Airbnb market data · 202612 months to September 2026

South Lake Tahoe, CA Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends

Source: AirROI Reviewed by , Founder @ AirROI Updated

Active Airbnb listings
1,814
Avg. booking lead time
56 days
Listings showing a permit
11%
Peak revenue month
July
Lowest revenue month
October

The short answer

South Lake Tahoe Airbnb Market at a Glance

South Lake Tahoe earns on price rather than volume. Listings averaged $513 a night and were booked on 35% of available nights, against $355 and 43% for the California average.

Timing matters: in July, usually the best month, the average listing earns about three times as much as in October, usually the slowest.

With 1,814 active listings, South Lake Tahoe is the eighth-largest of 643 California markets AirROI tracks. From a year earlier, average revenue rose 5% while the number of active listings grew 16%.

Map of Airbnb listings in South Lake Tahoe Browse the live South Lake Tahoe Airbnb market See Every South Lake Tahoe Listing

Revenue

How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in South Lake Tahoe?

Gross bookings per South Lake Tahoe listing averaged $53,642 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 South Lake Tahoe listing brings in $11,700 in July, its best month, and $3,860 in October, its slowest. April runs within 1% of October, so either can be the slowest in a given year. The three strongest months bring in 38% 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 4.2 times as much as a bottom-quarter one.

  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $14,800+ a month, about 3.3 times the typical property.
  • Strong performers (top 25%) earn $8,570 or more, roughly $4,100 a month above the median.
  • Typical properties (median) earn about $4,490 a month.
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $2,000 or less, about 44% 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 three times what October does

Average revenue per active listing, by month, September 2024 to August 2026

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.

South Lake Tahoe 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, nightly rate and bookings alike.

Average monthly Airbnb revenue, occupancy, nightly rate, RevPAR, booking lead time and length of stay per active listing in South Lake Tahoe, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026
Month Avg. Revenue Occupancy Avg. Nightly Rate RevPAR Booking Lead Time Avg. Length of Stay
Sep 2025$5,49937.1%$448$18358 days3.7 nights
Oct 2025$4,28231.2%$426$13841 days3.5 nights
Nov 2025$4,45628.8%$442$14952 days3.6 nights
Dec 2025$7,86936.1%$530$25455 days4.9 nights
Jan 2026$6,41834.4%$504$20745 days4.2 nights
Feb 2026$6,86442.0%$499$24553 days4.3 nights
Mar 2026$5,92634.8%$469$19145 days3.9 nights
Apr 2026$3,66626.6%$427$12239 days3.9 nights
May 2026$4,68329.9%$451$15143 days4.2 nights
Jun 2026$9,04847.5%$525$30259 days4.8 nights
Jul 2026$12,65854.5%$596$40882 days4.6 nights
Aug 2026$8,69047.4%$538$28063 days3.5 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.

The typical South Lake Tahoe listing earns about $4,490 a month, but one property can land well above or below that. The Airbnb calculator gives a range for a specific address, built from the comparable listings around it.

Profit

Is an Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe Profitable?

Yes, when it's run well. The average South Lake Tahoe Airbnb took in $53,642 in the 12 months to September 2026, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about $2,770 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 $5,350 a month.

Cleaning it yourself keeps the $7,030 a year guests pay in cleaning fees, for about $3,360 a month. Handing the listing to a co-host at about 10% of nightly bookings still leaves about $2,380 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.

South Lake Tahoe Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year

A year of income, running costs and what is left for housing costs for an average and a top-quarter South Lake Tahoe Airbnb
Line Average listing Top-quarter listing
Money in
Nightly bookings$46,612$89,000
Cleaning fees guests pay13% of South Lake Tahoe bookings$7,030$13,420
Gross bookings$53,642$102,420
Running costs
Airbnb's feeAbout 13%: 15.5% for the 84% of South Lake Tahoe listings on Simplified Pricing, 3% for the rest−$7,210−$13,770
Cleaning and laundryPaid for by the cleaning fee; $0 if you clean yourself−$7,030−$13,420
Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings−$2,680−$5,120
Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2%−$1,070−$2,050
Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3%−$1,610−$3,070
Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover−$540−$540
Permit and registrationWhere one is required: see South Lake Tahoe's Airbnb rules−$270−$270
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 25% of bookings, plus cleaning paid for by the cleaning fee−$20,410−$38,240
Left for housing costs, then profit$33,232about $2,770 a month$64,180about $5,350 a month
Housing costs
Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, HOA or condo fees Depend on the home

Estimate Your Own South Lake Tahoe Airbnb Profit

The estimate starts from South Lake Tahoe'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 South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe's Top Earners Get There

  • More nights booked. The busiest quarter of South Lake Tahoe listings are booked on 55% or more of their nights, against 34% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of $375 adds about $3,730 in bookings.
  • Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge $595 a night or more, against a median of $375. 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 $4,660 a year.
  • Open for the busy months. In a typical year, July brings the average listing about $11,700, against $3,860 in October, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
  • Reviews that stand out. South Lake Tahoe listings average 4.77 stars, and 34% 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 $8,540 a month, against $4,470 for the average one.

Occupancy

What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in South Lake Tahoe?

South Lake Tahoe listings were booked on 35% of the nights they were open over the past year, 8 percentage points below the California average (43%) and 6 points below the U.S. average (41%). In a typical year, occupancy swings from 28% in April to 55% in July.

The busiest tenth of listings are booked about 4.3 times as often as the bottom quarter.

  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 74%+ of open nights, 40 points above the median.
  • Strong performers (top 25%) fill 55% or more, roughly four nights a week.
  • Typical properties (median) fill about 34% of open nights.
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 17% or less, under two nights a week.

July is usually the busiest month in South Lake Tahoe, April the quietest

Share of open nights booked, by month, September 2024 to August 2026

The 12-month rate of 35% 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 South Lake Tahoe?

The average nightly rate in South Lake Tahoe, known as ADR (average daily rate), was $513 over the past year, about 45% above the California average of $355 and about 60% above the U.S. average of $320. In a typical year, rates peak in July at about $565 and bottom out in October at about $390.

Prices span a wide range: the top 10% charge about four times the rate of the bottom quarter.

  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge $925+ a night, about 2.5 times the median.
  • Strong performers (top 25%) charge $595 or more, about $220 above the median.
  • Typical properties (median) charge about $375 a night.
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge $225 or less, about 61% of the median.

July rates run 45% above October's

Average nightly rate (ADR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026

The 12-month ADR of $513 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 South Lake Tahoe?

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 South Lake Tahoe it averaged $200 over the past year, from about $125 in a typical October to about $378 in a typical July.

Per open night, by tier:

  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $425+ per open night, about three times the median.
  • Strong performers (top 25%) earn $248 or more, about $110 a night above the median.
  • Typical properties (median) earn about $143 per open night.
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $75 or less, about half of the median.

July RevPAR is about three times October's

Revenue per open night (RevPAR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026

The 12-month RevPAR of $200 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 South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe has two high seasons, June–August and December, which makes it a highly seasonal market. Business is slowest from September to November and slows again in April and May.

Average revenue by month in South Lake Tahoe

Average revenue per active listing, each calendar month averaged over the past two years

Revenue by month in South Lake Tahoe in numbers
Average monthly revenue per active listing in South Lake Tahoe, by calendar month
Month Season Revenue per listing
JanuaryShoulder season$6,310
FebruaryShoulder season$6,860
MarchShoulder season$5,980
AprilLow season$3,860
MayLow season$4,700
JuneHigh season$8,620
JulyHigh season$11,700
AugustHigh season$8,690
SeptemberLow season$5,000
OctoberLow season$3,860
NovemberLow season$4,030
DecemberHigh season$7,670
Average monthly Airbnb revenue, occupancy and nightly rate in South Lake Tahoe by season
Season Revenue per month Occupancy Nightly rate
High seasonJune–August$9,67050%$533
High seasonDecember$7,67037%$508
Shoulder seasonJanuary–March$6,39039%$478
Low seasonApril–May, September–November$4,29031%$418

Seasons are grouped by revenue per listing, so a better-paying season can fill fewer nights when higher rates carry it.

How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe?

Guests book South Lake Tahoe stays 56 days ahead on average (about eight weeks). July stays are booked furthest out, about 81 days ahead, and April stays closest to arrival, about 36 days. A typical July booking is made in late April.

July stays are booked furthest ahead

Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay, September 2024 to August 2026

The 12-month figure of 56 days averages each listing's year as a whole; each month here averages only the listings with stays in it.

Permits

Airbnb Permits and Registration in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe allows Airbnb with a city permit, but residential-area permits are capped at 900 and waitlisted since August 21, 2026; the Tourist Core and commercial zones are uncapped. Hotel tax is 12%.

11% of the 1,814 active listings in South Lake Tahoe display a registration, permit or license number. A low share 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 South Lake Tahoe Airbnb regulations, each rule linked to its official source and checked October 2026.

Neighborhoods

Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe

AirROI's area guide picks seven South Lake Tahoe neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Valley and Camp Richardson. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe
Area Who it suits Landmarks nearby
South Lake Tahoe A stunning destination known for its year-round recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, and lake activities. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for both adventure and relaxation.Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Emerald Bay State Park, Sand Harbor, South Lake Tahoe Ski Resort, Stateline Casinos
Heavenly Valley Famous for its beautiful views and world-class skiing, Heavenly Valley attracts winter sports enthusiasts and is a prime destination for vacation rentals throughout the year.Heavenly Ski Resort, Gondola Rides, South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, Heavenly Village, Van Sickle Bi-State Park
Camp Richardson A picturesque area known for its beach, restaurants, and outdoor activities. This area draws families and vacationers looking for a more laid-back experience.Camp Richardson Historic Resort, Pope Beach, Bike Trails, Tallac Historic Site, Beach Rentals
Al Tahoe A charming lakeside neighborhood filled with cabins and cozy homes. It's great for families and smaller groups, being close to the lake and outdoor activities.Al Tahoe Community Park, Lake Tahoe Boulevard, Local shops and cafes, Tallac Historic Site, Lake access
Kingsbury Grade A convenient location for accessing ski resorts while offering a quieter suburban feel. It is appealing to those seeking both adrenaline and relaxation.Kingsbury St. Park, Ski Resorts, Biking Trails, Gambling at local casinos, Outdoor lookout points
Pioneer Trail A residential area with proximity to recreational facilities and nature. Ideal for long-term stays and a more local experience away from tourist hotspots.Ski Resorts, Hiking Trails, Local Restaurants, Grocery Stores, Community Parks
South Yuba River An area ideal for nature lovers and those looking to enjoy the great outdoors, including beautiful river settings and hiking trails.South Yuba River State Park, Hiking Trails, Campsites, Natural swimming holes, Picnic areas

Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.

Listings

South Lake Tahoe Airbnb Listings by Type and Size

Entire homes make up 85% of listings in South Lake Tahoe, but private rooms are a real segment: about one listing in eight (13%) rents out a single room. Houses are the most common property type at 51%, about 2.4 times the share of apartments and condos (22%).

Mostly entire homes, with a private-room segment

South Lake Tahoe Airbnb listings by room type

  • Entire home 85%
  • Private room 13%
  • Hotel room 2%
Room types in numbers
South Lake Tahoe Airbnb listings by room type
Room type Share of listings Listings
Entire home85.2%1,545
Private room13.2%239
Hotel room1.7%30

Listings by property type

South Lake Tahoe Airbnb listings by property type

  • House 51%
  • Apartment/Condo 22%
  • Hotel/Boutique 13%
  • Cabin/Outdoor 12%
  • Others 2%
  • Unique stay <1%
Property types in numbers
South Lake Tahoe Airbnb listings by property type
Property type Share of listings Listings
House51.1%927
Apartment/Condo21.6%392
Hotel/Boutique13.2%240
Cabin/Outdoor12.3%223
Others1.7%31
Unique stay0.1%1

How Many Bedrooms Do Airbnb Listings in South Lake Tahoe Have?

Most South Lake Tahoe homes are built for groups: 61% of entire homes have three or more bedrooms, and three-bedroom homes are the most common size (30%). Shares are of the 1,520 entire homes that give a bedroom count; rented rooms are left out.

South Lake Tahoe entire homes by number of bedrooms

Entire homes with each number of bedrooms, of those with a bedroom count on file

Bedroom counts in numbers
South Lake Tahoe entire homes by number of bedrooms
Bedrooms Share of entire homes with a bedroom count Entire homes
Studio6.5%99
1 bedroom12.9%196
2 bedrooms19.5%296
3 bedrooms30.2%460
4 bedrooms20.6%314
5+ bedrooms10.3%156

What Each Home Size Earns in South Lake Tahoe

A typical studio in South Lake Tahoe earned $15,900 over the past year, against $136,000 for a home with five or more bedrooms.

What each home size earns in South Lake Tahoe
Home size Listings Typical annual revenue (median) Average annual revenue Avg. nightly rate Occupancy
Studio99$15,900$26,000$29132%
1 bedroom196$19,000$29,900$30836%
2 bedrooms296$31,000$43,000$41337%
3 bedrooms460$37,100$47,700$46637%
4 bedrooms314$57,500$68,800$64836%
5+ bedrooms156$136,000$163,000$1,26041%

How Many Guests Do Airbnbs in South Lake Tahoe Sleep?

South Lake Tahoe is a group-trip market: 38% of listings sleep eight or more guests, about 1.5 times the share of the next most common size, six guests (25%).

South Lake Tahoe listings by guest capacity

Share of listings by the number of guests they sleep

Guest capacity in numbers
South Lake Tahoe listings by guest capacity
Guest capacity Share of listings Listings
1 guest0.1%1
2 guests11.4%203
3 guests1.2%21
4 guests22.1%392
5 guests1.7%31
6 guests24.6%436
7 guests1.1%20
8+ guests37.8%670

How South Lake Tahoe Airbnb Listings Are Set Up

South Lake Tahoe hosts set up an average of 4.2 beds per listing. Only 37% of listings show their exact location on the listing map; the rest show an approximate area.

Photos per listing
14
Beds per listing
4.2
Show exact location
37%

What Amenities Do Airbnb Listings in South Lake Tahoe Offer?

Fireplaces are common in South Lake Tahoe: 72% of listings have one, and 91% offer free parking on site.

Share of South Lake Tahoe listings with each common amenity

  • Wifi Nearly all
  • Heating 100%
  • Smoke alarm 99%
  • TV 99%
  • Carbon monoxide alarm 95%
  • Coffee maker 92%
  • Free parking on premises 91%
  • Microwave 91%
  • Hot water 88%
  • Hair dryer 88%

Airbnb Amenities Linked to Higher Revenue in South Lake Tahoe

Listings in South Lake Tahoe with a home movie theater earned about 2.8 times as much a year, on average, as those without: $146,000 against $52,600. The gap is smaller for an outdoor kitchen (about 2.2 times as much) and arcade games (about twice 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 South Lake Tahoe 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

  • Movie theater +177% on 1% of listings
  • Outdoor kitchen +121% on 2% of listings
  • Arcade games +108% on 4% of listings
  • Theme room +100% on 0.8% of listings
  • Indoor fireplace +93% on 72% of listings
  • Sun loungers +80% on 6% of listings
  • Patio or balcony +75% on 59% of listings
  • Pool table +75% on 15% of listings
  • Waterfront +74% on 8% of listings
  • BBQ grill +71% on 73% of listings
Revenue by amenity in numbers
Average annual revenue of South Lake Tahoe listings with and without each amenity
Amenity Listings with it Avg. revenue with Avg. revenue without Revenue gap
Movie theater1%$146,000$52,600+177%
Outdoor kitchen2%$117,000$52,700+121%
Arcade games4%$107,000$51,700+108%
Theme room0.8%$106,000$53,200+100%
Indoor fireplace72%$61,900$32,100+93%
Sun loungers6%$92,100$51,100+80%
Patio or balcony59%$64,900$37,100+75%
Pool table15%$84,300$48,200+75%
Waterfront8%$87,900$50,600+74%
BBQ grill73%$60,500$35,300+71%

Guests

Who Books Airbnbs in South Lake Tahoe?

South Lake Tahoe draws mostly domestic guests: 94% of those who left reviews live in the United States. No single city dominates: San Francisco is the largest source, at about 8% of reviews. Of the 6% from abroad, the largest groups come from Mexico and the United Kingdom. Guests speak a mix of languages: English leads at 59%, followed by Spanish and Chinese.

94% of South Lake Tahoe guests are domestic

Where guests who left reviews live

  • Domestic 94%
  • International 6%

Where South Lake Tahoe guests come from: top cities

Share of guests who left reviews

  • San Francisco 8%
  • San Jose 4%
  • Sacramento 3%
  • Los Angeles 3%
  • San Diego 2%
Top origin cities in numbers
Where South Lake Tahoe guests come from: top cities
Origin city Share of guests
San Francisco8.4%
San Jose4.5%
Sacramento3.2%
Los Angeles2.8%
San Diego1.9%

Where South Lake Tahoe guests come from: top countries

Share of guests who left reviews

  • United States 94%
  • Mexico 1%
  • United Kingdom 1%
  • Canada 1%
  • Germany 0%
Top origin countries in numbers
Where South Lake Tahoe guests come from: top countries
Origin country Share of guests
United States93.5%
Mexico0.8%
United Kingdom0.7%
Canada0.5%
Germany0.3%

Languages spoken by South Lake Tahoe guests

Share of guests who left reviews

  • English 59%
  • Spanish 16%
  • Chinese 4%
  • French 3%
  • Hindi 3%
Top languages in numbers
Languages spoken by South Lake Tahoe guests
Language Share of guests
English59.4%
Spanish15.6%
Chinese4.0%
French3.5%
Hindi3.2%

What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in South Lake Tahoe?

South Lake Tahoe Airbnbs average 4.77 stars, and 34% of listings hold Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge. Guests are toughest on value for money: it scores 4.66, against 4.90 for location.

Location scores highest in South Lake Tahoe; value is lowest

Average guest rating out of 5 by category; the bars start at 4.0

  • Accuracy 4.80
  • Cleanliness 4.78
  • Communication 4.85
  • Location 4.90
  • Check-in 4.87
  • Value 4.66
Category scores in numbers
South Lake Tahoe guest ratings by category
Category Average rating (out of 5)
Accuracy4.80
Cleanliness4.78
Communication4.85
Location4.90
Check-in4.87
Value4.66

Booking patterns

How Guests Book in South Lake Tahoe: Stays, Rules and Fees

Nearly nine in ten South Lake Tahoe listings are open to guests more than 180 days a year, but only 14% are booked or blocked that many days. The most common booked-or-blocked total is 31 to 90 days a year, covering 33% of listings; blocked nights include any the host closes off.

Days a year South Lake Tahoe listings are open to guests

Share of listings by days a year

  • 271-366 days 57%
  • 181-270 days 30%
  • 91-180 days 11%
  • 31-90 days 2%
  • 1-30 days <1%
Open days in numbers
Days a year South Lake Tahoe listings are open to guests
Days a year Share of listings Listings
271-366 days57.2%1,038
181-270 days29.9%543
91-180 days10.9%197
31-90 days1.9%34
1-30 days0.1%2

Days a year South Lake Tahoe listings are booked or blocked

Share of listings by days a year

  • 271-366 days 2%
  • 181-270 days 11%
  • 91-180 days 31%
  • 31-90 days 33%
  • 1-30 days 23%
Booked or blocked days in numbers
Days a year South Lake Tahoe listings are booked or blocked
Days a year Share of listings Listings
271-366 days2.4%43
181-270 days11.2%203
91-180 days30.7%556
31-90 days33.0%598
1-30 days22.8%414

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe?

Bookings in South Lake Tahoe average 3.4 to 4.9 nights depending on the month, longest in July and shortest in September. Listings took about 22 bookings each over the year, some 39,200 in all. Nearly eight in ten listings that give a check-in time set it at 4 p.m., with check-out usually at 10 a.m.

Average length of stay by month in South Lake Tahoe

Average nights per booking, by month of stay

Two-year average by calendar month.

South Lake Tahoe Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements

About seven in ten listings in South Lake Tahoe accept stays of one or two nights. A smaller group, 9%, takes only stays of 30 nights or more.

Minimum stay set by South Lake Tahoe listings

Share of listings by the shortest stay they accept, from one night to 30 or more

  • 1 Night 23% 412 listings
  • 2 Nights 48% 862 listings
  • 3 Nights 7% 132 listings
  • 4-6 Nights 4% 70 listings
  • 7-29 Nights 10% 180 listings
  • 30+ Nights 9% 158 listings

What Cancellation Policies Do Airbnb Hosts Use in South Lake Tahoe?

Firm is the most common cancellation policy in South Lake Tahoe, used by 45% of listings; it refunds guests in full only if they cancel at least 30 days before check-in. Hosts here lean strict: nearly seven in ten listings use Firm or stricter terms, against 24% on Flexible or Moderate.

Cancellation policies of South Lake Tahoe listings, from most to least flexible

Share of listings by the policy they use

  • Flexible 5% 83 listings
  • Moderate 20% 360 listings
  • Limited 7% 128 listings
  • Firm 45% 813 listings
  • Strict 20% 355 listings
  • Super Strict 30 Days 4% 64 listings
  • Super Strict 60 Days 1% 11 listings

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in South Lake Tahoe?

About nine in ten South Lake Tahoe listings charge a cleaning fee. The typical fee is $295, but a minority of much higher fees lifts the average to $787, so the median is the better guide. Spread over the average stay of about four nights, that adds roughly $70 a night to what guests pay. For listings that charge one, cleaning fees make up about 13% of gross revenue.

Median cleaning fee
$295
Average cleaning fee
$787
Listings charging a fee
89.3%
Share of gross revenue
13.1%

Top earners

Top-Earning Airbnbs and Hosts in South Lake Tahoe

The top-grossing Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe, a six-bedroom home, took in $631,000 over the past year, about 12 times the city's average of $53,600. All six listings below have five or more bedrooms, so the top of this market belongs to large homes.

Mv11 Estate with pool Mv11 Estate with pool Entire home · 6 bedrooms Rated 4.67
Revenue
$631,216
Occupancy
51.8%
Daily rate
$3,349
10 bedroom Mountain Luxury Estate 10 bedroom Mountain Luxury Estate Entire home · 10 bedrooms Rated 4.86
Revenue
$611,372
Occupancy
44.8%
Daily rate
$3,679
Majestic Lakefront Family Home Majestic Lakefront Family Home Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 4.95
Revenue
$586,492
Occupancy
40.9%
Daily rate
$2,589
Waterfront Tahoe Keys Luxury Home mv25 Waterfront Tahoe Keys Luxury Home mv25 Entire home · 6 bedrooms Rated 4.18
Revenue
$586,041
Occupancy
59.9%
Daily rate
$3,407
lx26 Luxury South Lake Tahoe Home lx26 Luxury South Lake Tahoe Home Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 4.83
Revenue
$526,447
Occupancy
59.5%
Daily rate
$2,353
14 bedroom/14 bath Mega Mansion 14 bedroom/14 bath Mega Mansion Entire home · 14 bedrooms Rated 4.79
Revenue
$519,798
Occupancy
35.8%
Daily rate
$4,372

Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in South Lake Tahoe?

RnR Vacation Rentals is the top-grossing host in South Lake Tahoe, with $9.95 million in bookings across 136 listings over the past year. Together, the ten top-grossing hosts run 27% of the market's 1,814 listings. Per listing, a smaller operator earns more: Mark grossed $253,000 per listing, about 3.5 times RnR Vacation Rentals' $73,200.

Top Airbnb hosts in South Lake Tahoe by revenue
# Host Listings Gross revenue Per listing Avg. rating
RnR Vacation Rentals 136$9,953,512$73,1884.79/5
VRA Tahoe 27$5,120,799$189,6594.91/5
Luxe 24$4,831,896$201,3294.64/5
4 Michael 37$4,259,553$115,1234.79/5
5 Lux Villa VR 32$3,395,030$106,0954.83/5
6 Avari Management California 105$3,361,414$32,0134.50/5
7 Mark 11$2,780,474$252,7704.88/5
8 Grand Welcome 42$2,435,970$57,9994.67/5
9 Nicole & Jagger 25$2,269,532$90,7814.94/5
10 Lisa 55$2,009,880$36,5434.69/5

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in South Lake Tahoe?

Professional management companies run 32% of South Lake Tahoe listings and owners run the rest. Superhosts run 55% of listings. Airbnb's Simplified Pricing, where the host pays the whole service fee and guests see one price with no separate Airbnb charge, covers 84% of listings.

Superhosts
55.0%
Professional management
31.6%
Cohosted listings
23.0%
Instant Book enabled
48.2%
Simplified Pricing
83.6%

Largest Airbnb Management Companies in South Lake Tahoe

17 management companies run five or more active Airbnb listings in South Lake Tahoe, and companies run 38% of its 1,814 active listings. RnR Vacation Rentals is the largest, with 136 listings and an average guest rating of 4.78; the next largest are Avari, Vacasa, Tahoe Keys Resort and Grand Welcome Lake Tahoe.

The five largest run 22% of South Lake Tahoe's listings

Share of South Lake Tahoe's 1,814 active Airbnb listings each company runs as host or co-host

  • RnR Vacation Rentals 7% · 136
  • Avari 6% · 106
  • Vacasa 4% · 69
  • Tahoe Keys Resort 3% · 55
  • Grand Welcome Lake Tahoe 2% · 42
  • All other listings 78%

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 all 17 companies ranked in the South Lake Tahoe Airbnb management ranking, with how their homes earn against similar ones.

Nearby markets

South Lake Tahoe vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets

Of the eight nearby markets in the table, all within 25 km, Zephyr Cove (8 km away) earned the most per listing, about 45% more than South Lake Tahoe. Stateline and Meyers were the busiest, each booked on 39% of nights against 35% in South Lake Tahoe.

Airbnb markets near South Lake Tahoe: distance, revenue, nightly rate and occupancy
Market Listings Avg. annual revenue Avg. nightly rate Occupancy
Stateline 7 km 89$45,437$47239%
Zephyr Cove 8 km 204$77,719$66736%
Meyers 8 km 155$68,069$50739%
Kingsbury 8 km 363$46,957$42333%
Glenbrook 10 km 39$77,626$74137%
Tahoma 20 km 197$59,520$62235%
Markleeville 21 km 64$38,460$41831%
Homewood 25 km 155$67,226$64238%

Other Airbnb Markets in California

See all 643 California Airbnb markets

Markets Similar to South Lake Tahoe

Markets elsewhere in the United States with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to South Lake Tahoe:

FAQ

South Lake Tahoe Airbnb FAQ

How much do Airbnb hosts make in South Lake Tahoe?

An active South Lake Tahoe Airbnb grossed $53,642 on average in the 12 months to September 2026, according to AirROI's tracking of 1,814 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in $8,570 or more in a typical month.

How much can I make on Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe?

It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of South Lake Tahoe listings earn between $2,000 and $8,570 in a typical month, and the top tenth $14,800 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 South Lake Tahoe?

Listings in South Lake Tahoe were booked on 35% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 43% for the California average. July is usually the busiest month.

How much does an Airbnb cost per night in South Lake Tahoe?

The average booked night in South Lake Tahoe cost $513 before fees. Half of listings charge between $225 and $595, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.

Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe?

Yes, with a city vacation home rental permit: South Lake Tahoe still issues permits in the Tourist Core and commercial zones, but applications for residential neighborhoods have been waitlisted since August 21, 2026 under a 900-permit cap. The South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe?

Yes, when it's run well. The average South Lake Tahoe Airbnb grossed $53,642 in the 12 months to September 2026, 24% 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, $33,232 a year (about $2,770 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 $5,350 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb estimator.

When is Airbnb peak season in South Lake Tahoe?

July usually pays best, averaging $11,700 per active listing over the past two years, and October usually pays least. The month-by-month table above shows how the latest 12 months played out.

What is the Airbnb RevPAR in South Lake Tahoe?

Each night a South Lake Tahoe listing was open to book earned $200 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 $425 or more.

How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in South Lake Tahoe?

South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe?

The average South Lake Tahoe Airbnb stay lasts about four nights. A listing took 22 reservations over the year on average.

How are Airbnbs in South Lake Tahoe rated?

Guests rate South Lake Tahoe Airbnbs 4.77 out of 5 on average. Guests score location highest and value lowest.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe?

South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Valley and Camp Richardson draw the most short-term rental interest in South Lake Tahoe. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.

How many Airbnbs are there in South Lake Tahoe?

AirROI counted 1,814 active Airbnb listings in South Lake Tahoe as of September 2026. The closest tracked market is Stateline, 7 km away.

How much are Airbnb cleaning fees in South Lake Tahoe?

In South Lake Tahoe, about nine in ten listings add a cleaning fee. The median fee is $295, but a minority of much higher fees lifts the average to $787, so the median is the better guide.

Method

About This Data

Figures on this page cover 1,814 active Airbnb listings in South Lake Tahoe 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.