New Bern, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

New Bern Short-Term Rental Market Overview

New Bern, NC offers a modest but navigable short-term rental landscape, with 157 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $22,808 per property. At an ADR of $158—well below the $262 North Carolina state average—the market is accessible for investors targeting lower price points, though occupancy sits at 28% versus the 34% state benchmark. With average home values around $415,474 and clear seasonal revenue swings, selective deal sourcing and property positioning are key to making this market work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the New Bern 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 New Bern

Investors are drawn to New Bern for its affordable entry point relative to coastal North Carolina markets, though rising competition demands careful property selection and pricing strategy.

Expert Market Assessment

"New Bern represents a competitive opportunity rather than a high-yield slam dunk. Seasonality is pronounced: monthly revenue ranges from roughly $1,165 in January to $2,407 in August, meaning cash flow management across the calendar is essential. The supply side is evolving quickly with nearly double the listings year over year, which could compress returns for undifferentiated properties. That said, investors who target 2- or 3-bedroom properties—where RevPAN and occupancy metrics are strongest—and equip them with the amenities guests expect can carve out a profitable niche in this historic coastal town."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in New Bern

Average revenue by month in New Bern

New Bern exhibits clear seasonality, with peak revenue in August ($2,407) and October ($2,390) and a significant drop-off to January ($1,165) and February ($1,163)—a spread of over $1,200 between the best and weakest months. Investors should budget for nearly halved income during winter and plan pricing strategies to maximize capture during the May–October window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in New Bern

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 58 units, closely followed by 3-bedrooms at 56, while 2-bedrooms are relatively underrepresented with just 33 listings. Studios account for only 5 listings, and the gap in the 2-bedroom segment could signal a niche opportunity for investors willing to target that configuration.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in New Bern

ADR increases predictably with size, from $128 for 1-bedrooms to $176 for 3-bedrooms, though studios buck the trend slightly at $135—possibly reflecting unique boutique-style listings. The jump from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom ($128 to $161) represents the steepest percentage increase, suggesting strong guest willingness to pay for that extra room.

Average RevPAN by property size in New Bern

Two-bedroom properties lead in RevPAN at $51, outperforming both 3-bedrooms ($47) and studios ($48), thanks to a solid blend of occupancy and nightly rate. One-bedroom units trail significantly at $34 RevPAN, making them the least efficient earners on a per-night basis despite being the most common listing type.

Average occupancy rates by property size in New Bern

Studios achieve the highest occupancy at 36%, likely benefiting from lower price points and appeal to solo travelers or couples. One-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties share the lowest occupancy at 27%, while 2-bedrooms sit in between at 32%—reinforcing the 2-bedroom segment's strong balance of demand and pricing.

Average monthly revenue by property size in New Bern

Three-bedroom properties generate the most monthly revenue at $2,015, followed by 2-bedrooms at $1,921, while 1-bedrooms earn $1,697 and studios bring in just $758. The relatively narrow gap between 2- and 3-bedroom monthly revenue ($94) suggests that 2-bedrooms may offer a compelling return on a potentially lower acquisition cost.

Average annual revenue by property size in New Bern

At $24,184 per year, 3-bedroom listings lead annual revenue, but 2-bedrooms aren't far behind at $23,054—a difference of just $1,130 annually. One-bedrooms produce $20,370 per year, while studios at $9,101 are primarily suited for owners with very low acquisition costs or those using STR income as a supplement.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in New Bern

Parking is nearly universal at 95% of listings, followed by kitchens (82%) and self check-in (75%), establishing a high baseline of guest expectations in New Bern. Outdoor amenities like backyards (64%), outdoor furniture (62%), and patios (59%) are common, reflecting the market's appeal as a leisure destination where guests value private outdoor space.

Understanding New Bern's ROI Score: 51/100

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

New Bern's ROI Score of 51 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting average performance across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth, with supply/demand balance rated below average due to the rapid 98% year-over-year listing growth. The score suggests that profitable deals exist, but the expanding supply means investors need to be more selective about property type, location, and amenity packages to stand out. Pairing this data with a thorough review of local STR regulations and neighborhood-level demand patterns will help sharpen the investment thesis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in New Bern

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in New Bern, North Carolina may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of New Bern and Craven County, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in North Carolina STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking rules. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so investors should review any applicable community restrictions before purchasing a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax offices to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, New Bern's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth—active listings nearly doubled year over year (98% growth)—which could put additional pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Revenue patterns suggest summer and fall remain the strongest booking windows, and investors who price competitively during shoulder months may capture incremental gains. ADR could drift modestly higher, perhaps 1–3%, given the market's relatively affordable positioning, but occupancy stability will be the metric to watch as new inventory enters. Investors should plan for meaningful revenue dips in January and February, budgeting conservatively around $1,100–$1,200 per month during those periods."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in New Bern, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in New Bern?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in New Bern is currently 28%, which is below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios leading at 36% and 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units averaging 27%. Seasonal demand plays a significant role, with stronger bookings during summer and fall months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in New Bern?

On average, Airbnb hosts in New Bern earn approximately $1,900 per month or $22,808 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies by property size: 3-bedroom listings average $2,015/month ($24,184/year), while 1-bedroom properties bring in around $1,697/month ($20,370/year). Actual earnings depend on factors like property quality, pricing strategy, and seasonal demand.

Is New Bern a good market for Airbnb investment?

New Bern scores a 51 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers affordable entry with average home values around $415,474 and a lower ADR of $158 compared to the state average. However, rapid supply growth (98% year-over-year) and below-average occupancy mean investors need to be strategic about property type and amenities to generate strong returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in New Bern is $158, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: studios average $135, 1-bedrooms $128, 2-bedrooms $161, and 3-bedrooms command the highest rate at $176.

Are short-term rentals legal in New Bern?

Short-term rentals operate in New Bern, NC, with 157 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local permit and registration requirements may apply, and regulations can change. Investors should verify the latest rules with the City of New Bern and Craven County authorities before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in New Bern?

Peak season in New Bern runs roughly from May through October, with August being the highest-revenue month at an average of $2,407 per listing. October also stands out at $2,390. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue dips to approximately $1,165 and $1,163 respectively—about half of peak-season earnings.

How many Airbnbs are there in New Bern?

As of April 2026, there are 157 active Airbnb listings in New Bern. The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing by 98% year over year. The supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (58 listings) and 3-bedroom (56 listings) properties, with 2-bedrooms (33 listings) and studios (5 listings) making up the remainder.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in New Bern?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for New Bern 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 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 by market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends across property sizes
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual averages
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data for active short-term rental listings

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 current market conditions as of the date shown; actual results may differ. Local regulations, tax requirements, and market dynamics can change—investors should conduct their own due diligence before acquiring property.