Melbourne, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

59 / 100

Melbourne offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Melbourne Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Melbourne, FL presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with 334 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $24,088 per property. The market's ADR of $182 sits well below the $498 Florida state average, reflecting an accessible coastal market rather than a premium resort destination, while the 51% occupancy rate tracks close to the 54% state benchmark. With average home values around $571,042 and a balanced supply/demand environment, Melbourne offers investors a moderate-yield entry point on Florida's Space Coast.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Melbourne short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 334
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $498 state avg. $182
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 54% state avg. 51%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $93
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,007
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $24,088

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Melbourne

Melbourne's combination of Florida coastal appeal, moderate property prices relative to nearby markets, and consistent seasonal demand makes it a compelling option for investors seeking reliable STR cash flow.

Key investment factors

  • Proximity to Kennedy Space Center and beach tourism drives year-round visitor traffic
  • Average home values of $571,042 offer a more affordable Florida coastal entry point than Miami or Naples
  • Revenue peaks in both spring and summer create two distinct high-earning windows
  • High prevalence of parking (98%) and outdoor amenities signals family and group traveler appeal
  • 66% of listings offer a workspace, suggesting a secondary remote-worker demand driver

Expert Market Assessment

"Melbourne earns a 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier — a market with genuine income potential that rewards smart property selection and operational execution. Seasonality is a defining characteristic: March leads with $3,012 in average monthly revenue, while September bottoms out at $1,322, creating a spread of nearly $1,700 between peak and trough months. Larger properties — particularly 4-bedroom and 6+ bedroom homes — generate outsized returns, but the bulk of supply sits in 1- and 3-bedroom units, suggesting room for differentiation. Investors who pair the right property size with disciplined seasonal pricing stand to outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Melbourne's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Factor Melbourne Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Melbourne's ROI Score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue-to-price ratios, occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate at average levels — no single factor drags the score down, but none breaks out either. This signals a dependable market without the volatility of hyper-competitive destinations, though investors won't find outsized returns without careful property selection and pricing discipline. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a property-specific pro forma will give the clearest picture of actual return potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Melbourne

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

Permit Requirements

Melbourne, Florida may require short-term rental operators to obtain a local business tax receipt and register with the state's Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Melbourne and Brevard County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Florida municipalities can include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements in certain zoning districts, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA or community deed restrictions that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Investors should review both city-level and neighborhood-specific rules before acquiring a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Florida are generally subject to the state's transient rental tax as well as any applicable Brevard County tourist development tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Florida Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Melbourne

Financing an Airbnb investment in Melbourne requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Melbourne Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Melbourne's STR market is expected to maintain steady performance, with occupancy likely hovering in the 49–53% range and modest ADR growth of 2–4% as the market matures. The 109% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could temper per-listing revenue gains if demand doesn't keep pace. Seasonal peaks in March and July should continue to anchor annual earnings, while the fall shoulder season (September–October) will likely remain the softest stretch. Investors entering now should plan pricing strategies around this pronounced seasonality to maximize returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Melbourne, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Melbourne?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Melbourne, FL is currently 51%, which is just slightly below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom units lead at 58%, while studios and 4-bedroom properties tend to fill fewer nights at 44% and 43% respectively. Seasonal demand patterns also play a large role, so hosts who adjust pricing dynamically can improve their occupancy performance.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Melbourne?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Melbourne, FL earn approximately $2,007 per month, or about $24,088 annually, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings scale substantially with property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $14,298 per year, while 4-bedroom homes can bring in roughly $51,584 annually. Peak months like March and July push monthly revenue above $2,700, while slower months like September may dip to around $1,322.
Is Melbourne a good market for Airbnb investment?
Melbourne scores a 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from balanced supply and demand, reasonable home values averaging $571,042, and solid seasonal revenue peaks driven by coastal tourism. While the ADR of $182 is modest compared to the broader Florida average, the lower entry cost can lead to competitive cash-on-cash returns, especially for larger properties. Investors should factor in the pronounced seasonality and plan reserves for slower fall months.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Melbourne?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Melbourne, FL is $182, compared to the Florida state average of $498. ADR increases significantly with property size — studios average $90 per night, while 3-bedroom homes command around $206, and 6+ bedroom properties can reach $1,142 per night. The relatively accessible ADR attracts a broad range of travelers, from budget-conscious families to groups seeking spacious vacation homes.
Are short-term rentals legal in Melbourne?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Melbourne, FL, though hosts may need to obtain local business licenses and register with the Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Specific zoning restrictions, HOA rules, and county-level regulations in Brevard County can affect where and how properties may be listed. Investors should consult with the City of Melbourne's planning department and review any applicable homeowners' association covenants before purchasing a property for STR use.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Melbourne?
Peak season for Airbnb in Melbourne falls in March, when average monthly revenue reaches $3,012 — the highest of any month. A secondary peak occurs in July at $2,714, driven by summer vacation travel. The slowest months are September and October, with average revenues of $1,322 and $1,387 respectively. This dual-peak pattern gives hosts two strong earning windows, though effective pricing strategies during shoulder months can help smooth overall annual income.
How many Airbnbs are there in Melbourne?
As of April 2026, there are 334 active Airbnb listings in Melbourne, FL. The market has seen significant growth, with a 109% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest segment at 128 listings, followed by 3-bedroom homes (86 listings) and 2-bedroom units (67 listings). The growing supply reflects increasing investor interest in Melbourne's Space Coast rental market.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Melbourne?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Melbourne 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to 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 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 counts of active Airbnb and STR listings by market and property size
  • Occupancy rate, average daily rate, and RevPAN trends across property configurations
  • Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
  • Home value estimates sourced 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages as of the dates noted and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Melbourne's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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