Seattle, WA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Seattle Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Seattle's short-term rental market features over 3,246 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $34,060, set against an average home value of $1,319,283. While the city's strong tech economy, tourism appeal, and above-average occupancy stability create consistent demand, elevated property prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio and require investors to be strategic about deal selection. Larger properties — particularly 4-bedroom and 6+ bedroom units — show meaningfully higher earning potential, making them worth a closer look for those who can manage the higher entry cost.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Seattle 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 Seattle

Seattle draws investor interest thanks to its deep and diversified demand base — anchored by technology employers, year-round tourism, and a convention scene — even as high property values demand careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Seattle presents a competitive opportunity for STR investors — strong demand fundamentals and above-average occupancy stability are counterbalanced by high home values that squeeze the revenue-to-price ratio below average. Seasonality is pronounced: the summer months of June through August drive monthly revenues nearly three times higher than winter lows in January and February. Investors who target larger properties or niche guest segments can outperform market averages, but broad-market entry without selective deal sourcing may underdeliver on returns. The supply/demand balance and market growth trend both sit at average levels, suggesting a mature market where operational excellence matters more than timing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Seattle

Average revenue by month in Seattle

Seattle displays sharp seasonality, with July ($4,614) and August ($4,574) delivering nearly three times the revenue of the winter trough in February ($1,564). Investors should plan cash reserves for the November–February stretch, when monthly revenue stays below $2,100, while capitalizing on the strong May-through-September window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Seattle

One-bedroom units dominate Seattle's supply at 1,441 listings — nearly 44% of the market — followed by 2-bedrooms (850) and 3-bedrooms (426). Larger configurations (4+ bedrooms) collectively total just 250 listings, suggesting less competition and potential pricing power for investors willing to acquire bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Seattle

ADR scales steeply with size in Seattle, from $110 for studios to $476 for 6+ bedroom properties — a 4.3x premium. The sharpest jumps occur between 2-bedroom ($168) and 3-bedroom ($235) and again from 4-bedroom ($305) to 5-bedroom ($371), indicating that each additional bedroom carries meaningful rate upside.

Average RevPAN by property size in Seattle

Revenue per available night increases consistently with property size, from $44 for studios to $152 for 6+ bedroom listings. Even after accounting for the slightly lower occupancy rates of larger units, the RevPAN advantage is clear — 4-bedroom properties earn $101 per available night, more than double a 1-bedroom's $45.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Seattle

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across property sizes, ranging from 32% for 6+ bedrooms to 41% for studios. The modest spread means larger properties don't suffer a significant occupancy penalty, and their much higher nightly rates more than compensate for the slight dip in booking frequency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Seattle

Monthly revenue climbs significantly with size: 1-bedroom listings average $2,088, while 6+ bedroom properties bring in $8,557 — more than four times as much. The 4-bedroom tier at $5,677/month represents a strong middle ground, offering substantially higher income than smaller units without the operational complexity of very large homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Seattle

Annual revenue ranges from $25,057 for 1-bedroom units to $102,684 for 6+ bedroom properties, highlighting the outsized earning potential of larger listings. Four-bedroom properties at $68,125/year offer a compelling balance — roughly 2.7x the revenue of a 1-bedroom — and may represent the best return potential relative to acquisition and operating costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Seattle

Kitchens (95%) and parking (95%) are essentially table stakes in Seattle, followed closely by self check-in (88%) and washer/dryer (82–83%). A workspace is present in 69% of listings — reflecting demand from Seattle's remote-work-friendly tech population — while premium differentiators like hot tubs (9%) and EV chargers (6%) remain rare and could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Seattle's ROI Score: 45/100

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

Seattle's ROI Score of 45 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity tier, reflecting a market where demand is genuine but elevated property prices — averaging over $1.3 million — weigh down the revenue-to-price ratio (rated below average). The bright spot is above-average occupancy stability, which points to consistent booking activity across seasons, while market growth and supply/demand dynamics both land at average levels. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-earning property configurations will be key to building a viable investment thesis here.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Seattle

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Seattle and the State of Washington generally require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Seattle's Department of Construction and Inspections, as rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in urban STR markets like Seattle may include limits on the number of guests, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules can add additional layers of restriction, particularly in condos and townhomes, so reviewing governing documents before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Washington State are typically subject to state and local lodging taxes, sales tax, and potentially a convention and trade center tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Seattle's STR market is expected to maintain steady demand supported by its tech sector workforce, convention traffic, and summer tourism. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue could peak between June and August, with ADR increases in the range of 1–3% as the market continues its average growth trajectory. Occupancy rates are likely to hover around 36–40% market-wide, with slightly stronger performance during the summer months. Investors entering the market should plan for softer winter months — January and February historically dip below $1,600 in average monthly revenue — and price accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Seattle, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Seattle?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Seattle is currently 38%, which edges above the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy tends to be highest for studios and 1-bedroom units (around 40–41%) and somewhat lower for larger properties, though those larger listings compensate with significantly higher nightly rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Seattle?

Seattle Airbnb hosts earn an average of $2,838 per month and approximately $34,060 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average around $25,057 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate over $102,684 per year. Summer months are the strongest, with July averaging $4,614 in revenue.

Is Seattle a good market for Airbnb investment?

Seattle scores a 45 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' tier. The market offers above-average occupancy stability and strong demand drivers from tech, tourism, and events, but high average home values ($1,319,283) compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who source deals selectively and target higher-earning property sizes can find worthwhile returns, though broad-market entry requires careful underwriting.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Seattle is $161, which is notably lower than the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales considerably with property size, ranging from $110 for studios up to $476 for 6+ bedroom properties. This pricing structure reflects Seattle's large concentration of smaller units, which pull the market-wide average down.

Are short-term rentals legal in Seattle?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Seattle, though operators are generally required to register with the city and comply with local regulations. Rules may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, and tax obligations. Since regulations can change, it's important to check directly with the City of Seattle and Washington State authorities before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Seattle?

Peak season for Airbnb in Seattle runs from June through August, when average monthly revenues climb to $4,147–$4,614. September also performs well at $3,318. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue dips to around $1,564–$1,590 — roughly a third of peak-month earnings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Seattle?

As of April 2026, there are 3,246 active Airbnb listings in Seattle. The supply skews heavily toward smaller units: 1-bedroom listings account for 1,441 of the total, followed by 2-bedroom (850) and 3-bedroom (426) properties. Larger properties (4+ bedrooms) represent a smaller share of supply at around 250 combined listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Seattle?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Seattle 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. 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 still 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 how actively a listing is managed.

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 Seattle market
• Occupancy, average daily rate, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value estimates 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 and market conditions as of April 2026; future results may differ due to regulatory changes, economic shifts, or increased competition. Local short-term rental regulations in Seattle and Washington State may change; investors should verify current rules before purchasing.