Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Boulder?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Boulder market averaged 898 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, down 15% from a year earlier and down 19% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Boulder?

Accepted Answer

An average Boulder listing earns $56K/year. High-performing listings earn $129K, while low-performing listings earn $20K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Boulder home prices by size are 1-bedroom $300K, 2-bedroom $436K, 3-bedroom $580K, and 4+ bedroom $656K.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Boulder is 41%, producing RevPAR of $116 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Boulder?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Boulder. Boulder: Strict. License required, owner-occupancy mandatory, 30-day minimum stay in most zones, caps on permits. Active enforcement with compliance checks and fines.
Fort Collins: Moderate. Business license required, owner-occupancy in residential zones, 90-day rental limit for non-owner-occupied. Complaint-driven enforcement.
Estes Park: Lenient. Business license and sales tax registration required. No owner-occupancy rules. Light enforcement, tourism-friendly.
Longmont: Strict. License required, owner-occupancy mandatory, density limits by zone, 183-day cap. Active enforcement with inspections. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Boulder Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Boulder Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has declined 15% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 30%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Boulder?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and August; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Boulder?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (100%), Kitchen (98%), Heating (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Hot Tub (+92%), Washing Machine (+89%), Ev Charger (+56%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Boulder is $348, up 23% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Boulder book an average of 41 days in advance. Booking windows range from 36 days for 1-bedroom listings to 48 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 31% 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.Central Boulder	$77.1K 154 listings	9.9% 154 listings
2.Boulder East of 28th Street	$59.7K 43 listings	9.8% 43 listings
3.South Boulder	$68.4K 44 listings	8.5% 44 listings
4.Lafayette & Erie	$35.1K 76 listings	8.3% 76 listings
5.North Boulder	$51.6K 35 listings	7.9% 35 listings
6.Longmont	$32.4K 112 listings	7.6% 112 listings
7.Boulder County Foothills & Mountains	$68.2K 43 listings	7.2% 43 listings
8.Carbon Valley, Mead & Berthoud	$36.3K 28 listings	6.9% 28 listings