Palm Bay, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Palm Bay Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Palm Bay, FL presents an attractive entry point for short-term rental investors, with average home values around $360,579 and annual revenue averaging $19,232 across active listings. While the market's ADR of $145 sits well below Florida's $498 state average, the relatively affordable property prices create a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio that keeps the opportunity compelling. With 156 active Airbnb listings and year-over-year listing growth of 116%, the market is expanding quickly — a dynamic investors should monitor closely.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay

Palm Bay's affordable property prices relative to its revenue potential, combined with Florida's strong tourism draw, make it a market worth evaluating for investors seeking accessible STR entry points.

Expert Market Assessment

"Palm Bay earns a 56 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier — a market with genuine potential but some headwinds to navigate. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, which reflects a balanced but not exceptional cash-flow profile. Seasonality plays a noticeable role here: March is the clear revenue peak at $2,405 per month, while September and October dip below $1,107, creating a roughly 2.2x spread between high and low months. The supply/demand balance scores below average, largely driven by that aggressive 116% listing growth, so investors who move on this market should focus on property differentiation and operational efficiency to stay competitive."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Palm Bay

Average revenue by month in Palm Bay

March is the standout month in Palm Bay at $2,405 in average revenue, followed by July at $2,166, while September bottoms out at just $1,055 — a 2.3x spread that signals meaningful seasonality investors should plan for with reserve funds or dynamic pricing strategies.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Palm Bay

Three-bedroom properties lead supply with 56 listings, closely followed by 1-bedrooms at 51, while 2-bedroom units are notably underrepresented with only 16 listings. This gap in 2-bedroom supply could present a niche opportunity, though investors should weigh whether demand supports the configuration before committing.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Palm Bay

ADR scales steadily from $70 for 1-bedroom units to $225 for 4-bedroom properties, with each bedroom increment adding roughly $50–$65 in nightly rate. The jump from 2-bedroom ($110) to 3-bedroom ($173) represents the steepest increase, suggesting that the third bedroom unlocks a meaningfully higher pricing tier.

Average RevPAN by property size in Palm Bay

RevPAN climbs sharply with property size, from $28 for 1-bedrooms to $102 for 4-bedroom listings, indicating that larger properties deliver substantially more revenue per available night even after factoring in occupancy. The 4-bedroom tier generates nearly 3.6x the RevPAN of a 1-bedroom, making it the strongest performer on a per-night revenue basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Palm Bay

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across property sizes, with 1- and 2-bedroom units at 40% and 3- and 4-bedroom units slightly higher at 46%. The modest advantage for larger properties, combined with their significantly higher ADR, compounds into a much bigger revenue difference than occupancy alone would suggest.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Palm Bay

Monthly revenue ranges from $564 for 1-bedroom listings to $2,690 for 4-bedroom properties — a nearly 5x difference that underscores the revenue leverage of larger units in this market. Three-bedroom listings at $2,032 per month offer a strong middle ground for investors seeking meaningful cash flow without the higher acquisition cost of a 4-bedroom home.

Average annual revenue by property size in Palm Bay

Four-bedroom properties lead with $32,291 in average annual revenue, while 3-bedrooms generate $24,389 — both configurations that could pencil out favorably against Palm Bay's average home value of $360,579. One-bedroom units at $6,775 annually are unlikely to cover carrying costs on most properties, making them a tougher investment case unless acquisition prices are well below market average.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Palm Bay

Parking dominates at 99% prevalence, reflecting Palm Bay's car-dependent suburban layout, while kitchen (90%), washer (80%), and backyard access (80%) round out the top tier — all signaling that guests expect a home-like experience. Premium differentiators like pools (27%) and hot tubs (6%) remain uncommon, offering potential upside for hosts willing to invest in standout amenities.

Understanding Palm Bay'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

Palm Bay's ROI Score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, suggesting a market with real but not outsized investment potential. Revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend all score as average, while the supply/demand balance rates below average — likely reflecting the 116% year-over-year surge in new listings outpacing demand growth. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and a clear property differentiation strategy to maximize their odds of outperforming the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Palm Bay

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Palm Bay and the State of Florida generally require short-term rental operators to register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and obtain a state license. Investors should verify whether additional local permits or registrations are required by contacting Palm Bay's planning or code enforcement departments directly.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Florida municipalities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA or deed restrictions that may prohibit or limit rentals. Some areas also impose minimum stay requirements or caps on the number of permits issued, so it's important to review both municipal codes and any applicable homeowner association rules before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Florida are typically subject to the state's transient rental tax (sales tax) as well as any applicable Brevard County tourist development tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the Florida Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Palm Bay's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 116% year-over-year increase in active listings. Occupancy, currently at 44%, may face modest downward pressure as new inventory enters, though seasonal peaks in March and July should continue to anchor performance. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold steady or nudge up 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies, but the rapid supply expansion warrants caution — properties that differentiate on amenities and guest experience will be best positioned to maintain cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Palm Bay, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Palm Bay?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Palm Bay is currently 44%, which trails the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3- and 4-bedroom units performing slightly better at 46%, while 1- and 2-bedroom properties average around 40%. Seasonal demand shifts — particularly peaks in spring and summer — also influence occupancy throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Palm Bay?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Palm Bay earn approximately $1,602 per month or $19,232 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $6,775 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in around $32,291. Revenue also fluctuates seasonally, with March typically being the strongest month at roughly $2,405 in average revenue.

Is Palm Bay a good market for Airbnb investment?

Palm Bay scores 56 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from relatively affordable home values around $360,579 and reasonable revenue-to-price ratios. However, the supply/demand balance rates below average due to rapid listing growth (116% year-over-year), so investors should carefully evaluate property positioning and amenities to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

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

The average daily rate in Palm Bay is $145, which is significantly below the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $70 per night, 2-bedrooms average $110, 3-bedrooms command $173, and 4-bedroom properties reach $225 per night. The lower ADR reflects Palm Bay's positioning as a more affordable Florida market compared to premier coastal destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Palm Bay?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Palm Bay, FL, though operators are typically required to obtain a state license through the Florida DBPR and comply with local regulations. Specific rules may include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and applicable HOA restrictions. Investors should verify current permit requirements and any zoning restrictions directly with the City of Palm Bay before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Palm Bay?

March is the clear peak month for Airbnb revenue in Palm Bay, with average listings generating around $2,405. July also performs well at approximately $2,166. The slowest months are September and October, when average revenue drops to around $1,055–$1,107. This creates a noticeable seasonal pattern, with the strongest demand in spring and mid-summer.

How many Airbnbs are there in Palm Bay?

As of April 2026, there are 156 active Airbnb listings in Palm Bay. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 116% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in 3-bedroom (56 listings) and 1-bedroom (51 listings) properties, with 4-bedroom units (32 listings) and 2-bedroom units (16 listings) representing smaller shares of the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Palm Bay?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Palm Bay 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance window. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the property is managed.

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 daily rates for the Palm Bay market
• Revenue per available night (RevPAN) and monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns covering listing supply, ADR, occupancy, and revenue by bedroom count
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to help identify guest expectations and competitive advantages
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for property acquisition benchmarking

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 and market conditions as of the dates noted; future conditions may differ materially. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making any investment decision.