Saint Petersburg, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

66 / 100

Saint Petersburg offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Saint Petersburg Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Saint Petersburg, FL presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity backed by 2,709 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $35,528 per property. With an ADR of $229—well below the $498 Florida state average—and above-average occupancy stability, the market offers a compelling entry point for investors seeking Gulf Coast exposure without the price premium of neighboring resort towns. Strong seasonality driven by winter tourism and beach demand creates clear revenue peaks that reward smart pricing strategies.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Saint Petersburg short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 2,709
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $498 state avg. $229
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 54% state avg. 52%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $119
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,960
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $35,528

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg's combination of coastal tourism appeal, moderate property values relative to Florida peers, and consistent occupancy make it a market worth serious consideration for STR investors.

Key investment factors

  • Gulf Coast beach access and waterfront appeal drive year-round leisure travel demand
  • ADR of $229 sits well below the Florida state average, suggesting room for growth without overextended nightly rates
  • Above-average occupancy stability reduces cash-flow risk compared to more volatile seasonal markets
  • Larger properties (4–6+ bedrooms) command outsized revenue, with 5-bedroom units averaging over $123K annually
  • Nearly 58% of listings feature pools and 36% offer beach access, signaling a guest base that values premium outdoor amenities

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 66 out of 100, Saint Petersburg earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation that reflects a healthy balance between revenue potential and property acquisition costs. The market's pronounced seasonality—March revenues of $5,521 dwarf September's $1,544—means cash-flow planning is essential, but the winter peak aligns nicely with snowbird migration patterns that consistently fill Gulf Coast rentals. Two-bedroom units dominate supply at 1,019 listings yet deliver solid 56% occupancy, while larger configurations remain underrepresented and generate significantly higher per-unit returns. Investors willing to target 3- to 5-bedroom properties may find the strongest risk-adjusted opportunity here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Saint Petersburg's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Factor Saint Petersburg Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Above average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Saint Petersburg's ROI score of 66 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue potential aligns reasonably well with property costs. The score is bolstered by above-average occupancy stability—a key factor for investors prioritizing consistent cash flow—while revenue-to-price ratio, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate as average, suggesting a mature but not overheated market. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a property-specific financial analysis will give investors the clearest picture of whether Saint Petersburg fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Saint Petersburg

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Saint Petersburg, FL may need to obtain a local business tax receipt and register with the city, in addition to any state-level vacation rental licensing required by Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Saint Petersburg's city administration before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Florida STR markets include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum stay requirements in certain residential zones, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA or condo association rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Investors should review both municipal zoning regulations and any homeowner association covenants that apply to the specific property.

Tax Obligations

Florida requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax as well as any applicable county tourist development tax, though platforms like Airbnb often handle collection on behalf of hosts. Confirming the specific tax rates and filing obligations with Pinellas County and the Florida Department of Revenue is an important step before launching a rental.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Saint Petersburg

Financing an Airbnb investment in Saint Petersburg requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Saint Petersburg Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Saint Petersburg's STR market is expected to maintain steady demand, with occupancy rates likely holding in the 50–55% range given the market's above-average occupancy stability. March will continue to anchor revenue cycles as the clear seasonal peak, and we estimate ADR could see modest gains of 1–3% as the market's listing growth has essentially plateaued at 102% year-over-year retention. Investors entering now should plan pricing strategies around the pronounced February–April surge while building operational efficiency for the quieter September–November stretch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Saint Petersburg, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Saint Petersburg?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Saint Petersburg is currently 52%, which sits just slightly below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 56%, while larger 4- and 5-bedroom properties hover around 40–41%. These figures reflect trailing performance across active listings in the market.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Saint Petersburg?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Saint Petersburg earn approximately $2,960 per month and $35,528 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—studios and 1-bedroom units average around $2,100–$2,170 monthly, while 5-bedroom properties bring in roughly $10,265 per month. Peak months like March can see average revenues exceed $5,500, making seasonal pricing strategy a major factor in total earnings.
Is Saint Petersburg a good market for Airbnb investment?
Saint Petersburg scores 66 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values around $617,286 and annual revenues averaging $35,528. Its Gulf Coast location, beach access, and strong winter tourism demand provide a reliable foundation, though investors should account for softer months between September and November when revenues dip below $2,000.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Saint Petersburg?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Saint Petersburg is $229, which is notably lower than the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales considerably with property size: studios average $152 per night, 2-bedroom units sit at $228, and 6+ bedroom properties command $1,057 per night. This pricing structure suggests strong revenue potential for investors who can operate larger, well-appointed properties.
Are short-term rentals legal in Saint Petersburg?
Short-term rentals operate actively in Saint Petersburg, with 2,709 current Airbnb listings in the market. However, operators are typically required to obtain appropriate local permits and state-level vacation rental licenses through Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Specific zoning restrictions, HOA rules, and local ordinances may apply depending on the property's location, so investors should verify all regulatory requirements with the City of Saint Petersburg before purchasing or listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Saint Petersburg?
Peak season in Saint Petersburg centers around March, when average monthly revenue reaches $5,521—nearly 3.6 times the September low of $1,544. February ($3,780) and July ($3,733) also perform well above the annual average. The winter-spring surge from February through April aligns with snowbird season and spring break travel, while a secondary summer bump in June and July captures family vacation demand.
How many Airbnbs are there in Saint Petersburg?
There are currently 2,709 active Airbnb listings in Saint Petersburg as of April 2026. The supply is heavily concentrated in 1-bedroom (987 listings) and 2-bedroom (1,019 listings) configurations, which together account for about 74% of the market. Larger properties with 4 or more bedrooms represent a much smaller share—just 139 listings combined—which may present less competitive conditions for investors targeting that segment.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Saint Petersburg?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Saint Petersburg 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, since each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, 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 Saint Petersburg and surrounding zip codes
  • Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
  • Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary analytics for consistency and accuracy

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 performance as of the dates noted and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary by property and should be independently verified before investing.

Next Steps

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