Seattle

As of May 2026, Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma have 5,029 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 7% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Seattle generates $48K per year. High-performing properties earn $83K/year, while low-performing properties earn $19K/year. This wide earnings spread highlights a bifurcated market where top-tier listings capture disproportionate revenue, suggesting that current supply constraints favor those who can distinguish their performance from the median.

Average home prices in Seattle vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $397K, 2-bedroom homes average $697K, 3-bedroom properties are around $972K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $1.3M. These prices reflect median home values across the Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Seattle, with an average gross yield of 6% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 10%, which is considered good for short-term rental investment. The gap between average and high yields suggests that competitive advantages in this market significantly amplify returns relative to the broader inventory.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Seattle is 47%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $242, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $89 per day.

1-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Seattle, with an average gross yield of 8% and annual revenue of $32K. These properties balance purchase price ($397K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Seattle market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Seattle area. Seattle: Strict. Owner-occupancy required, two-unit max per operator, STR license mandatory, annual inspections. Active enforcement with significant fines and platform cooperation. Bellevue: Strict. Owner-occupancy required, primary residence only, business license needed, 90-day cap for non-primary. Active code enforcement with penalties. Tacoma: Moderate. Business license required, owner-occupancy for residential zones, good neighbor policy. Complaint-driven enforcement, some unlicensed operators exist. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Seattle Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced with strong demand conditions. Supply has declined 7% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 4%. This indicates healthy demand growth outpacing supply, creating a tightening environment where existing listings benefit from reduced competition and rising revenue efficiency.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 30% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Seattle listings include: Kitchen (96%), Tv (92%), Washing Machine (86%), Heating (77%), Air Conditioning (73%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Hot Tub, Air Conditioning, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 46% more ($57K/year vs $39K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Seattle over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $4K, July: $4K, August: $4K, September: $3K, October: $3K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $2K, February: $2K, March: $2K, 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 Seattle is $242, up 17% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $159/night, 2-bedroom properties average $243/night, 3-bedroom properties average $307/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $480/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Guests in Seattle book an average of 35 days in advance, down 18% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 33 days, 2-bedroom: 36 days, 3-bedroom: 36 days, 4+ bedroom: 41 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Seattle Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 7%, revenue per listing increased 4%, occupancy fell 2%, average nightly rates increased 17%, and lead time decreased 18%. These shifts reflect a pricing-heavy growth model where hosts leverage tighter inventory to drive higher rates despite softer occupancy and faster booking cycles.

In Seattle, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 33% higher occupancy than weekdays.