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

Sun City West Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sun City West, AZ stands out as a niche short-term rental market where a small but focused inventory of just 19 active listings achieves a notably strong 77% occupancy rate — well above Arizona's 53% state average. With an average daily rate of $199 and annual revenue averaging $28,589, the market benefits from its appeal as a retirement and snowbird destination in the greater Phoenix metro area. The ROI score of 60 out of 100 signals an attractive opportunity where healthy demand and moderate property values create a viable entry point for investors willing to operate in a compact market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sun City West 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 West

Sun City West attracts STR investors because of its reliable snowbird and retiree demand base, limited competition, and occupancy rates that significantly outpace the Arizona average.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sun City West represents a focused opportunity for investors comfortable with a compact market. The combination of high occupancy and moderate ADR delivers steady RevPAN of $154, and the seasonal revenue swing — from a $5,384 peak in March down to $1,320 in June — is pronounced but predictable. This is a market where understanding your guest demographic (primarily snowbirds and seasonal visitors) is key to maximizing returns. Investors who can navigate community-level restrictions and optimize for the peak winter season stand to benefit from a market with limited supply and above-average demand fundamentals."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sun City West

Average revenue by month in Sun City West

Sun City West displays strong seasonality, with March peaking at $5,384 — nearly four times the June low of $1,320. The winter months (January through March) and the fall shoulder season (October through December) generate the bulk of annual revenue, making this a market where winter-season pricing strategy is critical to overall returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sun City West

The entire active supply in Sun City West consists of 2-bedroom properties, with all 10 reported listings falling into this single category. This concentration suggests that the market's housing stock is heavily oriented toward smaller retirement-style homes, and investors considering other property sizes would be entering an untested segment.

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

Two-bedroom listings command an ADR of $194, which is the only property size currently represented in the market. Without larger properties for comparison, the ADR reflects the ceiling for what the existing inventory can charge, though investors adding unique amenities like pools or hot tubs could potentially push rates higher.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sun City West

Two-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $158, reflecting the strong combination of a $194 ADR and 82% occupancy. This figure represents solid per-night earning potential for the size category and tracks closely with the market-wide RevPAN of $154.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sun City West

Two-bedroom properties achieve an impressive 82% occupancy rate, which exceeds even the market-wide average of 77%. This high fill rate suggests consistent demand for this property size and provides reliable cash-flow predictability for investors operating in the market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sun City West

Two-bedroom listings generate an average of $2,670 per month, slightly above the market-wide monthly average of $2,382. Since 2-bedrooms are the only size currently active, this figure serves as the primary benchmark for revenue expectations in Sun City West.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sun City West

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom properties bring in approximately $32,051, which notably exceeds the market-wide annual average of $28,589. This configuration offers a straightforward entry point for investors, with annual revenue that, against the average home value of $498,481, yields a gross revenue-to-price ratio of roughly 6.4%.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sun City West

Kitchens appear in 100% of listings, while washers (95%), parking (90%), and self check-in (90%) are near-universal — signaling that guests expect a home-like, self-sufficient experience. Outdoor amenities like backyards (79%), patios (68%), and outdoor furniture (74%) are also heavily represented, reflecting the lifestyle appeal of the Arizona climate and suggesting that investors without quality outdoor spaces may be at a competitive disadvantage.

Understanding Sun City West's ROI Score: 60/100

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 West's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where all four key factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance — rate at average levels. This consistency across factors means there are no major red flags, but also no single standout driver pulling the score higher. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with thorough research into local HOA regulations and community restrictions, which could significantly impact the viability of an STR investment in this unique retirement market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sun City West

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

Permit Requirements

Arizona is generally considered STR-friendly at the state level, but Sun City West may have specific community-level requirements including HOA restrictions or local registration. Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements with Maricopa County and the Sun City West community association before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in age-restricted communities like Sun City West can include HOA-imposed limits on rental frequency, minimum stay requirements, occupancy caps, and noise or parking rules. Some homeowners associations in the area may restrict or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs and community bylaws is essential before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Arizona are typically subject to state and county transaction privilege tax (TPT), which functions similarly to a sales or lodging tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with the Arizona Department of Revenue and Maricopa County to ensure all obligations are met.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Seasonal patterns suggest that demand in Sun City West will continue to peak strongly in the winter and early spring months, with March revenues roughly four times those of the summer trough in June. Over the next 12–18 months, ADR is estimated to hold steady or tick up in the 1–3% range given the market's limited supply and consistent snowbird-driven demand. Occupancy is expected to remain in the 72–80% range on an annualized basis, though summer months will naturally soften. Investors who price strategically during the off-season can help smooth out the revenue curve and maintain solid cash flow year-round."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sun City West, AZ

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sun City West?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sun City West is currently 77%, which is significantly higher than Arizona's statewide average of 53%. This strong occupancy reflects consistent demand, particularly during the winter snowbird season when the area sees a large influx of seasonal residents and visitors.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sun City West?

Airbnb hosts in Sun City West earn an average of $2,382 per month, which translates to approximately $28,589 in average annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season — March is the strongest month at roughly $5,384, while summer months like June dip to around $1,320. Individual results will depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is managed.

Is Sun City West a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sun City West earns an ROI score of 60 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market's strengths include high occupancy relative to the state average and a limited supply of just 19 active listings, which reduces direct competition. However, investors should be aware of the strong seasonality, potential HOA restrictions in this age-restricted community, and the relatively small market size. With average home values around $498,481 and annual revenue near $28,589, the revenue-to-price ratio is moderate.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Sun City West is $199, which is well below Arizona's state average of $434. This lower ADR is offset by the market's strong occupancy rate of 77%, resulting in a competitive RevPAN (revenue per available night) of $154. For 2-bedroom properties specifically, the ADR sits at $194.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sun City West?

Arizona state law generally permits short-term rentals, but Sun City West is an age-restricted community with active homeowners associations that may impose their own rules. These could include restrictions on rental frequency, minimum stay requirements, or outright prohibitions. Prospective investors should carefully review the community's CC&Rs, consult with the HOA, and verify any local registration or licensing requirements before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sun City West?

Peak season in Sun City West runs from January through March, aligning with the snowbird migration to Arizona. March is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $5,384, followed by February at $3,920 and January at $2,635. The off-peak summer months — June through September — see the lowest demand, with June at roughly $1,320. This pattern is highly predictable and driven by the area's appeal as a warm-weather winter destination.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sun City West?

There are currently 19 active Airbnb listings in Sun City West as of April 2026. This is a notably small market, which means less competition for hosts but also reflects the community's age-restricted nature and potential HOA limitations on short-term rentals. Year-over-year listing growth has been 113%, suggesting increasing investor interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sun City West?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sun City West 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 remaining data 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 for Sun City West and surrounding markets
• Occupancy rate and average daily rate trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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. Sun City West is an age-restricted community; HOA rules may limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain areas. Always verify community-specific restrictions before investing. Data reflects trailing performance and market conditions may have changed since the most recent update.