Cary Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in North Carolina, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Cary in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Cary, North Carolina, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Cary, based on AirROI data from June 2024 to May 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 290 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Cary, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Cary Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Cary Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Cary (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Cary is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Cary is typically June, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Cary across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,527+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,096 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,829 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,491, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Cary
Cary Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Cary STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Cary:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 87%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 76% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 58%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 34% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Cary
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Cary (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Cary involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cary typically peaks in May and dips lowest during September. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $264+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $198 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $139 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $94 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Cary
Get Live Cary Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Cary (2025)
Peak Season (June, August, March)
- Revenue averages $3,307 per month
- Occupancy rates average 59.7%
- Daily rates average $156
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,047 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 54.8%
- Daily rates hold near $159
Low Season (January, February, November)
- Revenue drops to average $2,678 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 51.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $161
Seasonality Insights for Cary
- The Airbnb seasonality in Cary shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Cary's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $3,534, occupancy reaching a high of 63.1%, and ADRs peaking at $197.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $2,448, occupancy could drop to 46.7%, and ADRs may adjust down to $141.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Cary.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Cary seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Cary (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Cary? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Cary | The bustling center of Cary with easy access to shops, restaurants, and local events. Ideal for travelers who want to experience the community vibe and convenience of Cary. | Cary Arts Center, The Perfect Place, Downtown Park, Local breweries, Cary Town Hall |
| Cary Towne Center | A key commercial area providing shopping and dining options, attracting visitors who seek comfort and convenience close to amenities. | Cary Towne Center Mall, Cinemark Cary, Restaurants, Retail shops, Entertainment options |
| Parkside Town Commons | A growing shopping and dining destination that appeals to both local residents and visitors, perfect for families and leisure travelers. | Parkside Town Commons shopping center, Restaurants, Indoor play areas, Nearby parks, Outdoor activities |
| Koka Booth Amphitheatre | Popular venue for concerts and events, drawing crowds and tourists, especially during the summer festival season. | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Outdoor concerts, Cary Arts events, Annual festivals, Nature trails |
| Middle Creek | A suburban neighborhood ideal for families looking for a quiet stay with access to parks and local activities, suitable for longer-term rentals. | Middle Creek Community Park, Local schools, Nature trails, Family-friendly environment, Outdoor sports available |
| MacGregor Downs | Upscale residential area known for its golf courses and scenic views, attracting guests looking for a more luxurious stay. | MacGregor Downs Country Club, Lakes, Scenic drives, Golfing, Nearby fine dining |
| West Cary | A growing area home to several new developments, appealing to families and business travelers with its proximity to major highways and tech companies. | Local parks, Shopping centers, Tech business proximity, Community events, Family amenities |
| Bonds Grove | Quieter, residential area away from the hustle and bustle, attractive to visitors seeking peace and retreats while still being near Cary's attractions. | Rural charm, Nature parks, Walking trails, Community feel, Close to downtown |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Cary (2025)
While Cary, North Carolina, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Cary to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 1% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Cary (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Carybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Spacious Living | King Main Level | Walk to DTCary
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Luxe Cary Retreat | Cozy, Modern & Perfect Stay
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Outdoor Oasis - Pool, Hot Tub, Fireplace, Kitchen
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Bright Cary Home with Deck < 15 Mi to Raleigh!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Sweet Carolina - Near DT Raleigh/NC State/WakeMed
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Lux Retreat Designed for Groups - Vintage Charm
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Cary (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Cary based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisa | 7 | $318,149 | 231 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Molly | 6 | $294,820 | 172 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Amanda | 6 | $293,787 | 137 | 4.86/5.0 |
| MeiLani | 6 | $141,029 | 399 | 4.61/5.0 |
| Evolve | 4 | $136,142 | 121 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Ian | 3 | $135,265 | 284 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Gayla | 3 | $129,683 | 537 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Jason | 3 | $103,937 | 65 | 4.69/5.0 |
| Mital | 1 | $97,178 | 121 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Marilyn | 3 | $96,004 | 221 | 4.67/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Cary.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Cary STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Cary. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsCary Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Cary
- The Cary Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 81% of the 290 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Cary, House properties are the most common (82.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 82.4% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like others, hotel/boutique (combined 5.2%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Cary Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Cary
- The dominant room capacity in Cary is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 29.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 50.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Cary, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 51.5% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Cary.
Cary Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Cary
- The most common guest capacity trend in Cary vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (25.2%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Cary STR market, accounting for 46.6% of listings.
- 50.4% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Cary.
- On average, properties in Cary are equipped to host 4.8 guests.
Cary Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Cary
- The most common availability pattern in Cary falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 35.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 58.6% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Cary (35.5%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 42.4% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Cary Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
46 listings
16.6% of total
2 Nights
80 listings
28.9% of total
3 Nights
32 listings
11.6% of total
4-6 Nights
22 listings
7.9% of total
7-29 Nights
22 listings
7.9% of total
30+ Nights
75 listings
27.1% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Cary is 2 Nights, adopted by 28.9% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (27.1%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Cary, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 28.9% of Cary hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 16.6% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 27.1% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Cary.
Cary Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 60 Days
4 listings
1.5% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
0.4% of total
Flexible
49 listings
18.8% of total
Moderate
94 listings
36.2% of total
Firm
67 listings
25.8% of total
Strict
45 listings
17.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Cary
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Cary is Moderate, used by 36.2% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (55.0%) and stricter (43.1%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 36.2% market standard in Cary.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Cary.
Cary STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Cary
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Cary is 40 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 63 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 28 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (53 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (35 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (40 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Cary.
- For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 63 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 53 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Cary averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Cary (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Cary
- Essential amenities in Cary that guests expect include: Wifi, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Heating, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, Hot water, Washer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Cary: Wifi, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Heating, TV.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Heating, TV.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Hot water to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Cary to stay competitive.
Cary Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Cary
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Cary consists of primarily domestic travelers (96%), often arriving from nearby Charlotte, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 95.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (95.6%) and DC (1%).
- Top languages spoken are English (72.9%) followed by Spanish (11.3%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Charlotte and Cary.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Cary Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrightsville Beach | 453 | $4,019 | $487.73 | 38% |
| Littleton | 114 | $3,840 | $440.03 | 41% |
| Macon | 39 | $3,573 | $484.69 | 35% |
| Henrico | 71 | $3,480 | $418.21 | 39% |
| Bracey | 51 | $3,409 | $415.51 | 41% |
| Semora | 49 | $3,258 | $352.76 | 39% |
| Cedar Point | 25 | $3,197 | $270.75 | 48% |
| Whispering Pines | 14 | $3,086 | $984.80 | 40% |
| Emerald Isle | 478 | $3,049 | $349.75 | 41% |
| Roxboro | 30 | $2,862 | $282.02 | 46% |