Boulder

As of May 2026, Boulder, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Longmont have 924 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 23% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Boulder generates $48K per year. High-performing properties earn $111K/year, while low-performing properties earn $19K/year. This wide disparity suggests that revenue outcomes are heavily bifurcated, reflecting significant variance in how different listings capture the limited demand currently present in the market.

Average home prices in Boulder vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $314K, 2-bedroom homes average $438K, 3-bedroom properties are around $593K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $663K. These prices reflect median home values across the Boulder, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Longmont area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Boulder, with an average gross yield of 7% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 17%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The gap between average and top performers illustrates that yield potential is highly sensitive to operational efficiency rather than broad market trends.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Boulder is 41%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $318, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $84 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Boulder, with an average gross yield of 10% and annual revenue of $83K. These properties balance purchase price ($663K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Boulder market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Boulder area. Boulder: Strict. License required, owner-occupancy mandatory, 30-day minimum stay in most zones, density caps. Active enforcement with significant fines and compliance checks. Fort Collins: Moderate. License required, owner-occupancy needed for short-term (<30 days), inspections mandatory. Moderate enforcement, some unlicensed operations exist. Estes Park: Lenient. Sales tax license required, no owner-occupancy rule, minimal restrictions. Light enforcement, tourist-friendly approach. Longmont: Strict. License required, owner-occupancy mandatory, 250-night annual cap, spacing requirements. Active enforcement with neighbor complaint response. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Boulder Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 23% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 33%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. Even with reduced competition, the sharp drop in revenue per listing suggests that the contraction in market supply has not yet offset the broader decline in traveler spending.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -21% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Boulder listings include: Kitchen (97%), Air Conditioning (88%), Tv (87%), Washing Machine (79%), Heating (78%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Gym, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 70% more ($99K/year vs $58K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Boulder over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $3K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $3K, October: $3K, November: $3K, December: $2K, January: $1K, February: $2K, March: $2K, April: $3K. 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 Boulder is $318, up 19% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $162/night, 2-bedroom properties average $252/night, 3-bedroom properties average $409/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $677/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in February.

Guests in Boulder book an average of 38 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 34 days, 2-bedroom: 39 days, 3-bedroom: 40 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 Boulder Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 23%, revenue per listing decreased 33%, occupancy fell 18%, average nightly rates increased 19%, and lead time decreased 21%. These metrics imply a shift toward shorter, higher-priced bookings, signaling that operators are facing increased friction in securing consistent occupancy.

In Boulder, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 25% higher occupancy than weekdays.