Bellingham

As of May 2026, Bellingham has 1,553 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 5% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Bellingham generates $36K per year. High-performing properties earn $71K/year, while low-performing properties earn $16K/year. The massive earnings disparity suggests that revenue is heavily concentrated among a segment of listings that effectively capture demand despite a 26% year-over-year revenue contraction.

Average home prices in Bellingham vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $285K, 2-bedroom homes average $444K, 3-bedroom properties are around $591K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $707K. These prices reflect median home values across the Bellingham area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Bellingham, with an average gross yield of 7% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 14%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This wide spread in yield potential highlights significant variance in operational efficiency within the current market environment.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Bellingham is 31%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $293, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $69 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Bellingham, with an average gross yield of 8% and annual revenue of $58K. These properties balance purchase price ($707K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Bellingham market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Bellingham area. Bellingham: Strict. Business license required, primary residence only, max 2 bedrooms, 90-day annual cap for unhosted rentals. Owner-occupancy mandatory. Active enforcement through complaint-driven investigations and online monitoring. City regularly issues violations and fines non-compliant operators. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Bellingham Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 26%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. These metrics point to a market recalibration where the contraction in revenue is outpacing the reduction in supply, reflecting softening demand pressures.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 14% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (April-November) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Bellingham listings include: Kitchen (92%), Washing Machine (78%), Tv (75%), Heating (67%), Balcony (58%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Sauna, Hot Tub, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 43% more ($59K/year vs $41K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Bellingham over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $1K, December: $2K, January: $2K, February: $2K, March: $2K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Bellingham is $293, up 17% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $185/night, 2-bedroom properties average $261/night, 3-bedroom properties average $368/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $536/night. Rates peak in February and are lowest in May.

Guests in Bellingham book an average of 34 days in advance, down 22% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 31 days, 2-bedroom: 34 days, 3-bedroom: 36 days, 4+ bedroom: 45 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Bellingham Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 5%, revenue per listing decreased 26%, occupancy fell 20%, average nightly rates increased 17%, and lead time decreased 22%. These shifting metrics suggest that hosts are attempting to offset lower occupancy through higher pricing, despite shortening booking windows.

In Bellingham, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 62% higher occupancy than weekdays.