Boulder, CO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Boulder Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Boulder's short-term rental market combines a university-town draw with outdoor recreation appeal, generating an average annual revenue of $47,960 across 412 active Airbnb listings. While the average daily rate of $307 sits well below Colorado's $529 state average, above-average occupancy stability helps offset the gap. With an ROI score of 63 out of 100 and home values averaging $1,623,029, investors should target property types carefully to maximize returns in this high-cost market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Boulder 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 Boulder

Boulder attracts STR investors thanks to its combination of steady university-driven demand, outdoor recreation tourism, and above-average occupancy stability relative to Colorado peers.

Expert Market Assessment

"Boulder presents a moderately attractive opportunity for STR investors who choose the right property configuration and manage seasonal cash-flow expectations. The market's sharp seasonality — with July revenue of $6,581 representing more than three times February's $1,981 — means operators need summer months to carry the annual bottom line. Occupancy stability above the state average is a genuine advantage, and the balanced supply/demand dynamics suggest the market isn't yet oversaturated despite rapid listing growth. Investors targeting 3- and 4-bedroom properties stand to capture the strongest combination of RevPAN and total revenue, though Boulder's elevated home prices demand careful underwriting."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Boulder

Average revenue by month in Boulder

Boulder's revenue peaks sharply in July at $6,581 and bottoms out in February at $1,981, creating a spread of over $4,600 between the best and worst months. This pronounced summer-heavy seasonality means investors should budget for roughly five months (November through March) of below-average revenue and rely on the June–September surge to drive annual performance.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Boulder

One-bedroom units dominate Boulder's supply with 153 listings (37% of the market), followed by 2-bedrooms at 113. Larger properties — particularly 4-bedroom (30 listings) and 5+ bedroom units (20 combined) — are significantly underrepresented, which may signal less competition and greater pricing power for investors targeting those segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Boulder

ADR climbs steeply with size in Boulder, from $133 for studios to $814 for 4-bedroom homes and $1,211 for 6+ bedroom properties. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($235) to 3-bedrooms ($423) is particularly notable, nearly doubling the nightly rate and representing a strong premium-to-size inflection point for investors.

Average RevPAN by property size in Boulder

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $258, outperforming both 5-bedroom ($194) and 6+ bedroom ($223) units despite similar or lower occupancy. This suggests 4-bedroom homes hit the sweet spot between commanding premium nightly rates and maintaining enough bookings to maximize per-night revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Boulder

Occupancy rates are remarkably flat across most property sizes in Boulder, with 1- and 2-bedroom listings at 35% and studios, 3-, and 4-bedrooms at 32%. The notable exception is 6+ bedroom properties at just 18%, indicating that the largest homes struggle to fill consistently and may carry higher vacancy risk.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Boulder

Monthly revenue scales predictably with size, from $1,956 for studios up to $9,966 for 4-bedroom properties and $16,770 for 6+ bedroom homes. The 3-bedroom tier at $6,803 per month represents an accessible mid-range option that significantly outearns 2-bedrooms ($4,109) without requiring the capital outlay of a 4-bedroom home.

Average annual revenue by property size in Boulder

Four-bedroom properties generate approximately $119,598 annually — nearly 2.5 times the revenue of a 2-bedroom ($49,317) — making them one of the strongest configurations for return potential. While 6+ bedroom homes lead at $201,242 annually, their low 18% occupancy and limited supply of just 7 listings make it harder to draw reliable conclusions about that segment.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Boulder

Parking appears in 97% of Boulder listings, reflecting the car-dependent nature of accessing outdoor recreation areas. The prevalence of workspaces (73%), kitchens (85%), and washer/dryer combos (79–81%) signals that guests expect home-like functionality — likely driven by remote workers and longer-stay visitors — while premium differentiators like hot tubs (14%) and EV chargers (9%) remain relatively uncommon and could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Boulder's ROI Score: 63/100

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

Boulder's ROI score of 63 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply/demand dynamics. The revenue-to-price ratio is rated average, which reflects Boulder's high home values relative to achievable rental income — a factor investors should weigh carefully when underwriting deals. Pairing this score with thorough local regulatory research and a property-size strategy focused on 3- to 4-bedroom units can help investors capitalize on the market's strengths.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Boulder

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Boulder and the State of Colorado may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with Boulder's planning and licensing departments, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Colorado STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum-night stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential caps on the total number of permits issued. HOA covenants in many Boulder neighborhoods may impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Boulder are typically subject to state and local lodging taxes, sales tax, and potentially a city-specific accommodation tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional familiar with Colorado requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Boulder's STR market is expected to maintain its pronounced summer peak, with June through August likely continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. Occupancy stability — rated above average — suggests demand should hold relatively steady, though the 117% year-over-year growth in active listings could introduce pricing pressure if new supply outpaces visitor growth. ADR may see modest increases in the 1–3% range for larger properties, while occupancy rates across most bedroom counts are likely to hover around 30–35%. Investors should plan for meaningful revenue swings between summer highs and winter lows when projecting cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Boulder, CO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Boulder?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Boulder is currently 33%, which is below Colorado's 45% state average. Occupancy is relatively consistent across property sizes, ranging from 29% for 5-bedroom units to 35% for 1- and 2-bedroom listings. Seasonal demand shifts significantly, with summer months driving the highest booking volumes.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Boulder?

Boulder Airbnb hosts earn an average of $3,996 per month or roughly $47,960 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies substantially by property size — studios average about $1,956 monthly, while 4-bedroom properties bring in approximately $9,966 per month. Larger 6+ bedroom homes lead the market at around $16,770 per month.

Is Boulder a good market for Airbnb investment?

Boulder scores a 63 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics, though the revenue-to-price ratio is average given Boulder's high property values (averaging $1,623,029). Investors who target mid-size to larger properties and manage seasonal pricing effectively can find solid returns here.

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

The market-wide average daily rate in Boulder is $307, well below Colorado's $529 state average. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $133, while 3-bedroom homes command $423 and 4-bedroom properties reach $814 per night. Larger 6+ bedroom listings top the market at $1,211 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Boulder?

Short-term rentals do operate in Boulder, with 412 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, the City of Boulder and the State of Colorado may impose permitting, licensing, and zoning requirements that hosts must comply with. Investors should consult Boulder's local government and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Boulder?

Peak season in Boulder runs from June through August, with July leading at $6,581 in average monthly revenue. The summer months generate roughly double or triple the revenue of the winter low season, when February dips to just $1,981. A secondary shoulder season in September and October (around $4,300–$4,700) also provides meaningful bookings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Boulder?

There are currently 412 active Airbnb listings in Boulder as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 117% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share at 153 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (113) and 3-bedrooms (80).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Boulder?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Boulder 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 remaining data 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party sources for consistency

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 and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.