Bethlehem, PA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bethlehem Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bethlehem, PA presents an interesting entry point for short-term rental investors, with an ROI score of 60 out of 100 — categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market's 52 active Airbnb listings and average annual revenue of $29,084 suggest a compact, emerging market rather than one saturated with competition. With an average daily rate of $180 — well below Pennsylvania's $350 state average — and home values around $525,780, the revenue-to-price ratio offers moderate but meaningful yield potential, particularly for investors who optimize property type and pricing strategy.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Bethlehem

Bethlehem's blend of moderate property costs, growing tourism appeal, and a still-small supply of STR listings makes it a market worth watching for investors seeking early positioning in an emerging Airbnb destination.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bethlehem earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven by balanced — if not exceptional — fundamentals across revenue, occupancy, and growth. Seasonality is a real factor here: August leads the pack at $3,709 in average monthly revenue, while February and March dip below $1,500, so investors need to price accordingly during softer months. The 29% market-wide occupancy rate sits below Pennsylvania's 36% average, which warrants attention, though 2-bedroom properties significantly outperform at 48% occupancy. Overall, this is a market with genuine upside for investors who choose the right property configuration and manage through the quieter winter stretch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bethlehem

Average revenue by month in Bethlehem

Bethlehem shows pronounced seasonality, with August delivering the highest average revenue at $3,709 and February marking the low point at $1,489 — a spread of over $2,200 between peak and trough. Investors should plan for strong summer earnings and softer winter months, with a notable secondary bump in October ($2,898) and December ($2,839) that helps cushion the off-season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bethlehem

One-bedroom listings dominate Bethlehem's supply at 17 units, followed by 2-bedrooms (12) and 3-bedrooms (10), with 4-bedroom properties being the scarcest at just 6 listings. The limited supply of larger homes could represent an opportunity for investors, especially given that 4-bedroom units generate the highest annual revenue in this market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bethlehem

ADR climbs from $108 for 1-bedroom units to $217 for 4-bedroom properties, though the gap narrows significantly between 3-bedrooms ($213) and 4-bedrooms ($217). The most compelling rate jump occurs between 1- and 2-bedroom listings, where ADR nearly doubles, suggesting the premium-to-cost trade-off is strongest for 2-bedroom investments.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bethlehem

Two-bedroom properties lead the market in RevPAN at $92 per available night, far outpacing 4-bedrooms ($60), 3-bedrooms ($36), and 1-bedrooms ($31). This standout performance reflects the 2-bedroom segment's superior occupancy rate and positions it as the most efficient revenue generator on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bethlehem

Occupancy varies dramatically by property size in Bethlehem: 2-bedroom listings achieve 48% occupancy, nearly triple the 17% rate seen for 3-bedroom units. One-bedroom (29%) and 4-bedroom (28%) properties occupy a middle tier, while the low 3-bedroom occupancy suggests potential oversupply or pricing issues in that segment.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bethlehem

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $3,329, closely followed by 2-bedrooms at $3,150, while 1-bedroom units earn $1,533 — roughly half as much. The relatively small gap between 2- and 4-bedroom monthly revenue, combined with 2-bedrooms' far superior occupancy, makes the smaller configuration particularly compelling for cash-flow-focused investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bethlehem

Annual revenue ranges from $18,401 for 1-bedroom listings to $39,955 for 4-bedroom properties, with 2-bedrooms generating $37,803 — nearly matching the top tier. Given the lower acquisition costs typically associated with 2-bedroom homes, this segment likely offers the strongest return on investment relative to purchase price in the Bethlehem market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bethlehem

Kitchen and parking top the amenity list at 90% prevalence each, signaling that guests in Bethlehem expect practical, home-like essentials rather than luxury features. Self check-in (77%) and workspace access (73%) are also standard, suggesting a guest profile that values convenience and flexibility — potentially including business travelers and remote workers alongside leisure visitors.

Understanding Bethlehem's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Bethlehem's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average performance across all four calculation factors: Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance. While no single factor rates above average, the consistent baseline means there are no glaring red flags — and targeted property selection (particularly 2-bedroom units) can push actual returns above the market-level numbers. Investors should pair this data with local regulatory research and property-specific underwriting to validate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bethlehem

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania may need to obtain local permits or register their rental property with the city. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Bethlehem's zoning and licensing offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Pennsylvania markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and HOA or condo association rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some municipalities also cap the number of STR permits issued, so checking local ordinances early in the acquisition process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Pennsylvania are typically subject to state sales tax and local hotel occupancy taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional familiar with Bethlehem and Pennsylvania regulations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Supply in Bethlehem has grown rapidly, with year-over-year listing growth of 127%, signaling rising investor interest that could pressure occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate ADR could hold steady or see modest 1–3% increases as the market matures, while occupancy rates may fluctuate in the 27–32% range depending on seasonal demand patterns. August and July will likely remain the strongest revenue months, and investors entering now should plan for softer winter performance — particularly February and March. Strategic pricing and amenity differentiation will be important as the competitive landscape evolves."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bethlehem, PA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bethlehem?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bethlehem is currently 29%, which falls below the Pennsylvania state average of 36%. However, performance varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom units lead with 48% occupancy, while 3-bedroom listings average just 17%. Choosing the right property configuration can make a meaningful difference in how consistently your calendar stays booked.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bethlehem?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Bethlehem earn approximately $2,423 per month and $29,084 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 4-bedroom listings top the chart at $39,955 annually, while 1-bedroom units average $18,401. Seasonal swings also play a role, with August revenues reaching $3,709 and winter months like February dipping to around $1,489.

Is Bethlehem a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bethlehem scores a 60 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from a relatively small supply of 52 active listings, moderate property costs, and solid summer revenue potential. While occupancy and ADR sit below state averages, targeted investments — particularly in 2-bedroom properties — can outperform the market-wide numbers. Investors should factor in seasonal revenue fluctuations and the rapid 127% year-over-year growth in listings when evaluating the opportunity.

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

The average daily rate across Bethlehem's Airbnb market is $180, which is significantly lower than the $350 Pennsylvania state average. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $108, 2-bedrooms come in at $191, 3-bedrooms at $213, and 4-bedrooms at $217. The relatively flat jump from 3 to 4 bedrooms suggests a pricing ceiling for larger properties in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bethlehem?

Short-term rentals operate in Bethlehem, PA, as evidenced by 52 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations, permit requirements, and zoning restrictions can apply and may change over time. We strongly recommend consulting with the City of Bethlehem's zoning office and reviewing Pennsylvania state regulations before purchasing or listing a short-term rental property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bethlehem?

Peak season in Bethlehem runs through the summer months, with August generating the highest average revenue at $3,709 and July close behind at $3,253. October and December also perform well at $2,898 and $2,839 respectively, likely driven by fall tourism and holiday events. The slowest months are February ($1,489) and March ($1,465), so investors should budget for reduced winter income.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bethlehem?

As of April 2026, there are 52 active Airbnb listings in the Bethlehem market. This represents a 127% increase year-over-year, indicating significant growth in investor and host interest. The supply is spread across property sizes, with 1-bedroom listings being the most common (17 listings) and 4-bedroom properties the least available (6 listings).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bethlehem?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Bethlehem are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

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 for the Bethlehem, PA market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Supply distribution and year-over-year growth data for market sizing
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify current rules with the relevant municipal and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.