Cedar Rapids, IA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cedar Rapids Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cedar Rapids presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 58 out of 100, driven by above-average occupancy stability and reasonable property values. With an average occupancy rate of 44% — well above Iowa's 33% state average — and an average daily rate of $140, hosts are generating roughly $20,214 in annual revenue. The market's 113 active listings signal a manageable competitive landscape, and average home values of $328,565 keep the barrier to entry relatively accessible for Midwest investors.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids attracts STR investors with its favorable occupancy rates relative to the state, affordable property acquisition costs, and steady demand from a mix of corporate travelers and regional visitors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cedar Rapids earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, with its strongest performance coming from occupancy stability rated above average. Revenue follows a clear seasonal arc — July tops out at $2,305 per month while January dips to $1,096 — creating roughly a 2:1 spread between peak and trough. The below-average market growth trend and supply/demand balance suggest that recent rapid listing growth (148% year over year) could pressure individual returns if it continues unchecked. Investors who focus on well-differentiated properties with in-demand amenities are best positioned to capture the market's upside while mitigating competitive risk."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cedar Rapids

Average revenue by month in Cedar Rapids

Revenue in Cedar Rapids follows a pronounced seasonal curve, peaking at $2,305 in July and bottoming out at $1,096 in January — a spread of over $1,200. The strongest earning window runs May through September, making summer the critical revenue period for investors to maximize returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cedar Rapids

One-bedroom (35 listings) and 2-bedroom (32 listings) units dominate Cedar Rapids' supply, accounting for nearly 60% of all active listings. Studios (5 listings) and 4-bedroom homes (13 listings) are notably underrepresented, which could signal reduced competition and opportunity for investors targeting those segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cedar Rapids

ADR climbs steadily with property size, from $74 for studios to $224 for 4-bedroom homes — roughly a 3x premium. The jump from 2-bedroom ($125) to 3-bedroom ($166) represents a solid 33% increase, suggesting that larger family-friendly properties can command meaningful rate premiums in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cedar Rapids

RevPAN increases consistently with bedroom count, from $24 for studios to $77 for 4-bedroom properties. The 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom tiers deliver the strongest revenue per available night at $68 and $77 respectively, reflecting how higher nightly rates more than compensate for their somewhat lower occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cedar Rapids

One-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties tie for the highest occupancy at 48%, while studios (33%) and 4-bedroom homes (34%) lag behind. Investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency may find the mid-size sweet spot of 1–2 bedrooms offers the most predictable booking patterns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cedar Rapids

Monthly revenue scales from $916 for studios up to $2,525 for 4-bedroom homes, with each step up in bedrooms adding roughly $300–$530 in monthly income. Three-bedroom units at $1,996 per month represent a compelling middle ground between revenue potential and likely lower acquisition and maintenance costs compared to 4-bedroom properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cedar Rapids

Four-bedroom properties lead with $30,303 in average annual revenue, nearly triple that of studios at $11,001. For investors evaluating return potential, 3-bedroom homes generating $23,963 annually may offer the strongest balance of revenue and manageable acquisition costs in Cedar Rapids' affordable housing market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cedar Rapids

Parking (97%) and kitchens (94%) are near-universal in Cedar Rapids listings, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient stays. The high prevalence of workspaces (74%) and self check-in (88%) signals a market that caters heavily to business travelers and remote workers, while premium amenities like pools (6%) and hot tubs (4%) remain rare differentiators.

Understanding Cedar Rapids'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

Cedar Rapids' ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, indicating a market with meaningful investment potential balanced by some headwinds. Above-average occupancy stability is the standout strength, while the revenue-to-price ratio scores as average — reflecting decent but not exceptional returns relative to acquisition costs. Below-average ratings for market growth trend and supply/demand balance warrant attention, particularly given rapid listing growth, so pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and competitive analysis is strongly recommended.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cedar Rapids

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

Permit Requirements

Hosts operating short-term rentals in Cedar Rapids, Iowa may need to obtain permits or register their property with the city. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Cedar Rapids city clerk's office or planning department before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Iowa markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. Additionally, HOA covenants or neighborhood-specific regulations may impose further limitations, so it's important to review all applicable local rules before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Iowa are generally subject to state sales tax and local hotel/motel tax obligations. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their specific obligations with the Iowa Department of Revenue and local authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cedar Rapids is expected to maintain its above-average occupancy stability, with rates likely holding in the 42–46% range given the market's consistent demand patterns. Seasonal peaks in June and July suggest summer-driven bookings will continue to anchor annual revenue, while winter months may see modest softness. ADR growth could be tempered given the below-average market growth trend, but investors might anticipate incremental increases of 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies. Supply growth bears watching — listing counts grew 148% year over year — so maintaining competitive amenities and pricing will be essential to sustain performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cedar Rapids, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cedar Rapids?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cedar Rapids is currently 44%, which is notably higher than the Iowa state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units leading at 48%, while studios and 4-bedroom properties see lower rates around 33–34%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cedar Rapids?

Airbnb hosts in Cedar Rapids earn an average of $1,684 per month, or approximately $20,214 annually, based on the trailing 12 months of historical booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios average around $916 per month while 4-bedroom homes can bring in about $2,525 monthly.

Is Cedar Rapids a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cedar Rapids scores 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a favorable revenue-to-price ratio given average home values of $328,565. However, below-average market growth and rapid supply increases mean investors should focus on well-differentiated properties and competitive pricing to maximize returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Cedar Rapids is $140, which is well below Iowa's state average of $265. ADR scales with property size, ranging from $74 for studios up to $224 for 4-bedroom homes. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Cedar Rapids' Midwest pricing dynamics, but the higher-than-average occupancy helps offset this.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cedar Rapids?

Short-term rentals do operate in Cedar Rapids, with 113 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations, permits, and zoning requirements may apply. Investors should consult directly with Cedar Rapids city officials and review any applicable Iowa state regulations before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cedar Rapids?

Peak season for Airbnb in Cedar Rapids runs from May through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $2,305 per listing. June ($2,146) and May ($2,001) also perform well. The slowest months are January ($1,096) and February ($1,164), creating a seasonal spread that investors should factor into cash flow planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cedar Rapids?

There are currently 113 active Airbnb listings in Cedar Rapids. The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 148% year over year. Supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (35 listings) and 2-bedroom (32 listings) properties, with fewer options in the 4-bedroom (13 listings) and studio (5 listings) categories.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cedar Rapids?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cedar Rapids 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 for the Cedar Rapids market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to guide property setup decisions
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for acquisition cost 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, taxes, and permit requirements vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.