Tax Results for the City of Santa Barbara

Transient Occupancy Tax Results for the City of Santa Barbara – Month Ended May 31, 2022

The City of Santa Barbara collected $2.74 million in transient occupancy taxes (TOT) for May 2022. TOT revenues in May 2022 were about $461,000 above May collections last year—which was impacted by Covid-19 restrictions and travel advisories.  Compared to the pre-pandemic levels of May 2019, revenues were higher by 37%; however, this is largely due to increased average daily rates, which are 46% higher than May 2019.

The local travel industry’s steady improvement in demand for rooms has continued into the spring season as more Covid-related restrictions have been lifted. As of May, occupancy levels have continued to stabilize around pre-pandemic levels.  The City has collected $28.5 million through May, the eleventh month in the City’s fiscal year. The City’s adopted TOT budget for all funds is $23.4 million, of which $19.5 million is budgeted in the General Fund. 

The Transient Occupancy Tax table can be viewed here. The City’s TOT tax rate is 12%.  10% goes to the City’s General Fund and the remaining 2% goes to the Creeks/Clean Water Fund.