10 Best Places to Buy Short-Term Rentals in San Diego (2026)

San Diego’s short-term rental landscape in 2026 is defined by a sharp split between value-driven inland neighborhoods and premium-priced coastal areas. Gross yields among the city’s top-performing zip codes range from 7.3% down to 4.6%, with entry prices spanning $600,000 to over $1.5 million. While San Diego sits at just the 11th percentile nationally for gross yield, its occupancy rate of 56% and ADR of $254 both outpace the US medians, reflecting the city’s strong year-round tourism and compressed supply.

The past year brought a 20% jump in occupancy and a 30% rise in ADR, even as active listings contracted by 16%. Investors now face a market where demand is high, but the best returns cluster in neighborhoods offering either relative affordability or unique guest appeal.

For buyers ready to navigate San Diego’s licensing rules and premium pricing, the right zip code can still deliver a payback period far shorter than the citywide average. Match with a San Diego short-term rental agent to find properties that fit your goals.

The Best San Diego Zip Codes for Airbnb, Ranked by Yield

Data as of July 11, 2026. Each listing’s annual revenue is computed from its own ADR multiplied by occupancy and 365 days, using trailing 12-month data. The table reports the median listing’s annual revenue, alongside median ADR and median occupancy, which are calculated independently, multiplying the table’s ADR by occupancy will not reproduce the revenue figure.

Gross yield divides the median revenue by the median home value (Zillow Home Value Index). See our full methodology. The active-operator revenue figure filters to listings with sustained booking activity, giving a more realistic underwriting benchmark than the headline average.

1. 92154: Otay Mesa, Nestor, and San Ysidro’s Value Edge

Summer months drive revenue in 92154, with July occupancy peaking at 71% and summer accounting for 30% of annual earnings, while January occupancy slips to just 33%. This pronounced seasonality is balanced by a median occupancy rate of 55%, which sits well above the US median of 45%, suggesting reliable guest flow even outside peak months.

The area’s average daily rate reached $239, outpacing the US median, and a 34% year-over-year ADR jump highlights rising traveler willingness to pay for access to border hubs and business corridors.

The 7.3% gross yield places 92154 in the 33rd percentile nationally, reflecting solid but not top-tier returns compared to other US markets. With a payback period of roughly 14 years based on active-operator revenue, investors here can recoup their purchase price significantly faster than in most of San Diego.

The relatively modest home values, down 3.4% year-over-year, help keep entry costs manageable, while a steady 6% increase in listings and active full-time inventory of 36 point to growing operator confidence. These trends are driven by the area’s appeal to both cross-border visitors and local business travelers, sustaining demand through much of the year.

Who it fits. Buyers seeking a lower entry price with stable, year-round demand and a quick payback timeline.

2. 92102: Golden Hill and South Park’s Urban Flexibility

Price-conscious investors will note that 92102’s gross yield of 6.9% places it in the lower third of US markets, ranking at the 27th percentile compared to the US median of 9.0%.

Despite this, the area’s occupancy rate of 53% outpaces the national median of 45%, illustrating strong guest demand for Golden Hill and South Park’s walkable streets and proximity to Balboa Park and downtown. The median home value sits at $744,124, down 3.5% year-over-year, which shapes both acquisition costs and potential returns.

Seasonality patterns reveal why investors here see steady cash flow. July occupancy peaks at 68% with an ADR of $226, while January drops to 43%. Spring and summer each contribute 28% of annual revenue, making these periods crucial for maximizing income. Momentum is strong, with occupancy up 17% and ADR up 26% year-over-year, even as listings contracted by 15%, signaling a tightening supply that supports pricing power.

The bedroom mix is notable, one-bedrooms are most common, but four-bedrooms bring in nearly $100K annually at a premium ADR of $577, offering scale for those willing to underwrite larger properties. The payback period stands at 14.8 years, a reasonable horizon in a market with proven guest appeal and resilient demand drivers. The analytics dashboard for 92102 breaks down bedroom-level performance.

Who it fits. Investors targeting walkable, central neighborhoods with a flexible guest mix and strong spring-summer revenue.

3. 92113: Logan Heights and Barrio Logan’s Value Play

Home values in 92113 have dipped 4.6% year-over-year to $655,179, making this area one of San Diego’s most accessible entry points for investors seeking urban proximity and cultural depth. July’s occupancy peak of 69% and $252 ADR signal robust summer demand, while September’s dip to 48% reflects the neighborhood’s reliance on seasonal travel. Summer generates 30% of annual revenue, but winter’s 25% share underscores the area’s ability to attract off-peak guests, likely drawn by the arts scene and central location.

Compared to the US median, the gross yield here sits in the 27th percentile, but occupancy outpaces national norms by 10 percentage points, suggesting strong guest interest despite softer pricing power. The supply squeeze is pronounced. A 27% drop in listings over the past year has fueled a 25% occupancy jump and a 27% rise in ADR, intensifying competition among operators.

Underwriting the market, buyers should note the ~14.9-year payback period at current active-operator revenues, with a bedroom mix led by affordable 1-bedrooms and top-earning 3-bedrooms. The tightening landscape reflects a shift toward fewer, higher-performing rentals, driven by both shrinking inventory and persistent demand from travelers seeking authentic, accessible city stays.

Who it fits. Buyers prioritizing affordability and urban access, willing to compete in a tightening market.

4. 92123: Serra Mesa and Kearny Mesa’s Steady Performer

Occupancy rates in 92123 consistently outpace the national field, with a 62% median that surpasses the US median of 45%, positioning this area as a reliable performer for investors prioritizing stable bookings.

August stands out as the busiest month, when occupancy climbs to 73% and average daily rates settle at $159, reflecting strong summer demand from families and business travelers who value proximity to major employers and hospitals. By contrast, December sees occupancy dip to 50%, echoing the typical seasonal slowdown when corporate travel and family visits wane.

Momentum has shifted sharply over the past year. Occupancy increased 7% while average daily rates jumped 71%, even as full-time listings dropped by 29%. This supply squeeze has helped bolster returns for existing operators, with active-operator annual revenue at $64,315 and a median payback period of 15.1 years, longer than in higher-yield US markets, but justified by the area’s stability and resilient demand.

The most common property type is the 1-bedroom, but 3-bedrooms earn the most at $43,637 per year, suggesting that buyers should carefully consider bedroom count and guest capacity when underwriting new acquisitions.

Who it fits. Buyers focused on stable, high-occupancy neighborhoods with a steady stream of business and family travelers.

5. 92120: Del Cerro and Allied Gardens’ High Revenue, Higher Entry

Price trends in 92120 reflect a stable, desirable neighborhood, with the median home value holding at $1,055,258 and only a slight 0.7% decline year-over-year. This resilience, coupled with a robust annual revenue of $64,746, places the area in the 19th percentile for gross yield among 501 US markets, well below the national median of 9.0%.

The comparatively high entry cost means that investors face a longer payback horizon, at about 16.7 years of gross active-operator revenue to recoup the purchase price, an important underwriting consideration in a supply-constrained environment.

Seasonality shapes returns here is occupancy peaks at 75% in June, when ADR climbs to $279, while December sees rates fall to 50%. Spring is the most lucrative quarter, generating 31% of annual revenue, with summer close behind at 28%.

Momentum is strong, with occupancy up 30% year-over-year and listings down 22%, driving a supply squeeze that supports pricing power despite only modest ADR growth of 4%. The bedroom mix is weighted toward 1-bedroom units, but 3-bedrooms command the highest earnings at $52,158 per year, making them attractive for larger group stays near San Diego State University or Mission Trails Regional Park.

Who it fits. Investors with the capital for a higher entry price, seeking strong spring and summer returns in established neighborhoods.

6. 92114: Encanto and Skyline’s High Occupancy, Budget ADR

Market conditions in 92114 have shifted dramatically, with a 30% year-over-year surge in occupancy and a sharp 34% drop in active listings, resulting in a pronounced supply squeeze.

July’s occupancy peak at 77% and a winter trough of 47% highlight strong summer demand, while the even seasonal revenue split, 26% each for summer and spring, signals a stable guest flow throughout the year. These trends reflect a market that has become increasingly competitive for hosts, as fewer properties chase consistent, year-round demand.

At a median gross yield of 5.6%, 92114 ranks in just the 15th percentile among 501 US markets, well below the national median of 9.0%. However, the area’s median occupancy of 67% far exceeds the US median of 45%, compensating for its modest $143 ADR (compared to the US median of $232).

The typical payback period of about 18.5 years, based on active-operator revenue, underscores a relatively slow investment return, largely due to high home values and restrained nightly rates. Most listings are one-bedrooms, which dominate the inventory and cater to smaller groups or families seeking affordability near transit and parks. For more on guest mix and property types, see the 92114 analytics page.

Who it fits. Budget-minded buyers seeking high occupancy and steady demand, with a focus on affordable, family-friendly properties.

7. 92109: Pacific Beach and Mission Beach’s Coastal Premium

Data from the past year shows that 92109’s summer surge shapes its investment case. July occupancy jumps to 81% with ADRs hitting $433, while December drops to 43%. This pronounced seasonality, with spring and summer combining for 57% of annual revenue, reflects the area’s draw for beachgoers and vacationers during warmer months, while winter’s 23% share reveals softer off-season demand.

The drop in listings by 16% year-over-year, paired with occupancy up 18% and ADR up 22%, signals a tightening market where fewer properties are capturing more bookings at higher prices.

Compared to the US median, 92109’s 4.7% gross yield sits in the bottom 8th percentile of major markets, though occupancy (59%) and ADR ($375) both outpace national norms (45% and $232, respectively). The lengthy 21.6-year payback period underscores the premium investors pay for coastal real estate, requiring a long-term horizon and a tolerance for lower yields in exchange for top-line revenue leadership.

The active-operator figure of $70,543 supports this, suggesting that only well-run listings can consistently achieve these returns. High property values and intense tourist competition drive these dynamics, making underwriting here a matter of balancing reliable summer peaks against the cost of entry and extended time to recoup investments.

Who it fits. Buyers seeking premium nightly rates and high tourist demand, able to underwrite a longer payback period.

8. 92101: Downtown and Gaslamp’s Urban Mix

Market dynamics in 92101 reflect a downtown core adapting to shifting demand, as the area’s median home value dropped 9.0% year-over-year to $729,014. This rare price correction, paired with a gross yield of 4.7%, places 92101 in just the 8th percentile nationally for yield, well below the US median of 9.0%. Despite the lower yield, occupancy rates remain robust at 54%, outpacing the US median of 45% and signaling ongoing appeal for both business and leisure travelers seeking urban amenities.

Seasonality shapes revenue patterns here, with July occupancy peaking at 68% and January dipping to just 40%. The summer and spring seasons each deliver 28% of annual revenue, underscoring the importance of high-traffic months for cash flow. Recent momentum is striking.

Occupancy surged 27% and ADR climbed 28% year-over-year, while listings contracted by 18%, resulting in a tighter supply environment that supports rising rates. For underwriting, the 21.9-year payback period reflects the area’s high entry costs and moderate revenue, while the bedroom mix, dominated by 1-bedrooms but with 3-bedrooms earning the most, offers options for investors targeting either volume or premium nightly rates.

Who it fits. Investors prioritizing urban convenience and a diverse guest mix, with an eye on price corrections in the city center.

9. 92110: Old Town and Morena’s Balanced Middle

Market fundamentals in 92110 reflect a steady but competitive landscape, with a 4.7% gross yield that places it in just the 8th percentile among 501 US markets, well below the national median of 9.0%.

Occupancy, however, sits at a robust 56%, outpacing the US median of 45%, a testament to the area’s year-round appeal and central location near major attractions. Median home values are $1,027,168, down 2.5% year-over-year, which may offer some negotiating leverage for investors entering the market during a slight price correction.

Seasonal swings are pronounced. Occupancy surges to 74% in July with an average daily rate of $223, while December sees a trough at 43%. Summer and spring each generate over a quarter of annual revenue, together accounting for 55% of the yearly total. Over the past year, occupancy climbed by 15% and ADR jumped 24%, while listings fell 18%, signaling a tightening supply that is pushing up both demand and nightly rates.

The active-operator revenue of $47,049 translates to a payback period of 21.8 years, reflecting the area’s high entry costs and moderate cash flow. Investors should note the dominance of one-bedroom units (97 listings) but also the outsized earnings of three-bedroom properties, which can achieve $51,423 annually at a $400 ADR, an important consideration for underwriting larger homes in this market.

Who it fits. Buyers looking for a central, steady market with balanced guest demand and moderate price points.

10. 92108: Mission Valley’s Accessible Entry Point

Market fundamentals in 92108 reflect a sharply seasonal environment where affordability stands out. July’s occupancy surges to 86% with an ADR of $144, propelling summer to contribute 39% of annual revenue, while February occupancy plunges to just 4%, leaving winter with only 17% of the yearly total. This intense seasonality means operators must be prepared for heavy swings in cash flow, with the bulk of earnings concentrated in a narrow window.

Compared to the broader US field, 92108’s 4.6% gross yield lands in the 7th percentile, well below the US median of 9.0%, even though its 48% occupancy slightly outpaces the national median of 45%. The payback period stretches to 22.4 years at the current active-operator revenue of $26,851, reflecting the market’s modest pricing power and the impact of declining home values (down 6.8% year-over-year).

The most common investment is a 1-bedroom, with 36 such listings earning $15,983 annually at a $106 ADR, suiting buyers looking for lower entry costs but requiring a tolerance for pronounced revenue volatility. Recent momentum shows demand softening, as occupancy fell 9% year-over-year and listings dropped 11%, likely due to economic headwinds and shifting travel patterns in the region.

Who it fits. Entry-level buyers seeking affordability and central access, with a tolerance for pronounced seasonality.

How to read these rankings before you buy

Gross yield is a quick way to compare markets, but it’s not the whole story. The headline revenue figure reflects the median for all listings, while the active-operator benchmark filters for properties with consistent bookings. This gives buyers a clearer sense of what a well-managed property can achieve, but actual results depend on property quality, management, and regulatory compliance.

Seasonality and neighborhood dynamics can drive big swings in occupancy and ADR, so buyers should underwrite against the active-operator revenue and payback period, not just the headline yield. Still, every property is unique. Actual results depend on property type, guest mix, and local competition, so always verify numbers at the property level.

How to Act on This

San Diego’s short-term rental market rewards buyers who can navigate both its licensing rules and its sharply segmented neighborhoods. The city’s Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) Ordinance requires a license for any rental of less than one month, with different tiers for part-time, home-sharing, and whole-home rentals.

Only one license may be held per host, and the number of licenses is capped in some categories. Mission Beach operates under its own quota. Buyers should verify their property’s eligibility and understand the minimum utilization requirements before closing a deal.

Lodging taxes also apply, with rates varying by zone and proximity to the Convention Center. The standard Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is 10.5%, but some areas may see a higher effective rate. Investors should factor these costs into their underwriting and consider the impact of mid-term rental alternatives if short-term permits are unavailable.

Neighborhood fit is key. Coastal zips command the highest nightly rates but require more capital and patience for payback, while inland areas offer better yields and quicker returns. Buyers should weigh seasonality, guest demand drivers, and local competition before making an offer. For tailored guidance and on-the-ground expertise, connect with a San Diego short-term rental agent who understands this complex market.