Vacation Rental Management vs Traditional Property Management in San Diego

FULL ARTICLE (TEXT)

Many San Diego owners debate whether to hire a vacation rental manager or a traditional long-term property manager. The answer depends on your financial goals, your property’s location, and your lifestyle.

Here’s how the two models compare.

Revenue Potential

Vacation Rental (STR):

• Significantly higher returns

• ADR often $265–$600+ depending on neighborhood

• Revenue varies seasonally but overall annual income is much higher

Long-Term Rental (LTR):

• Stable but much lower cash flow

• Fixed monthly rent

• Less seasonal fluctuation

Owners wanting maximum financial return almost always choose STR.

Workload

STR:

• Guest turnover

• Messaging

• Cleaning

• Maintenance

• Design upgrades

• Reviews

• Pricing updates

  
  

LTR:

• Tenant relations

• Rent collection

• Lease renewals

• Annual maintenance

STR is more work, which is why most owners hire managers like West Coast Homestays.

Regulation

STR:

• Requires STRO licensing

• TOT/TBID taxes

• Guest compliance requirements

LTR:

• Standard rental laws

• Fewer operational rules

  
  

Wear and Tear

STR: Higher due to frequent turnover LTR: Lower due to stable tenants

Which Should You Choose?

Choose STR if:

• Your home is near the beach, attractions, or walkable zones

• You want a higher income

• You’re open to hiring a professional manager

Choose LTR if:

• You want minimal involvement

• Your property is far from tourist demand

• You prefer predictable monthly payments

  
  

Final Thoughts

STRs offer unparalleled income potential in San Diego, but require strong systems to manage well. West Coast Homestays helps owners maximize revenue while handling every operational detail.