Big Sky, MT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Big Sky Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Big Sky, Montana commands one of the most premium short-term rental markets in the state, with an average daily rate of $879 — nearly double the Montana state average of $443 — and occupancy holding at 58% versus 47% statewide. Average annual revenue reaches $101,135 per listing, driven by world-class skiing, summer recreation, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. However, with average home values near $4.8 million, the revenue-to-price ratio is below average, meaning investors need to be highly selective in deal sourcing to generate competitive returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Big Sky 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 Big Sky

Investors are drawn to Big Sky for its premium nightly rates, strong dual-season demand, and the lifestyle appeal of a world-renowned mountain resort destination.

Expert Market Assessment

"Big Sky represents a competitive opportunity where strong revenue potential is tempered by exceptionally high entry costs. The market's $101,135 average annual revenue and $510 RevPAN are impressive in isolation, but the roughly $4.8 million average home value makes the revenue-to-price ratio challenging for many investors. Seasonality is pronounced — July peaks at $14,747 in average revenue while April dips to just $4,239 — so cash-flow planning should account for meaningful fluctuations. Investors who source properties at below-market prices or target larger configurations with outsized earning potential stand the best chance of achieving attractive yields."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Big Sky

Average revenue by month in Big Sky

Big Sky shows a clear dual-peak seasonality, with July ($14,747) and August ($13,747) leading as the highest-revenue months, followed by a solid winter stretch in February–March ($8,015–$8,578). April is the softest month at $4,239, creating a roughly 3.5x spread between peak and trough — a factor investors should build into cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Big Sky

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 150 listings (30% of the market), followed by 4-bedrooms at 125. Smaller configurations like studios (6 listings) and the luxury end with 6+ bedrooms (17 listings) are far less represented, which may signal opportunity for investors targeting underserved niches at either end of the spectrum.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Big Sky

ADR scales dramatically with property size in Big Sky, ranging from $299 for studios to $2,618 for 6+ bedroom homes — a nearly 9x premium. The steepest jump occurs between 3-bedroom ($716) and 4-bedroom ($1,098) properties, suggesting that the 4-bedroom threshold is where Big Sky's luxury group-travel pricing truly kicks in.

Average RevPAN by property size in Big Sky

RevPAN climbs steeply with property size, from $222 for studios to $1,641 for 6+ bedroom listings. Five-bedroom units deliver $920 in RevPAN, offering a strong balance of high nightly revenue and reasonable occupancy, while 6+ bedrooms lead the market by a wide margin for investors who can manage the higher acquisition and operating costs.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Big Sky

Studios lead all configurations at 74% occupancy, while larger properties (3–5 bedrooms) cluster in the 54–56% range. The 6+ bedroom category recovers to 63%, suggesting that despite higher price points, the biggest homes attract consistent group bookings — a positive signal for investors in the luxury segment.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Big Sky

Monthly revenue increases substantially with size, from $3,027 for 1-bedroom units to $25,553 for 6+ bedroom properties. The jump from 4-bedroom ($11,552) to 5-bedroom ($17,928) listings represents a 55% revenue increase, making larger homes the clear revenue leaders for investors who can handle the capital requirements.

Average annual revenue by property size in Big Sky

Annual revenue ranges from $36,334 for 1-bedroom listings to $306,642 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each additional bedroom adding meaningful incremental income. Four-bedroom units at $138,624 offer a strong middle ground, generating revenue well above the market average of $101,135 while remaining more accessible than the 5- and 6+ bedroom tiers.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Big Sky

Kitchen (99%), parking (97%), and self check-in (93%) are near-universal, setting the baseline for any competitive Big Sky listing. Hot tubs appear in 73% of listings and ski-in/ski-out access in 33%, signaling that mountain-resort amenities are a strong differentiator — investors should consider these features essential rather than optional for maximizing bookings and ADR.

Understanding Big Sky'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

Big Sky's ROI score of 38 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where demand and revenue are strong but high property prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio to below-average levels. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance score at average, indicating the market isn't oversaturated but also isn't tightening in favor of existing hosts — especially given the 170% year-over-year growth in listings. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on sourcing deals where entry cost allows the premium ADR to translate into meaningful returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Big Sky

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Big Sky, Montana may be required to obtain a local permit or register their property with Gallatin County or the Big Sky Resort Tax District. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local authorities and the Montana Department of Revenue before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain resort communities like Big Sky can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and homeowner association rules that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Some areas may also impose caps on the number of permits issued, so it's important to research specific zoning and HOA covenants for any property under consideration.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Montana are generally subject to the state lodging facility use tax and may owe resort tax to the Big Sky Resort Tax District. Major platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but investors should confirm their full obligations with local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Big Sky's dual-season demand — winter ski and summer outdoor recreation — should continue supporting occupancy in the 55–60% range market-wide. Summer months (June through August) are likely to remain the revenue peak, with July alone averaging nearly $14,750, while shoulder months like April and November may see softer performance around $4,200–$4,400. ADR could see modest increases of 2–4% as supply absorption catches up with the 170% year-over-year listing growth, though investors should watch whether the rapid supply expansion pressures occupancy in the medium term."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Big Sky, MT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Big Sky?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Big Sky is currently 58%, which is notably above the Montana state average of 47%. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios leading at 74% and 2-bedroom units at 65%, while 3- to 5-bedroom properties typically see occupancy in the 54–56% range. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role, with summer and winter being the strongest booking periods.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Big Sky?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Big Sky earn approximately $8,427 per month and $101,135 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average about $36,334 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in around $306,642 per year. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue above $14,700, while slower months like April may dip to roughly $4,200.

Is Big Sky a good market for Airbnb investment?

Big Sky offers strong revenue potential with an average daily rate of $879 and solid occupancy at 58%, both well above state averages. However, the market's ROI score of 38 out of 100 reflects a competitive landscape where high property prices (averaging nearly $4.8 million) make the revenue-to-price ratio below average. Investors who can source deals at favorable entry points or focus on larger, high-earning property configurations will find the most opportunity here, but selective deal sourcing is essential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Big Sky is $879, which is approximately double the Montana state average of $443. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $299 per night, while 4-bedroom homes command $1,098 and 6+ bedroom properties reach $2,618 per night. This premium pricing reflects Big Sky's position as a luxury mountain resort destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Big Sky?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Big Sky, Montana, though operators may need to obtain local permits or register with relevant authorities such as Gallatin County and the Big Sky Resort Tax District. Regulations can vary depending on zoning and homeowner association rules, so investors should always confirm current requirements with local government offices before purchasing a property or listing it for short-term rental.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Big Sky?

Big Sky experiences a strong dual-season demand pattern. The highest-revenue months are during summer, with July averaging $14,747 and August close behind at $13,747, driven by visitors to Yellowstone National Park and outdoor recreation. Winter ski season also performs well, with February averaging $8,015 and March reaching $8,578. The quietest months are April ($4,239) and November ($4,408), which fall between the two main seasons.

How many Airbnbs are there in Big Sky?

There are currently 494 active Airbnb listings in Big Sky as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 170% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 150 listings, followed by 4-bedrooms at 125 and 2-bedrooms at 81.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Big Sky?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Big Sky 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 results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like July at $14,747) and slower months (like April at $4,239), since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Big Sky, and how effectively 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, segmented by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data from multiple providers combined and processed by Rabbu's proprietary analytics platform

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 12-month historical averages as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making any investment decision.