Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Big Sky?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Big Sky market averaged 2,090 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 9% from a year earlier and up 29% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Big Sky?

Accepted Answer

An average Big Sky listing earns $88K/year. High-performing listings earn $193K, while low-performing listings earn $33K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Big Sky home prices by size are 1-bedroom $387K, 2-bedroom $516K, 3-bedroom $661K, and 4+ bedroom $842K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Big Sky?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Big Sky is 33%, producing RevPAR of $187 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Big Sky?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Big Sky. Big Sky: Lenient. No specific short-term rental permit required. Must comply with Montana lodging facility tax and local resort tax registration. No owner-occupancy rules or rental caps. Enforcement is minimal - Big Sky Resort Area District focuses on tax collection rather than operational restrictions. Most hosts operate freely with basic tax compliance. Zoning allows vacation rentals in most areas. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Big Sky Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Big Sky Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 9% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 26%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Big Sky?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in February and March; it is lowest in November and October.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Big Sky?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (99%), Heating (97%), Kitchen (96%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Hot Tub (+129%), Ski In Out (+103%), Internet (+66%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Big Sky is $684, up 23% year-over-year. Rates peak in February and are lowest in October.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Big Sky book an average of 56 days in advance, up 12% from last year. Booking windows range from 43 days for 1-bedroom listings to 67 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Friday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 19% 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.North Big Sky and Moonlight Country	$190K 88 listings	8.6% 88 listings
2.Big Sky Mountain Village Country	$153K 215 listings	8.0% 215 listings
3.Ennis and Madison Valley Country	$39.7K 79 listings	6.2% 79 listings
4.Big Sky Gallatin Side	$80.0K 145 listings	5.3% 145 listings
5.Big Sky Meadow and Town Center	$84.1K 156 listings	5.1% 156 listings
6.Upper Gallatin and Yellowstone Edge	$49.6K 56 listings	4.6% 56 listings