part of it; monthly figures average the listings active in each month; the tier lists show the spread. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-assisted. See the methodology for definitions.
Need this programmatically? The same metrics are available through the AirROI Airbnb Data API and bulk downloads in the data portal.