Sebastian, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Sebastian Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sebastian, FL presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an average daily rate of $202 and occupancy running at 59% — notably above the statewide average of 54%. With average annual revenue of $26,651 per listing and home values around $433,433, the market offers a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio for investors seeking Florida exposure without the premium price tags of coastal hotspots. The relatively small supply of 133 active listings suggests this is still an emerging STR market with room to establish a competitive position.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sebastian 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 Sebastian

Sebastian attracts STR investors with its combination of above-average occupancy, accessible property prices relative to Florida peers, and a growing but still relatively small market that rewards early movers.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sebastian earns a 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier — a market that balances healthy demand against reasonable entry costs. Seasonality is a real factor here: March stands out as the clear peak at $4,006 in average monthly revenue, while September bottoms out near $1,377, creating a roughly 3:1 spread between the best and weakest months. The supply-demand balance is rated below average, likely reflecting the 111% year-over-year listing growth, which means timing and property differentiation matter more than ever. Investors who target the high-performing 3-bedroom segment and invest in guest-friendly amenities are best positioned to capture above-market returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sebastian

Average revenue by month in Sebastian

Sebastian's revenue cycle is heavily winter-weighted, peaking in March at $4,006 and bottoming out in September at $1,377 — a nearly 3x spread that underscores the importance of snowbird and seasonal tourism. Investors should plan for lean months from May through October and price aggressively during the February–March window to maximize annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sebastian

Three-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 56 of 133 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (32) and 1-bedrooms (29), while 4-bedroom units are the scarcest at just 14 listings. The low 4-bedroom count could signal either limited demand or a potential gap for larger group accommodations, though occupancy data suggests demand for that size is currently thin.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sebastian

ADR climbs steadily from $111 for 1-bedroom units to $257 for 4-bedrooms, though the incremental jump narrows at the top — the gap between 3-bedrooms ($238) and 4-bedrooms ($257) is only $19. This modest premium for the largest properties suggests that 3-bedrooms offer the strongest rate-to-operating-cost balance for most investors.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sebastian

Three-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $166, nearly tripling the $55 earned by 1-bedroom units and far exceeding the $90 for 4-bedrooms. The sharp drop-off for 4-bedroom properties reflects their low 35% occupancy rate, making 3-bedrooms the clear efficiency leader when factoring in both rate and fill.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sebastian

Occupancy peaks at 70% for 3-bedroom properties and remains solid at 63% for 2-bedrooms, while 1-bedrooms sit at 50% and 4-bedrooms lag significantly at 35%. The wide gap between 3- and 4-bedroom occupancy suggests that demand in Sebastian is concentrated around mid-sized family and group accommodations rather than large party-style homes.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sebastian

Three-bedroom units top the monthly revenue chart at $3,085, nearly three times the $1,120 earned by 1-bedroom listings and roughly 47% more than 4-bedrooms at $2,102. Two-bedroom properties hold a respectable middle ground at $1,961, making them a viable option for investors seeking lower entry costs with decent cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sebastian

At $37,025 per year, 3-bedroom properties generate the highest annual revenue in Sebastian — roughly 47% more than 4-bedrooms ($25,230) and nearly triple what 1-bedrooms earn ($13,443). For investors prioritizing return potential, the 3-bedroom segment offers the clearest path to strong annual performance in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sebastian

Parking (98%), kitchens (94%), and in-unit laundry (92% washer, 84% dryer) are table-stakes amenities that nearly every listing provides, while outdoor living features like backyards (73%), BBQ grills (70%), and patio or balcony space (63%) are strong differentiators. Only 41% of listings offer a pool and just 21% feature waterfront access, suggesting that properties with these premium amenities could command meaningful rate premiums in a market where outdoor experiences are clearly valued.

Understanding Sebastian's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Sebastian's ROI Score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability both rate as average — solid enough to support viable returns but not exceptional. The supply-demand balance scores below average, largely driven by the 111% year-over-year surge in active listings, which means competition is intensifying and new investors need a clear edge. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on the high-performing 3-bedroom segment will help investors make the most informed entry decisions.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sebastian

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sebastian, FL should expect to register or obtain a permit before listing their property. Florida requires a state-level vacation rental license through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), and investors should verify whether Indian River County or the City of Sebastian imposes additional local registration requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply in Sebastian include occupancy limits tied to property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants can also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain communities, so investors should review any applicable deed restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax and a county-level tourist development tax on short-term rental stays, both of which hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Florida Department of Revenue and Indian River County to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sebastian's STR market is expected to follow its established seasonal rhythm, with revenue peaking in February and March before tapering through the summer and fall months. Occupancy rates should remain in the 55–62% range market-wide, with 3-bedroom properties continuing to outperform at closer to 70%. ADR growth of 1–3% is plausible given steady demand, though investors should note that listing counts have grown 111% year-over-year — a supply surge that could compress returns if demand doesn't keep pace. Properties that are well-differentiated with amenities like pools, waterfront access, and outdoor living spaces will likely fare best in an increasingly competitive landscape."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sebastian, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sebastian?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sebastian is currently 59%, which sits above the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom units lead the market at 70%, while 4-bedroom properties average just 35%. This suggests that mid-sized homes are the most consistently booked in the area.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sebastian?

Airbnb hosts in Sebastian earn an average of $2,220 per month, or roughly $26,651 per year based on the trailing 12-month historical average. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 3-bedroom listings are the top performers at about $3,085 per month ($37,025 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,120 per month. Seasonal swings also play a major role, with March generating nearly three times the revenue of September.

Is Sebastian a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sebastian scores a 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from occupancy rates above the state average and home values that are relatively accessible at $433,433, creating a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio. However, the supply-demand balance is rated below average due to rapid listing growth (111% year-over-year), so investors should focus on property types and amenities that stand out in an increasingly competitive field.

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

The average daily rate across all active Airbnb listings in Sebastian is $202, compared to a Florida state average of $498. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $111, 2-bedrooms come in at $198, 3-bedrooms at $238, and 4-bedrooms at $257. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Sebastian's positioning as a more affordable Florida destination, which can work in investors' favor through higher occupancy and lower acquisition costs.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sebastian?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Florida, though operators need a vacation rental license from the state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Local regulations in Sebastian and Indian River County may impose additional permit, zoning, or registration requirements. Investors should verify current rules with the city and county before purchasing a property, as regulations can change and HOA restrictions may also apply in certain neighborhoods.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sebastian?

Peak season in Sebastian runs from roughly January through March, with March being the strongest month at an average of $4,006 in revenue. February is also strong at $2,876. Revenue drops off notably in the late summer and early fall, with September marking the lowest point at $1,377. This winter-peak pattern aligns with snowbird and seasonal tourism trends common along Florida's east coast.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sebastian?

There are currently 133 active Airbnb listings in Sebastian as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with listing counts increasing 111% year-over-year. The largest share of inventory is 3-bedroom properties (56 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (32), 1-bedrooms (29), and 4-bedrooms (14).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sebastian?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sebastian 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, drops regional outliers, and rolls 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 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 for the Sebastian, FL market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing 12-month data
• Revenue estimates by property size and month derived from historical booking performance
• Home value benchmarks 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 is sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow as of April 2026; actual market conditions may shift after this date. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.