Taos

As of May 2026, Taos, Santa Fe, Los Alamos have 2,955 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Taos generates $37K per year. High-performing properties earn $74K/year, while low-performing properties earn $16K/year. This significant performance variance suggests that revenue in this market is heavily skewed toward top-tier listings, indicating that average properties are struggling to capture guest interest despite the stable supply.

Average home prices in Taos vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $0, 2-bedroom homes average $365K, 3-bedroom properties are around $594K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $807K. These prices reflect median home values across the Taos, Santa Fe, Los Alamos area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Taos, with an average gross yield of 8% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 16%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The wide gap between average and high-yield returns highlights a bifurcated market where only a segment of properties effectively capitalizes on current demand.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Taos is 28%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $319, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $75 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Taos, with an average gross yield of 9% and annual revenue of $31K. These properties balance purchase price ($365K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Taos market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Taos area. Taos: Moderate. Business registration required, lodgers tax collection mandatory, zoning compliance needed. Some enforcement through tax audits and complaints. Santa Fe: Moderate. City business license required, lodgers tax collection, 1% affordable housing fee, occupancy limits. Enforcement through tax compliance and neighbor complaints. Los Alamos: Lenient. Business registration and gross receipts tax required. Minimal specific STR regulations. Light enforcement, mainly tax-focused. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Taos Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 22%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The decline in RevPAR despite minimal supply contraction suggests that market equilibrium is currently characterized by a reduction in overall traveler spending power rather than a shortage of available inventory.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 36% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (November-April) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Taos listings include: Kitchen (93%), Washing Machine (74%), Tv (72%), Balcony (62%), Heating (59%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Hot Tub, Tv, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 33% more ($59K/year vs $44K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Taos over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $2K, September: $1K, October: $2K, November: $1K, December: $4K, January: $3K, February: $3K, March: $4K, April: $873. 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 Taos is $319, up 17% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $191/night, 2-bedroom properties average $260/night, 3-bedroom properties average $368/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $606/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Taos book an average of 37 days in advance, down 19% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 32 days, 2-bedroom: 36 days, 3-bedroom: 40 days, 4+ bedroom: 46 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Taos Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 1%, revenue per listing decreased 22%, occupancy fell 21%, average nightly rates increased 17%, and lead time decreased 19%. These indicators reveal a market shifting toward shorter booking windows and lower utilization, suggesting that increased nightly rates may be hindering overall occupancy levels.

In Taos, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 36% higher occupancy than weekdays.