Virginia Beach, VA Short-Term Rental ROI Calculator
Analyze your Airbnb investment with live Virginia Beach market data. Pre-populated with real ADR, occupancy, and revenue benchmarks.
Investor Quick Take
Strengths
- Competitive ADR — $198/night market rate
- Accessible entry point — median home $385K
- STR-friendly regulations — low compliance burden
Risks
- High seasonality — significant off-season revenue drop
- Below-average occupancy — careful underwriting required
Moderate Market
Based on ADR, occupancy, and supply metrics
Virginia Beach is a beach market with 52% average occupancy and $198 ADR.
We've pre-populated this calculator with Virginia Beach's market averages. Adjust the values to match your specific property.
Virginia Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Virginia Beach is one of the nation's premier beach destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually seeking sun, surf, and waterfront accommodations. Demand peaks sharply in summer but the mild climate extends the shoulder season well into spring and fall, giving STR operators a longer revenue window than inland markets.
The average STR in Virginia Beach generates approximately $37,700 in annual revenue, with an average daily rate of $198 and a 52% occupancy rate across the year. These metrics position Virginia Beach as an accessible entry-point STR market — particularly attractive to investors seeking consistent year-round cash flow.
Active listings in Virginia Beach grew by 11% year-over-year, currently sitting at approximately 4,800 active STR units. This moderate growth rate suggests a market finding equilibrium between supply and demand, which typically supports stable occupancy and ADR. Investors should track supply trends quarterly using tools like AirDNA or Rabbu before committing capital.
Key considerations for Virginia Beach investors: regulatory risk is rated low — Virginia Beach 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
Virginia Beach Airbnb Revenue by Property Size
| Property Size | Avg ADR | Avg Occupancy | Avg Annual Revenue | Est. Cap Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $99 | 52% | $19K | 2.3–3.1% |
| 1BR | $139 | 52% | $27K | 3.3–4.5% |
| 2BR | $208 | 52% | $41K | 5.0–6.8% |
| 3BR | $301 | 52% | $61K | 7.4–10.0% |
| 4BR+ | $436 | 52% | $90K | 11.0–14.9% |
Virginia Beach STR Revenue Calendar
Seasonal Insight: Peak season runs July, June, and August. Expect up to 58% higher revenue during peak months. Plan for January and November as your slowest period — approximately 32% below the annual average.
Is Virginia Beach a Good Market for Short-Term Rentals?
Why investors choose Virginia Beach
- ✓Solid revenue potential: market average of $37,700 per year with upside for well-managed properties
- ✓Premium pricing power: Virginia Beach's destination appeal supports $198/night average — significantly above national STR average of ~$180
- ✓Growing market: 11% annual listing growth signals strong investor and visitor confidence
Key risks to consider
- !High seasonality: Virginia Beach has significant off-peak periods where revenue can drop 40–60% — cash reserves are essential
- !Below-average occupancy: 52% market average means careful property selection and pricing strategy are critical to profitability
Virginia Beach STR Regulatory Overview
LowVirginia Beach has a clear and accessible STR permitting process, consistent with the city's identity as a major tourism destination.
Key Requirements
- ·STR permit required
- ·Annual renewal
- ·State and local lodging tax
- ·Occupancy and safety standards
Source: City of Virginia Beach Planning Department · Last verified: 2026-01. Regulations change frequently — always verify current requirements with local authorities before investing.
Compare Virginia Beach to Similar Markets
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| Metric | Virginia Beach | New York | Boston | Cape Cod |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADR | $198 | $287 | $231 | $312 |
| Occupancy | 52% | 62% | 60% | 52% |
| Avg Revenue | $38K | $65K | $51K | $59K |
| Median Home Value | $385K | $1.1M | $785K | $685K |
| Regulatory Risk | Low | High | Moderate | Low |
Virginia Beach Short-Term Rental FAQs
Is Virginia Beach a good market for short-term rentals?+
Virginia Beach, VA is an accessible US STR markets. With an average daily rate of $198 and 52% occupancy, the average listing earns approximately $37,700 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 Virginia Beach?+
The average STR listing in Virginia Beach generates approximately $37,700 in gross annual revenue at a $198 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 Virginia Beach?+
The market-average occupancy in Virginia Beach 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 highly seasonal — plan for meaningful variation between peak and off-peak months.
What are the STR regulations in Virginia Beach?+
Regulatory risk in Virginia Beach is rated Low. Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?+
In Virginia Beach, the highest-performing STR properties are typically 3-bedroom beach houses and condos with ocean views. Guests in Virginia Beach prioritize proximity to key attractions, unique character, and outdoor space. The premium segment by revenue-per-dollar-invested is typically the 2-bedroom category.
What is the best season for Airbnb in Virginia Beach?+
Virginia Beach sees peak STR demand during June through August. During peak season, top properties can command rates 58% above their annual average. The off-peak period sees materially lower rates and occupancy — conservative underwriting should assume 40–50% of peak revenue during the slowest months.
How much does it cost to buy an STR investment property in Virginia Beach?+
The median home value in Virginia Beach is approximately $385,000. With a 20% down payment, you'd invest roughly $89K in cash (including closing costs and setup). At the market-average revenue of $37,700/year, a property at median value would generate a gross revenue yield of approximately 9.8%. Use this calculator to model your specific purchase price, financing terms, and expense assumptions.
How does Virginia Beach compare to other STR markets?+
Virginia Beach offers accessible entry points relative to premium coastal markets. The $198 ADR is near the national STR average of roughly $185. For comparison, markets like Aspen and Malibu exceed $450 ADR but require significantly higher acquisition costs. Virginia Beach offers a lower barrier to entry with reliable occupancy fundamentals.
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