Surprise, AZ Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Surprise Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Surprise, AZ presents an attractive entry point for short-term rental investors, with an average daily rate of $215 — roughly half the Arizona state average — paired with occupancy that matches the statewide 53% benchmark. The market's 181 active listings generate an average annual revenue of $31,967 per property, supported by strong seasonal demand during the winter and spring months. With average home values around $526,770 and above-average occupancy stability, the market offers a reasonable revenue-to-price balance for investors seeking suburban Phoenix exposure.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Surprise 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 Surprise

Investors are drawn to Surprise for its blend of seasonal tourism demand, suburban affordability relative to Phoenix metro peers, and a growing population base that supports diverse rental income streams.

Expert Market Assessment

"Surprise represents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate pronounced seasonality. March is the clear revenue peak at $6,016 per month — more than four times the June low of $1,479 — so operators need pricing strategies that capitalize on winter demand while minimizing vacancy during the summer lull. The ROI score of 58 out of 100, categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity," reflects solid occupancy stability offset by a supply-demand balance rated below average, likely tied to the 107% year-over-year growth in active listings. Investors who target 3- to 5-bedroom properties and differentiate with pools, outdoor spaces, and pet-friendly policies are best positioned to outperform market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Surprise

Average revenue by month in Surprise

Surprise exhibits sharp seasonality, with March delivering the highest average revenue at $6,016 — more than four times the June low of $1,479. The winter-spring peak from January through April accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, making strategic pricing during these months critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Surprise

Three-bedroom properties dominate the Surprise market with 63 active listings, representing about 35% of total supply. Studios (8 listings) and 5-bedroom homes (17 listings) are the least represented, potentially signaling less competition and niche opportunities for investors targeting those segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Surprise

ADR scales steadily from $85 for studios to $386 for 5-bedroom properties, with the largest jump occurring between 1-bedroom ($90) and 2-bedroom ($172) units. The premium for larger homes is substantial — a 5-bedroom listing commands more than 4.5 times the nightly rate of a studio — though investors should weigh this against higher acquisition and operating costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Surprise

Revenue per available night climbs consistently with property size, from $41 for 1-bedroom units to $180 for 5-bedroom homes. Notably, 4-bedroom and 5-bedroom configurations deliver the strongest RevPAN despite somewhat lower occupancy rates, reflecting the outsized impact of their higher nightly rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Surprise

Three-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 59%, while studios hold steady at 56% and 1-bedroom units lag at 46%. Larger 4- and 5-bedroom homes see occupancy drop to 51% and 47% respectively, suggesting these properties trade consistent bookings for higher per-night revenue — a worthwhile trade-off for many investors.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Surprise

Monthly revenue ranges dramatically from $775 for studios to $4,653 for 5-bedroom homes, with a notable jump from 1-bedroom ($890) to 2-bedroom ($2,357) units. For investors seeking meaningful monthly cash flow, 3-bedroom properties at $2,981 per month offer a strong balance of revenue and broader guest appeal.

Average annual revenue by property size in Surprise

Five-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $55,840 — nearly five times what a studio generates ($9,306). The step up from 3-bedroom ($35,782) to 4-bedroom ($40,221) properties is more modest at about $4,400, suggesting diminishing marginal returns at the larger end that investors should factor into acquisition decisions.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Surprise

Kitchens (97%), parking (95%), and in-unit laundry (92–94%) are near-universal in Surprise listings, establishing a high baseline of guest expectations. Outdoor amenities are also heavily featured — pools at 65%, BBQ grills at 72%, and patios at 74% — reflecting the desert lifestyle appeal and signaling that properties without these features may struggle to compete.

Understanding Surprise's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Surprise's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier, driven by above-average occupancy stability and an average revenue-to-price ratio relative to Arizona peers. The below-average supply/demand balance — reflecting rapid 107% year-over-year listing growth — is the primary factor holding the score back, underscoring the importance of property differentiation. Investors should pair these data insights with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal revenue plan before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Surprise

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Surprise, within Arizona, may require short-term rental operators to obtain a transaction privilege tax (TPT) license and register their property with the state. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Surprise and the Arizona Department of Revenue before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Arizona municipalities can include occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and rules around trash and outdoor gathering spaces. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Arizona requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit transaction privilege tax, and Maricopa County may impose additional lodging taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and local tax obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Surprise is likely to see continued strong winter-season demand driven by snowbird traffic and spring training visitors, with peak revenues estimated in the $4,000–$6,000 monthly range from January through March. Summer months will remain softer given Arizona's extreme heat, though year-round occupancy stability — rated above average in our analysis — suggests modest ADR growth of 1–3% is plausible. Investors should watch the supply side carefully, as year-over-year listing growth of 107% signals new competition entering the market, which could temper per-listing revenue gains if demand doesn't keep pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Surprise, AZ

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Surprise?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Surprise is currently 53%, which aligns with the Arizona state average. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom homes leading at 59% while 1-bedroom units average 46%. Seasonal demand shifts also play a significant role, with winter months seeing noticeably higher bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Surprise?

Airbnb hosts in Surprise earn an average of $2,663 per month, or approximately $31,967 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios average around $775 per month, while 5-bedroom homes can bring in roughly $4,653 monthly. Peak-season months like March can push monthly revenue above $6,000.

Is Surprise a good market for Airbnb investment?

Surprise carries an ROI score of 58 out of 100, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity" by Rabbu's analysis. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio given average home values of $526,770. However, rapid supply growth (107% year-over-year) and a below-average supply/demand balance mean investors should focus on differentiated properties and strong operational execution to maximize returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Surprise is $215, which is well below the Arizona state average of $434. ADR scales significantly with property size — studios average $85 per night while 5-bedroom homes command $386 per night. This spread offers flexibility for investors to target different price segments depending on their property type.

Are short-term rentals legal in Surprise?

Arizona is generally considered STR-friendly, as state law limits municipalities' ability to ban short-term rentals outright. However, the City of Surprise and the state of Arizona may require tax registration and compliance with local ordinances covering noise, parking, and occupancy. Investors should verify current regulations with the City of Surprise and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Surprise?

Peak season in Surprise runs from January through March, coinciding with snowbird migration and MLB spring training in the greater Phoenix area. March is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $6,016, followed by February at $4,381. The slowest months are June through September, when summer heat depresses demand and revenue dips to the $1,479–$1,698 range.

How many Airbnbs are there in Surprise?

There are currently 181 active Airbnb listings in Surprise as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 107% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 63 listings, followed by 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom units at 34 each.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Surprise?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Surprise 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 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 the 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 Surprise, AZ market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence data drawn from active listings
• Home value estimates 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 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. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.