Tucson, AZ Short-Term Rental ROI Calculator
Analyze your Airbnb investment with live Tucson market data. Pre-populated with real ADR, occupancy, and revenue benchmarks.
Investor Quick Take
Strengths
- Accessible entry point — median home $295K
- STR-friendly regulations — low compliance burden
Risks
- Rising competition — 16% more listings vs last year
- Moderate seasonality — plan for slower months
- Below-average occupancy — careful underwriting required
Moderate Market
Based on ADR, occupancy, and supply metrics
Tucson offers an accessible entry point at $295K median — lower capital requirement than comparable markets.
We've pre-populated this calculator with Tucson's market averages. Adjust the values to match your specific property.
Tucson Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Tucson's warm, dry climate and stunning desert landscape attract visitors seeking outdoor adventure, wellness retreats, and luxury experiences. The inverse seasonality — peak demand from October through April, slower in the intense summer heat — actually benefits long-term investors by avoiding the maintenance wear of summer vacation rushes.
The average STR in Tucson generates approximately $27,000 in annual revenue, with an average daily rate of $142 and a 52% occupancy rate across the year. These metrics position Tucson as an accessible entry-point STR market — particularly attractive to investors seeking premium nightly rates with a concentrated peak season.
Active listings in Tucson grew by 16% year-over-year, currently sitting at approximately 3,200 active STR units. This rapid supply growth warrants attention — markets with accelerating inventory can see downward pressure on occupancy as new listings compete for the same pool of guests. Investors should track supply trends quarterly using tools like AirDNA or Rabbu before committing capital.
Key considerations for Tucson investors: regulatory risk is rated low — Tucson currently has minimal STR regulation, making it an investor-friendly market from a compliance perspective. Monitor local policy, as regulations can change. Property management costs, cleaning turnover for short stays, and platform fee optimization are the primary levers operators use to improve net margin in this market.
Market Metrics
Tucson Airbnb Revenue by Property Size
| Property Size | Avg ADR | Avg Occupancy | Avg Annual Revenue | Est. Cap Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $71 | 52% | $14K | 2.1–2.9% |
| 1BR | $102 | 52% | $20K | 3.2–4.3% |
| 2BR | $153 | 52% | $30K | 4.8–6.5% |
| 3BR | $210 | 52% | $43K | 6.8–9.1% |
| 4BR+ | $298 | 52% | $61K | 9.6–13.0% |
Tucson STR Revenue Calendar
Seasonal Insight: Peak season runs February, March, and January. Expect up to 48% higher revenue during peak months. Plan for August and July as your slowest period — approximately 48% below the annual average.
Is Tucson a Good Market for Short-Term Rentals?
Why investors choose Tucson
- ✓Premium pricing power: Tucson's destination appeal supports $142/night average — significantly above national STR average of ~$180
- ✓Growing market: 16% annual listing growth signals strong investor and visitor confidence
Key risks to consider
- !Moderate seasonality: revenue varies materially by month — budget conservatively for shoulder and off-peak periods
- !Below-average occupancy: 52% market average means careful property selection and pricing strategy are critical to profitability
Tucson STR Regulatory Overview
LowTucson follows Arizona state law allowing STRs with registration. Pima County requires a transaction privilege tax license. The market is investor-friendly.
Key Requirements
- ·State TPT license required
- ·Pima County registration
- ·Business license
- ·Standard zoning compliance
Source: Pima County & Arizona Department of Revenue · Last verified: 2026-01. Regulations change frequently — always verify current requirements with local authorities before investing.
Compare Tucson to Similar Markets
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| Metric | Tucson | Scottsdale | Sedona | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADR | $142 | $267 | $398 | $189 |
| Occupancy | 52% | 58% | 71% | 55% |
| Avg Revenue | $27K | $57K | $103K | $38K |
| Median Home Value | $295K | $765K | $895K | $445K |
| Regulatory Risk | Low | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
Tucson Short-Term Rental FAQs
Is Tucson a good market for short-term rentals?+
Tucson, AZ is an accessible US STR markets. With an average daily rate of $142 and 52% occupancy, the average listing earns approximately $27,000 per year. Market performance varies significantly by property type, location within the city, and management quality — this calculator helps you model your specific scenario.
What is the average Airbnb income in Tucson?+
The average STR listing in Tucson generates approximately $27,000 in gross annual revenue at a $142 average daily rate and 52% occupancy. Top-performing listings with premium amenities, strong reviews, and professional management can earn 30–50% above the market average. After platform fees (3–5%), cleaning costs, and other expenses, net revenue typically ranges 60–75% of gross.
What occupancy rate can I expect for an Airbnb in Tucson?+
The market-average occupancy in Tucson is approximately 52%. New listings typically underperform the market average for the first 3–6 months while accumulating reviews. Properties with professional photography, competitive pricing, and consistently high ratings can reach 64–70% occupancy. This market is moderately seasonal — plan for meaningful variation between peak and off-peak months.
What are the STR regulations in Tucson?+
Regulatory risk in Tucson is rated Low. Tucson currently has minimal STR regulation, making it investor-friendly from a compliance standpoint. Always verify current requirements — local policies can change. Regulations change frequently; always confirm current rules with local authorities.
What type of property performs best as an Airbnb in Tucson?+
In Tucson, the highest-performing STR properties are typically 2–3 bedroom homes with private pools. Guests in Tucson prioritize privacy, unique ambiance, and well-equipped spaces. The most efficient segment by revenue-per-dollar-invested is typically the 2-bedroom category.
What is the best season for Airbnb in Tucson?+
Tucson sees peak STR demand during October through April. During peak season, top properties can command rates 48% above their annual average. Demand remains relatively stable throughout the year, with only moderate seasonal variation.
How much does it cost to buy an STR investment property in Tucson?+
The median home value in Tucson is approximately $295,000. With a 20% down payment, you'd invest roughly $68K in cash (including closing costs and setup). At the market-average revenue of $27,000/year, a property at median value would generate a gross revenue yield of approximately 9.2%. Use this calculator to model your specific purchase price, financing terms, and expense assumptions.
How does Tucson compare to other STR markets?+
Tucson offers accessible entry points relative to premium coastal markets. The $142 ADR is below the national STR average of roughly $185. For comparison, markets like Aspen and Malibu exceed $450 ADR but require significantly higher acquisition costs. Tucson offers a lower barrier to entry with reliable occupancy fundamentals.
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