Our Host + Guest Community in California

Airbnb in California

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals across over 220 countries and regions. Travel on Airbnb helps keep more of the financial benefits of tourism with the people and local communities that make it happen.

In California, Airbnb is an important economic tool for residents who share their homes to earn extra money. The majority of Hosts – almost 80 percent – share just one home, and by welcoming guests who spend money at small businesses, local restaurants and natural attractions, Hosts across California also help support their local economies.

A Popular Accommodation Option for Californians 

Travelers choose to book short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb for access to unique and affordable accommodations not found in traditional lodging. In 2022, millions of Californians booked a stay with Airbnb Hosts in California. The top destination for Californians in 2022 was Los Angeles, while the top destination for California families was San Diego.

A Source of Supplemental Income

For many Californians, the income they earn by sharing their homes on Airbnb has allowed  them to navigate the economic upheaval of the pandemic and keep up with the rising costs of living in the state. 

The majority of Hosts in California are regular people who occasionally share their home with travelers – approximately 61 nights per year – to supplement their income. This money helps cover everyday costs – 51% of Hosts in California say hosting allows them to cover costs, including food, that have become more expensive than they used to be, and more than half say hosting helped them stay in their home.