Mobile, AL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Mobile Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mobile, AL presents an approachable entry point for short-term rental investors, with average home values around $322,738 and annual revenue averaging $18,436 across 322 active listings. The market's ADR of $171 sits well below Alabama's $247 state average, but relatively affordable acquisition costs help offset that gap. A pronounced seasonal swing — revenue nearly doubles between the slowest and strongest months — rewards operators who price strategically and manage calendar gaps.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mobile 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 Mobile

Mobile's combination of below-state-average property prices and a diverse seasonal demand profile makes it a compelling market for investors seeking favorable revenue-to-price ratios without coastal price premiums.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mobile earns an ROI score of 56 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band — a market with genuine potential tempered by a few softer metrics. Revenue-to-price ratio rates average, reflecting decent earning power relative to what you'll pay for a property, while occupancy stability comes in below average at 35%. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here: July peaks at $2,354 in average revenue while November dips to $1,023, so investors need to budget for lean winter months. Larger properties — particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes — meaningfully outperform smaller units on both revenue and RevPAN, pointing to a clear sweet spot for new entrants."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mobile

Average revenue by month in Mobile

Mobile's revenue cycle swings from a low of $1,023 in November to a high of $2,354 in July — a spread of over 130% — with a secondary spring peak in March at $2,138. This pronounced seasonality means investors should budget conservatively around the $1,000–$1,400 range for fall and winter months while capitalizing on the June–July summer surge.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mobile

One-bedroom units dominate supply at 103 listings, followed closely by 2-bedrooms (91) and 3-bedrooms (81), while 4-bedroom homes account for just 31 listings. The relatively thin supply of larger properties could signal a competitive opportunity for investors willing to acquire or convert bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mobile

ADR scales sharply with size in Mobile: 1-bedroom listings average $119 per night, while 4-bedroom properties nearly triple that at $305. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($191) to 4-bedrooms ($305) represents the steepest premium, suggesting strong group and family demand willing to pay up for space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mobile

Four-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $101, nearly double the $55 studios earn and well ahead of the $59 posted by both 2- and 3-bedroom units. One-bedrooms trail at $41 RevPAN, indicating that despite their prevalence in the market, they deliver the weakest revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mobile

Occupancy rates cluster in a relatively tight band across property sizes, with studios highest at 39% and 3-bedrooms lowest at 31%. The modest spread suggests that property size alone doesn't dramatically affect fill rates — pricing, listing quality, and amenities likely play a bigger role in driving bookings above the market average.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mobile

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with bedroom count, from $738 for studios up to $3,286 for 4-bedroom properties — a 4.5x difference. Three-bedroom homes at $1,866 per month offer a solid middle ground, generating meaningfully more than 2-bedrooms ($1,489) without the higher acquisition cost of a 4-bedroom property.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mobile

Four-bedroom properties stand out at $39,439 in average annual revenue, more than double the 2-bedroom figure of $17,878 and nearly triple the 1-bedroom figure of $13,288. For investors focused on maximizing gross revenue, the larger configurations clearly offer the strongest return potential in Mobile's market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mobile

Parking (98%), kitchen (96%), and self check-in (89%) are near-universal in Mobile's STR market, establishing them as baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Amenities like backyard access (66%), workspace (65%), and pet-friendliness (53%) offer meaningful competitive positioning, while premium features like pools (5%) and waterfront access (3%) remain rare enough to command a real edge.

Understanding Mobile's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Mobile's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property prices is average and growth trends are steady, but occupancy stability lags behind stronger markets. The below-average occupancy factor is the primary drag on the score, suggesting that while demand exists, it's not yet consistent enough to deliver reliable year-round cash flow without active management. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types — particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes — that outperform the market average on RevPAN.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mobile

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Mobile and the State of Alabama may require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with Mobile's municipal offices and Alabama's state licensing agencies before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Mobile can include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, off-street parking mandates, and HOA restrictions that may prohibit or limit rentals. Investors should review any applicable zoning overlays and homeowner association covenants prior to committing to a property.

Tax Obligations

Alabama levies a state lodging tax on short-term rentals, and Mobile County and the City of Mobile may impose additional occupancy or sales taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Mobile's STR market is likely to see moderate growth, with ADR increases in the range of 1–3% as supply continues expanding — active listings grew 124% year over year. Occupancy, currently at 35%, may face some pressure from that rapid supply growth, though summer and spring demand should keep seasonal peaks healthy. Investors entering now should plan for occupancy settling in the 33–38% range market-wide and focus on property types and pricing strategies that outperform the average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mobile, AL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mobile?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mobile is currently 35%, which falls slightly below Alabama's statewide average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios leading at 39% and 3-bedroom units at 31%. Operators who optimize pricing, amenities, and listing quality can often exceed these market-wide averages.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mobile?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Mobile earn approximately $1,536 per month or $18,436 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 4-bedroom homes average $3,286 per month ($39,439 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,107 per month ($13,288 annually). Seasonality also plays a major role, with peak months like July generating roughly double the revenue of slower months like November.

Is Mobile a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mobile scores a 56 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an average revenue-to-price ratio and affordable home values around $322,738, which can translate into competitive cash-on-cash returns compared to pricier coastal markets. Investors should note that occupancy stability is below average, so success depends on strategic pricing, property selection, and managing seasonal fluctuations effectively.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Mobile is $171, compared to the Alabama state average of $247. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: studios average $139, 2-bedrooms average $155, 3-bedrooms hit $191, and 4-bedroom properties command $305 per night. This pricing structure suggests that larger, well-appointed homes capture a significant rate premium in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mobile?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Mobile, AL, but local regulations may require permits, business licenses, or registration with the city. As rules can change, investors should always verify the latest requirements with Mobile city government and Alabama state agencies before listing a property. Reviewing zoning laws and any HOA restrictions is also strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mobile?

Peak season for Airbnb in Mobile runs from late spring through summer, with July leading all months at an average of $2,354 in revenue. March ($2,138) and June ($2,119) are also strong performers, likely driven by Gulf Coast tourism, spring events, and warm-weather travel. The slowest months are November ($1,023) and December ($1,043), meaning hosts should plan for roughly a 50% revenue drop from peak to off-peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mobile?

As of April 2026, there are 322 active Airbnb listings in Mobile. The market has experienced significant growth, with active listings increasing 124% year over year. Supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (103 listings) and 2-bedroom (91 listings) properties, while 4-bedroom homes (31 listings) are relatively scarce, potentially representing less competition for larger property investors.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mobile?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Mobile are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance across active comparable Airbnb listings — they are not forward-looking projections. We calculate each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) month 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 data, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks (like July at $2,354) and slower periods (like November at $1,023). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively you manage your listing.

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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy rate, and RevPAN metrics with state-level benchmarks
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 April 2026; actual results may differ as conditions evolve. Local regulations, permitting requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change — always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing.