Where Rental Properties Cash-Flow in California
We analyzed active for-sale homes across 8 California metros. Bakersfield leads for short-term-rental cash flow (56%) — here's how they compare, as of August 2026.
8 markets
Ranked by the share of each metro’s active listings that cash-flow as a short-term rental, best first.
| # | Metro | Median price | STR revenue / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bakersfield, CA | $454,000 | $43,160 |
| 2 | Fresno, CA | $465,000 | $41,852 |
| 3 | Sacramento, CA | $537,000 | $46,704 |
| 4 | San Diego, CA | $859,450 | $63,945 |
| 5 | Long Beach, CA | $876,500 | $56,340 |
| 6 | Los Angeles, CA | $1,100,000 | $63,981 |
| 7 | San Jose, CA | $1,238,500 | $67,123 |
| 8 | Irvine, CA | $1,550,000 | $60,030 |
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5 senior bankers · 47 statesThe winning metro still has to fit your actual deal.
We’ll connect the market score to a buy box, local costs, rental rules, and financing assumptions.
See California properties that clear the screen.
Real active listings with projected income we accept as a direct lender means properties in our Scout platform can fund in as little as 15-18 days. Reach out and we’ll show you how.

$149,000 — 2-bed condo in Fresno, CA
DSCR 1.61 (debt-service coverage ratio)Condo · 2 bed · 1.5 bath · 968 sqft
- Projected STR revenue
- $27,500–$35,100/yr
See the market data for this metro
Scout this home & market: 2-bed condo in Fresno, CAListed by Premier Plus Real Estate Company

$359,000 — 3-bed house in Crescent City, CA
DSCR 1.52 (debt-service coverage ratio)House · 3 bed · 1.5 bath · 1,200 sqft
- Projected STR revenue
- $45,100–$57,400/yr
Want more in Crescent City? Full Scout has it. Ask us.
Scout this home & market: 3-bed house in Crescent City, CAListed by RE/MAX Coastal Redwoods

$1,645,000 — 5-bed house in Solvang, CA
DSCR 1.28 (debt-service coverage ratio)House · 5 bed · 3 bath · 1,128 sqft
- Projected STR revenue
- $174,800–$222,500/yr
Want more in Solvang? Full Scout has it. Ask us.
Scout this home & market: 5-bed house in Solvang, CAListed by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
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Prefer to talk now? Call or text Chad: 858-353-8331.