Rochester

As of May 2026, Rochester, Canandaigua, Skaneateles have 1,276 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 16% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Rochester generates $28K per year. High-performing properties earn $55K/year, while low-performing properties earn $11K/year. This wide earnings gap suggests that revenue is highly sensitive to listing quality and positioning, as the market contraction in revenue outpaces the reduction in supply.

Average home prices in Rochester vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $160K, 2-bedroom homes average $206K, 3-bedroom properties are around $251K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $284K. These prices reflect median home values across the Rochester, Canandaigua, Skaneateles area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Rochester, with an average gross yield of 10% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 20%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. Such a variance in yield highlights that top-tier assets remain resilient even while overall market revenues face downward pressure.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Rochester is 37%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $205, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $49 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Rochester, with an average gross yield of 16% and annual revenue of $49K. These properties balance purchase price ($284K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Rochester market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Rochester area. Rochester: Moderate. No city-specific STR license required, but must comply with zoning and safety codes. Some neighborhoods restrict rentals. Enforcement complaint-driven, not proactive. Canandaigua: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permits required. Must follow general lodging/safety rules. Minimal enforcement, many operate freely. Skaneateles: Moderate. Special permit required in residential zones, owner must be present during rental. Village reviews case-by-case. Enforcement sporadic. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Rochester Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 16% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 28%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The sharper drop in revenue relative to supply suggests that while the market is consolidating, demand has weakened significantly, keeping the competitive landscape tight.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -44% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Rochester listings include: Air Conditioning (96%), Kitchen (95%), Tv (87%), Washing Machine (77%), Heating (75%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Bbq, Lake Access, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 66% more ($73K/year vs $44K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Rochester over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $750, February: $679, March: $1K, April: $1K. 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 Rochester is $205, up 18% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $114/night, 2-bedroom properties average $197/night, 3-bedroom properties average $245/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $407/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in February.

Guests in Rochester book an average of 32 days in advance, down 13% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 26 days, 2-bedroom: 32 days, 3-bedroom: 36 days, 4+ bedroom: 38 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Rochester Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 16%, revenue per listing decreased 28%, occupancy fell 10%, average nightly rates increased 18%, and lead time decreased 13%. These metrics reveal a shift toward shorter booking windows and higher price points, likely as hosts attempt to offset declining occupancy.

In Rochester, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 40% higher occupancy than weekdays.