Sun City, AZ Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Sun City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sun City, AZ presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 63 out of 100, driven by a favorable balance of demand and revenue relative to modest property values averaging $391,437. The market's 59% occupancy rate outperforms the Arizona state average of 53%, while the average daily rate of $270 sits well below the $434 state average — signaling an affordable entry point that still generates meaningful returns. With just 38 active Airbnb listings, this is a compact market where supply remains limited and individual operators can establish a foothold.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sun City short-term rental market shows:

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

Why Investors Consider Sun City

Sun City's combination of below-state-average property prices, above-average occupancy, and a tightly supplied rental market creates a compelling case for short-term rental investors seeking yield in Arizona's retirement and seasonal tourism corridor.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sun City earns an "Attractive Opportunity" rating, reflecting a market where revenue potential aligns well with property costs and demand remains healthy year-round, albeit with meaningful seasonal variation. The winter months — particularly February and March — deliver outsized returns, with March revenue reaching $5,512, roughly four times the June low of $1,350. Investors who price strategically during peak snowbird season and maintain competitive listings during the quieter summer months can build a viable income stream. The small total inventory of 38 listings means operational quality and guest experience carry outsized weight in capturing market share."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sun City

Average revenue by month in Sun City

Sun City exhibits strong seasonality, with March delivering peak revenue of $5,512 — more than four times the June low of $1,350. The winter months (January–March) are clearly the revenue drivers, aligning with Arizona's snowbird season, while summer months from June through September consistently fall below $1,600.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sun City

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 19 of the market's 38 listings, followed by 11 three-bedroom and just 5 one-bedroom units. The scarcity of 1-bedroom listings combined with their low occupancy (36%) suggests limited demand for smaller units, while the 3-bedroom segment may offer opportunity given its strong performance metrics and moderate supply.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sun City

Two-bedroom listings command the highest ADR at $331, notably exceeding 3-bedroom units at $255 — an unusual inversion that may reflect premium positioning or distinctive property features among 2-bedroom hosts. One-bedroom units trail significantly at $75, making them far less competitive from a nightly rate perspective.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sun City

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $206, reflecting their combination of high ADR and solid occupancy, while 3-bedroom units follow at $165. One-bedroom listings generate just $27 in RevPAN, underscoring that smaller units in Sun City struggle to convert available nights into meaningful revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sun City

Three-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 65%, closely followed by 2-bedrooms at 62%, suggesting guests in Sun City prefer spacious accommodations — likely retirees or seasonal visitors staying for extended periods. One-bedroom units lag considerably at 36% occupancy, pointing to weaker demand and potentially less reliable cash flow for that property type.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sun City

Three-bedroom listings top monthly revenue at $3,099, outpacing 2-bedroom units at $2,162 by roughly 43%. One-bedroom properties generate only $834 per month, making them a challenging proposition for investors seeking meaningful income from short-term rentals in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sun City

At $37,199 annually, 3-bedroom properties offer the strongest gross revenue potential in Sun City, representing a meaningful premium over 2-bedroom units at $25,954. Given average home values of $391,437, investors targeting larger configurations may achieve more favorable revenue-to-price ratios, though individual property costs and renovation needs should be evaluated carefully.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sun City

Washers, kitchens, and dryers are near-universal at 92–95% prevalence, reflecting guest expectations for comfortable, home-like stays — consistent with Sun City's extended-stay snowbird demographic. Outdoor amenities like patios (79%), backyards (79%), and BBQ grills (71%) are also widespread, while pools (21%) and hot tubs (8%) remain differentiators that could help listings stand out during peak season.

Understanding Sun City's ROI Score: 63/100

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

Sun City's ROI score of 63 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue-to-price ratios, occupancy stability, growth trends, and supply-demand dynamics all register at average levels — none dragging the score down, but none spiking it either. This balanced profile suggests steady, dependable returns rather than outsized upside, making it particularly suited for investors who prioritize predictability over speculation. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research — especially around HOA restrictions common in Sun City — will help investors make a well-rounded acquisition decision.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sun City

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

Permit Requirements

Operators considering short-term rentals in Sun City, Arizona should verify whether a local permit or registration is required through Maricopa County and the Arizona Department of Revenue. Arizona state law generally allows STRs but localities may impose specific registration or licensing requirements, so checking with local authorities before listing is essential.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. Because Sun City is a well-known retirement community, HOA rules and community covenants may impose additional constraints on short-term rental activity — investors should carefully review any applicable CC&Rs before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Arizona imposes a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) on short-term rental income, and Maricopa County may levy additional lodging or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit state and local taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sun City's pronounced winter seasonality — with peak revenues in February and March reaching $4,016 and $5,512 respectively — is expected to continue attracting snowbird visitors and seasonal residents to the area. Occupancy could hold steady around 57–62% annually, with ADR potentially ticking up 2–4% as the market's limited supply of 38 listings absorbs growing demand. The 141% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests increasing investor interest, so early entrants may benefit from establishing strong guest reviews before competition intensifies. Investors should plan cash reserves for the slower summer months when revenue dips below $1,600."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sun City, AZ

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sun City?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sun City, AZ is currently 59%, which is notably higher than the Arizona state average of 53%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom units performing best at 65% and 2-bedroom units close behind at 62%. One-bedroom listings see lower occupancy at around 36%, suggesting guests in this market tend to prefer larger accommodations.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sun City?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Sun City earn approximately $2,439 per month or $29,276 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom listings lead with an average of $3,099/month ($37,199 annually), while 2-bedroom units earn around $2,162/month ($25,954 annually). Seasonal fluctuations are substantial, with March being the highest-earning month at $5,512 and June the slowest at $1,350.

Is Sun City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sun City scores 63 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy, reasonable property values averaging $391,437, and strong winter-season demand driven by snowbird visitors. However, investors should account for meaningful seasonal revenue swings — summer months generate roughly one-quarter of peak-month earnings — and factor in that the listing count has grown 141% year-over-year, which could increase competition over time.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Sun City is $270, which is significantly below the Arizona state average of $434. ADR varies by property size: 2-bedroom properties command the highest rate at $331, followed by 3-bedrooms at $255 and 1-bedrooms at $75. The lower overall ADR compared to the state average reflects Sun City's positioning as an affordable, value-oriented market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sun City?

Arizona state law generally permits short-term rentals, though specific registration or permit requirements may apply in Sun City and Maricopa County. It's important to note that Sun City is a planned retirement community with active homeowner associations, so CC&Rs and HOA rules may restrict or regulate STR activity. Prospective investors should verify all local regulations, HOA covenants, and licensing requirements before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sun City?

Peak season in Sun City runs from January through March, coinciding with Arizona's snowbird season when visitors from colder climates flock to the area. March is the single highest-earning month with average revenue of $5,512, followed by February at $4,016 and January at $2,703. The off-peak summer months (June through September) see revenues drop to the $1,350–$1,555 range, reflecting reduced demand during the hottest part of the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sun City?

As of April 2026, there are 38 active Airbnb listings in Sun City, AZ. The supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom properties (19 listings), followed by 3-bedroom units (11 listings) and 1-bedroom units (5 listings). This relatively small inventory has grown 141% year-over-year, indicating increasing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sun City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sun City 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like March at $5,512) and slower periods (like June at $1,350). 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 by market
• Historical revenue and yield metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, revenue, occupancy, and daily rates
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month performance as of the date shown and may not capture recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA covenants, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.