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San Diego

San Diego County, CA

STR Investment Grade

Transparent Scoring
D
36/100
⚠️ CAUTION
Score Breakdown
💰Cash-on-Cash
5/35
🏠Affordability
2/25
📅Year-Round Income
15/15
🤝Landlord Friendly
2/10
📈Room to Grow
12/15
Cash-on-Cash
-9.9%
Negative Cash Flow
Median Home
$974K
Very Expensive
Room to Grow
12/15
Good Headroom
⚠️

STR Regulations Apply

License cap at 1% of housing (~5,416 licenses citywide)

San Diego instituted a license system in 2022 capping whole-home vacation rentals at 1% of housing units (~5,416 licenses). All operators must have a license.

Permit: HardPermit Cap in Effect
Grade Impact: Base score of 36/100 would be grade D, but capped at D (36/100) due to regulation risk.
Verified data as of February 2026 · Regulations change frequently
📞 How to Verify
Call the San Diego City Clerk or Planning & Zoning Department and ask:
1. Are short-term rentals (under 30 days) allowed at [your address]?
2. What permits or licenses are required?
3. Are there owner-occupancy requirements?
4. Any caps on rental nights per year or number of permits?
Many cities have active short-term rentals operating legally with permits — restrictions don't always mean it's impossible.

Why San Diego?

Beach Market

What drives short-term rental demand here

🏖️
Coastal Destination

Beach proximity drives premium nightly rates and strong seasonal demand from vacationers.

📈
Growing Market

Population and economic growth signal increasing demand and property appreciation potential.

Will This Deal Work?

Investment Grade
D
Negative Cash Flow
CoC: -9.9%
Can You Pay the Bills?
Risky
May struggle with payments
THE BOTTOM LINE ⚠️

This market has STR regulations to be aware of. Many hosts operate successfully with proper permits. Research local ordinances before committing.

💵
$245
Avg ADR
📅
70%
Occupancy
💰
$5,145
Monthly Revenue
🏠
$974K
Median Price

Market estimates · Updated Feb 2026

📊 Income by Property Size

Monthly revenue estimates by bedroom count

1BR
$2,830
2BR
$4,373
3BR
$5,145
4BR
$6,431
5BR
$7,718
6BR+
$9,004
⭐ Best

🏠 Top Amenities for This Market

Add these to boost your revenue

MUST HAVEPool
+25%
MUST HAVEOcean View
+20%
HIGH IMPACTBeach Gear
+10%
HIGH IMPACTOutdoor Shower
+8%
NICE TO HAVEBalcony/Deck
+12%

🎯 Your Next Steps

1
Search for 6BR+ properties
Best income potential at $9,004/month
2
Add a Pool
Boost revenue by +25%
3
Target $6,431/month
Top 25% performer income goal

📋 Regulation Status

RegulatedPermit: HardVerified Data

Regulations vary by city and county. Always verify local STR ordinances, permit requirements, and zoning laws before purchasing.

Research Comparable Listings

See active short-term rentals in this market

View Listings on Airbnb

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Take the Next Step

Find homes, agents, and lenders in this market

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📊

Run the Numbers on a Property

Free STR calculator with comp data for any address

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See how our students earn $2K–$4K/mo from rural Airbnbs — even as first-time investors.

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San Diego, California is rated D for Airbnb investment with a score of 36/100 (CAUTION). The market has an average daily rate (ADR) of $245, 70% occupancy, and estimated monthly STR revenue of $5,145. Median home value is $974,054 with a cash-on-cash return of -9.9%. STR regulation status: Regulated. Data powered by Edge by Teeco using estimated market data.