Raleigh, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Raleigh Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Raleigh's short-term rental market features 839 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $22,787 per property. With an ADR of $160—well below the North Carolina state average of $262—and occupancy matching the statewide 34%, the market rewards investors who can source deals selectively rather than rely on premium nightly rates. The Research Triangle's steady mix of corporate travelers, university visitors, and regional tourism creates a reliable, if competitive, demand base.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Raleigh 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 Raleigh

Raleigh draws investor attention because of its diversified demand drivers and growing metro economy, though the competitive landscape requires disciplined deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Raleigh represents a competitive but workable opportunity for STR investors willing to do thorough deal analysis. The ROI score of 51 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio weighed against average marks for occupancy stability, market growth, and supply-demand balance. Seasonality is relatively gentle—revenue dips to around $1,357 in January but climbs to $2,183 in July, a spread that's manageable for cash-flow planning. Investors targeting larger properties or underserved niches (like 6+ bedroom homes with only 8 active listings) may find better returns than the market-wide averages suggest."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Raleigh

Average revenue by month in Raleigh

Revenue peaks in July at $2,183 and bottoms out in January at $1,357, creating a roughly 61% spread between the best and worst months. This relatively mild seasonality suggests Raleigh's demand drivers extend beyond any single season, though investors should budget for softer winter cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Raleigh

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 296 listings, followed closely by 3-bedrooms (218) and 2-bedrooms (194). The scarcity of 5-bedroom (28) and 6+ bedroom (8) listings could represent an undersupplied niche for investors targeting group travel and family reunions.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Raleigh

ADR nearly quadruples from $100 for 1-bedroom listings to $393 for 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties, reflecting strong pricing power for larger homes. The jump from 3-bedroom ($182) to 4-bedroom ($259) is particularly steep, suggesting the premium-to-cost trade-off may be strongest in the 4-bedroom category.

Average RevPAN by property size in Raleigh

RevPAN climbs dramatically with size, from $33 for 1-bedrooms all the way to $175 for 6+ bedroom properties. Even after accounting for lower occupancy rates, larger properties deliver substantially more revenue per available night, making them the most efficient earners on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Raleigh

Studios (42%) and 6+ bedroom properties (45%) achieve the highest occupancy rates, while 3- and 4-bedroom listings sit at the lower end around 30–32%. This pattern suggests that both compact, affordable units and large group-friendly homes attract the most consistent bookings in Raleigh.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Raleigh

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,167 for 1-bedroom listings to $6,371 for 6+ bedroom properties, a more than fivefold difference. The most dramatic step-up occurs between 4-bedrooms ($3,339) and 5-bedrooms ($5,230), highlighting the outsized earning potential of larger formats.

Average annual revenue by property size in Raleigh

Annual revenue potential spans from $14,009 for 1-bedroom units to $76,455 for 6+ bedroom homes. Properties with 4 or more bedrooms cross the $40,000 annual revenue threshold, making them the most compelling configurations for investors seeking stronger return potential against Raleigh's $754K average home value.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Raleigh

Parking (99%), kitchen (94%), and washer (88%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience. A workspace is offered by 75% of listings—consistent with Raleigh's corporate travel demand—while differentiators like a pool (10%) and EV charger (8%) remain rare and could help listings stand out.

Understanding Raleigh'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

Raleigh's ROI Score of 51 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, meaning strong investor interest and demand exist but tighter competition and higher property prices require careful deal selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag on the score, while occupancy stability, market growth, and supply-demand balance all rate as average. Investors should pair this data with local regulatory research and focus on property types—especially larger homes—where revenue potential can offset the market's elevated home values.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Raleigh

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Raleigh, North Carolina may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with the city before listing them. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Raleigh and Wake County authorities, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Raleigh can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued in certain zones. HOA and neighborhood covenants may impose additional restrictions, so it's important to review all applicable rules before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, sales tax, and potentially a tourism 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 North Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax offices.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Raleigh's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 131% year-over-year increase in active listings, which will put downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Monthly revenue data shows a fairly mild seasonal pattern, suggesting demand should remain reasonably stable through softer winter months. Investors can expect ADRs to hold roughly steady or edge up 1–3%, but the real differentiator will be property selection and operational efficiency in an increasingly crowded field. Larger properties—particularly 4- and 5-bedroom homes—appear positioned to capture outsized revenue even as competition intensifies."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Raleigh, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Raleigh?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Raleigh is currently 34%, which matches the North Carolina state average. Occupancy varies by property size—studios and 6+ bedroom listings lead at 42% and 45% respectively, while 3- and 4-bedroom properties tend to hover around 30–32%. Operational factors like pricing strategy, listing quality, and amenity offerings can significantly influence an individual property's occupancy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Raleigh?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Raleigh earns approximately $1,898 per month or $22,787 per year. Earnings scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $14,009 annually, while 5-bedroom properties bring in roughly $62,766 per year. Individual results depend on factors like location, guest reviews, pricing, and how well the property is managed.

Is Raleigh a good market for Airbnb investment?

Raleigh earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 51 out of 100, categorized as a Competitive Opportunity. The market benefits from diversified demand driven by the Research Triangle's corporate and academic ecosystems, and seasonality is mild. However, average home values near $754,000 paired with average annual revenue of $22,787 mean the revenue-to-price ratio is below average, so investors need to be selective in sourcing deals and may want to focus on larger properties that command higher nightly rates.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Raleigh is $160, which is notably lower than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size, starting at $100 for 1-bedroom listings and climbing to $393 for 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties. This pricing dynamic makes larger homes particularly attractive for investors looking to maximize nightly revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in Raleigh?

Short-term rentals do operate in Raleigh, with 839 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. However, STR regulations can vary and may require permits, registrations, or compliance with local zoning rules. Investors should consult the City of Raleigh and North Carolina state guidelines directly to confirm current requirements, as regulations are subject to change.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Raleigh?

Peak season in Raleigh runs roughly from May through August, with July topping the revenue chart at an average of $2,183 per listing. October also performs well at $2,048, likely driven by fall events and pleasant weather. The slowest months are January ($1,357) and February ($1,442), though the seasonal spread is moderate compared to many vacation-driven markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Raleigh?

Raleigh currently has 839 active Airbnb listings, reflecting 131% year-over-year growth in supply. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom (296 listings), 3-bedroom (218 listings), and 2-bedroom (194 listings) properties. Larger formats like 5-bedroom (28 listings) and 6+ bedroom (8 listings) homes are far less common, which may present an opportunity for investors targeting group travelers.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Raleigh?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Raleigh 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 and property size
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers 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 is current as of the dates indicated and may not reflect very recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.