Galveston, TX Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Galveston Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Galveston's coastal location and year-round beach tourism create a sizable short-term rental market with 1,739 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $28,374 per property. While the market-wide ADR of $196 sits below the Texas state average of $276, larger properties command significantly higher nightly rates, and summer seasonality drives strong peak-month earnings. With an ROI score of 53 out of 100, Galveston presents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing and the right property configuration can unlock solid returns despite a crowded supply landscape.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Galveston 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 Galveston

Galveston attracts investor interest thanks to its beachfront tourism appeal, dramatic revenue upside for larger properties, and Texas's favorable tax environment—but competitive supply and seasonal occupancy require careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Galveston earns a "Competitive Opportunity" designation with a 53/100 ROI score, reflecting a market where demand is real but margins require disciplined property selection. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here: monthly revenue swings from a low of roughly $893 in January to a peak of $5,109 in July, creating a roughly 5.7× spread between the slowest and busiest months. Investors who target the 4-bedroom-and-above segment—where RevPAN ranges from $69 to $152—can meaningfully outperform the market-wide average of $52 per available night. However, below-average occupancy stability and rapid supply growth mean that standing out through amenities, guest experience, and strategic pricing will be critical for sustained profitability."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Galveston

Average revenue by month in Galveston

Galveston's revenue peaks sharply in July at $5,109 per listing and drops to a low of $893 in January—a nearly 6× seasonal spread that underscores how heavily this market depends on summer tourism. March also shows a notable bump to $3,080, likely tied to spring break, while the October–January stretch represents the softest period for earnings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Galveston

The 1-bedroom (483) and 2-bedroom (490) segments dominate Galveston's supply, accounting for 56% of all listings, while 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties total just 113 combined. This scarcity at the larger end of the spectrum creates a potential opening for investors willing to acquire bigger homes, where competition is thinner and per-night rates are significantly higher.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Galveston

ADR in Galveston scales steeply with size, rising from $116 for 1-bedroom units to $306 for 4-bedrooms and $464–$469 for 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties. The jump from 3-bedroom ($216) to 4-bedroom ($306) represents a 42% premium, suggesting the sweet spot where group-friendly homes start commanding significantly higher nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Galveston

Revenue per available night climbs steadily from $34 for 1-bedrooms to $152 for 6+ bedroom properties, with the 5-bedroom category delivering a strong $112 RevPAN. Even after accounting for slightly lower occupancy, the largest property sizes generate three to four times the RevPAN of smaller units, making them the most productive on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Galveston

Studios lead occupancy at 33%, followed by 6+ bedrooms at 32%, while mid-range properties (3–4 bedrooms) occupy the lowest tiers at 23–25%. This U-shaped pattern suggests that both compact units and large group-friendly homes enjoy steadier demand, while the crowded mid-size segment faces more booking competition.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Galveston

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,415 for 1-bedrooms to $8,418 for 6+ bedroom homes, with a notable jump between 4-bedrooms ($4,381) and 5-bedrooms ($7,705). Investors targeting properties with four or more bedrooms can expect monthly earnings well above the $2,364 market average, making larger configurations the primary revenue drivers in Galveston.

Average annual revenue by property size in Galveston

At the top of the spectrum, 6+ bedroom listings generate roughly $101,027 annually and 5-bedrooms earn about $92,463—both far exceeding the market average of $28,374. By contrast, studios and 1-bedrooms produce $17,297 and $16,980 respectively, meaning investors seeking strong gross revenue should focus on the 4-bedroom-and-above segment where annual income starts at $52,578.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Galveston

Kitchens (94%), parking (91%), and self check-in (89%) are near-universal, signaling that guests expect a fully functional, convenient vacation home experience. Beach-relevant amenities like pools (42%), beach access (40%), and outdoor features such as BBQ grills (70%) and patios (82%) are also common, meaning investors who lack these may struggle to compete in Galveston's coastal rental market.

Understanding Galveston's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Galveston's ROI score of 53 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market with genuine demand but enough supply-side pressure to challenge undifferentiated listings. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend both rate as average, while occupancy stability scores below average—consistent with the pronounced seasonality visible in the monthly revenue data. Pairing this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and a focus on larger, amenity-rich properties can help investors identify pockets of above-average return potential within the broader market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Galveston

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Galveston, Texas generally requires short-term rental operators to register and obtain the appropriate permits before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Galveston's planning or permitting department, as rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal Texas markets like Galveston may include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum-age requirements for renters, noise ordinances, and designated parking requirements. HOA covenants and deed restrictions can also limit STR activity in certain neighborhoods, so due diligence at the property level is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Texas are typically responsible for collecting and remitting the state hotel occupancy tax as well as any applicable local hotel taxes in Galveston. Many booking platforms automatically collect these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Texas Comptroller and city tax office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Galveston's summer-driven demand pattern should remain intact, with July revenues likely continuing to lead at or near the $5,100 monthly average. ADR growth of 1–3% is a reasonable expectation given the market's average revenue-to-price dynamics, though occupancy—currently at 27% market-wide—may stay in the 25–30% range absent a meaningful pullback in new supply. Investors targeting larger 4–6+ bedroom properties are best positioned to capture the premium group and family bookings that characterize this coastal market, but rising listing counts (120% year-over-year growth) warrant careful attention to competitive positioning."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Galveston, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Galveston?

The average occupancy rate across all active Airbnb listings in Galveston is currently 27%, which falls below the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios achieving about 33% and larger homes (3–4 bedrooms) ranging from 23% to 25%. The 6+ bedroom category is a notable exception, hitting 32% occupancy—likely due to limited supply and strong group demand. Seasonality plays a major role, so hosts typically see much higher occupancy during the peak summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Galveston?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Galveston earn approximately $2,364 per month or $28,374 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary dramatically by property size: a 1-bedroom averages $16,980 annually, while a 5-bedroom brings in around $92,463 and 6+ bedroom properties average about $101,027 per year. Peak summer months like June and July can generate $4,065–$5,109 per listing, making property size and seasonal pricing strategy key levers for maximizing income.

Is Galveston a good market for Airbnb investment?

Galveston carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 53 out of 100—categorized as a "Competitive Opportunity." This means demand exists and revenue potential is solid (especially for larger properties), but higher home prices averaging around $604K and a rapidly growing supply of listings mean investors need to be selective. The market benefits from proximity to Houston, beach tourism, and strong summer demand, but below-average occupancy and pronounced seasonality require realistic financial modeling. Investors who target the right property size and location within Galveston can find attractive returns.

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

The market-wide average daily rate in Galveston is $196, which is below the Texas state average of $276. However, ADR scales significantly with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average $116–$125 per night, while 4-bedroom homes command $306 and 5-bedroom or larger properties reach $464–$469 per night. Investors targeting higher ADR segments can capture more revenue per booking, which helps offset the market's moderate occupancy rates.

Are short-term rentals legal in Galveston?

Short-term rentals do operate legally in Galveston, TX, though operators are generally required to obtain the necessary permits and registrations from the city. Specific rules around zoning, occupancy limits, and permitting requirements can change, so investors should consult the City of Galveston's planning department and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Galveston?

Peak season in Galveston runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $5,109 in revenue per listing. March also stands out at $3,080, likely driven by spring break travel. The slowest months are January ($893) and December ($1,177), creating a stark seasonal spread. Investors should plan cash reserves to cover the off-season and price aggressively during the summer window to maximize annual returns.

How many Airbnbs are there in Galveston?

As of April 2026, there are 1,739 active Airbnb listings in Galveston. The supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (483 listings) and 2-bedroom (490 listings) properties, which together account for more than half of all listings. Larger properties (5+ bedrooms) are much rarer, with only 113 combined listings, which helps explain their higher revenue and RevPAN performance. Active listing counts have grown 120% year-over-year, reflecting strong investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Galveston?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Galveston are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively 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 Galveston market
• Historical occupancy rates and average daily rate (ADR) trends across property sizes
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue by bedroom count
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu analytics for consistency

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 and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with Galveston and Texas authorities before purchasing.