Palm Bay

As of May 2026, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Vero Beach have 4,881 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 3% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Palm Bay generates $45K per year. High-performing properties earn $100K/year, while low-performing properties earn $17K/year. The substantial variance between top and bottom earners suggests that revenue potential is highly polarized, indicating that market performance is heavily bifurcated rather than uniform across the existing inventory.

Average home prices in Palm Bay vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $149K, 2-bedroom homes average $223K, 3-bedroom properties are around $386K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $503K. These prices reflect median home values across the Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Vero Beach area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Palm Bay, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 24%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This wide spread in yield potential highlights a distinct tiering in the market where top-performing assets significantly outpace the broader inventory's profitability.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Palm Bay is 42%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $279, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $88 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Palm Bay, with an average gross yield of 15% and annual revenue of $90K. These properties balance purchase price ($503K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Palm Bay market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Palm Bay area. Palm Bay: Moderate. Business tax receipt required, zoning compliance needed. Standard enforcement through code compliance. Melbourne: Moderate. Business tax receipt, occupational license, zoning restrictions apply. Moderate enforcement via complaints. Cocoa Beach: Lenient. Business tax receipt only, no occupancy rules or density caps. Light enforcement, tourist-friendly approach. Vero Beach: Moderate. Business tax receipt, minimum 30-day rentals in residential zones. Complaint-driven enforcement. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Palm Bay Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 3% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 14%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in revenue despite a shrinking supply base suggests that softening demand is currently outpacing the removal of competing units from the market.

Launch around December, 2-3 months before peak spring season (March peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 45% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (November-September) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Palm Bay listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (97%), Washing Machine (87%), Tv (76%), Balcony (65%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Hot Tub, Air Conditioning, with Pool properties earning approximately 39% more ($67K/year vs $48K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Palm Bay over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $3K, July: $3K, August: $2K, September: $1K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $2K, February: $3K, March: $6K, April: $4K. 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 Palm Bay is $279, up 13% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $147/night, 2-bedroom properties average $213/night, 3-bedroom properties average $283/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $576/night. Rates peak in March and are lowest in September.

Guests in Palm Bay book an average of 45 days in advance, down 8% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 33 days, 2-bedroom: 49 days, 3-bedroom: 47 days, 4+ bedroom: 50 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Palm Bay Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 3%, revenue per listing decreased 14%, occupancy fell 13%, average nightly rates increased 13%, and lead time decreased 8%. These shifts reflect a move toward higher pricing sensitivity, where the market is attempting to sustain rate growth despite declining occupancy levels.

In Palm Bay, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 20% higher occupancy than weekdays.