Erie, PA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Erie Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Erie, PA stands out for its favorable revenue-to-property-price ratio, with average home values around $318,964 and annual STR revenue averaging $22,228. The market's 150 active Airbnb listings and pronounced summer seasonality — driven largely by Lake Erie tourism — create a landscape where well-positioned properties can capture strong returns during peak months. While occupancy sits at 27% (below the 36% state average), the low cost of entry relative to revenue potential keeps Erie on investors' radar.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Erie 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 Erie

Erie appeals to investors seeking an affordable entry point into a seasonal lakefront market where the revenue-to-price ratio outperforms many Pennsylvania peers.

Expert Market Assessment

"Erie represents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for STR investors who can capitalize on its extreme seasonality. Revenue swings from roughly $821 in January to $3,644 in August, meaning cash-flow planning around shoulder and winter months is essential. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and upward market growth trend provide a solid foundation, though the below-average supply/demand balance — partly reflected in the 79% listing growth — warrants caution about saturation. Investors who target 3- or 4-bedroom properties with lake-friendly amenities are best positioned to maximize returns in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Erie

Average revenue by month in Erie

Erie's revenue profile is sharply seasonal: August leads at $3,644 per month while January bottoms out at just $821, creating a roughly 4.4x spread between peak and trough. Investors should expect to earn the majority of annual income between May and September, making expense planning for slower winter months critical.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Erie

Supply is evenly split among 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom properties (42, 42, and 47 listings respectively), while 4-bedroom units are notably scarce at just 14 listings. The limited 4-bedroom supply, combined with their higher revenue potential, may signal an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Erie

ADR climbs steadily from $82 for 1-bedroom units to $229 for 4-bedroom properties, nearly a 3x premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($140) to 3-bedrooms ($166) is relatively modest, suggesting that 4-bedroom properties offer the steepest pricing power per incremental bedroom.

Average RevPAN by property size in Erie

Revenue per available night ranges from $24 for 1-bedroom listings to $50 for 4-bedroom properties, with 2- and 3-bedroom units clustered closely at $40 and $41. The $50 RevPAN for 4-bedroom units — more than double that of 1-bedrooms — makes larger properties the clear leader in revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Erie

Occupancy is highest for 1- and 2-bedroom units at 29%, tapering to 25% for 3-bedrooms and 22% for 4-bedrooms. While larger properties fill fewer nights, their substantially higher ADR more than compensates, resulting in superior overall revenue despite the occupancy gap.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Erie

Four-bedroom properties dominate monthly earnings at $3,453, roughly 3.5x the $991 generated by 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom listings at $2,164 per month offer a solid middle ground, while 2-bedrooms bring in $1,757 — making all multi-bedroom configurations meaningfully stronger revenue producers than studios and one-bedrooms.

Average annual revenue by property size in Erie

Annual revenue ranges from $11,897 for 1-bedroom listings to $41,438 for 4-bedroom properties, with the latter offering the strongest return potential in the market. Given Erie's average home value of roughly $319K, a 4-bedroom property generating over $41K annually delivers a notably attractive gross yield compared to smaller configurations.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Erie

Kitchens (99%) and parking (96%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations in a drive-to lakeside market where self-catering stays are the norm. Outdoor amenities like backyards (67%), patios (55%), and BBQ grills (42%) are common, while lake access (8%) and beach access (4%) remain rare differentiators that could command premium pricing for properties that offer them.

Understanding Erie's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Erie's ROI Score of 61 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that makes the cost of entry compelling relative to potential earnings. Occupancy stability scores at average, while the market growth trend is above average — though the below-average supply/demand balance reflects the rapid 79% surge in new listings. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and a clear seasonal cash-flow plan to fully evaluate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Erie

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Erie, Pennsylvania may need to obtain a rental permit or business registration through the city. Investors should verify current requirements with Erie's Department of Community and Economic Development and check for any state-level registration obligations.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential HOA restrictions in certain neighborhoods. As the market grows, investors should stay alert to any new permit caps or zoning changes the city might introduce.

Tax Obligations

STR operators in Pennsylvania are generally subject to state sales tax and local hotel occupancy taxes, though platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these on the host's behalf. It's wise to confirm your specific obligations with Erie County and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Erie's short-term rental market is likely to see continued growth in supply, given the 79% year-over-year increase in active listings. ADR may face modest pressure as new inventory enters, though summer months should continue to drive the bulk of annual revenue with peak earnings in the $3,000–$3,600 range. Occupancy rates are estimated to hold steady around 25–29% on an annualized basis, with above-average market growth trends potentially nudging RevPAN upward by 2–4% if demand keeps pace with supply additions."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Erie, PA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Erie?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Erie is currently 27%, which sits below the Pennsylvania state average of 36%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1- and 2-bedroom units achieving the highest rates at 29%, while larger 4-bedroom properties average around 22%. The heavily seasonal nature of Erie's market means summer months drive significantly higher occupancy than winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Erie?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, Airbnb hosts in Erie earn an average of $1,852 per month, or approximately $22,228 per year. Earnings vary substantially by property size — 4-bedroom listings generate about $3,453 monthly ($41,438 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $991 per month ($11,897 annually). Peak summer months can yield over $3,600, whereas winter months may bring in under $900.

Is Erie a good market for Airbnb investment?

Erie scores a 61 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market's strongest attribute is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, driven by relatively affordable home values near $318,964. Investors should be mindful of the pronounced seasonality and the rapid growth in supply (79% year-over-year listing increase), but the low entry cost and solid summer demand make it a compelling option for those comfortable managing a seasonal rental business.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Erie is $145, which is well below the $350 Pennsylvania state average. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $82, 2-bedrooms come in at $140, 3-bedrooms at $166, and 4-bedroom properties command $229 per night. The lower ADR reflects Erie's positioning as an affordable lakeside destination rather than a luxury market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Erie?

Short-term rentals operate in Erie, PA, with 150 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, hosts may need to secure local permits or business registrations, and should verify compliance with any zoning, occupancy, or safety requirements set by the City of Erie. Regulations can change, so it's important to check with local authorities before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Erie?

Peak season in Erie runs from June through August, with July and August generating the highest average monthly revenues at $3,603 and $3,644 respectively. May and September serve as strong shoulder months at roughly $2,003 and $2,157. The winter months (January through March) represent the slowest period, with revenues dipping to $821–$1,161 — a pattern consistent with Erie's lakefront tourism cycle.

How many Airbnbs are there in Erie?

Erie currently has 150 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. Supply is fairly evenly distributed among smaller sizes — 42 one-bedroom units, 42 two-bedrooms, 47 three-bedrooms — with just 14 four-bedroom listings. Notably, active listings have grown 79% year-over-year, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Erie?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Erie 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks (like Erie's summer surge) and quieter winter months. 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 Erie, PA market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply growth and amenity prevalence data across active listings

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 as of the dates noted; actual results may differ. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change — always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing.