Cape Charles, VA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cape Charles Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cape Charles, VA is a small coastal market on Virginia's Eastern Shore that punches above its weight during summer months, with average monthly revenue peaking at $8,529 in July. The market carries an ROI score of 58 out of 100 — rated as an Attractive Opportunity — supported by above-average market growth and solid revenue-to-price fundamentals. With just 108 active listings and average home values of $729,555, this is a market where property selection and seasonal pricing strategy matter enormously. Investors who lean into larger properties and capitalize on the pronounced summer demand curve stand to earn meaningfully more than the market-wide $45,002 annual average.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cape Charles 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 Cape Charles

Investors are drawn to Cape Charles for its combination of Chesapeake Bay beach-town appeal, growing visitor demand, and the outsized revenue potential of larger vacation homes during peak summer season.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cape Charles presents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for investors who understand and plan around its sharp seasonality. Revenue swings from a low of $738 in January to $8,529 in July — an 11-to-1 ratio — so cash-flow planning must account for very lean winter months. The market's strength lies in larger properties: 4- and 5-bedroom homes deliver $58 and $117 RevPAN respectively, far outpacing smaller units. With listing supply growing quickly and the supply/demand balance already below average, early movers who differentiate on amenities and guest experience are best positioned to capture premium returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cape Charles

Average revenue by month in Cape Charles

Cape Charles exhibits extreme seasonality: July leads at $8,529 and August follows at $8,261, while January bottoms out at just $738 — meaning peak months generate more than 11 times the revenue of the slowest period. The June–August window alone accounts for the majority of annual earnings, making summer pricing optimization critical for overall returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cape Charles

Three-bedroom (33 listings) and 4-bedroom (31 listings) properties dominate supply, together representing about 59% of the 108 active listings. The 5-bedroom segment is notably thin at just 8 listings, which — combined with its outsized revenue performance — may signal a supply gap worth exploring for investors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cape Charles

ADR climbs sharply with size, from $222 for 1-bedroom units to $496 for 5-bedroom homes — a 2.2x premium. The jump from 3-bedroom ($257) to 4-bedroom ($343) is particularly steep, suggesting that the group and family traveler segment in Cape Charles is willing to pay meaningfully more for extra space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cape Charles

Five-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $117 per available night, more than double the $58 achieved by 4-bedroom units and roughly four times the $28 seen in 1- and 3-bedroom listings. Two-bedroom homes lag the pack at $19, indicating that mid-small units struggle to convert their nightly rates into consistent bookings.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cape Charles

Occupancy generally rises with property size, peaking at 24% for 5-bedroom listings and dropping to a low of 9% for 2-bedroom units. Even the best-performing size category remains well below the state average of 34%, underscoring how seasonal demand shapes cash-flow expectations across all property types in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cape Charles

Five-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $7,542, followed by 4-bedroom homes at $4,979 — while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom listings average $2,246 and $3,078 respectively. The gap between the top and bottom tiers is substantial enough that investors targeting smaller units should carefully model whether seasonal income will cover fixed carrying costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cape Charles

Annual revenue ranges from $26,953 for 1-bedroom units to $90,510 for 5-bedroom properties, with 4-bedroom homes sitting at a solid $59,750. Given average home values near $730K, investors targeting 4- and 5-bedroom configurations are most likely to achieve a favorable revenue-to-price ratio.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cape Charles

Parking (95%), kitchen (94%), and washer/dryer (88%/87%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient vacation stays. Outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (82%), patios (77%), and backyards (73%) are also prevalent, signaling that Cape Charles guests prioritize outdoor living — while beach access (45%) and pools (14%) remain potential differentiators for listings that offer them.

Understanding Cape Charles's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Cape Charles scores a 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity band — a market with real potential that requires strategic execution. The score reflects average marks in both revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability, balanced by an above-average market growth trend that points to strengthening demand; however, supply/demand balance rates below average, signaling that the rapid 93% listing growth could create competitive pressure. Investors should pair these insights with thorough research into local STR regulations and property-specific financials before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cape Charles

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

Permit Requirements

Cape Charles, Virginia may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Cape Charles and Northampton County, as local rules can change and enforcement varies.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Virginia coastal communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-night stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and nuisance ordinances, and off-street parking mandates. HOA covenants may add further limitations, so reviewing any applicable community rules before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Virginia are typically subject to state and local transient occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm whether additional local tourism or sales taxes apply in Cape Charles and Northampton County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Listing growth of 93% year-over-year signals rising investor interest, which could tighten the supply/demand balance — already rated below average — over the next 12–18 months. That said, Cape Charles' above-average market growth trend suggests guest demand is keeping pace, and we estimate ADR could hold steady or tick up 1–3% through the next peak season. Occupancy currently sits at 14% market-wide versus Virginia's 34% average, reflecting the deeply seasonal nature of a beach destination, so investors should budget conservatively for winter months. Expect the June-through-August window to continue driving the lion's share of annual income, with shoulder months like May and September offering meaningful supplemental revenue."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cape Charles, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cape Charles?

The current average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cape Charles is 14%, which is well below the Virginia state average of 34%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature as a summer beach destination. Larger properties tend to book more frequently — 5-bedroom homes average 24% occupancy, while 2-bedroom units sit around 9%. Investors should expect the bulk of booked nights to concentrate in the June through August peak window.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cape Charles?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Cape Charles earns approximately $3,750 per month or $45,002 annually. However, earnings vary dramatically by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $26,953 per year, while 5-bedroom properties bring in roughly $90,510. Revenue is also heavily seasonal, with July alone averaging $8,529 compared to just $738 in January.

Is Cape Charles a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cape Charles carries an ROI score of 58 out of 100, which Rabbu classifies as an Attractive Opportunity. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio given average home values of $729,555. The main considerations are the pronounced seasonality — with most income earned between June and August — and a supply/demand balance that's currently rated below average as new listings have grown 93% year-over-year. Investors targeting larger properties with strong amenity packages are best positioned to outperform market averages.

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

The average daily rate across all active Airbnb listings in Cape Charles is $292, slightly below the Virginia state average of $339. Rates scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $222 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $496. This pricing structure rewards investors who target larger vacation homes that can accommodate families and groups visiting the Eastern Shore.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cape Charles?

Short-term rentals do operate in Cape Charles, with 108 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, Virginia localities have varying regulations around STR permits, zoning, and licensing. Prospective investors should check directly with the Town of Cape Charles and Northampton County for the most current rules on permits, occupancy limits, and any applicable restrictions before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cape Charles?

Peak season in Cape Charles runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $8,529 in revenue. August follows closely at $8,261, and June comes in at $6,827. The shoulder months of May ($4,068) and September ($3,867) also generate meaningful income. Winter months are significantly slower, with January averaging just $738 — a pattern consistent with Cape Charles' identity as a Chesapeake Bay beach destination.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cape Charles?

As of April 2026, there are 108 active Airbnb listings in Cape Charles. The supply is dominated by 3-bedroom (33 listings) and 4-bedroom (31 listings) properties, which together account for nearly 60% of the market. Listing growth has been rapid, with a 93% year-over-year increase, indicating growing investor and host interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cape Charles?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Cape Charles 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 and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. 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, occupancy, and rate data for the Cape Charles market
• Historical revenue and RevPAN metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

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 averages and current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions may shift. Local regulations and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.