Butterworth, Penang Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Butterworth, Penang? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $5,079 per year — at a $63 nightly rate, 29.7% occupancy, and a $17 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.
At 101 active listings, Butterworth is a boutique market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Supply grew 60.3% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Butterworth?
In Butterworth, the headline Airbnb metrics are $5,079 in average annual revenue,29.7% occupancy, $63 ADR, and $17 in RevPAR, and guests book about 32 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Butterworth?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Butterworth 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 Butterworth is typically December, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Butterworth across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,065+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $706 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $453 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $250, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Butterworth
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Butterworth?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Butterworth STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May 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 Butterworth:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 61%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 44% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 31%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 14% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Butterworth
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Butterworth?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Butterworth involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Butterworth typically peaks in March and dips lowest during April. 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 $122+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $85 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $54 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $36 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Butterworth
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Butterworth?
RevPAR in Butterworth is currently $17. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $10 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $16 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $22 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $29 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Butterworth
RevPAR Insights for Butterworth
- The average RevPAR in Butterworth is $17. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($29) and bottom 25% ($10) is $19, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in Feb and bottoms out in May, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Butterworth benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $16, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $22+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Butterworth?
Butterworth's peak Airbnb season falls in December, February, March, while the softest stretch is May, June, November. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (December, February, March)
- Revenue averages $684 per month
- Occupancy rates average 36.5%
- Daily rates average $70
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $532 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 31.6%
- Daily rates hold near $65
Low Season (May, June, November)
- Revenue drops to average $447 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 28.3%
- Daily rates adjust to average $64
Seasonality Insights for Butterworth
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Butterworth shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Butterworth's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $707, occupancy reaching 39.1%, and ADRs peaking at $71.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $414, occupancy could drop to 26.1%, and ADRs may adjust to $60.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Butterworth need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Butterworth seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Butterworth?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Butterworth to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Butterworth?
Butterworth is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Penang Street | A vibrant area known for its historical architecture and street art. Popular among tourists looking to experience the local culture and cuisine. | Street Art murals, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Little India, Leong San Thong Temple, Wonderfood Museum |
| Batu Ferringhi | A coastal area famous for its beautiful beaches and resort-style accommodations. Ideal for families and travelers seeking relaxation and water sports. | Batu Ferringhi Beach, Teluk Bahang National Park, Jungle Adventure Park, Water Sports at the Beach, Night Market |
| George Town | A UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture, rich history, and diverse food options. It draws tourists interested in heritage and local experiences. | Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang Peranakan Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, Penang Hill, Prangin Mall |
| Tanjung Bungah | Known for its beaches and resort developments, this area is a great choice for tourists looking for leisure and scenic views. | Tanjung Bungah Beach, Penang Floating Mosque, Gem Beach Resort, Tropical Spice Garden, War Museum |
| Gurney Drive | A popular seafront promenade known for its dining options and vibrant nightlife. This area attracts food lovers and those seeking entertainment. | Gurney Plaza, Gurney Paragon Mall, Food stalls along the promenade, Chinese temples, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre |
| KOMTAR | The tallest building in Penang, a central business district with shopping and dining options. Great for business travelers and urban explorers. | KOMTAR Tower, 1st Avenue Mall, Penang Times Square, New World Park, Street Art nearby |
| Pantai Jerejak | A more serene location, ideal for eco-tourism and nature lovers. Attracts guests looking for relaxation and scenic natural landscapes. | Jerejak Island, Tropical Plantation, Eco-Tourism activities, Nature trails, Private villas |
| Bukit Dumbar | A quieter neighborhood with a local vibe, ideal for long-term stays and travelers looking for a residential experience. | Dumbar Hill, Local food spots, Bukit Dumbar Park, Nearby shopping centers, Community events |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Butterworth offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Butterworth?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Butterworth
- The Butterworth Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 88.1% of the 101 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Butterworth, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (51.5%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 42.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 5.9% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Butterworth Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Butterworth
- The dominant room capacity in Butterworth is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 37.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 4 bedrooms properties represent 59.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Butterworth, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 40.6% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Butterworth.
Butterworth Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Butterworth
- The most common guest capacity trend in Butterworth vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (32.7%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Butterworth STR market, accounting for 57.5% of listings.
- 60.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Butterworth.
- On average, properties in Butterworth are equipped to host 5.6 guests.
How Do Listings in Butterworth Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Butterworth can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Butterworth
- At 31.1 photos per listing on average, Butterworth hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 30.7% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Butterworth averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Butterworth?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Butterworth
- Essential amenities in Butterworth that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Hair dryer, Shampoo, Kitchen are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Butterworth: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Free parking on premises.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Free parking on premises.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Hair dryer or Shampoo 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 Butterworth to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Butterworth?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Butterworth, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bathtub | 5.9% | $8,114 | $4,888 | 66.0% |
Kitchen | 86.1% | $5,347 | $3,419 | 56.4% |
Sound system | 5.0% | $7,530 | $4,952 | 52.1% |
Pets allowed | 11.9% | $7,055 | $4,813 | 46.6% |
BBQ grill | 5.9% | $6,877 | $4,966 | 38.5% |
Microwave | 32.7% | $6,201 | $4,535 | 36.7% |
Backyard | 21.8% | $6,418 | $4,707 | 36.4% |
Washer | 65.3% | $5,586 | $4,125 | 35.4% |
Books and reading material | 7.9% | $6,467 | $4,960 | 30.4% |
Hot water kettle | 26.7% | $6,063 | $4,721 | 28.4% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Butterworth
- Bathtub tops the revenue impact list with a 66.0% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $8,114 vs. $4,888 without it.
- Kitchen — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making it table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Butterworth STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Butterworth. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsButterworth Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Butterworth
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Butterworth consists of primarily domestic travelers (83%), often arriving from nearby Kuala Lumpur, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Malay.
- Domestic travelers account for 82.7% of guests.
- Key international markets include Malaysia (82.7%) and Singapore (5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (44.6%) followed by Malay (32.4%).
- 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 Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
- 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.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Butterworth?
Listings in Butterworth average 4.7 out of 5 overall, with about 66 reviews per active listing and 15.8% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Butterworth
- An average rating of 4.7 places Butterworth in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.81), while Cleanliness (4.66) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 15.8% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Cleanliness — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
- With only 15.8% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.
Butterworth Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Butterworth
- The most common availability pattern in Butterworth falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 56.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 91.1% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Butterworth (37.6%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 8.9% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Butterworth?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Butterworth
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Butterworth is 32 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 50 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in April (average 20 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (42 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (24 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (32 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Butterworth.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 50 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 42 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Butterworth averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Butterworth?
Guests in Butterworth stay about 3.3 nights on average, generating roughly 2,353 reservations and 23.8 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Butterworth
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Butterworth
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 23.8 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Mar (3.8 nights) and shorten in Apr (2.2 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Butterworth Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
86 listings
85.1% of total
2 Nights
6 listings
5.9% of total
3 Nights
2 listings
2% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
1% of total
30+ Nights
6 listings
5.9% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Butterworth is 1 Night, adopted by 85.1% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (91.0%) of the Butterworth Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 85.1% of Butterworth hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 5.9% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Butterworth.
Butterworth Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Flexible
22 listings
21.8% of total
Moderate
31 listings
30.7% of total
Firm
38 listings
37.6% of total
Strict
10 listings
9.9% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Butterworth
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Butterworth is Firm, used by 37.6% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (52.5%) and stricter (47.5%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (9.9%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 37.6% market standard in Butterworth.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 9.9% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Butterworth.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Butterworth?
Cleaning fees in Butterworth are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Butterworth
- About 67.3% of Butterworth listings charge a cleaning fee — a mixed market where some hosts absorb the cost into nightly rates while others break it out.
- The average cleaning fee of $13 is close to the median ($12), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 6.0% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Butterworth median of $12. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Butterworth Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Butterworthbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
M&Y cozy homestay (Raja Uda)
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Newly 5BR Cottage House Retreats (Free Parking)
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Butterworth Spacious landed corner unit
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Hooray Homestay 4 Rooms With 12 Pax
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Melissa luxury homestay @ Butterworth，Penang.
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Hb Homestay cozy 16 + pax raja uda
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Butterworth?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Butterworth 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micheal | 19 | $105,012 | 2431 | 4.54/5.0 |
| Peddey | 10 | $56,136 | 319 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Cj | 3 | $26,200 | 98 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Wan Ching | 3 | $23,165 | 402 | 4.57/5.0 |
| Tan | 4 | $19,824 | 457 | 4.65/5.0 |
| Carmen | 2 | $19,690 | 76 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Khaw | 1 | $17,655 | 38 | 4.74/5.0 |
| Bk | 4 | $16,711 | 120 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Mevin | 3 | $13,986 | 160 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Stephanie | 2 | $13,401 | 437 | 4.83/5.0 |
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 Butterworth.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Butterworth?
Butterworth has a relatively balanced host base.
Host Profile Insights for Butterworth
- A 39.6% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 2.0% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 77.2% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 19.8% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Butterworth averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
How Does Butterworth's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Butterworth 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.
Compared with Tanjung Tokong, Butterworth has 17 percentage points lower occupancy and about $20 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuala Teriang | 12 | $1,851 | $234.76 | 32% |
| Tengah Island | 79 | $1,721 | $186.01 | 32% |
| Langkawi | 203 | $1,077 | $129.53 | 32% |
| Kampung Padang Gaong | 46 | $931 | $89.08 | 39% |
| Tanjung Tokong | 26 | $820 | $82.53 | 47% |
| Kuah | 313 | $776 | $91.32 | 32% |
| George Town | 3,678 | $706 | $86.65 | 33% |
| Kuala Muda Village | 52 | $664 | $102.60 | 29% |
| Paya Mempelam Village | 64 | $660 | $82.95 | 29% |
| Batu Ferringhi | 25 | $656 | $112.15 | 25% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Butterworth
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Butterworth.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Butterworth?
Butterworth hosts earn about $5,079 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $63 and RevPAR of $17. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Butterworth, Penang, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Butterworth market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Butterworth?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Butterworth is 29.7%. December is the strongest month and May is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Butterworth?
Listings in Butterworth average $63 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Butterworth?
Butterworth currently has about 101 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Butterworth?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Butterworth as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Butterworth?
RevPAR in Butterworth is about $17. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Butterworth?
Occupancy of 29.7% means Butterworth is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $5,079, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Butterworth?
The average booking lead time in Butterworth is about 32 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Butterworth?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Butterworth include Penang Street, Batu Ferringhi, George Town. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Butterworth?
entire_home listings make up 88.1% of the active supply in Butterworth. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Butterworth compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Kuala Teriang posts $22,210 in average annual revenue with 31.7% occupancy, compared to Butterworth's $5,079 and 29.7%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Butterworth?
The average Airbnb stay length in Butterworth is about 3.3 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Butterworth?
Airbnb listings in Butterworth average 4.7 out of 5 overall. About 15.8% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Butterworth?
Bathtub and Kitchen are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Butterworth. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Butterworth?
Yes. About 67.3% of active Airbnb listings in Butterworth charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $13. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Butterworth?
At 39.6%, there is a healthy mix of experienced and newer hosts — earning Superhost status can still provide a meaningful visibility boost.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.