- Current Occupancy: Cary’s average Airbnb occupancy rate is at 52.2%, with top-performing properties reaching 87%. Entry-level listings average around 34%.
- 2025 Projections: Occupancy rates are expected to stabilize at 54.9% by year-end, nearing pre-pandemic levels.
- Seasonal Trends: Peak months (June, August, March) see occupancy rates of 59.7%, while quieter months (January, February, November) maintain 51.0%.
- Revenue: Average monthly revenue during peak season is $3,307, with a daily rate of $156.
- Demand Drivers: Domestic travelers dominate (95.6%), with an average booking lead time of 40 days. Events like the Soccer Tournament and Cary Diwali Celebration significantly boost bookings.
- Market Growth: Cary now has 214 active Airbnb listings, a 112% year-over-year increase, with an average annual revenue of $30,833.
- Key Strategies for Hosts:
- Optimize pricing based on seasonal trends.
- Upgrade properties with features like hot tubs or eco-friendly amenities.
- Use professional management services to streamline operations.
Quick Overview (2025 Airbnb Market in Cary)
| Metric | Current/Projected Value |
|---|---|
| Average Occupancy Rate | 52.2% → 54.9% (by year-end) |
| Peak Season Occupancy | 59.7% |
| Low Season Occupancy | 51.0% |
| Average Daily Rate (ADR) | $156 (peak), $161 (low) |
| Active Listings Growth | +112% YoY (214 properties) |
| Annual Revenue (Avg) | $30,833 |
Cary Airbnb Occupancy Rates: Current Data and 2025 Projections
Recent Occupancy Data
As of early 2025, Cary’s June occupancy rates reached 53%. While this is slightly below the national average of 54.3%, it aligns with a broader nationwide decline, where occupancy dropped from 57% to 50%.
Breaking it down by property tiers, the best-performing listings achieved occupancy rates of over 87%, the top 25% averaged 76%, and entry-level properties saw rates around 34%.
Location remains a key factor. For instance, properties in zip code 27513 outperformed the citywide average, recording a 56% occupancy rate in June 2025. This highlights how strategically located listings can gain a competitive edge.
On the financial side, the average daily rate (ADR) in Cary hit $176 in June 2025, contributing to an average annual revenue of $30,833 for active listings. Cary now boasts 214 active Airbnb properties, representing a 112% year-over-year increase.
2025 Occupancy Forecasts
Seasonal trends are expected to shape occupancy rates throughout 2025, with July and August typically being the busiest months for bookings.
Here’s how the seasons compare in terms of revenue and occupancy:
| Season | Average Monthly Revenue | Occupancy Rate | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season (June, August, March) | $3,307 | 59.7% | $156 |
| Shoulder Season | $3,047 | 54.8% | $159 |
| Low Season (January, February, November) | $2,678 | 51.0% | $161 |
During peak months, the best-performing period can see occupancy rates climb to 63.1%, while slower months may dip to around 46.7%. Even in the low season, occupancy remains above 50%, ensuring hosts can maintain steady income.
These projections provide a foundation for understanding how factors like location further influence occupancy trends.
Seasonal and Location Differences
Location-specific factors add another layer to occupancy trends. Downtown Cary and areas near attractions like the Cary Arts Center and Koka Booth Amphitheatre consistently report higher occupancy during festivals and peak seasons.
Upscale neighborhoods like MacGregor Downs, with its golf course setting, attract travelers seeking luxury accommodations. Meanwhile, listings in the Parkside Town Commons area appeal to families, thanks to its convenient amenities.
Winter months, such as January and February, typically bring lower overall revenue. However, properties near indoor attractions or business hubs see steadier bookings by catering to corporate travelers and guests attending indoor events. By aligning their strategies with these seasonal and location-based patterns, hosts can maximize occupancy year-round.
What Drives Airbnb Occupancy Rates in Cary
Several factors influence Airbnb occupancy rates in Cary, ranging from local events and tourism patterns to broader economic trends and regulatory changes.
Local Events and Tourism Impact
Cary’s bustling event calendar plays a big role in driving short-term rental demand. Key events like the Soccer Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park (June 4–9, 2025), which features a $1 million prize, and the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival draw significant crowds. Other highlights include Triangle Oktoberfest (October 3–4, 2025) at Koka Booth Amphitheatre and the Cary Diwali Celebration on October 11, 2025.
Regional events also contribute to the area’s appeal. For instance, Animazement attracts around 15,000 attendees to the Raleigh Convention Center during Memorial Day weekend (May 23–25, 2025). Additionally, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, scheduled from November 2025 through January 2026 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, boosts visitor numbers during the winter months. These events, combined with Cary’s growing reputation as a destination, align with the region’s ongoing economic growth to support strong rental demand.
Economic and Population Growth Effects
The Triangle region’s rapid expansion is another driving force behind Cary’s short-term rental market. Since 2020, the Raleigh-Cary metro area has grown by 10.2%, reaching 1.6 million residents. Cary itself now boasts over 180,000 residents, with Wake County welcoming 51 new arrivals daily. Housing occupancy in the area is high, with nearly 70,000 units at 95% capacity. This population surge has heightened the demand for short-term rentals.
Looking ahead, Raleigh’s population is expected to grow by 12.3% over the next decade, indicating sustained demand for accommodations. Trends like "workcations" are also shaping the market, as more travelers seek properties with dedicated workspaces. Additionally, guests continue to prioritize unique stays and high cleanliness standards.
Regulations and Market Conditions
The short-term rental market in Cary faces growing challenges, including increased competition and stricter regulations. A Hostaway survey revealed that 76% of respondents in 2024 identified heightened competition as a concern, while Guesty reported that 55% of operators now view market saturation as a significant issue. Financial pressures are mounting too – Rent Responsibly found that nearly one in four short-term rental owners either broke even or incurred losses, and Hotel News Resource noted that about 25% of hosts stopped renting at least one property in the past year.
Despite these challenges, supply growth is slowing. AirDNA estimates a modest 4.7% increase in supply for 2025, even as demand grew by 7.0% year-over-year in 2024. Occupancy rates are expected to level out at approximately 54.9% by the end of 2025.
Regulatory shifts are also reshaping the landscape. Cities across the U.S. are introducing stricter rules to address concerns around housing availability, neighborhood disruptions, and tax compliance.
"Success in the 2025 STR market will depend on an operator’s ability to adapt to the evolving landscape, embrace strategic innovation, and maintain a deep understanding of the shifting market dynamics."
Rising operating costs, driven by inflation on essentials like cleaning supplies and maintenance, add to the pressure. In response, many operators are turning to data analytics, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement to improve guest experiences and remain competitive. These evolving market conditions underline the importance of strategic planning to boost both occupancy and revenue.
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How to Increase Your Cary Airbnb Occupancy and Revenue
With Cary’s short-term rental market becoming more competitive, property owners need a solid strategy to stand out. By focusing on smart pricing, key property upgrades, and professional management, you can attract more guests and increase your revenue.
Pricing Strategies That Work
Adjusting your pricing based on Cary’s seasonal patterns is one of the most effective ways to boost income. For instance, during peak months like June, August, and March, properties in Cary average $3,307 in monthly revenue with a 59.7% occupancy rate and $156 daily rates. To capitalize on this, consider premium pricing strategies and setting longer minimum stays during these high-demand periods. Planning your rates well in advance can also help secure early bookings.
In slower months, being flexible with your pricing can make a big difference. Offering competitive rates, discounts for longer stays, and flexible cancellation policies can attract budget-conscious travelers when demand is lower.
Mercy97, a Level 2 Host, shared her experience: "I noticed a big difference between Airbnb’s Price Tips and Smart Pricing. Price Tips often suggest I increase my rates by around 20%, while Smart Pricing tends to drop my prices to the minimum I set. It seems like Price Tips are based on market trends, while Smart Pricing adjusts dynamically based on demand". Many successful hosts use Price Tips as a starting point but rely on their own market research to fine-tune their pricing.
Benchmarking your performance against other properties in Cary can also provide valuable insights. Top-tier rentals charge $264 or more per night, strong performers average $198 or more, mid-range properties charge around $139, and entry-level rentals earn about $94 per night.
Property Improvements That Matter
Beyond pricing, upgrading your property can significantly enhance its appeal. Travelers today value comfort, efficiency, and environmentally friendly features. In Wake County, for example, eco-friendly homes are especially popular.
Simple energy-efficient upgrades can make your property more attractive to guests. Regular HVAC maintenance, sealing windows and doors, and installing ceiling fans can improve comfort while lowering energy costs. Adding LED lighting, low-flow showerheads, and smart thermostats not only supports sustainability but also enhances the guest experience.
Offering eco-friendly amenities like recycling and composting options resonates with environmentally conscious travelers. On the design front, a cohesive, inviting theme with functional spaces, high-quality bedding, and furniture that photographs well can make your listing stand out. Spa-like bathrooms with warm lighting, plush towels, and premium toiletries can also leave a lasting impression. Additionally, modern features like keyless entry, smart lighting, and automated temperature controls create the seamless experience many guests now expect.
Working with Professional Co-Hosting Services
Managing a short-term rental is no small task, especially if you want to maintain high occupancy rates. This is where professional co-hosting services like NC Host Pro can make a difference.
These services handle time-consuming tasks like 24/7 guest support, dynamic pricing optimization using local market data, and coordinating cleaning and maintenance. They also ensure efficient booking and calendar management, reducing the risk of double bookings and maximizing occupancy. With the average booking lead time in Cary being 40 days, this level of organization is crucial.
NC Host Pro offers a fixed monthly fee model, which simplifies financial planning by eliminating the guesswork of percentage-based fees. This predictable cost structure makes it easier to forecast your net returns. By combining expert management, local market insights, and a straightforward pricing model, professional co-hosting services can help property owners navigate Cary’s competitive short-term rental market in 2025 while maintaining strong occupancy rates and guest satisfaction.
Key Points for Cary Airbnb Hosts in 2025
The Cary short-term rental market in 2025 offers plenty of opportunities for hosts who rely on data-driven strategies to stay ahead. Performance levels vary widely, with entry-level listings averaging 34% occupancy, while top-tier properties exceed 87% occupancy rates. This difference highlights how elevating property quality, improving management, and enhancing guest experiences can have a direct impact on your earnings.
Seasonal trends continue to play a major role in revenue fluctuations. August typically sees the highest occupancy rates, while January experiences the lowest demand. To maximize income, hosts should plan pricing adjustments in advance to align with these predictable patterns.
Investing in property upgrades can significantly boost revenue. For instance, properties with hot tubs generate an additional $24,061 per year, and even adding a washer can increase annual income by about $17,877. Larger properties also remain in high demand, with 25.2% of bookings aimed at homes that can accommodate eight or more guests.
The market remains heavily driven by domestic travelers, who account for 95.6% of guests. Additionally, the average booking lead time of 40 days gives hosts ample time to fine-tune pricing and marketing strategies.
Cary’s supportive regulatory environment, with minimal restrictions on short-term rentals, offers hosts the flexibility to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences and maximizing revenue. By implementing dynamic pricing, upgrading amenities, and maintaining top-notch property management, hosts can close the gap between average and high-performing listings, unlocking greater earning potential.
FAQs
What factors will impact Airbnb occupancy rates in Cary, NC, in 2025?
Airbnb occupancy rates in Cary, NC, for 2025 are expected to hinge on a mix of important factors. Seasonal demand will be a major driver, with peak occupancy likely during popular months like June, July, and November. The number of active listings – currently around 215 properties – along with the type of property and its location, will also play a role in shaping these rates.
On top of that, local events such as festivals, sports tournaments, and business conferences often create short-term surges in bookings. Broader elements, like tourism trends and the overall economic environment in the Raleigh-Durham area, will also influence demand. To stay competitive, hosts should keep a close eye on these trends and adjust their pricing and marketing strategies accordingly.
What strategies can Airbnb hosts in Cary use to increase occupancy and revenue in 2025?
To increase occupancy and revenue in Cary, NC, Airbnb hosts should focus on offering well-maintained, high-quality properties that provide travelers with unique and comfortable experiences. A standout listing is key – use high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and include amenities that guests will appreciate.
Another important factor is dynamic pricing. Adjusting your rates based on seasonal demand can make a big difference. In Cary, demand typically peaks during months like June, July, and November. By aligning your prices with these trends, you can attract more bookings. Additionally, properties located near popular attractions or in sought-after neighborhoods are more likely to draw attention and secure reservations.
To stay ahead of the competition, focus on delivering a great guest experience. This means adding personal touches, maintaining excellent reviews, and responding promptly to inquiries. By implementing these strategies, you can take advantage of Cary’s projected 73-76% occupancy rates in 2025 and maximize your revenue potential.
How do local events and tourism impact Airbnb occupancy rates in Cary?
Local happenings and tourism have a big impact on Airbnb occupancy rates in Cary. Big events like festivals, conferences, and sports tournaments tend to attract plenty of visitors, which often drives up demand for short-term rentals. At the same time, Cary’s reputation as a destination for travelers continues to grow, keeping a steady stream of guests coming in, especially during busy seasons.
For Airbnb hosts, keeping an eye on upcoming events and tourism trends is a smart move. Knowing what’s on the calendar can help them predict demand, tweak their pricing, and make the most of their earning potential. Whether it’s a major sports event or a lively local festival, these activities play a major role in shaping booking trends and occupancy rates in the area.