Elizabeth, NJ Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Elizabeth Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Elizabeth, NJ sits in the shadow of Newark Liberty International Airport and just minutes from Manhattan, giving it a natural base of travel-driven demand. With 161 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $19,079, the market offers accessible entry relative to much of northern New Jersey, though a 25% average occupancy rate and below-average revenue-to-price ratio signal that careful deal selection is essential. Investors who target the right property size and optimize pricing strategy can carve out returns here, but this is not a set-it-and-forget-it market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth

Elizabeth's position as a gateway to New York City and Newark Airport creates a recurring stream of transit-oriented guests, though competitive pricing and rising supply demand strategic positioning.

Expert Market Assessment

"Elizabeth presents a competitive opportunity rather than a slam-dunk one. The ROI score of 47 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and a supply-demand balance tilted by rapid listing growth, tempered by average occupancy stability and moderate market growth trends. Seasonality is pronounced: July revenue ($2,051) is more than double the February low ($872), so investors need to budget for meaningful cash-flow swings. Targeting larger units—particularly 2- and 3-bedroom properties—offers the strongest path to meaningful returns, as these configurations pull in $2,327 to $2,952 per month despite the market's overall modest averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Elizabeth

Average revenue by month in Elizabeth

Revenue in Elizabeth follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking in July at $2,051 and bottoming out in February at $872—a spread of over $1,100. The summer months (June–August) consistently outperform, while the December bump to $1,712 suggests a secondary demand pulse around the holidays that savvy hosts can capitalize on.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Elizabeth

One-bedroom units dominate the supply landscape with 101 of 161 total listings (63%), while 3-bedroom properties account for just 20 listings. This concentration in smaller units may create opportunity for investors willing to operate larger properties, where competition is thinner and revenue potential is substantially higher.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Elizabeth

ADR scales notably with size, jumping from $92 for 1-bedroom units to $213 for 3-bedroom properties—a 131% premium. Interestingly, studios command $131 per night (above 1-bedrooms), likely reflecting a small sample of well-positioned or unique listings, though investors should weigh this against the studio segment's lower occupancy.

Average RevPAN by property size in Elizabeth

Two-bedroom units lead in RevPAN at $36 per available night, edging out 3-bedrooms at $33, which suggests the 2-bedroom sweet spot balances rate and occupancy most effectively. Studios trail at $20 RevPAN, confirming that smaller units struggle to convert nightly rates into consistent booked revenue in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Elizabeth

One-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 28%, followed by 2-bedrooms at 25%, while studios and 3-bedrooms both sit at just 16%. For cash-flow-focused investors, the 1- and 2-bedroom segments offer the most predictable booking volume, though the lower occupancy of 3-bedrooms is offset by their significantly higher nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Elizabeth

Three-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $2,952, nearly 2.5 times the $1,177 earned by 1-bedroom listings. The jump from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom revenue ($1,177 to $2,327) is especially pronounced, making 2-bedroom units a strong middle-ground option for investors seeking higher income without the operational complexity of larger homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Elizabeth

Annual revenue scales from $11,288 for studios to $35,435 for 3-bedroom properties, with 2-bedrooms generating $27,925—nearly double the 1-bedroom figure of $14,126. Investors targeting the strongest return potential should focus on 2- and 3-bedroom configurations, where annual revenue begins to meaningfully offset Elizabeth's $632,116 average home value.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Elizabeth

Kitchens (91%), parking (88%), and self check-in (88%) are near-universal among Elizabeth listings, reflecting a guest base that expects functional, apartment-style accommodations with easy access. Laundry amenities (washer 62%, dryer 59%) and a dedicated workspace (48%) round out the mid-tier essentials, while outdoor features like pools (5%) and BBQ grills (4%) remain rare differentiators that could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Elizabeth's ROI Score: 47/100

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

Elizabeth's ROI score of 47 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, signaling that while demand exists, higher home prices relative to rental income and a tightening supply-demand balance make selective deal sourcing critical. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance both scored below average, while occupancy stability and market growth trend came in at average levels—meaning the fundamentals are present but not exceptional. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-earning property configurations will help investors identify the deals that actually pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Elizabeth

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Elizabeth, New Jersey may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property before listing it on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Elizabeth municipal clerk or planning department, as New Jersey municipalities have varying levels of STR regulation.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in New Jersey markets can include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, and some municipalities cap the number of permits issued or restrict STRs to owner-occupied properties—so due diligence on any property's specific zoning and association rules is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in New Jersey are generally subject to state sales tax as well as local occupancy or tourism taxes. 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 Jersey Division of Taxation.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Elizabeth's proximity to major transit hubs and the broader New York metro area should sustain baseline demand, particularly during summer months when revenue historically peaks near $2,051. However, with listing supply growing 117% year over year and occupancy sitting at 25%—well below the 34% state average—ADR gains are likely to remain modest, perhaps in the 1–3% range, unless new demand drivers emerge. Investors should anticipate continued seasonal swings and plan cash reserves to weather softer months like January and February, where monthly revenue dips below $1,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Elizabeth, NJ

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elizabeth?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Elizabeth is currently 25%, which falls below the New Jersey state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units performing best at 28%, while studios and 3-bedroom properties average around 16%. Seasonal demand also plays a role, so investors should factor in slower winter months when evaluating expected occupancy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Elizabeth?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Elizabeth earns approximately $1,589 per month, or about $19,079 annually. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 3-bedroom listings average $2,952 per month ($35,435/year), while studios bring in roughly $940 per month ($11,288/year). Individual results depend on factors like pricing strategy, amenities, and property quality.

Is Elizabeth a good market for Airbnb investment?

Elizabeth earns an ROI score of 47 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from proximity to Newark Airport and New York City, but the revenue-to-price ratio is below average and listing supply has grown 117% year over year. Investors who target 2- or 3-bedroom properties and implement strong pricing and operational strategies are better positioned to generate meaningful returns here compared to those investing in smaller units.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Elizabeth is $127, which is well below the $430 New Jersey state average. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: studios average $131, 1-bedrooms sit at $92, 2-bedrooms reach $146, and 3-bedroom properties command $213 per night. The lower overall ADR reflects Elizabeth's positioning as a value-oriented market within the expensive northern NJ corridor.

Are short-term rentals legal in Elizabeth?

Short-term rentals operate in Elizabeth, NJ, but local regulations may apply, including permit or registration requirements. New Jersey municipalities have varying rules around STRs, so it's important to check directly with the City of Elizabeth's municipal offices or planning department to confirm current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Elizabeth?

Peak season for Airbnb in Elizabeth runs from June through August, with July leading at an average revenue of $2,051 per listing. Revenue stays relatively strong through October ($1,814) and into December ($1,712). The softest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to $946 and $872 respectively—roughly 40–45% below the peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Elizabeth?

As of April 2026, there are 161 active Airbnb listings in Elizabeth. The supply is heavily concentrated in 1-bedroom units (101 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (31), 3-bedrooms (20), and studios (7). Notably, listing supply has grown 117% year over year, which means competition is intensifying and thoughtful differentiation is increasingly important.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Elizabeth?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Elizabeth 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. Because each month draws on its own historical data, seasonal peaks and slower periods are naturally reflected in the figures. 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 Elizabeth, NJ and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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. Local regulations and tax requirements may change; investors should verify current rules with Elizabeth municipal authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.