Union City, NJ Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Union City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Union City, NJ earns an ROI score of 68 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier for short-term rental investors. With an average annual revenue of $33,242 and above-average occupancy stability, this Hudson County market benefits from its proximity to New York City and the steady stream of travelers seeking affordable alternatives to Manhattan hotels. The average daily rate of $145 sits well below the $430 New Jersey state average, yet the market's 35% occupancy rate slightly edges out the statewide figure — suggesting solid demand at a competitive price point.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Union City 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 Union City

Union City's appeal lies in its NYC proximity driving reliable guest demand at property price points well below Manhattan, creating a favorable revenue-to-value ratio for STR investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Union City presents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate a rapidly growing supply landscape. The market's seasonal revenue pattern shows a clear summer-to-fall peak — October leads at $3,632 — while winter months like January ($1,328) and February ($1,221) create a notable trough, resulting in roughly a 2.7x spread between the best and softest months. The supply/demand balance is currently rated below average, which aligns with that 69% year-over-year listing growth, so standing out with quality amenities and competitive pricing will be important. Investors who target larger properties — particularly 3-bedrooms earning an average of $51,265 annually — may find the strongest returns in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Union City

Average revenue by month in Union City

Union City's revenue cycle peaks in October at $3,632 and bottoms out in February at $1,221, a nearly 3x spread that underscores meaningful seasonality. The May–October stretch consistently delivers $3,200+ months, while the January–February lull suggests investors should budget for leaner winter cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Union City

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 70 of the 135 active listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 47. Studios (6) and 3-bedrooms (9) are relatively underrepresented, potentially signaling less competition and differentiation opportunities at those sizes.

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

ADR scales predictably with size, from $114 for studios to $217 for 3-bedroom properties — a 90% premium. The jump from 1-bedroom ($116) to 2-bedroom ($158) is particularly notable at roughly 36%, making 2-bedrooms an interesting mid-tier option for investors seeking higher nightly rates without the acquisition cost of larger units.

Average RevPAN by property size in Union City

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $78, substantially outpacing both 1-bedrooms ($43) and 2-bedrooms ($44). Studios also perform well at $57 RevPAN, driven by their higher occupancy rate, making them a capital-efficient option for investors focused on per-night yield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Union City

Studios lead occupancy at 51%, the only size exceeding 50%, while 2-bedrooms lag at 28% despite solid ADR. One-bedrooms and 3-bedrooms cluster in the mid-30s (38% and 36% respectively), suggesting that smaller units offer more predictable booking volume and cash-flow consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Union City

Three-bedroom listings earn the highest average monthly revenue at $4,272, nearly double that of 1-bedrooms at $2,242. Two-bedrooms land in between at $3,397 per month, while studios — despite strong occupancy — generate $2,589 monthly due to their lower ADR ceiling.

Average annual revenue by property size in Union City

At $51,265 annually, 3-bedroom properties deliver the highest gross revenue in Union City, followed by 2-bedrooms at $40,767. However, given the limited supply of 3-bedroom listings (just 9 active), investors targeting this size may face less competition while capturing nearly double the revenue of 1-bedroom units ($26,911).

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Union City

Kitchens (92%) and self check-in (84%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for convenience and independence in this market. Parking at 77% is notably high for a dense urban area and likely a competitive differentiator, while workspace availability at 56% signals meaningful demand from remote workers and business travelers visiting the NYC metro.

Understanding Union City's ROI Score: 68/100

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

Union City's ROI score of 68 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and a positive market growth trend that suggest strengthening demand fundamentals. The revenue-to-price ratio is rated average — reflecting $33,242 in annual revenue against $744,342 home values — while the supply/demand balance scores below average due to rapid listing growth outpacing demand. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to confirm that individual deals pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Union City

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Union City, New Jersey may be required to obtain a local permit or business registration before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Union City municipal offices and the New Jersey Division of Taxation, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in New Jersey municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA rules may impose additional limitations on short-term rentals, so investors should review any community covenants before purchasing a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in New Jersey are generally subject to state sales tax, municipal occupancy taxes, and potentially a tourism-related assessment. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with a tax professional familiar with New Jersey STR requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Union City's STR market is expected to continue benefiting from above-average occupancy stability and positive market growth trends. Seasonal data shows revenue peaking from May through October, with September and October generating roughly $3,550–$3,632 per month, so investors should anticipate stronger cash flow in the second half of the year. ADR could see modest gains in the 2–4% range as demand from NYC-adjacent travelers remains steady, though supply growth — listings surged 69% year-over-year — may temper pricing power. Occupancy is likely to hold in the 33–37% range market-wide, with tighter properties and better-managed listings outperforming that average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Union City, NJ

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Union City?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Union City is currently 35%, which slightly exceeds the New Jersey state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size: studios lead at 51%, followed by 1-bedrooms at 38%, 3-bedrooms at 36%, and 2-bedrooms at 28%. Investors targeting smaller units may benefit from more consistent booking volume.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Union City?

Airbnb hosts in Union City earn an average of $2,770 per month and approximately $33,242 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary by property size — 3-bedroom listings generate the highest revenue at roughly $4,272 per month ($51,265 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $2,242 per month ($26,911 annually). Peak months like October can push monthly revenue above $3,600.

Is Union City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Union City scores 68 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and positive growth trends, largely driven by its proximity to New York City. However, rapid supply growth (69% year-over-year) means competition is intensifying, so investors should focus on well-appointed properties and smart pricing strategies to stand out.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Union City is $145, which is significantly lower than the New Jersey state average of $430. ADR ranges from $114 for studios to $217 for 3-bedroom properties. This competitive pricing reflects the market's positioning as an affordable alternative for travelers visiting the greater New York City area.

Are short-term rentals legal in Union City?

Short-term rentals may be subject to local permitting and registration requirements in Union City, NJ. Regulations can include occupancy limits, noise restrictions, parking rules, and other conditions. We recommend checking with Union City municipal offices and consulting a local attorney or tax advisor to confirm current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Union City?

Peak season in Union City runs from roughly May through October, with the highest average monthly revenue occurring in October ($3,632) and September ($3,550). Summer months like May through August also perform strongly, averaging between $3,292 and $3,428. The slowest period falls in January and February, when monthly revenue dips to approximately $1,221–$1,328.

How many Airbnbs are there in Union City?

There are currently 135 active Airbnb listings in Union City as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 69% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 70 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (47), 3-bedrooms (9), and studios (6).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Union City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Union 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 October at $3,632) and slower periods (like February at $1,221). Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, amenities offered, 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 Union City and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Supply distribution and growth metrics including year-over-year listing changes
• Home value data 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 averages and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ based on future market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.