Rochester, NY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Rochester Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Rochester, NY stands out for its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values around $321,557 and annual STR revenue averaging $22,802 across 480 active Airbnb listings. While occupancy sits at 31% — below the 40% state average — the market's affordable entry point and strong growth trend (93% year-over-year listing growth) create an appealing equation for investors seeking cash-flow potential without the steep buy-in of larger New York metros. The market earns an ROI score of 72 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Rochester 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 Rochester

Rochester's combination of low property costs relative to STR income, a growing listing base, and balanced supply-demand dynamics makes it a compelling market for investors seeking favorable yield without coastal price tags.

Expert Market Assessment

"Rochester presents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate its pronounced seasonality. August leads the pack at $2,897 in average monthly revenue, while January bottoms out near $947 — a roughly 3:1 spread that underscores the importance of pricing strategy and reserve planning. The market's ROI score of 72 reflects healthy revenue relative to property costs and an above-average growth trajectory, though occupancy stability remains average and will reward operators who optimize listings and target the right guest segments. Overall, the numbers favor investors who pair affordable acquisition costs with disciplined seasonal management."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Rochester

Average revenue by month in Rochester

Rochester's revenue cycle peaks in August at $2,897 and bottoms out in January at $947, producing a roughly 3:1 seasonal spread. The May-through-October window generates the strongest returns, while the winter months from December through March require careful cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Rochester

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 232 of 480 listings (48%), followed by 2-bedrooms at 102 and 3-bedrooms at 80. Larger properties with 4+ bedrooms account for fewer than 50 listings combined, suggesting limited competition and potential opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Rochester

ADR scales steadily from $90 for 1-bedrooms to $536 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering a meaningful rate premium. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($240) to 5 bedrooms ($337) is particularly notable, indicating guests are willing to pay significantly more for group-sized accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Rochester

Revenue per available night tells a compelling story at the larger end: 6+ bedroom listings lead at $181 RevPAN, followed by 4-bedrooms at $75, while 1-bedrooms lag at $32. This suggests that despite lower occupancy in some larger configurations, their elevated nightly rates more than compensate on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Rochester

One-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 36%, with 6+ bedrooms close behind at 34% — an interesting result given their premium pricing. Three-bedroom (23%) and 5-bedroom (16%) units have the softest occupancy, indicating that mid-size and large properties may need sharper pricing or niche targeting to fill calendars consistently.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Rochester

Monthly revenue climbs sharply with size, from $1,181 for 1-bedrooms to $11,385 for 6+ bedroom properties. The 4-bedroom tier at $3,337/month represents a strong middle ground, offering substantially more income than smaller units without the operational complexity of managing very large homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Rochester

Annual revenue ranges from $14,180 for 1-bedroom listings to $136,621 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4-bedrooms earning $40,055 — roughly triple the 1-bedroom figure. Given Rochester's affordable home values, the 3- and 4-bedroom segments may offer the most balanced return potential when factoring in acquisition cost and management effort.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Rochester

Kitchen (97%) and parking (97%) are virtually universal, reflecting guest expectations in a car-dependent market where longer, self-catered stays are common. Self check-in (81%), washer (80%), and dryer (75%) round out the top tier, while differentiators like pet-friendliness (34%) and lake access (8%) remain relatively uncommon and could help listings stand out.

Understanding Rochester's ROI Score: 72/100

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

Rochester's ROI score of 72 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the strongest of its four calculation factors. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance register as average, which keeps the score from climbing higher, though the above-average market growth trend adds momentum. Investors should pair these data points with local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to confirm that the market-wide dynamics translate to their specific deal.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Rochester

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Rochester and New York State may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Rochester's building and zoning department, as local STR regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Rochester include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, minimum stay requirements, and parking provisions. HOA or neighborhood covenants may also impose additional limitations, and some areas may cap the number of permits issued or restrict non-owner-occupied rentals, so due diligence with local authorities is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in New York are typically subject to state and local occupancy taxes, sales tax, and potentially tourism-related assessments. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"With above-average market growth and a revenue-to-price ratio that outpaces many peers, Rochester's short-term rental landscape is positioned for steady gains over the next 12–18 months. Seasonal patterns suggest summer months (July and August) will continue driving the bulk of revenue, with ADR potentially rising 2–4% as demand matures alongside the expanding supply base. Occupancy rates may tighten modestly as new listings are absorbed, likely stabilizing in the 30–35% range market-wide. Investors entering now should plan for softer winter months (January revenue dips to around $947) while capturing the strong May-through-October earning window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Rochester, NY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Rochester?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Rochester is currently 31%, which is below the 40% New York state average. Occupancy varies by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 36%, while 5-bedroom properties average just 16%. These figures suggest that smaller, well-positioned properties tend to stay booked more consistently, though operators who optimize pricing and guest experience can outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Rochester?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Rochester earn approximately $1,900 per month or $22,802 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $14,180 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in around $40,055. Larger homes with 6+ bedrooms can generate up to $136,621 per year, though these represent a small slice of the market. Individual results depend on property quality, location, and how effectively hosts manage pricing and guest satisfaction.

Is Rochester a good market for Airbnb investment?

Rochester earns an ROI score of 72 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — with average home values around $321,557 and annual revenue near $22,802 — making it more accessible than many New York markets. Growth trends are encouraging, with 93% year-over-year listing growth. Investors should factor in the seasonal revenue swing (summer peaks vs. winter lows) and the current 31% occupancy rate when modeling returns.

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

The average daily rate in Rochester is $143, well below the $381 New York state average. ADR scales with property size: studios average $124, 2-bedrooms hit $152, and 4-bedroom properties command $240 per night. Larger 6+ bedroom homes reach $536 nightly. The lower ADR compared to state figures reflects Rochester's more affordable market positioning, which also translates to lower acquisition costs for investors.

Are short-term rentals legal in Rochester?

Short-term rentals operate in Rochester, NY, but local regulations may require permits, registration, or compliance with zoning rules. New York State also has tax and regulatory requirements for STR operators. Because rules can evolve, prospective investors should consult the City of Rochester's planning and zoning department and a local real estate attorney to ensure full compliance before launching a listing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Rochester?

Peak season in Rochester runs from May through October, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,897 and July close behind at $2,747. The shoulder months of May ($2,251) and October ($2,105) also perform well. Winter is the slowest period — January averages just $947, making it important for investors to build cash reserves or adjust pricing strategies to maintain occupancy during the colder months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Rochester?

Rochester currently has 480 active Airbnb listings. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 93% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share at 232 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (102) and 3-bedrooms (80). Larger properties with 5+ bedrooms remain scarce, which may present an opportunity for investors targeting higher-revenue configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Rochester?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Rochester 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 remainder 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 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 and property size
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks 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, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change — always verify with municipal authorities before investing.