Cedar City, UT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

41 / 100

Cedar City presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Cedar City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cedar City, UT sits at the crossroads of southern Utah's national park corridor, drawing visitors headed to Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Cedar Breaks. With 189 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $22,042, the market offers moderate income potential but faces headwinds from a 30% occupancy rate — well below the 42% state average. An ADR of $143 is significantly more affordable than Utah's $494 state average, which keeps nightly costs accessible for guests yet compresses host revenue. Investors willing to target larger properties or differentiate on amenities may still find workable returns, but selective deal sourcing is essential in this competitive landscape.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 189
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $494 state avg. $143
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 42% state avg. 30%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $43
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,836
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $22,042

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Cedar City

Cedar City appeals to investors seeking affordable entry into Utah's outdoor tourism corridor, though tighter competition and below-average occupancy call for careful property selection.

Key investment factors

  • Proximity to Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Cedar Breaks National Monument drives leisure tourism demand
  • Average home values of $559,449 are below many Utah resort markets, offering a lower entry point
  • Larger properties (6+ bedrooms) generate outsized revenue at $64,793 annually, rewarding group-travel-focused strategies
  • Winter ski season and summer national park visits create dual peak periods that spread demand across the calendar
  • The 130% YoY listing growth indicates strong investor confidence but also rising competition for bookings

Expert Market Assessment

"Cedar City presents a competitive opportunity with meaningful seasonal swings that investors need to plan around. Revenue peaks in the winter months — February tops the chart at $2,597 — with a secondary summer surge in August ($2,440), while November drops to just $978. This roughly 2.7× spread between peak and trough months means cash-flow management is critical. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and a supply/demand balance that leans toward oversupply suggest that only well-positioned, thoughtfully operated properties will consistently outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Cedar City's ROI Score: 41/100

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

Factor Cedar City Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Below average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Cedar City's ROI Score of 41 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has real demand drivers but requires more careful deal selection to achieve attractive returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag, as $559,449 average home values paired with $22,042 in annual revenue leave thin margins unless you target higher-performing property types. Occupancy stability and market growth trend score as average, while the supply/demand balance tilts below average due to rapidly growing listings — investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear property differentiation strategy.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cedar City

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

Permit Requirements

Cedar City, Utah may require a business license or short-term rental permit before listing a property on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Cedar City and Iron County, as local regulations can change and may include zoning-specific conditions.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Utah municipalities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit rentals. Some areas also impose caps on the number of permits issued, so confirming availability early in the acquisition process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Utah are generally subject to state sales tax, a transient room tax, and potentially local tourism or resort taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with the Utah State Tax Commission and local authorities to avoid unexpected liabilities.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Cedar City

Financing an Airbnb investment in Cedar City requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Cedar City Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cedar City's STR market is likely to remain seasonally driven, with winter months (December through February) and late summer continuing to generate the strongest revenue. A 130% year-over-year increase in active listings signals growing investor interest, which could put further pressure on occupancy unless regional tourism demand keeps pace. ADR may hold steady or inch up 1–3% as larger properties command premiums, but occupancy rates are unlikely to climb meaningfully above 30–33% without a notable shift in demand. Investors should plan conservatively and budget for softer shoulder months in April through June and November."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cedar City, UT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cedar City?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cedar City is currently 30%, which falls below Utah's statewide average of 42%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 35% and studios sitting lowest at 22%. Investors should factor this moderate occupancy into their financial models and consider strategies like dynamic pricing or targeting underserved property sizes to improve fill rates.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cedar City?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Cedar City earn approximately $1,836 per month or $22,042 annually based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — studios average $703 per month while 6+ bedroom properties pull in roughly $5,399 monthly. Larger homes clearly command higher total revenue, though they also carry higher operating and acquisition costs.
Is Cedar City a good market for Airbnb investment?
Cedar City earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 41 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. Investor interest and tourism demand are present, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio and growing listing supply mean you'll need to be selective about deal sourcing and property positioning. Larger properties tend to deliver substantially better revenue, and differentiating on amenities or guest experience can help you stand out in an increasingly crowded field.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cedar City?
The average daily rate in Cedar City is $143, which is considerably lower than Utah's statewide average of $494. ADR scales with property size, from $83 for studios up to $411 for 6+ bedroom homes. This accessible pricing attracts budget-conscious travelers exploring southern Utah's national parks, but it also means hosts need strong occupancy or larger units to generate meaningful revenue.
Are short-term rentals legal in Cedar City?
Short-term rentals operate in Cedar City, but hosts may need to obtain local business licenses or STR permits. Regulations can vary by zone and are subject to change, so it's important to check directly with the City of Cedar City and Iron County before purchasing a property. HOA rules may also apply and could further restrict rental activity in certain neighborhoods.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Cedar City?
Cedar City experiences two distinct peak periods. The strongest revenue months are in winter — February ($2,597), December ($2,486), and January ($2,358) — likely driven by proximity to Brian Head ski resort. A secondary summer peak occurs in July ($2,124) and August ($2,440) as travelers visit nearby national parks. November is the softest month at just $978 in average revenue.
How many Airbnbs are there in Cedar City?
There are currently 189 active Airbnb listings in Cedar City as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in 3-bedroom (61 listings) and 1-bedroom (52 listings) properties. Notably, active listings have grown 130% year over year, indicating rapidly increasing competition in this market.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cedar City?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Cedar City 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 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 by market and property size
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level benchmarks for context
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
  • Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Cedar City's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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