New Bern

As of May 2026, New Bern, Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach have 962 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 2% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in New Bern generates $27K per year. High-performing properties earn $48K/year, while low-performing properties earn $12K/year. The substantial gap between top and bottom tiers suggests that earnings are heavily tied to specific asset positioning rather than uniform market performance.

Average home prices in New Bern vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $157K, 2-bedroom homes average $137K, 3-bedroom properties are around $219K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $342K. These prices reflect median home values across the New Bern, Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in New Bern, with an average gross yield of 12% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 22%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This wide variance indicates that successful operators capture significant premiums despite broader downward pressure on annual revenue.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in New Bern is 36%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $190, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $50 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in New Bern, with an average gross yield of 16% and annual revenue of $25K. These properties balance purchase price ($137K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the New Bern market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the New Bern area. New Bern: Moderate. Zoning permit required, must meet fire/safety codes, occupancy tax registration. Some neighborhood restrictions. Moderate enforcement through complaints. Emerald Isle: Moderate. Business license and occupancy tax required, zoning compliance, parking rules. Active enforcement during peak season with inspections. Atlantic Beach: Lenient. Town business license and occupancy tax registration required. Minimal restrictions beyond zoning. Light enforcement, complaint-driven. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The New Bern Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 2% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 19%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized decline in supply and revenue suggests the market is recalibrating to lower demand levels without excessive over-saturation.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -42% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in New Bern listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (93%), Tv (86%), Washing Machine (84%), Heating (70%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Lake Access, Gym, with Pool properties earning approximately 25% more ($45K/year vs $36K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in New Bern over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $946, February: $826, 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 New Bern is $190, up 21% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $127/night, 2-bedroom properties average $181/night, 3-bedroom properties average $207/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $325/night. Rates peak in April and are lowest in May.

Guests in New Bern book an average of 32 days in advance, down 12% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 28 days, 2-bedroom: 32 days, 3-bedroom: 34 days, 4+ bedroom: 34 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the New Bern Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 2%, revenue per listing decreased 19%, occupancy fell 11%, average nightly rates increased 21%, and lead time decreased 12%. These metrics reveal a shift toward shorter booking windows and higher pricing reliance to offset lower utilization.

In New Bern, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 43% higher occupancy than weekdays.