How Much Do Vacation Rentals Make in Big Bear?

By Michael Ferguson

Big Bear is a beautiful and popular vacation destination located in Southern California. This mountain town attracts tourists all year round, but the peak season is during the winter months when visitors come to ski and snowboard.

If you own a vacation rental property in Big Bear, you might be wondering how much you can make from renting it out. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at vacation rental income in Big Bear.

Factors that Affect Vacation Rental Income

Before we get into specific numbers, it’s important to understand that there are several factors that can affect your vacation rental income in Big Bear. These include:

  • The location of your property
  • The time of year
  • The size and amenities of your property
  • Your pricing strategy
  • Your marketing efforts

Location of Your Property

The location of your property can have a big impact on how much you can charge for rent. Properties that are closer to the ski slopes or the lake tend to command higher prices than those that are further away. Additionally, properties with scenic views or easy access to hiking trails may also be more desirable to renters.

Time of Year

As mentioned earlier, the winter months are peak season in Big Bear due to skiing and snowboarding. However, summer months can also be busy due to activities such as boating and fishing on the lake. Off-seasons like spring and fall may still see some visitors but at lower rates.

Size and Amenities of Your Property

The size and amenities of your property will also play a role in how much you can charge for rent. Larger properties with more bedrooms or bathrooms will naturally cost more than smaller ones. Properties with amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces or game rooms may also be able to command higher prices.

Pricing Strategy

Your pricing strategy will also have an impact on your vacation rental income. You can choose to charge a flat rate per night, or you can offer discounts for longer stays. It’s important to keep an eye on the competition and adjust your prices accordingly.

Marketing Efforts

Finally, your marketing efforts will play a role in attracting renters to your property. Make sure that you have high-quality photos of your property and write a compelling description. You can also list your property on popular vacation rental sites like Airbnb or Vrbo.

How Much Can You Expect to Earn?

So, how much can you expect to earn from renting out your Big Bear vacation home? According to data from AirDNA, the average daily rate for vacation rentals in Big Bear is $301. During the peak season, this rate can go up significantly, with some properties commanding rates of over $500 per night.

Of course, these are just averages and individual results may vary depending on the factors we discussed earlier. However, many vacation rental owners in Big Bear report earning enough income during peak season to cover their mortgage payments for the entire year.

The Bottom Line

If you own a vacation rental property in Big Bear, there is definitely money to be made. By taking into account factors like location, time of year, and amenities, you can maximize your income potential. With proper pricing and marketing strategies in place, you could potentially earn enough income during peak season to cover expenses for the entire year.