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

Schenectady Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Schenectady offers an accessible entry point for short-term rental investors in New York's Capital Region, with average home values around $459,652 and an ADR of $124—well below the $381 state average. The market currently hosts 86 active Airbnb listings generating roughly $16,055 in average annual revenue, though a 29% occupancy rate (compared to 40% statewide) signals that competition and seasonal demand patterns require careful deal selection. With year-over-year listing growth at 118%, investor interest is clearly rising, making strategic positioning and property differentiation increasingly important.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Schenectady 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 Schenectady

Schenectady attracts investor attention for its relative affordability within New York State and proximity to Albany's government and education economy, though tighter competition demands more selective deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Schenectady presents a competitive but workable opportunity for STR investors who are willing to be selective. The ROI score of 50 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance, tempered by average occupancy stability and market growth trends. Seasonality is pronounced: August is the clear revenue peak at $2,163 per month, while January drops to just $762, creating a roughly 2.8x spread that investors need to plan around. Larger properties—particularly 3-bedrooms—outperform on nearly every metric, suggesting that investors who target that segment and differentiate with strong amenities can carve out solid returns even in a more crowded field."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Schenectady

Average revenue by month in Schenectady

Schenectady's STR revenue shows strong seasonality, peaking in August at $2,163 and bottoming out in January at just $762—a nearly 2.8x spread. The summer months (June–August) and early fall consistently outperform, while the December–March stretch requires hosts to manage through significantly leaner cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Schenectady

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 38 of the 86 active listings, followed by 28 two-bedrooms and just 12 three-bedrooms. The relatively thin supply of 3-bedroom properties, combined with their higher revenue metrics, could signal an opportunity for investors targeting that underserved segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Schenectady

ADR scales predictably with size: 1-bedrooms average $88 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $127, and 3-bedrooms top out at $148. The jump from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom pricing is particularly steep at $39 per night, suggesting that the extra bedroom adds meaningful perceived value for guests.

Average RevPAN by property size in Schenectady

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $43, outpacing 2-bedrooms ($33) and 1-bedrooms ($25) by a wide margin. This 72% RevPAN premium over 1-bedrooms makes the 3-bedroom configuration the most efficient revenue generator on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Schenectady

Occupancy rates are remarkably flat across property sizes, ranging from 26% for 2-bedrooms to 29% for both 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units. This consistency means the revenue advantage of larger properties is driven primarily by higher nightly rates rather than more frequent bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Schenectady

Three-bedroom listings lead with $1,860 in average monthly revenue, followed by 2-bedrooms at $1,624 and 1-bedrooms at $1,018. The gap between 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom monthly income is over $800, reinforcing the financial case for investing in larger units in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Schenectady

Annual revenue climbs from $12,225 for 1-bedroom properties to $19,488 for 2-bedrooms and $22,322 for 3-bedrooms. Investors targeting the highest return potential should evaluate whether the acquisition and operating cost premium for a 3-bedroom property is justified by the roughly $10,000 annual revenue advantage over a 1-bedroom.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Schenectady

Parking (94%) and a full kitchen (93%) are near-universal in Schenectady's listings, reflecting guest expectations for a home-like, car-dependent stay. Self check-in (83%) and laundry facilities (76% washer, 69% dryer) are also standard, while differentiators like hot tubs (2%) and pet-friendly policies (22%) remain relatively rare and could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Schenectady's ROI Score: 50/100

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

Schenectady's ROI Score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine investor appeal but demands disciplined deal sourcing. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance are the main headwinds, while occupancy stability and market growth trend at average levels. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-performing property sizes—especially 3-bedrooms—can help investors identify deals that outperform the broader market averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Schenectady

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Schenectady, New York may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Schenectady's building or planning department, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in New York municipalities include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking provisions. HOA or landlord restrictions may also apply, and some jurisdictions impose caps on the number of permits issued, so prospective hosts should review all applicable local and community-level rules before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in New York State are typically subject to state and local sales tax, as well as any applicable occupancy or hotel taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional to ensure compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Schenectady's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as more investors enter the Capital Region, which could put further pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will concentrate heavily in the July–September window, so investors should budget for softer winter months when monthly revenue can dip below $800. ADR increases of 1–3% are plausible if hosts invest in amenity upgrades and target underserved property sizes, though occupancy may hover in the 27–32% range market-wide absent a significant demand catalyst. We estimate the strongest near-term upside lies with larger properties that already command higher RevPAN and monthly revenue."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Schenectady, NY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Schenectady?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Schenectady is currently 29%, which falls below the New York State average of 40%. Occupancy is relatively consistent across property sizes, with both 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings averaging 29% and 2-bedrooms at 26%. Investors should factor this moderate occupancy into their financial projections and consider pricing strategies and amenity improvements to capture a larger share of available bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Schenectady?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Schenectady earn approximately $1,337 per month or $16,055 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $12,225 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in about $19,488, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $22,322 per year. Revenue also fluctuates seasonally, with August being the strongest month at $2,163 and January the slowest at $762.

Is Schenectady a good market for Airbnb investment?

Schenectady earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 50 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market offers affordable entry with average home values around $459,652 and a daily rate of $124, but the revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance are below average. Investors who focus on larger properties, optimize seasonal pricing, and provide in-demand amenities like parking and self check-in can still find attractive returns, though careful deal sourcing is essential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Schenectady is $124, which is considerably lower than the $381 New York State average. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $88 per night, 2-bedrooms average $127, and 3-bedrooms command $148. This pricing reflects the Capital Region's more modest rate environment compared to New York City or resort destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Schenectady?

Short-term rentals operate in Schenectady, with 86 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, like many New York municipalities, Schenectady may require permits, registration, or compliance with specific zoning regulations. Prospective hosts should check directly with the City of Schenectady's local government offices and review any applicable HOA rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Schenectady?

Peak season for Airbnb in Schenectady runs from July through September, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,163. July follows closely at $1,850, and September rounds out the peak at $1,536. The slowest months are January ($762) and February ($918), meaning hosts should prepare for meaningful seasonal revenue swings and adjust their pricing and marketing strategies accordingly.

How many Airbnbs are there in Schenectady?

There are currently 86 active Airbnb listings in Schenectady as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by smaller properties: 38 one-bedroom listings, 28 two-bedroom listings, and 12 three-bedroom listings. Year-over-year listing growth stands at 118%, indicating substantial new supply entering the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Schenectady?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Schenectady are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll 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. 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 and average daily rate trends across bedroom configurations
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual revenue by property size
• Seasonal revenue patterns based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index for property valuations

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 may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.