Cape Coral

As of May 2026, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach have 10,839 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 12% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Cape Coral generates $35K per year. High-performing properties earn $108K/year, while low-performing properties earn $16K/year. This wide disparity suggests that revenue outcomes are heavily skewed toward a small segment of units, highlighting a significant performance ceiling for standard inventory.

Average home prices in Cape Coral vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $133K, 2-bedroom homes average $243K, 3-bedroom properties are around $352K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $457K. These prices reflect median home values across the Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Cape Coral, with an average gross yield of 9% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 28%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. Such a variance in yield indicates that financial success is tightly linked to specific asset positioning rather than broad market trends.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Cape Coral is 31%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $334, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $74 per day.

1-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Cape Coral, with an average gross yield of 13% and annual revenue of $23K. These properties balance purchase price ($133K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Cape Coral market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Cape Coral area. Cape Coral: Moderate. Business tax receipt required, zoning compliance needed, no owner-occupancy rules. Enforcement exists but inconsistent, many operate without proper licensing. Fort Myers: Moderate. Business tax receipt and state registration required, zoning restrictions apply. Moderate enforcement, some unlicensed operations exist. Fort Myers Beach: Strict. Business tax receipt, state license, strict zoning limits in residential areas. Active enforcement with complaints investigated and fines issued. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Cape Coral Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing increasingly competitive conditions. Supply has grown 12% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 17%. This indicates growing competition requiring strong operations. The inverse relationship between supply growth and declining revenue suggests a market saturation phase putting downward pressure on individual unit performance.

Launch around December, 2-3 months before peak winter season (March peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 11% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (August-September) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Cape Coral listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (97%), Washing Machine (89%), Pool (79%), Tv (78%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Hot Tub, Washing Machine, with Pool properties earning approximately 26% more ($62K/year vs $49K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Cape Coral over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $1K, September: $715, October: $1K, November: $1K, December: $3K, January: $2K, February: $4K, March: $6K, 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 Cape Coral is $334, up 16% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $190/night, 2-bedroom properties average $297/night, 3-bedroom properties average $304/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $496/night. Rates peak in March and are lowest in September.

Guests in Cape Coral book an average of 45 days in advance, down 3% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 35 days, 2-bedroom: 48 days, 3-bedroom: 44 days, 4+ bedroom: 49 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Cape Coral Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 12%, revenue per listing decreased 17%, occupancy fell 17%, average nightly rates increased 16%, and lead time decreased 3%. These shifts reflect a tightening landscape where higher pricing attempts are failing to offset the impact of reduced demand and increased availability.

In Cape Coral, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 9% higher occupancy than weekdays.