Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Bellingham?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Bellingham market averaged 1,590 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 2% from a year earlier and up 16% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Bellingham?

Accepted Answer

An average Bellingham listing earns $35K/year. High-performing listings earn $72K, while low-performing listings earn $14K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Bellingham?

Accepted Answer

Median Bellingham home prices by size are 1-bedroom $285K, 2-bedroom $436K, 3-bedroom $584K, and 4+ bedroom $701K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Bellingham?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Bellingham is 29%, producing RevPAR of $81 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Bellingham?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Bellingham. Bellingham: Strict. Permit required, owner-occupancy mandatory (must live on-site 270+ days/year), max 2 bedrooms rentable. Whole-house rentals prohibited in residential zones. Active enforcement with compliance checks, neighbor complaint response, and significant fines for violations. City maintains public registry and regularly audits listings on Airbnb/VRBO against permits. Few hosts operate illegally due to consistent enforcement pressure. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Bellingham Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Bellingham Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has grown 2% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 8%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Bellingham?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in August and July; it is lowest in November and April.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Bellingham?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Kitchen (98%), Internet (98%), Heating (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+46%), Lake Access (+45%), Sauna (+37%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Bellingham?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Bellingham is $310, up 17% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in April.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Bellingham?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Bellingham book an average of 38 days in advance, up 4% from last year. Booking windows range from 34 days for 1-bedroom listings to 50 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Bellingham?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 58% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Upper Skagit and North Cascades	$66.7K 42 listings	19.3% 42 listings
2.Glacier and Mount Baker Country	$39.3K 87 listings	9.8% 87 listings
3.East Whatcom Foothills	$37.9K 79 listings	9.6% 79 listings
4.Lake Whatcom and South Whatcom Country	$46.6K 158 listings	8.3% 158 listings
5.Birch Bay and North Coast	$30.4K 146 listings	7.7% 146 listings
6.Bellingham City	$38.9K 119 listings	7.4% 119 listings
7.North Whatcom Valley	$27.2K 50 listings	6.4% 50 listings