Soldotna, AK Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Soldotna Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Soldotna sits at the heart of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, a region renowned for world-class salmon fishing and outdoor recreation that drives a sharp summer tourism spike. With an average annual revenue of $34,473 across 71 active listings and an ADR of $252, the market offers meaningful seasonal earning power — though a 29% average occupancy rate (well below Alaska's 51% state average) signals that returns are heavily concentrated in the warmer months. Investors who price strategically and target the right property size can capitalize on the intense summer demand, but year-round cash flow will require careful planning.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Soldotna 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 Soldotna

Soldotna appeals to investors seeking exposure to Alaska's high-value summer tourism corridor, where strong seasonal demand can deliver concentrated revenue despite a compressed booking window.

Expert Market Assessment

"Soldotna represents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing matters more than in higher-occupancy markets. The extreme seasonality — July revenue of $8,485 dwarfs the winter months hovering around $700–$750 — means annual returns depend almost entirely on maximizing the May-through-September window. A 49 out of 100 ROI score reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability alongside below-average marks for market growth trend and supply/demand balance, so investors should approach with realistic cash-flow projections rather than year-round income expectations. That said, larger properties (3- and 4-bedrooms) show meaningfully stronger RevPAN and annual revenue, pointing to a clear path for investors willing to target the upper end of the market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Soldotna

Average revenue by month in Soldotna

Soldotna displays extreme seasonality, with July revenue peaking at $8,485 — more than 12 times the January figure of $681. The lucrative window from May through September accounts for the overwhelming majority of annual income, making summer optimization the single most important factor for profitability.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Soldotna

One-bedroom units dominate supply at 23 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (18) and 3-bedrooms (15), with 4-bedroom properties the scarcest at just 9 listings. The relatively thin supply of larger homes, combined with their substantially higher revenue potential, could represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire or convert bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Soldotna

ADR scales sharply with size in Soldotna: 1-bedrooms average $140 per night while 4-bedrooms command $707, a 5× premium. The jump from 3-bedroom ($248) to 4-bedroom pricing is especially dramatic, suggesting strong willingness among groups and families to pay premium rates for larger accommodations during peak season.

Average RevPAN by property size in Soldotna

Four-bedroom properties deliver by far the highest RevPAN at $241, nearly four times the $64 earned by 3-bedroom listings and over seven times the $33 for 1-bedrooms. This gap indicates that despite similar occupancy levels, the outsized nightly rates of larger homes translate into meaningfully better revenue efficiency per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Soldotna

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across all sizes, ranging from 24% for 1-bedrooms to 34% for 4-bedrooms. The modest spread suggests that property size alone won't dramatically change how many nights you book, but the premium pricing on larger units makes the most of every occupied night.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Soldotna

Monthly revenue rises steadily with bedroom count: 1-bedrooms average $2,418, 2-bedrooms $2,872, 3-bedrooms $3,584, and 4-bedrooms lead at $5,022. The jump to 4-bedroom properties represents a roughly 40% premium over 3-bedroom earnings, making larger configurations notably more productive on a per-unit basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Soldotna

Annual revenue ranges from $29,019 for 1-bedroom listings to $60,264 for 4-bedroom properties, meaning a 4-bedroom earns more than double its smallest counterpart. Investors targeting the highest absolute returns should focus on 3- and 4-bedroom properties, which generate $43,008 and $60,264 respectively, though acquisition costs and operating expenses need to be weighed accordingly.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Soldotna

Parking (94%) and a full kitchen (93%) are near-universal in Soldotna, reflecting the practical needs of visitors in a rural Alaskan setting. Outdoor-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (62%), backyards (54%), and outdoor furniture (51%) are common, signaling that guests expect a base-camp experience — while waterfront access (20%) and lake access (10%) remain differentiators that could command premium pricing.

Understanding Soldotna's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Soldotna's ROI Score of 49 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine earning potential but demands more deliberate deal selection than higher-scoring markets. Average marks for revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability are offset by below-average ratings on market growth trend and supply/demand balance — the latter reflecting rapid listing growth that's outpacing demand expansion. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-bedroom-count properties can help investors identify deals that outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Soldotna

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Soldotna, Alaska may need to obtain a business license or STR permit through the Kenai Peninsula Borough or the City of Soldotna. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with local planning and zoning departments before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Alaskan municipalities can include occupancy limits based on property size, parking requirements to accommodate guests, and noise ordinances designed to maintain neighborhood character. Some properties may also be subject to HOA covenants or deed restrictions that limit or prohibit short-term rental use, so reviewing all applicable rules prior to purchase is essential.

Tax Obligations

Alaska has no state sales tax, but the Kenai Peninsula Borough levies a transient accommodation tax on short-term lodging that hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting. Major booking platforms may handle a portion of tax collection automatically, though operators should confirm compliance with borough tax requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Soldotna's summer peak should remain the primary revenue engine, with July and August likely continuing to generate the bulk of annual income. However, the 144% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests rising competition that could put modest downward pressure on occupancy and ADR unless overall visitor volume keeps pace. Investors should anticipate ADR holding roughly steady or edging up 1–3% for premium properties, while occupancy may drift toward the mid-to-upper 20s market-wide as supply expands. Selectivity in deal sourcing and differentiation through amenities like waterfront access or larger configurations will be increasingly important."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Soldotna, AK

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Soldotna?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Soldotna is currently 29%, which falls well below the Alaska state average of 51%. This reflects the market's heavy seasonality — properties fill up during the summer fishing and tourism season but see significantly reduced demand through the long winter months. Occupancy rates vary by property size, with 4-bedroom listings leading at 34% and 1-bedrooms trailing at 24%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Soldotna?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Soldotna earn approximately $2,872 per month and $34,473 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $29,019 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in roughly $60,264. Keep in mind that the vast majority of this income is earned during the summer peak, with July alone averaging $8,485.

Is Soldotna a good market for Airbnb investment?

Soldotna carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 49 out of 100, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market's intense summer tourism — driven by Kenai River fishing and outdoor recreation — creates strong seasonal earning potential, but low off-season occupancy and a 144% year-over-year increase in active listings mean competition is rising. Investors who focus on larger, well-equipped properties and manage expenses carefully through the winter can find viable returns, though this is not a market built for passive, year-round income.

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

The current average daily rate across Soldotna's Airbnb market is $252, which is just slightly below the Alaska state average of $254. Rates scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $140 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $175, 3-bedrooms hit $248, and 4-bedroom properties command a premium $707 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Soldotna?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Soldotna area, though operators may need to obtain appropriate business licenses or permits from the City of Soldotna or the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Local zoning regulations, HOA rules, and borough tax obligations may also apply. Investors should consult directly with municipal authorities and review any applicable property-level restrictions before purchasing or listing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Soldotna?

Peak season in Soldotna runs from June through August, with July standing out as the top-earning month at an average of $8,485 in revenue. June ($5,448) and August ($6,513) are also strong performers. May and September serve as profitable shoulder months at roughly $3,937 and $3,197 respectively, while the winter months from November through February dip to the $680–$760 range.

How many Airbnbs are there in Soldotna?

As of April 2026, there are 71 active Airbnb listings in Soldotna. The supply skews toward smaller properties, with 23 one-bedroom listings and 18 two-bedroom listings making up the majority. Three-bedroom (15 listings) and four-bedroom (9 listings) properties represent a smaller share, which may signal less competition at the larger end of the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Soldotna?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Soldotna 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 up the remainder to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like Soldotna's strong summer months) and slower periods (like winter) 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, occupancy rates, and daily rates for the Soldotna market
• Historical monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns covering listings from 1 to 4+ bedrooms
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to help benchmark guest expectations
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing.