Bethesda, MD Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bethesda Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bethesda, MD sits in one of the most affluent suburbs of the Washington, D.C. metro area, drawing demand from government contractors, NIH-affiliated visitors, and families exploring the capital region. With 72 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $27,208 and an ADR of $196—well below Maryland's $368 state average—the market offers moderate returns but faces a challenging revenue-to-price dynamic given average home values near $1.8 million. Occupancy holds at 41%, outpacing the state average of 35%, which suggests steady demand even if yields are compressed by high acquisition costs.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bethesda short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Bethesda

Bethesda appeals to investors seeking exposure to the resilient D.C.-area demand base, though elevated home prices require careful deal selection to achieve acceptable returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bethesda represents a competitive opportunity where strong underlying demand meets elevated property prices. The market's seasonality is moderate—July peaks at $3,133 in average monthly revenue while January dips to $1,235—so investors should plan for meaningful income swings across the calendar. With a below-average revenue-to-price ratio dragging the ROI score to 38 out of 100, this is not a market for passive deal-making; success here hinges on acquiring properties below the $1.8 million average or targeting higher-performing 2- and 3-bedroom configurations that can push annual revenue above $32,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bethesda

Average revenue by month in Bethesda

Revenue in Bethesda follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking at $3,133 in July and bottoming at $1,235 in January—a spread of nearly $1,900. The warm-weather months from May through August consistently top $2,600, while the winter trough from December through February stays below $1,800, signaling that investors should plan cash reserves for leaner months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bethesda

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 37 of 72 total listings (51%), followed by 2-bedrooms at 17. Three-bedroom properties are notably scarce with just 7 listings, which—combined with their strong revenue figures—may represent an underserved niche worth exploring for investors who can source appropriate inventory.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bethesda

ADR roughly doubles from studios ($104) to 2-bedrooms ($245), then increases more modestly to $271 for 3-bedroom properties. The sharpest pricing jump occurs between 1-bedroom ($123) and 2-bedroom units, suggesting that the extra bedroom commands a significant premium that guests are willing to pay.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bethesda

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $124, nearly triple the $42 earned by studios and well ahead of the $80 for 3-bedrooms. This makes 2-bedroom units the most efficient earners per available night, as their higher occupancy (51%) amplifies an already elevated ADR.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bethesda

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 51%, substantially ahead of studios (41%), 1-bedrooms (38%), and 3-bedrooms (30%). The relatively low fill rate for 3-bedroom properties suggests they serve a narrower guest segment—likely families or groups—that books less frequently but pays a higher nightly rate.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bethesda

Three-bedroom properties top monthly revenue at $4,602 despite their lower occupancy, capitalizing on premium nightly rates. Two-bedrooms follow at $2,709, while 1-bedroom listings—the most common property type—average just $1,488, underscoring how revenue scales sharply with added bedrooms in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bethesda

Annual revenue ranges from $17,861 for 1-bedroom units to $55,228 for 3-bedroom properties, a more than threefold difference. Given Bethesda's high acquisition costs, investors targeting 2-bedrooms ($32,513) or 3-bedrooms should model whether the incremental revenue justifies the higher purchase price to achieve acceptable yield.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bethesda

Parking and in-unit laundry (washer at 93%, dryer at 90%) are near-universal, reflecting the suburban family and business traveler profile. A dedicated workspace appears in 76% of listings, signaling strong remote-work demand, while self check-in (72%) has become a baseline expectation—investors lacking these amenities risk falling behind competitive benchmarks.

Understanding Bethesda's ROI Score: 38/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Bethesda's ROI Score of 38 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting strong demand tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by home values near $1.8 million. Occupancy stability and market growth trend both score at average levels, suggesting reliable guest demand without outsized upside. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on deal structures that improve the revenue-to-price equation—such as targeting undervalued properties or higher-earning bedroom configurations.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bethesda

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Bethesda. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Bethesda falls within Montgomery County, Maryland, which may require short-term rental hosts to obtain a license or register their property with the county. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with Montgomery County and the State of Maryland before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in the greater D.C. suburban market can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, parking mandates, and noise ordinances. HOA rules in Bethesda's many condominium and townhome communities may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing governing documents is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Maryland imposes state sales and use tax on short-term rental accommodations, and Montgomery County levies a transient occupancy tax that hosts are required to collect. Major booking platforms typically remit some or all of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with both county and state obligations.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Bethesda can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bethesda's proximity to major federal agencies and medical institutions should continue to underpin consistent demand, particularly during the spring-through-fall corridor when monthly revenues exceed $2,400. With listing counts growing 135% year-over-year, rising supply could apply modest downward pressure on occupancy and ADR—investors may see rates hold near $190–$200 while occupancy stabilizes around 38–42%. Selective deal sourcing focused on 2- and 3-bedroom properties, where RevPAN is strongest, will likely be the path to outperforming market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bethesda, MD

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bethesda?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bethesda is currently 41%, which outperforms the Maryland state average of 35%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units leading at 51% while 3-bedroom properties trail at 30%. These figures reflect trailing performance across active listings in the market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bethesda?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Bethesda earn approximately $2,267 per month or $27,208 per year based on the trailing 12 months of historical booking data. Earnings vary considerably by property size—3-bedroom listings average $4,602 per month ($55,228 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,488 per month ($17,861 annually). Individual results depend on property quality, location, pricing strategy, and operational management.

Is Bethesda a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bethesda carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 38 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' Strong demand from D.C.-area professionals and medical travelers supports steady occupancy, but average home values near $1.8 million compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who source deals below market averages or target 2- and 3-bedroom properties with higher revenue potential can find attractive opportunities, but this market rewards selectivity.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Bethesda?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Bethesda is $196, which is below the Maryland state average of $368. ADR scales with property size: studios average $104, 1-bedrooms $123, 2-bedrooms $245, and 3-bedrooms $271. The relatively moderate ADR reflects Bethesda's mix of smaller units and its suburban positioning compared to downtown D.C.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bethesda?

Short-term rentals operate in Bethesda under regulations set by Montgomery County and the State of Maryland. Hosts may need to register or obtain a license, and local zoning, HOA, and community rules can impose additional restrictions. We strongly recommend consulting Montgomery County's housing and permitting offices and reviewing any applicable HOA covenants before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bethesda?

Peak season in Bethesda runs from May through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,133. The shoulder months of April ($2,443) and October ($2,502) also perform well, likely driven by fall foliage tourism and spring events in the D.C. area. January is the softest month at $1,235, so investors should budget for notable seasonal swings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bethesda?

There are currently 72 active Airbnb listings in Bethesda as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom units (37 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (17), 3-bedrooms (7), and studios (6). Year-over-year listing growth stands at 135%, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bethesda?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Bethesda are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance across active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, seasonal peaks and slower periods are naturally reflected. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how the listing is managed.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Trailing 12-month revenue data by month and property configuration
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as conditions evolve. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.