Kenai, AK Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Kenai Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kenai, Alaska presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity shaped by its dramatic summer tourism season and relatively affordable property values. With an average annual revenue of $34,288 against a median home value of $450,581, the market offers a compelling revenue-to-price ratio. The 60 active listings signal a small but growing market—listing counts jumped 73% year over year—giving early investors a chance to establish themselves before supply matures.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kenai 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 Kenai

Kenai draws investor interest because of its highly seasonal but lucrative summer revenue window, affordable Alaska entry point, and a market still early enough in its growth cycle to reward well-positioned properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kenai rates as an attractive opportunity for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. July stands out as the revenue powerhouse at $8,438 per listing, more than twelve times the January figure of $675—a spread that defines the market's character. The 27% average occupancy rate trails the 51% Alaska state average, but this is offset by above-average occupancy stability and a revenue-to-price ratio that keeps overall returns competitive. Investors who optimize pricing during the May–September window and manage costs carefully in winter can tap into meaningful annual income, especially with larger properties where RevPAN reaches $120."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kenai

Average revenue by month in Kenai

Kenai's revenue curve is steeply seasonal: July peaks at $8,438 while January bottoms out at just $675, a roughly 12.5x spread that underscores the dominance of summer tourism. The May-through-September window accounts for the vast majority of annual income, making smart peak-season pricing and minimum-stay strategies critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kenai

Two-bedroom units dominate Kenai's supply at 25 listings (42% of the market), followed by 16 three-bedroom and 11 one-bedroom properties. With only 6 four-bedroom listings available, larger properties represent an underserved segment—a potential opportunity given their significantly higher revenue and occupancy metrics.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kenai

ADR scales steadily from $113 for one-bedroom units to $282 for four-bedroom properties, a 2.5x premium. The jump from three bedrooms ($188) to four ($282) is the steepest, suggesting group-friendly properties command a meaningful pricing premium in this fishing and outdoor recreation market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kenai

RevPAN climbs sharply with property size, from $25 for one-bedroom listings to $120 for four-bedroom units—nearly five times higher. This gap is even wider than the ADR spread because larger properties also enjoy higher occupancy, making them the clear revenue-per-night leaders in Kenai.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kenai

Four-bedroom properties lead with a 43% occupancy rate, significantly outpacing one-bedroom (22%) and two-bedroom (23%) units. This suggests that groups traveling for fishing or outdoor activities prefer larger accommodations, and investors targeting this segment can expect more consistent bookings and stronger cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kenai

Monthly revenue ranges from $2,318 for one-bedroom listings to $6,203 for four-bedroom properties—a nearly threefold difference. Even three-bedroom units at $3,259 per month represent a meaningful step up from the market average, giving investors in the mid-range a solid revenue profile without the higher acquisition cost of a four-bedroom home.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kenai

Four-bedroom properties are the standout earners at $74,440 annually, more than double the three-bedroom figure of $39,115 and well above the market average of $34,288. For investors weighing return potential against acquisition costs, the four-bedroom segment offers the strongest revenue ceiling, though the limited supply of comparable listings (just 6) means performance data is less diversified.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kenai

Parking is universal across Kenai listings (100%), and kitchen access (98%) and laundry facilities (90%) are near-standard—reflecting the self-sufficient, extended-stay nature of Alaska visitors. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (85%), BBQ grills (75%), and patio spaces (58%) signal that guests prioritize outdoor living, while waterfront access (23%) and lake or beach access remain differentiators that could command premium rates.

Understanding Kenai's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Kenai's ROI Score of 64 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, indicating meaningful upside for investors who can navigate its seasonal dynamics. The score is buoyed by above-average occupancy stability and market growth trends, while the supply/demand balance rates below average—likely reflecting the 73% surge in new listings that could pressure per-unit performance. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model that accounts for winter lulls will help investors determine whether Kenai fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kenai

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Kenai and the Kenai Peninsula Borough in Alaska may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the city clerk's office and borough planning department before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates—particularly relevant given that 100% of existing listings offer parking. HOA covenants in specific subdivisions could also limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential before closing on a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Alaska are typically subject to state and local lodging taxes, including a borough-level bed tax on the Kenai Peninsula. Many booking platforms collect and remit some taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligation with the Alaska Department of Revenue and the Kenai Peninsula Borough.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kenai's STR market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, supported by above-average occupancy stability and strong market growth trends. Summer months (June–August) should remain the primary revenue engine, and we estimate ADR could edge up 2–4% as demand from anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and Alaska road-trippers continues to grow. Winter occupancy will likely stay modest—around 20–25%—so investors should plan cash reserves accordingly. The rapid 73% listing growth bears watching; if supply continues to outpace demand, per-listing revenue could compress in the off-season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kenai, AK

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kenai?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Kenai is currently 27%, which sits below the Alaska state average of 51%. This reflects the market's heavy seasonality—occupancy spikes significantly during the summer fishing and tourism season (roughly May through September) and drops during the colder months. Four-bedroom properties lead with 43% average occupancy, while one- and two-bedroom units hover in the low 20s.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kenai?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Kenai earn approximately $2,857 per month or $34,288 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies dramatically by season—July alone averages $8,438, while winter months drop below $800. Property size also matters: four-bedroom listings average $74,440 annually, roughly 2.7 times the market average, while one-bedroom units bring in about $27,816.

Is Kenai a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kenai scores 64 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and growth trends, plus average home values ($450,581) that are relatively affordable for Alaska. The main consideration is extreme seasonality: roughly 70% of annual revenue is concentrated from May through August. Investors who can weather lean winter months and capitalize on the intense summer demand stand to earn solid returns, particularly with larger properties.

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

The average daily rate in Kenai is $170, which is lower than the Alaska state average of $254. ADR scales meaningfully with property size—from $113 for one-bedroom listings up to $282 for four-bedroom properties. This discount relative to the state average can actually work in investors' favor, as it pairs with lower property acquisition costs to maintain a competitive revenue-to-price ratio.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kenai?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Kenai, Alaska, though operators may need to obtain the appropriate business licenses or permits from the City of Kenai and/or the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Regulations can change, so it's important to check with local authorities for the most current requirements before purchasing an investment property. Working with a local real estate agent or attorney familiar with STR regulations is also recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kenai?

Peak season in Kenai runs from June through August, driven by salmon fishing, wildlife viewing, and Alaska's long summer days. July is the single strongest month, with average revenue reaching $8,438 per listing. May and September serve as solid shoulder months, with revenue of $3,916 and $3,180 respectively. The off-season from October through April sees dramatically lower demand, with most months generating under $1,200.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kenai?

There are currently 60 active Airbnb listings in Kenai as of April 2026. The market has grown rapidly, with a 73% year-over-year increase in listing count. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply (25 listings), followed by three-bedrooms (16) and one-bedrooms (11). Four-bedroom listings are the scarcest at just 6 units, which partly explains their outsized revenue and occupancy performance.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kenai?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kenai 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 to forecasts, while still 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 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, occupancy rates, and pricing by market
• Average daily rate, RevPAN, and revenue trends broken down by property size and month
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value benchmarks via the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for yield calculations
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers, combined 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 averages and market conditions as of the date indicated; actual results may differ based on property-specific factors, pricing strategy, and local demand shifts. Regulatory requirements for short-term rentals can change; investors should verify current local and state regulations before purchasing.