Cary, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cary Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cary, NC offers a competitive short-term rental landscape where strong occupancy outpaces the North Carolina state average by a wide margin — 41% versus 34%. With 155 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $31,477 per property, the market benefits from steady demand likely fueled by proximity to the Research Triangle's corporate and tech hubs. However, average home values near $917,299 create a tighter revenue-to-price ratio, meaning investors need to be strategic about property selection and pricing to generate attractive returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cary 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 Cary

Cary attracts STR investors thanks to its above-average occupancy stability and proximity to major employment centers in the Research Triangle, though higher home prices demand careful deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cary presents a competitive opportunity where demand fundamentals are genuinely solid but the investment math requires more careful execution. The market's above-average occupancy and moderate seasonal swings — revenue peaks at $3,016 in July and only dips to $1,875 in January — provide a reasonable baseline for cash-flow planning. That said, average home values approaching $917,299 paired with annual revenues around $31,477 create a revenue-to-price ratio that falls below average, so investors should focus on properties priced well under the market median or target larger configurations where annual revenue can reach nearly $59,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cary

Average revenue by month in Cary

Revenue in Cary follows a mild seasonal curve, peaking at $3,016 in July and bottoming out at $1,875 in January — a spread of roughly $1,141. The relatively gentle seasonality, with most months clustering between $2,600 and $2,900, suggests investors can count on more consistent cash flow compared to heavily tourism-dependent markets.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cary

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 56 of the 155 active listings, while 5-bedroom homes are the most underrepresented at just 8 listings. This scarcity at the larger end, combined with significantly higher revenue potential for 5-bedroom units, could signal an opportunity for investors willing to target that niche.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cary

ADR scales steadily from $94 for 1-bedroom units to $322 for 5-bedroom homes, with each additional bedroom adding roughly $50–$85 to the nightly rate. The jump from 4-bedroom ($237) to 5-bedroom ($322) is especially notable, suggesting strong pricing power for larger group-friendly properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cary

Revenue per available night increases consistently with property size, from $40 for 1-bedroom listings to $119 for 5-bedroom homes. Five-bedroom properties deliver nearly three times the RevPAN of 1-bedroom units, indicating that the higher nightly rates more than compensate for their slightly lower occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cary

Occupancy is tightest among 1- and 2-bedroom listings at 43–44%, while 4-bedroom properties see the lowest rate at 35%. The modest spread across sizes means smaller units fill more nights but the difference is not dramatic, so investors should weigh occupancy alongside the significantly higher ADR that larger properties command.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cary

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,443 for 1-bedroom units to $4,891 for 5-bedroom homes, with each step up in bedrooms delivering a meaningful revenue increase. The gap between 3-bedroom ($2,923) and 4-bedroom ($3,575) properties alone represents an additional $652 per month, reinforcing the case for larger configurations.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cary

Annual revenue scales from $17,320 for 1-bedroom listings to $58,695 for 5-bedroom homes, making the largest units more than three times as productive. Investors targeting the 4- to 5-bedroom range stand to capture $42,905–$58,695 annually, which may help offset Cary's higher average home values when evaluating overall returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cary

Parking (97%), kitchen (94%), and washer (93%) are near-universal among Cary listings, reflecting guest expectations for home-like conveniences — likely driven by families and business travelers. Differentiators like pools (16%), EV chargers (7%), and gyms (6%) remain rare, offering potential for standout listings to capture premium bookings.

Understanding Cary's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Cary's ROI Score of 49 out of 100 places it in the competitive opportunity tier — a market where demand is real but returns aren't automatic. Occupancy stability scores above average, which is encouraging for cash-flow predictability, but the revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance both fall below average, reflecting the combination of high home values and rapid listing growth. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeted property sourcing will be key to finding deals that pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cary

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cary, North Carolina may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Cary and Wake County, as local STR regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Cary may include limits on the number of overnight guests, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking rules, and caps on the number of permits issued in certain zones. HOA covenants are especially relevant in Cary's many planned communities and can prohibit or limit short-term rentals entirely, so reviewing governing documents before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in North Carolina are typically subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Major booking platforms often collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and Wake County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cary's STR market is expected to maintain its above-average occupancy stability, with rates likely holding in the 39–43% range given consistent demand from business travelers and area events. ADR may see modest growth of 1–3% as the market continues to mature, though the near-doubling of active listings year-over-year (99% growth) signals intensifying competition that could put pressure on per-listing revenue. Investors entering now should focus on differentiated properties — particularly larger homes that command premium nightly rates — and plan for seasonality dips in January and February when monthly revenue drops below $2,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cary, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cary?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cary is currently 41%, which outperforms the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy tends to be slightly higher for 1- and 2-bedroom properties (43–44%) and somewhat lower for 4-bedroom listings (35%). This above-average occupancy stability is one of the market's strongest attributes for investors looking for consistent booking volume.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cary?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Cary earn approximately $2,623 per month or $31,477 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $17,320 annually, while 5-bedroom homes can reach roughly $58,695. Actual results depend on factors like property quality, amenities, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is managed.

Is Cary a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cary scores a 49 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, reflecting a competitive opportunity where demand is strong but higher home prices and growing supply require more selective deal sourcing. Occupancy stability is above average, and the market benefits from Research Triangle demand drivers. Investors who focus on well-located, larger properties and competitive pricing can still find worthwhile opportunities, but this is not a market where any listing will automatically perform well.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Cary is $173, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales meaningfully with property size — from $94 for 1-bedroom units up to $322 for 5-bedroom homes. This pricing structure suggests that larger properties command a strong premium and may offer a better return profile for investors willing to take on the higher acquisition cost.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cary?

Short-term rentals do operate in Cary, NC, with 155 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can vary and may require permits, registration, or compliance with zoning rules. Investors should verify current STR regulations with the Town of Cary, Wake County, and any applicable homeowners association before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cary?

Peak season for Airbnb in Cary runs during the summer months, with July ($3,016) and August ($3,007) generating the highest average monthly revenue. The spring and fall shoulder seasons also perform well, with months like May ($2,835) and October ($2,829) staying close to peak levels. January is the softest month at $1,875, though even the off-season revenue stays relatively moderate compared to highly seasonal vacation markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cary?

There are currently 155 active Airbnb listings in Cary as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with year-over-year listing increases of 99%. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 56 listings, followed by 2-bedroom (35) and 1-bedroom (32) units, while 5-bedroom homes remain the scarcest at just 8 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cary?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Cary 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. 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 rates, and daily rates by market
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns showing how performance metrics vary across bedroom counts
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to help investors benchmark competitive offerings
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis context

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 market conditions may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making any investment decision.