Scranton

As of May 2026, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pocono Mountains have 1,313 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 6% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Scranton generates $42K per year. High-performing properties earn $101K/year, while low-performing properties earn $18K/year. The substantial revenue spread suggests that market performance is highly polarized, with top-tier listings capturing a disproportionate share of demand despite an overall decline in market-wide revenue.

Average home prices in Scranton vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $0, 2-bedroom homes average $185K, 3-bedroom properties are around $251K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $293K. These prices reflect median home values across the Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pocono Mountains area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Scranton, with an average gross yield of 17% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 41%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This delta indicates that while average yields remain moderate, specific property categories or management strategies effectively mitigate the current downward pressure on revenue.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Scranton is 30%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $345, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $78 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Scranton, with an average gross yield of 19% and annual revenue of $62K. These properties balance purchase price ($293K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Scranton market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Scranton area. Scranton: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general zoning and business licensing. Minimal enforcement. Wilkes-Barre: Lenient. Basic business license required, general zoning compliance. No STR-specific rules or caps. Light enforcement. Pocono Mountains: Moderate. Varies by township - most require permits/inspections. Some areas have occupancy limits. Enforcement inconsistent, stronger in resort areas during peak season. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Scranton Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 19%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The concurrent drop in both supply and RevPAR points to a market contraction where the reduction in available inventory has yet to stabilize pricing power.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 38% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (May-March) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Scranton listings include: Kitchen (96%), Air Conditioning (90%), Tv (87%), Washing Machine (77%), Heating (66%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Hot Tub, Pool, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 62% more ($75K/year vs $46K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Scranton over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $4K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $3K, January: $3K, February: $2K, 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 Scranton is $345, up 18% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $152/night, 2-bedroom properties average $192/night, 3-bedroom properties average $301/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $547/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Scranton book an average of 32 days in advance, down 20% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 25 days, 2-bedroom: 27 days, 3-bedroom: 30 days, 4+ bedroom: 39 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Scranton Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 6%, revenue per listing decreased 19%, occupancy fell 8%, average nightly rates increased 18%, and lead time decreased 20%. These shifts reflect a tightening environment where higher nightly rates are failing to offset reduced occupancy, signaling a shift in traveler booking behavior.

In Scranton, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 82% higher occupancy than weekdays.