Metrics & Analytics

2 min read

What is RevPAN and Why Does It Matter in Short-Term Rentals?

RevPAN (Revenue Per Available Night) is key for STR success, blending ADR and occupancy to show true earning potential. It helps evaluate performance, guide investments, and optimize revenue.

Written By

Emir Dukic

Jan 16, 2025

When assessing the financial performance of a short-term rental (STR), one of the most insightful metrics is Revenue Per Available Night (RevPAN). This key performance indicator (KPI) combines Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Occupancy Rate to give STR owners and investors a clear picture of a property’s earning potential.

In this guide, we’ll break down what RevPAN is, how to calculate it, and why it’s a crucial metric for maximizing rental revenue.

What is RevPAN?

RevPAN measures the average revenue a short-term rental generates per available night, whether booked or not. It’s calculated using one of these two formulas:

  • RevPAN = ADR × Occupancy Rate

  • RevPAN = Total Revenue ÷ Total Available Nights

Example Calculation

If your property’s ADR is $200 and the occupancy rate is 70%, then:
$200 × 0.7 = $140

This means that, on average, your rental earns $140 per available night, even on unbooked nights.

Why is RevPAN Important for STR Owners?

1. A Holistic View of Revenue Performance

Unlike ADR or Occupancy Rate alone, RevPAN offers a balanced perspective on a property's revenue potential. While ADR reflects how much you charge per night, and Occupancy Rate shows how often your rental is booked, RevPAN ties both together to reveal overall earning efficiency.

2. Performance Tracking & Market Comparison

Monitoring RevPAN over time helps STR owners identify trends, optimize pricing, and maximize profitability. It’s also a great metric for comparing multiple properties within a portfolio or analyzing market trends to see how your listing stacks up.

3. Critical for Investment Decisions

For investors, a high RevPAN signals a profitable property that effectively generates revenue. When evaluating short-term rental investments, analyzing RevPAN alongside other KPIs—like cash-on-cash return and cap rate—ensures smarter buying decisions.

How to Increase RevPAN for Your Short-Term Rental

To boost your RevPAN, you need to optimize both ADR and Occupancy Rate. Here’s how:

Increase ADR (Average Daily Rate)

  • Upgrade amenities (hot tubs, smart locks, luxury bedding) to justify premium rates.

  • Use professional photography and write compelling descriptions to attract high-paying guests.

  • Implement dynamic pricing strategies to capitalize on peak seasons and special events.

Improve Occupancy Rate

  • Adjust pricing based on competitor data and demand trends.

  • Respond quickly to guest inquiries to secure more bookings.

  • List on multiple booking platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com) for increased visibility.

Why Smart Investors Focus on RevPAN

Understanding RevPAN is essential for maximizing short-term rental revenue. Whether you're a host looking to boost earnings or an investor searching for the next high-performing property, tracking RevPAN helps you make data-driven decisions.

Want to find top-performing short-term rentals? Use Rabbu to discover profitable investment opportunities and optimize your STR strategy.

Start maximizing your rental income today: Rabbu.com

Categories: Metrics & Analytics

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About the author

Emir Dukic

CEO @ Rabbu.com

With a passion for real estate innovation and technology, Emir has transformed Rabbu into a go-to marketplace for real estate investors seeking high-yield opportunities in the short-term rental market. Drawing on his background in entrepreneurship and operational strategy, Emir has been instrumental in simplifying the complexities of the short-term rental industry, empowering investors to maximize their returns with data-driven insights and streamlined tools.

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