Portsmouth, VA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Portsmouth Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Portsmouth, VA presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 67 out of 100, driven by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio. With average home values at $334,060 and annual STR revenue averaging $24,517, investors benefit from a favorable entry point compared to much of Virginia. The market's 99 active listings and 77% year-over-year listing growth signal rising investor interest, while a $182 ADR — well below the $339 state average — reflects the market's affordability-focused positioning rather than a weakness in demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth

Portsmouth's combination of below-state-average property prices, above-average revenue-to-price ratios, and growing market activity makes it a compelling entry point for STR investors seeking cash-flow potential in Virginia's Hampton Roads region.

Expert Market Assessment

"Portsmouth earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation thanks to its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and positive growth trend — two factors that carry the most weight in the ROI calculation. Seasonality is pronounced: July and August generate over $3,300 per month on average, while January and February dip below $1,200, creating a nearly 3:1 spread between peak and trough. The below-average supply/demand balance warrants attention, as the 77% jump in active listings suggests competition is intensifying. Investors who target larger properties — particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes — and optimize for summer demand stand to capture the strongest returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Portsmouth

Average revenue by month in Portsmouth

Portsmouth exhibits strong summer seasonality, with August ($3,372) and July ($3,358) generating nearly three times the revenue of February ($1,120), the market's softest month. Investors should expect robust cash flow from June through August and plan reserves to cover the November-through-February period when monthly revenue drops below $1,500.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Portsmouth

Supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units (29 each), with 2-bedrooms close behind at 26 listings. The 4-bedroom segment is notably underrepresented with just 12 listings, which — combined with its leading revenue metrics — may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Portsmouth

ADR scales steadily with size, from $91 for 1-bedroom listings up to $239 for 4-bedroom properties, representing a 163% premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($149) to 3-bedrooms ($199) offers a meaningful rate increase that, paired with moderate supply, makes mid-sized properties a compelling sweet spot.

Average RevPAN by property size in Portsmouth

Four-bedroom listings lead RevPAN at $80 per available night, more than double the $35 generated by 1-bedroom units. This gap indicates that larger properties not only command higher nightly rates but also convert enough bookings to deliver substantially better revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Portsmouth

One-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 39%, while 3-bedroom units trail at 28%, suggesting smaller properties attract more consistent bookings. Four-bedroom listings maintain a solid 34% occupancy despite their higher price point, which helps explain their strong RevPAN performance.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Portsmouth

Monthly revenue increases markedly with property size — 4-bedroom listings average $3,227 per month, nearly 2.7 times the $1,195 earned by 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom properties at $2,755 per month also offer strong monthly income while being more abundant in the market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Portsmouth

Annual revenue ranges from $14,351 for 1-bedroom listings to $38,725 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms generating a healthy $33,071. Given the limited 4-bedroom supply (only 12 listings), investors who can acquire and operate larger homes may capture outsized returns relative to the competition.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Portsmouth

Parking is universally offered (100%) and kitchens are nearly as common (94%), establishing both as baseline expectations for Portsmouth guests. The prevalence of workspaces (62%), washers (79%), and dryers (77%) signals a guest mix that values practical, home-like stays — while waterfront access (17%) and beach access (7%) remain differentiators for premium listings.

Understanding Portsmouth's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Portsmouth's ROI score of 67 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, largely powered by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that signals strong income potential relative to acquisition costs. Occupancy stability is average and market growth trends are above average, though the below-average supply/demand balance — driven by a 77% surge in new listings — is worth monitoring as competition intensifies. Pairing these data points with on-the-ground regulatory research and a clear seasonal budgeting strategy will help investors make a well-rounded decision.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Portsmouth

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Portsmouth, Virginia may need to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with the City of Portsmouth and the Commonwealth of Virginia, as rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Virginia STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants may also limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchase is essential.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Virginia are generally subject to state and local transient occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm their full tax obligations with Portsmouth's finance office to ensure compliance with all applicable lodging and sales tax requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Portsmouth's STR market is expected to see continued supply growth as investors capitalize on the city's strong revenue-to-price fundamentals. Occupancy, currently at 33%, may face modest downward pressure as new listings enter, though summer months should continue anchoring performance with monthly revenues in the $2,800–$3,400 range. ADR could edge up 2–4% as hosts professionalize amenity offerings and the waterfront locale draws more seasonal travelers. Investors entering now should plan around clear summer seasonality and budget conservatively for winter months when revenue can dip below $1,200."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Portsmouth, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Portsmouth?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Portsmouth is currently 33%, which is closely in line with the Virginia state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom listings leading at 39% and 3-bedroom units averaging 28%. Seasonal demand significantly influences these figures, with summer months driving the highest booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Portsmouth?

Airbnb hosts in Portsmouth earn an average of $2,043 per month and approximately $24,517 per year based on trailing 12-month historical data. Earnings vary considerably by property size — 4-bedroom listings average $3,227 per month ($38,725 annually), while 1-bedroom properties bring in closer to $1,195 per month ($14,351 annually). Summer months are the strongest revenue period, with August averaging $3,372.

Is Portsmouth a good market for Airbnb investment?

Portsmouth scores 67 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning STR income is strong relative to property acquisition costs averaging $334,060. However, investors should note the below-average supply/demand balance driven by rapid listing growth (77% year over year), and plan for seasonal revenue swings between summer highs and winter lows.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Portsmouth is $182, which is significantly below the Virginia state average of $339. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $91 per night, 2-bedrooms $149, 3-bedrooms $199, and 4-bedroom properties command $239 per night. The lower ADR reflects Portsmouth's positioning as a more affordable market within the Hampton Roads region.

Are short-term rentals legal in Portsmouth?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Portsmouth, VA, though hosts may be required to obtain applicable permits or business licenses. Regulations can vary by neighborhood and may include restrictions related to HOA rules, zoning, occupancy limits, and parking. Investors should verify the latest requirements with the City of Portsmouth before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Portsmouth?

Peak season in Portsmouth runs from June through August, when average monthly revenues reach $2,885 to $3,372. July and August are the strongest months, with August slightly edging out July at $3,372 versus $3,358. The off-peak period spans November through February, with the lowest revenue in February at approximately $1,120 per month.

How many Airbnbs are there in Portsmouth?

There are currently 99 active Airbnb listings in Portsmouth as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 77% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is fairly evenly distributed, with 29 one-bedroom listings, 26 two-bedroom listings, 29 three-bedroom listings, and 12 four-bedroom listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Portsmouth?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Portsmouth 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 results 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 data. 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 the Portsmouth, VA market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 as of the stated date and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; verify with municipal authorities before investing.