Buffalo

As of May 2026, Buffalo, Niagara Falls have 1,429 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 8% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Buffalo generates $33K per year. High-performing properties earn $64K/year, while low-performing properties earn $13K/year. This wide revenue spread suggests that market earnings are heavily polarized, with top-tier listings capturing a disproportionate share of total demand despite a contraction in overall supply.

Average home prices in Buffalo vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $124K, 2-bedroom homes average $222K, 3-bedroom properties are around $299K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $361K. These prices reflect median home values across the Buffalo, Niagara Falls area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Buffalo, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 20%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The gap between average and high yields highlights how specific operational efficiencies or asset positioning heavily influence return potential in a tightening market.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Buffalo is 37%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $221, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $61 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Buffalo, with an average gross yield of 17% and annual revenue of $61K. These properties balance purchase price ($361K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Buffalo market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Buffalo area. Buffalo: Moderate. Registration required, safety inspections, zoning compliance needed. Mixed enforcement - some neighborhoods stricter than others. Niagara Falls: Lenient. Basic business license and tax registration required. Minimal enforcement - many hosts operate informally with little oversight. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Buffalo Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 8% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 4%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized contraction in both supply and revenue reflects a market stabilizing as less competitive inventory exits the landscape.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 17% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Buffalo listings include: Kitchen (97%), Air Conditioning (96%), Tv (92%), Heating (78%), Washing Machine (71%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Air Conditioning, Washing Machine, Bbq, with Air Conditioning properties earning approximately 37% more ($43K/year vs $31K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Buffalo over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $1K, February: $802, March: $1K, 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 Buffalo is $221, up 21% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $133/night, 2-bedroom properties average $175/night, 3-bedroom properties average $230/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $400/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Guests in Buffalo book an average of 32 days in advance, down 13% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 28 days, 2-bedroom: 31 days, 3-bedroom: 33 days, 4+ bedroom: 35 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Buffalo Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 8%, revenue per listing decreased 4%, occupancy fell 6%, average nightly rates increased 21%, and lead time decreased 13%. These metrics illustrate a shift toward higher pricing strategies amidst declining utilization and tighter booking windows.

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