Virginia Beach, VA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

71 / 100

Virginia Beach offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Virginia Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Virginia Beach earns a 71 out of 100 ROI score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier for short-term rental investors. With an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and 480 active Airbnb listings, the market benefits from strong seasonal beach-driven demand that pushes monthly revenue past $9,600 in peak summer months. Average annual revenue sits at $49,033 against a median home value of $687,633, offering a compelling entry point for investors who can optimize around the pronounced summer peak.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Virginia Beach short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 480
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $339 state avg. $227
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 34% state avg. 31%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $69
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $4,086
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $49,033

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Virginia Beach

A favorable revenue-to-price ratio combined with reliable summer beach tourism makes Virginia Beach a market worth serious consideration for STR investors seeking seasonal yield.

Key investment factors

  • Strong summer tourism drives peak monthly revenues above $9,600, anchoring annual returns
  • Above-average revenue-to-price ratio relative to comparable markets improves cash-on-cash potential
  • Larger properties (4+ bedrooms) command ADRs of $343–$675, creating premium revenue tiers
  • Supply remains moderate at 480 listings with stable year-over-year growth, limiting oversaturation risk
  • Beach access, outdoor amenities, and self check-in are already standard, lowering the bar for competitive positioning

Expert Market Assessment

"Virginia Beach presents a genuinely attractive opportunity for investors who understand and plan for its seasonal rhythm. Revenue swings dramatically — from roughly $1,034 in January to $9,652 in August — which means cash flow management is critical, but the summer months more than compensate for the quieter winter period. The market's occupancy stability is average at 31%, slightly below the 34% Virginia state average, yet the above-average revenue-to-price ratio helps offset that gap. Investors targeting 3- to 4-bedroom properties will find the strongest combination of occupancy, daily rates, and RevPAN in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Virginia Beach's ROI Score: 71/100

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

Factor Virginia Beach Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Above average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Virginia Beach's ROI score of 71 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that accounts for 40% of the score weighting. Occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance all register as average — solid enough to support investment confidence without signaling any red flags. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a financial plan that accounts for the market's pronounced seasonality to ensure the numbers work year-round.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Virginia Beach

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

Permit Requirements

Virginia Beach, Virginia may require short-term rental operators to obtain a conditional use permit or register their property with the city, depending on the zoning district. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Virginia Beach's planning department before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal Virginia markets can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements in certain residential zones, noise and parking regulations, and potential caps on the number of STR permits issued per block or neighborhood. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so reviewing any applicable community rules is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Virginia are typically subject to the state's transient occupancy tax and any locally imposed lodging or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both Virginia state and Virginia Beach city tax obligations.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Virginia Beach

Financing an Airbnb investment in Virginia Beach requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Virginia Beach Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Virginia Beach is expected to maintain its heavily seasonal revenue pattern, with the June-through-August window continuing to generate the lion's share of annual income. ADR may see modest upward pressure in the range of 1–3% as coastal demand remains resilient, though occupancy is likely to hover around 30–34% on an annualized basis given the market's winter lull. Listing growth has been measured — year-over-year active listings sit at 98% of the prior year — suggesting supply isn't outpacing demand in any alarming way. Investors should plan cash reserves for the softer November-through-February stretch and consider dynamic pricing strategies to capture maximum value during peak weeks."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Virginia Beach, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Virginia Beach?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Virginia Beach is currently 31%, which sits just below the Virginia state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios lead at 41%, while 5-bedroom properties dip to 12%. The seasonal nature of this beach market means occupancy concentrates heavily in the summer months, so annualized figures reflect extended low-season periods.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Virginia Beach?
Airbnb hosts in Virginia Beach earn an average of $4,086 per month, translating to roughly $49,033 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $30,206 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can pull in approximately $147,313 per year. Summer months like July and August drive the bulk of this revenue, with individual months exceeding $9,000 on average.
Is Virginia Beach a good market for Airbnb investment?
Virginia Beach scores 71 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is its standout strength, meaning the income potential is solid relative to property costs. Investors should be prepared for pronounced seasonality — winter months yield significantly less — but the strong summer demand and moderate competition (480 active listings) make it a compelling option for those who plan accordingly.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Virginia Beach?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Virginia Beach is $227, which comes in below the Virginia state average of $339. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $113, while 6+ bedroom homes command $675 per night. This tiered pricing creates opportunities for investors at multiple entry points depending on their budget and target guest demographic.
Are short-term rentals legal in Virginia Beach?
Short-term rentals do operate in Virginia Beach, with 480 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, the city may impose specific permitting, zoning, or registration requirements that vary by neighborhood. Prospective investors should contact the City of Virginia Beach's planning and zoning department directly to confirm current regulations, as STR rules in Virginia municipalities can change and may include restrictions on non-owner-occupied properties.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Virginia Beach?
Peak season in Virginia Beach runs from June through August, with average monthly revenues reaching $6,715 in June, $9,388 in July, and $9,652 in August. This three-month window accounts for a disproportionate share of annual income. The shoulder months of May ($4,649) and September ($4,003) also perform reasonably well, while the November through February stretch is the slowest period, with monthly averages falling between $1,034 and $2,010.
How many Airbnbs are there in Virginia Beach?
There are currently 480 active Airbnb listings in Virginia Beach as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 2-bedroom listings (149) and 1-bedroom listings (137) making up the largest segments. Year-over-year, active listings sit at 98% of the prior period, indicating a stable market without rapid supply expansion.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Virginia Beach?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Virginia Beach are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months 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 by market and property size
  • Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN across multiple property configurations
  • Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
  • Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Data aggregated from multiple providers including Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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 as conditions evolve. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.

Next Steps

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