Surf City, North Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Surf City, North Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $41,833 per year — at a $404 nightly rate, 38.5% occupancy, and a $172 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
Surf City's 738 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 130.6% 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. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Surf City?
In Surf City, the headline Airbnb metrics are $41,833 in average annual revenue,38.5% occupancy, $404 ADR, and $172 in RevPAR, and guests book about 64 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Surf City?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Surf City 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 Surf City is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Surf City across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $10,286+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $6,259 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,605 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,905, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Surf City
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Surf City?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Surf City STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees 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 Surf City:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 69%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 52% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 33%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 18% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Surf City
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Surf City?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Surf City involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Surf City typically peaks in July 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 $660+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $493 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $350 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $253 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Surf City
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Surf City?
RevPAR in Surf City is currently $172. 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 $92 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $145 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $218 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $317 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Surf City
RevPAR Insights for Surf City
- The average RevPAR in Surf City is $172. 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% ($317) and bottom 25% ($92) is $224, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Surf City benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $145, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $218+ 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 Surf City?
Surf City's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (July, June, August)
- Revenue averages $9,007 per month
- Occupancy rates average 57.4%
- Daily rates average $470
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,966 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 33.4%
- Daily rates hold near $376
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,537 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 23.1%
- Daily rates adjust to average $373
Seasonality Insights for Surf City
- Airbnb seasonality in Surf City is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Surf City's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $10,793, occupancy reaching 65.5%, and ADRs peaking at $483.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,207, occupancy could drop to 19.5%, and ADRs may adjust to $353.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Surf City 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.
- In a highly seasonal market like Surf City, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Surf City?
Surf City, North Carolina, United States currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 738 active listings. Larger markets with light regulation can attract new supply quickly, but that also means regulatory frameworks may evolve as local governments respond to growth — staying informed protects your investment. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Surf City to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 0% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Surf City?
Location within Surf City matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Surf City Beach | The main beach area of Surf City, popular for its beautiful sandy shores and direct access to water activities. Ideal for tourists looking for sun and surf, making it a prime spot for Airbnb hosting. | Surf City Pier, Topsail Island, Jungle Rapids Waterpark, The Surf City Swing Bridge, Local seafood restaurants |
| Topsail Island | The scenic and serene Topsail Island offers a more peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere, attracting vacationers looking for a relaxing getaway. It provides a range of outdoor activities and beach access. | Topsail Beach, Missiles and More Museum, Soundside Park, Surf City Shark, Fishing and kayaking opportunities |
| Harbor Island | A charming and quiet area with private beach access, perfect for couples and families seeking a serene vacation experience. Offers beautiful views and close proximity to local amenities. | Harbor Island Marina, Keenans Beach, Local shops and cafes, Nature trails, Water sports rental |
| Central Surf City | The hub of activities in Surf City, hosting several local events and festivals. Close to shops, dining, and entertainment, making it a vibrant choice for guests. | Surf City Community Center, Local markets, Restaurants and diners, Waterfront parks, Nearby fishing spots |
| North Topsail Beach | This area offers a more secluded beach experience, catering to those seeking tranquility and nature, away from the more crowded tourist spots. | North Topsail Beach, Beachfront access, Shelling and wildlife viewing, Local beach access spots, Fishing opportunities |
| Soundside Drive | Known for its picturesque sunsets and sound views, this area attracts visitors interested in water sports, fishing, and family-friendly activities. | Soundside Park, Community boat ramp, Kayaking and paddleboarding, Fishing access, Nature scenic views |
| Piney Woods | A wooded area providing a unique experience away from the beach, appealing to guests interested in hiking, nature trails, and local wildlife. | Piney Woods Park, Nature trails, Bird watching, Cycling routes, Picnic areas |
| Topsail Beach Town Center | The center of Topsail Beach offers shopping, dining, and local community events, making it ideal for guests wanting access to both beach and local culture. | Topsail Beach shops, Local cafes, Beaches, Beach rentals, Community events |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Surf City 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 Surf City?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Surf City
- The Surf City Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 93.2% of the 738 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Surf City, House properties are the most common (73.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 73.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 6.1% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like others, unique stays (combined 1.3%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Surf City Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Surf City
- The dominant room capacity in Surf City is 4 bedrooms listings, making up 28.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 4 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 53.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Surf City, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 67.5% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Surf City.
Surf City Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Surf City
- The most common guest capacity trend in Surf City vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (57.7%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Surf City STR market, accounting for 79.9% of listings.
- 84.0% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Surf City.
- On average, properties in Surf City are equipped to host 6.7 guests.
How Do Listings in Surf City Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Surf City 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 Surf City
- At 41.7 photos per listing on average, Surf City hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 37.8% 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 Surf City averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Surf City?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Surf City
- Essential amenities in Surf City that guests expect include: TV, Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Microwave, Coffee maker, Dishes and silverware, Heating, Kitchen, Refrigerator. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Surf City: TV, Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Microwave, Coffee maker, Dishes and silverware, Heating, Kitchen, Refrigerator.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: TV, Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Microwave, Coffee maker, Dishes and silverware, Heating, Kitchen, Refrigerator.
- 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 Surf City to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Surf City?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Surf City, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kitchen | 96.1% | $43,482 | $1,513 | 2774.3% |
Heating | 96.2% | $43,364 | $3,014 | 1338.6% |
Hot tubHigh opportunity | 8.3% | $94,197 | $37,115 | 153.8% |
Theme roomHigh opportunity | 1.4% | $100,530 | $41,027 | 145.0% |
Record playerHigh opportunity | 0.8% | $89,732 | $41,440 | 116.5% |
Changing tableHigh opportunity | 0.7% | $86,600 | $41,528 | 108.5% |
PianoHigh opportunity | 0.8% | $85,039 | $41,479 | 105.0% |
Dishwasher | 87.5% | $44,655 | $22,018 | 102.8% |
High chair | 17.8% | $70,911 | $35,558 | 99.4% |
Hot water | 83.5% | $45,564 | $22,993 | 98.2% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Surf City
- Kitchen tops the revenue impact list with a 2774.3% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $43,482 vs. $1,513 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Hot tub, Theme room, Record player — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Kitchen, Heating, Dishwasher, Hot water — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Hot tub — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Surf City.
- 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 Surf City STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Surf City. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSurf City Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Surf City
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Surf City consists of primarily domestic travelers (98%), often arriving from nearby Raleigh, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 97.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.9%) and DC (0.9%).
- Top languages spoken are English (77%) followed by Spanish (10.5%).
- 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 Raleigh and Charlotte.
- 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 Surf City?
Listings in Surf City average 4.8 out of 5 overall, with about 35.9 reviews per active listing and 36.6% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Surf City
- With an overall rating of 4.8, Surf City listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Location (4.93), while Value (4.72) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 36.6% 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 Value — 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.
Surf City Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Surf City
- The most common availability pattern in Surf City falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 56.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 89.4% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Surf City (40.1%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 11.4% 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 Surf City?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Surf City
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Surf City is 64 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 96 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 25 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (86 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (33 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (64 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Surf City.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 96 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 86 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Surf City averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Surf City?
Guests in Surf City stay about 5 nights on average, generating roughly 14,122 reservations and 19.2 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Surf City
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Surf City
- 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.
- 19.2 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Jun (5.8 nights) and shorten in Feb (3.6 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 4:00 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.
Surf City Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
66 listings
8.9% of total
2 Nights
93 listings
12.6% of total
3 Nights
68 listings
9.2% of total
4-6 Nights
74 listings
10% of total
7-29 Nights
23 listings
3.1% of total
30+ Nights
414 listings
56.1% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Surf City is 30+ Nights, adopted by 56.1% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (56.1%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Surf City, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 56.1% of Surf City hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 8.9% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 56.1% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Surf City.
Surf City Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
65 listings
8.9% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
16 listings
2.2% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
100 listings
13.6% of total
Flexible
25 listings
3.4% of total
Moderate
98 listings
13.4% of total
Firm
359 listings
48.9% of total
Strict
71 listings
9.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Surf City
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Surf City is Firm, used by 48.9% of listings.
- A majority (58.6%) of hosts in Surf City utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (9.7%), 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 48.9% market standard in Surf City.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 9.7% 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 Surf City.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Surf City?
Cleaning fees in Surf City 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 Surf City
- 93.5% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Surf City. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($352) and median ($250) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 14.1% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Surf City median of $250. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
- 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 Surf City Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Surf Citybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
The Turtle's Palace- Oceanfront - Pool - Hot Tub -
Entire Place • 9 bedrooms
Oceanfront Oasis: Hot Tub, Fenced Yard, & Views
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
2 Oceanfront Decks, Hot tub, Walk to Everything
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Hot tub, Beach Front, Private, Walk to Restaurants
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
HotTub, Elevator, Hammocks, Baby gates, Pet&Family
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Hot Tub, BeachFront, Private, Hammocks on Beach
Entire Place • 5 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 Surf City?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Surf City 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis Realty | 56 | $2,124,651 | 153 | 4.64/5.0 |
| Carolina Retreats Vacation Ren | 54 | $1,770,943 | 228 | 4.41/5.0 |
| Jeffrey | 26 | $1,320,209 | 2153 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Kate | 8 | $1,018,917 | 756 | 4.97/5.0 |
| BlueStar Real Estate | 44 | $849,463 | 333 | 4.83/5.0 |
| John | 3 | $704,671 | 367 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Krisha | 4 | $648,363 | 282 | 4.97/5.0 |
| TI Rentals | 21 | $629,046 | 181 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Evolve | 10 | $544,843 | 256 | 4.85/5.0 |
| SeaShore Realty Group | 15 | $533,798 | 42 | 4.57/5.0 |
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 Surf City.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Surf City?
Surf City leans more toward professional operations than casual hosting, which usually raises the competitive bar for new entrants.
Host Profile Insights for Surf City
- A 49.2% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 51.9% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
- 12.1% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 70.3% 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 19.4% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Surf City averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Surf City
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Surf City, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis Realty | 56 | $2,124,651 | $525 | 30.7% | 4.64/5 |
| Carolina Retreats Vacation Ren | 54 | $1,770,943 | $482 | 34.7% | 4.41/5 |
| Jeffrey | 26 | $1,320,209 | $347 | 41.5% | 4.86/5 |
| BlueStar Real Estate | 44 | $849,463 | $337 | 25.8% | 4.83/5 |
| Krisha | 4 | $648,363 | $859 | 50.8% | 4.97/5 |
| TI Rentals | 21 | $629,046 | $411 | 33.8% | 4.78/5 |
| Evolve | 10 | $544,843 | $387 | 47.3% | 4.85/5 |
| SeaShore Realty Group | 15 | $533,798 | $551 | 27.0% | 4.57/5 |
| Betsy | 8 | $419,541 | $557 | 38.6% | 4.75/5 |
| Alana | 5 | $338,283 | $747 | 33.1% | 5.00/5 |
Management Company Insights for Surf City
- The leading management company, Lewis Realty, operates 56 listings with $2,124,651 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Surf City.
- Top managers average 24 properties each, pointing to a market where portfolio scale is a meaningful competitive factor.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.77/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Surf City's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Surf City 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 Cedar Point, Surf City has 7 percentage points lower occupancy and about $68 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Isle Beach | 504 | $4,963 | $614.58 | 37% |
| Wrightsville Beach | 497 | $4,671 | $547.10 | 39% |
| Bald Head Island | 207 | $4,317 | $642.03 | 32% |
| Kure Beach | 498 | $3,894 | $452.28 | 41% |
| Cedar Point | 30 | $3,818 | $336.18 | 46% |
| Surfside Beach | 470 | $3,671 | $411.64 | 41% |
| Emerald Isle | 508 | $3,652 | $410.13 | 42% |
| North Topsail Beach | 944 | $3,645 | $452.61 | 38% |
| Caswell Beach | 51 | $3,486 | $439.39 | 40% |
| Oak Island | 1,398 | $3,480 | $466.59 | 38% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Surf City
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Surf City.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Surf City?
Surf City hosts earn about $41,833 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $404 and RevPAR of $172. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Surf City, North Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Surf City market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Surf City?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Surf City is 38.5%. July is the strongest month and January 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 Surf City?
Listings in Surf City average $404 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 Surf City?
Surf City currently has about 738 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 Surf City?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Surf City as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.3% 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 Surf City?
RevPAR in Surf City is about $172. 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 Surf City?
Occupancy of 38.5% means Surf City 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 $41,833, 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 Surf City?
The average booking lead time in Surf City is about 64 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Surf City?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Surf City include Surf City Beach, Topsail Island, Harbor Island. 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 Surf City?
entire_home listings make up 93.2% of the active supply in Surf City. 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 Surf City compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Ocean Isle Beach posts $59,560 in average annual revenue with 37.0% occupancy, compared to Surf City's $41,833 and 38.5%. 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 Surf City?
The average Airbnb stay length in Surf City is about 5 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 Surf City?
Airbnb listings in Surf City average 4.8 out of 5 overall. About 36.6% 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 Surf City?
Kitchen and Heating are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Surf City. 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 Surf City?
Yes. About 93.5% of active Airbnb listings in Surf City charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $352. 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 Surf City?
A 49.2% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
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.