Chama, NM Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

60 / 100

Chama offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Chama Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Chama, NM is a small-mountain-town market with just 10 active Airbnb listings, offering investors an unusually low-competition environment. With an average annual revenue of $28,382 and an ADR of $229 — slightly below New Mexico's $249 state average — the market delivers modest but real income against a backdrop of strong year-over-year listing growth of 74%. The favorable supply/demand balance and above-average market growth trend contribute to an ROI score of 60 out of 100, signaling attractive opportunity for investors willing to navigate a seasonal, niche destination.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 10
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $249 state avg. $229
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 36% state avg. 25%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $58
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,365
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $28,382

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

Why Investors Consider Chama

Investors are drawn to Chama for its minimal competition, favorable supply/demand dynamics, and growing appeal as a mountain-recreation destination in northern New Mexico.

Key investment factors

  • Only 10 active listings create a low-competition environment with room for quality entrants
  • 74% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising market interest and demand validation
  • Above-average supply/demand balance supports pricing power for well-managed properties
  • Proximity to outdoor recreation (fishing, hiking, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad) drives seasonal tourism
  • Average home values of $484,921 paired with $28,382 annual revenue offer a niche investment profile

Expert Market Assessment

"Chama represents a moderate-opportunity market best suited for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality and a small but growing inventory. Revenue peaks sharply in July and August — with monthly earnings reaching $3,233 and $3,400 respectively — while February bottoms out near $1,358, creating a roughly 2.5× spread between the best and weakest months. The above-average growth trend and favorable supply/demand balance are encouraging, though the 25% average occupancy rate underscores that this is a leisure-driven, seasonal destination rather than a year-round cash-flow engine. Investors who optimize for peak-season capture and manage expenses carefully through the winter lull stand to benefit most."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Chama's ROI Score: 60/100

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 Chama Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Above average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Above average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Chama's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven by above-average marks in both market growth trend and supply/demand balance — two factors that reflect a market gaining traction without being oversaturated. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability score at average levels, reflecting the seasonal demand pattern and moderate income relative to $484,921 average home values. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model will help investors determine whether Chama fits their portfolio strategy.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Chama

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Chama, New Mexico may need to obtain a business registration or lodging permit from Rio Arriba County or the state. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants can also impose additional limitations on short-term rental activity, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

New Mexico imposes a gross receipts tax on lodging, and localities may layer on additional hospitality or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a local tax advisor.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Chama

Financing an Airbnb investment in Chama 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 Chama Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Chama's short-term rental market is expected to benefit from continued interest in rural mountain getaways, with summer and early fall likely remaining the primary revenue drivers. ADR could see modest gains in the 2–4% range as supply remains limited and demand from outdoor recreation visitors holds steady. Occupancy — currently at 25% versus the 36% state average — may edge higher if new listings maintain quality, though investors should plan for meaningful winter softness with monthly revenue potentially dipping below $1,500 in the slowest months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Chama, NM

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chama?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Chama is currently 25%, which falls below New Mexico's statewide average of 36%. This reflects the seasonal nature of the market, with demand concentrated in the warmer summer months and softer bookings through winter. Investors should factor this seasonality into their financial planning.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Chama?
Based on trailing 12-month booking data, Airbnb hosts in Chama earn an average of $2,365 per month, or roughly $28,382 per year. Revenue varies significantly by season — August tops out around $3,400 while February drops to approximately $1,358. Individual results depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and guest experience.
Is Chama a good market for Airbnb investment?
Chama scores 60 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and a favorable supply/demand balance, with only 10 active listings. However, the 25% occupancy rate and pronounced seasonality mean investors need a clear strategy for maximizing peak-season revenue while managing off-season carrying costs.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Chama?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Chama is $229, which is slightly below New Mexico's state average of $249. This pricing reflects the market's positioning as a small mountain-town destination. There may be room for premium pricing during peak summer months, especially for well-appointed properties with standout amenities.
Are short-term rentals legal in Chama?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Chama area, though operators may need to register their business and comply with local and state regulations. Requirements can include lodging permits, tax registrations, and adherence to zoning rules. We recommend checking directly with Rio Arriba County and the State of New Mexico for the most current requirements before listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Chama?
Peak season in Chama runs from June through October, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,400 and July close behind at $3,233. This aligns with the area's outdoor recreation season, including fishing, hiking, and scenic railroad excursions. The slowest months are January and February, when revenue drops to roughly $1,358–$1,525.
How many Airbnbs are there in Chama?
There are currently 10 active Airbnb listings in Chama as of April 2026. This is a very small market by any measure, which limits competition but also means data points are drawn from a compact set of properties. Year-over-year listing growth of 74% suggests rising investor interest, though the absolute numbers remain low.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Chama?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Chama 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like August's $3,400) and slower periods (like February's $1,358). 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 Chama market
  • Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and seasonal revenue trends based on trailing 12-month data
  • Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN and annual income estimates
  • Home value data sourced from the 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data is based on a very small sample of 10 active listings, which may limit statistical reliability and generalizability. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements may change; investors should verify current rules with local authorities before purchasing.

Next Steps

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