Cortland, NY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cortland Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cortland, NY presents a compelling entry point for short-term rental investors, combining an above-average revenue-to-price ratio with affordable home values averaging $296,618. With 47 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $23,985, the market remains small and relatively uncrowded — offering room for well-positioned properties to capture demand driven by the area's college-town appeal and proximity to outdoor recreation. The ROI score of 72 out of 100 underscores a healthy balance of revenue potential and manageable acquisition costs.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cortland 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 Cortland

Cortland's low property prices relative to STR revenue, combined with a manageable supply of just 47 listings, make it an appealing market for investors seeking strong cash-on-cash returns in a small college town.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cortland represents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for short-term rental investors who are comfortable with pronounced seasonality. August leads the calendar at $3,354 in average monthly revenue — more than double the April low of $1,425 — so cash flow planning should account for meaningful off-peak dips. That said, the market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable (not ballooning) supply suggest that well-managed properties can generate solid returns, particularly 3-bedroom homes that earn the highest RevPAN at $105 per night. Investors willing to optimize for summer demand and supplement with event-driven bookings during the academic year will find the most upside here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cortland

Average revenue by month in Cortland

Cortland's revenue cycle peaks sharply in summer, with August topping out at $3,354 and July at $2,847, while April represents the low point at just $1,425. The roughly 2.4x spread between peak and trough months signals meaningful seasonality that investors should plan around, though a secondary bump in February ($2,192) adds a welcome mid-winter lift.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cortland

Two-bedroom listings make up the largest share of supply at 17 units, closely followed by 16 three-bedroom properties, while one-bedrooms account for just 10 listings. The relatively thin one-bedroom inventory could represent an opportunity for investors targeting budget-conscious travelers, though the revenue data favors larger configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cortland

ADR jumps substantially with each additional bedroom, rising from $153 for 1-bedroom units to $191 for 2-bedrooms and $316 for 3-bedrooms. The 3-bedroom premium is especially pronounced — more than double the 1-bedroom rate — suggesting strong willingness among guests to pay for larger spaces, likely for group travel and family stays.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cortland

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $105 per available night, compared to $68 for 2-bedrooms and $48 for 1-bedrooms. This makes 3-bedroom units the clear revenue-efficiency leaders in Cortland, generating more than twice the per-night return of a 1-bedroom even with similar occupancy rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cortland

Occupancy rates are fairly consistent across property sizes, ranging from 32% for 1-bedrooms to 36% for 2-bedrooms, with 3-bedrooms at 33%. The narrow spread suggests that demand isn't heavily concentrated in any one segment, though 2-bedroom units maintain a slight edge in fill rates that could benefit cash-flow consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cortland

Monthly revenue scales meaningfully with size: 3-bedroom properties average $2,473 per month, more than double the $1,076 earned by 1-bedroom listings, while 2-bedrooms fall in between at $1,773. For investors weighing acquisition and operating costs, the jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms adds roughly $700 per month in average revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cortland

Three-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $29,677, followed by 2-bedrooms at $21,276 and 1-bedrooms at $12,920. Given Cortland's average home value of $296,618, a 3-bedroom unit's roughly $30K annual revenue offers the most compelling gross yield, making it the standout configuration for return-focused investors.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cortland

Parking and a full kitchen are virtually universal at 96% of listings, reflecting the car-dependent, home-style nature of Cortland's rental market. Self check-in (81%) has become a near-standard guest expectation, while outdoor amenities like backyards (51%), patios (47%), and BBQ grills (36%) highlight the appeal of residential-feel properties — and the 28% of listings offering ski-in/ski-out access points to a meaningful winter recreation niche.

Understanding Cortland's ROI Score: 72/100

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

Cortland's ROI score of 72 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning the income potential stacks up well against what you'll pay for a property here. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all register as average, which is typical for a smaller, seasonal market without outsized competition or volatility. Pairing this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and a clear seasonal cash-flow plan will give investors the fullest picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cortland

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cortland, NY may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with local authorities. Investors should verify current permit requirements with the City of Cortland and Cortland County before listing, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in New York municipalities include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may add further limitations, and some areas enforce caps on the total number of STR permits issued — so checking local zoning and any homeowner association covenants is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in New York are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and in some cases sales tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local accountant or the New York State Department of Taxation.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cortland's short-term rental market is expected to follow its established seasonal pattern, with peak revenues concentrated in July and August and softer months from late fall through early spring. ADR could see modest gains in the range of 1–3% as hosts continue to optimize pricing, though occupancy is likely to remain in the 30–36% range absent a significant demand catalyst. Listing growth has been flat year-over-year at roughly 102%, suggesting supply is holding steady rather than flooding the market. Investors who target larger properties and lean into summer-season demand should be well-positioned to outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cortland, NY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cortland?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cortland is currently 33%, which falls below the New York state average of 40%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 36%, while 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties hover around 32–33%. Seasonal demand patterns play a significant role, so hosts who optimize pricing and minimum stays during off-peak months can often push occupancy higher.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cortland?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Cortland earn approximately $1,998 per month or $23,985 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average around $12,920 annually, 2-bedroom properties bring in roughly $21,276, and 3-bedroom homes lead at approximately $29,677 per year. Peak summer months like August can push monthly revenue above $3,300.

Is Cortland a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cortland scores 72 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market's strongest asset is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — with average home values around $296,618 and annual revenues near $24K, the math works better here than in many pricier New York markets. Occupancy stability and market growth are average, so success depends on targeting the right property size and managing seasonality effectively.

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

The average daily rate in Cortland is $248, which is well below the New York state average of $381. ADR scales notably with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $153 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $191, and 3-bedroom properties command a substantial $316 per night. The lower overall ADR reflects Cortland's position as an affordable, non-metro market rather than a lack of demand.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cortland?

Short-term rentals do operate in Cortland, NY, with 47 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations and permit requirements can vary and may change over time. Prospective hosts and investors should contact the City of Cortland and review any applicable New York State regulations to ensure full compliance before launching a listing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cortland?

Peak season in Cortland runs through the summer months, with August generating the highest average revenue at $3,354 and July close behind at $2,847. February also shows a notable bump at $2,192, likely driven by winter recreation and college-related travel. The slowest months tend to be March through May, with April bottoming out at $1,425 in average monthly revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cortland?

There are currently 47 active Airbnb listings in Cortland. The supply is split fairly evenly across property sizes: 10 one-bedroom listings, 17 two-bedroom listings, and 16 three-bedroom listings. Year-over-year listing growth sits at approximately 102%, indicating that supply has remained essentially flat rather than surging.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cortland?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Cortland 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 and naturally reflects seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively 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 for the Cortland market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue data based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity distribution across active listings
• 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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change — investors should verify current rules before purchasing or listing a property.