Manteo, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Manteo Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Manteo, NC sits on Roanoke Island along the Outer Banks — a coastal setting that drives strong summer vacation demand but also creates pronounced seasonality in short-term rental performance. With 76 active Airbnb listings, a market-wide average daily rate of $197, and average annual revenue of $35,987, this is a compact market where larger properties can significantly outperform. Investors should note that the 20% average occupancy rate trails the North Carolina state average of 34%, reflecting the seasonal concentration of bookings and a supply/demand balance that warrants careful deal selection.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Manteo 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 Manteo

Manteo appeals to investors seeking exposure to the Outer Banks vacation market, where peak-season revenue from larger properties can offset quieter winter months.

Expert Market Assessment

"Manteo represents a competitive but highly seasonal opportunity. Revenue peaks dramatically in July ($7,639 average) and August ($7,297), while winter months like January and February dip below $800 — a spread that underscores the importance of summer bookings to annual profitability. The ROI score of 53 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price and occupancy metrics alongside a below-average supply/demand balance, meaning investors need to be selective about property type and acquisition price. Larger homes (4–5 bedrooms) consistently outperform on RevPAN and total revenue, making them the most compelling targets for investors willing to capitalize on peak-season demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Manteo

Average revenue by month in Manteo

Manteo's revenue is heavily concentrated in summer, with July ($7,639) and August ($7,297) generating roughly ten times the revenue of winter months like January ($743) and February ($765). This extreme seasonality means investors should plan cash flow around a roughly five-month earning window from May through September.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Manteo

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 30 of 76 listings, while 3-bedroom properties account for another 23. Four- and 5-bedroom homes are relatively scarce (6 and 5 listings respectively), which — combined with their significantly higher revenue — may signal an undersupplied segment worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Manteo

ADR scales sharply with size in Manteo: 1-bedroom properties average $128 per night, while 5-bedroom homes command $448 — a 3.5× premium. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($213) to 4 bedrooms ($273) is notable, suggesting that larger vacation homes capture the pricing power that comes with accommodating bigger groups.

Average RevPAN by property size in Manteo

Revenue per available night tells a clear story: 5-bedroom properties lead at $119 RevPAN, followed by 4-bedroom units at $66, while 1- and 3-bedroom listings both sit at $29. This wide gap indicates that larger homes not only charge more but also convert their nightly rates into actual booked revenue more effectively.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Manteo

Occupancy rates across property sizes are uniformly modest, ranging from 14% for 3-bedroom listings to 27% for 5-bedroom homes. The fact that the largest properties maintain the highest occupancy despite their premium pricing suggests robust demand from families and groups seeking full-size vacation homes on the Outer Banks.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Manteo

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $2,036 for 1-bedroom units to $8,151 for 5-bedroom homes. The gap between 3-bedroom ($3,410) and 4-bedroom ($4,767) listings is substantial enough to justify the step up in acquisition cost for investors targeting higher cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Manteo

Five-bedroom properties are the standout performers in Manteo, generating an average of $97,822 annually — more than four times the $24,442 earned by 1-bedroom units. Even 4-bedroom homes at $57,205 per year offer compelling revenue relative to smaller configurations, making larger properties the most attractive targets for maximizing return potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Manteo

Parking dominates at 96% of listings, reflecting the car-dependent nature of Outer Banks travel, while self check-in, patio/balcony, and kitchen each appear in 71% of properties. Waterfront access (38%) and pet-friendliness (34%) represent differentiating amenities that can help a listing stand out in a market where the baseline amenity set is fairly standardized.

Understanding Manteo'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

Manteo's ROI Score of 53 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band — investor interest and vacation demand are real, but average revenue-to-price and occupancy metrics combined with a below-average supply/demand balance mean that not every deal will pencil out. The 50% year-over-year listing growth suggests increasing competition, so investors should focus on larger properties where RevPAN and revenue significantly outperform the market average. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting will help identify the acquisitions most likely to deliver solid returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Manteo

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Manteo, NC may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the Town of Manteo and comply with Dare County regulations. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local planning and zoning authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in coastal North Carolina communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements (especially during peak season), noise ordinances, designated parking mandates, and potential HOA covenants that limit or prohibit rentals. Investors should review both municipal and any homeowners' association rules applicable to the specific property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax on rental income. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on the host's behalf, but owners should confirm their obligations with Dare County and the NC Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Manteo's STR market is likely to follow its established seasonal rhythm, with the bulk of revenue concentrated in the June–August window. Given the 50% year-over-year growth in active listings, occupancy rates may face additional pressure unless summer demand grows proportionally — investors should estimate conservatively around 18–22% average occupancy. ADR could see modest upward movement of 1–3% for well-positioned properties, particularly larger homes that command premium nightly rates. Selective property acquisition and off-season pricing strategies will be key to maintaining competitive returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Manteo, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Manteo?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Manteo is currently 20%, which is below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This lower figure reflects the market's strong seasonality — occupancy spikes during summer months and drops considerably in winter. Larger properties (4–5 bedrooms) tend to perform slightly better, averaging 24–27% occupancy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Manteo?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Manteo earn approximately $2,998 per month and $35,987 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $24,442 annually, while 5-bedroom properties average roughly $97,822 per year. Peak summer months can generate over $7,000 in a single month.

Is Manteo a good market for Airbnb investment?

Manteo presents a competitive opportunity with a Rabbu ROI Score of 53 out of 100. The market benefits from its Outer Banks location and strong summer demand, but investors should be mindful of pronounced seasonality, a 20% average occupancy rate, and average home values around $765,034. Larger properties tend to deliver the strongest returns, so careful deal sourcing and a focus on 4–5 bedroom homes can improve investment outcomes.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Manteo is $197, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales significantly with property size — 1-bedroom units average $128 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $448 per night. This premium on larger homes reflects the vacation-rental nature of the Outer Banks market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Manteo?

Short-term rentals do operate in Manteo, NC, with 76 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations including permits, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations may apply. Investors should verify current STR rules with the Town of Manteo, Dare County, and any applicable homeowners' association before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Manteo?

Peak season in Manteo runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $7,639 in revenue, followed closely by August at $7,297. The shoulder months of May ($3,332) and September ($2,827) also see solid activity. Winter months from December through February are the slowest, with average revenues below $800.

How many Airbnbs are there in Manteo?

There are currently 76 active Airbnb listings in Manteo as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 50% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 30 listings, followed by 3-bedroom properties at 23 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Manteo?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Manteo are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $7,639 average) and slower months (like January's $743 average). 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 Manteo and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Annual and monthly revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data compiled 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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before investing. Individual property performance will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.