Bellingham, Washington Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROIReviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI
Updated:

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Bellingham, Washington? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $34,076 per year — at a $219 nightly rate, 52.6% occupancy, and a $117 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.

Bellingham's 362 active listings and solid booking activity throughout the year position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 43.7% 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.

What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Bellingham?

In Bellingham, the headline Airbnb metrics are $34,076 in average annual revenue,52.6% occupancy, $219 ADR, and $117 in RevPAR, and guests book about 50 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$219
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Bellingham.
Occupancy Rate(?)
52.6%
High demand. Good booking frequency.
Avg. Annual Revenue(?)
$34,076
Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Bellingham. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
RevPAR(?)
$117
Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
11.4%
Strong growth (11.4%) vs. last year.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
362
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.
Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)
50 days
How far in advance guests typically book in Bellingham. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
July
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Bellingham.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
February
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Bellingham.
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How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Bellingham?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Bellingham 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 Bellingham is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Bellingham across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $7,181+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,596 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,854 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,760, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Bellingham

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Bellingham?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Bellingham 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 Bellingham:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 86%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 74% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 56%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 35% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Bellingham

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Bellingham?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Bellingham involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Bellingham 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 $426+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $269 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $167 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $115 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Bellingham

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Bellingham?

RevPAR in Bellingham is currently $117. 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 $63 RevPAR.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate $94 RevPAR.
  • Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $150 RevPAR.
  • Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $229 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Bellingham

RevPAR Insights for Bellingham

  • The average RevPAR in Bellingham is $117. 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% ($229) and bottom 25% ($63) is $167, 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 Bellingham benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $94, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
  • Top-quartile listings achieve $150+ 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 Bellingham?

Bellingham's peak Airbnb season falls in July, August, June, 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, August, June)
  • Revenue averages $5,168 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 67.0%
  • Daily rates average $239
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $3,350 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 53.0%
  • Daily rates hold near $220
Low Season (January, February, March)
  • Revenue drops to average $2,567 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 43.0%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $219

Seasonality Insights for Bellingham

  • Airbnb seasonality in Bellingham 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 Bellingham's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $5,646, occupancy reaching 70.2%, and ADRs peaking at $242.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,528, occupancy could drop to 41.1%, and ADRs may adjust to $204.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Bellingham.

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 Bellingham, 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 Bellingham?

Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Bellingham, Washington, United States 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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham?

Location within Bellingham 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.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Bellingham
Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Fairhaven
Historic district with unique shops and eateries, known for its charming waterfront and community vibe. Attracts visitors looking for a quaint experience and scenic views.
Fairhaven Village Green, Bellingham Railway Museum, Marine Park, Fairhaven Park, Bellingham Cruise Terminal
Downtown Bellingham
Cultural and commercial hub with a vibrant arts scene, restaurants, and nightlife. A favorite for visitors wanting urban amenities and events.
Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham Art Museum, Commercial Street, Bellingham Farmers Market, Historic Fairhaven
California Hill
Residential neighborhood with close access to parks and trails. Appeals to nature lovers and families wanting a quiet area near the city’s heart.
Lake Padden Park, Bloedel Donovan Park, Padden Creek Trail, Cascadia Marine Trail, Larrabee State Park
Western Washington University Area
Home to the university with a youthful energy. Attracts students, families, and visitors to campus events.
Western Washington University, The Performing Arts Center, Maltby Lake, Sehome Hill Arboretum, Woods Coffee
Sudden Valley
Picturesque community in a forested setting, offers tranquility and outdoor recreation while being a short drive from Bellingham. Perfect for nature retreats.
Sudden Valley Golf Course, Lake Louise, Bellingham Bay, Hiking trails, Community events
Birchwood
A quiet residential area with parks and local shops. Ideal for guests seeking a home-like atmosphere close to urban amenities.
Whatcom Falls Park, Birchwood Park, Local cafes, City parks, Bellingham Sportsplex
Columbia
Diverse neighborhood known for its historic homes and local culture. Appeals to tourists looking for a unique local experience.
Columbia Neighborhood Park, Local breweries, Art studios, Community gardens, Historic architecture
Guides Road - Cordata
Growing area with new developments and a family-friendly atmosphere. Attracts visitors looking for modern accommodations near shopping and services.
Cordata Park, Northwest Park, Shopping centers, Restaurants, Spa services

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Bellingham 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 Bellingham?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Bellingham

  • The Bellingham Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 89% of the 362 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Bellingham, House properties are the most common (51.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 51.9% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 12.4% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like unique stays (combined 2.2%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Bellingham Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Bellingham

  • The dominant room capacity in Bellingham is 1 bedroom listings, making up 34.5% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 56.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Bellingham, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 25.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Bellingham.

Bellingham Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Bellingham

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Bellingham vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (26%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Bellingham STR market, accounting for 50.3% of listings.
  • 30.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Bellingham.
  • On average, properties in Bellingham are equipped to host 4.0 guests.

How Do Listings in Bellingham Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Bellingham 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.

Average Photos per Listing(?)
29.2
More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.
Average Beds per Listing(?)
2.4
Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.
Exact Location Enabled(?)
18.0%
Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Bellingham

  • At 29.2 photos per listing on average, Bellingham hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
  • 18.0% 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 Bellingham averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Bellingham?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Bellingham

  • Essential amenities in Bellingham that guests expect include: Heating, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Hot water. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like TV, Dishes and silverware, Carbon monoxide alarm are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Bellingham: Heating, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Hot water.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Heating, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Hot water.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Dishes and silverware 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 Bellingham to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Bellingham?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Bellingham, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

AmenityPrevalenceRevenue WithRevenue WithoutRevenue Uplift
Dishes and silverware
94.8%$35,474$8,846301.0%
Hot water
96.1%$34,979$11,623200.9%
Kitchen
87.6%$36,787$14,979145.6%
Mini golfHigh opportunity
1.4%$69,142$33,585105.9%
Hair dryer
86.5%$36,622$17,812105.6%
Game console
1.9%$66,083$33,44597.6%
Hot tub
13.3%$59,202$30,23595.8%
Baby safety gates
4.1%$63,226$32,81692.7%
Washer
72.1%$39,273$20,64790.2%
Beach essentials
2.8%$62,687$33,26388.5%

Revenue Impact Insights for Bellingham

  • Dishes and silverware tops the revenue impact list with a 301.0% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $35,474 vs. $8,846 without it.
  • High-opportunity amenities — Mini golf — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
  • Dishes and silverware, Hot water, Kitchen, Hair dryer — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Prioritize adding Mini golf — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Bellingham.
  • 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 Bellingham STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Bellingham. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Bellingham Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Bellingham

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Bellingham consists of primarily domestic travelers (95%), often arriving from nearby Seattle, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
  • Domestic travelers account for 94.6% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (94.6%) and Canada (3.2%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (70.1%) followed by Spanish (11.8%).
  • 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 Seattle and Portland.
  • 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 Bellingham?

Listings in Bellingham average 4.9 out of 5 overall, with about 154.8 reviews per active listing and 67.1% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Bellingham

  • With an overall rating of 4.9, Bellingham listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
  • The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.95), while Value (4.81) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
  • 67.1% 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.

Bellingham Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Bellingham

  • The most common availability pattern in Bellingham falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 32.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 57.7% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Bellingham (33.4%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 43.3% 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 Bellingham?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Bellingham

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Bellingham is 50 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 82 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 27 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Summer (75 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (32 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (50 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Bellingham.
  • For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 82 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 75 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Bellingham averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Bellingham?

Guests in Bellingham stay about 6.5 nights on average, generating roughly 12,186 reservations and 33.8 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.

Monthly Length of Stay in Bellingham

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Bellingham

  • 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 33.8 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 (6.3 nights) and shorten in Feb (3.8 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 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.

Bellingham Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (27.6%)

1 Night

100 listings

27.6% of total

2 Nights (24.3%)

2 Nights

88 listings

24.3% of total

3 Nights (6.1%)

3 Nights

22 listings

6.1% of total

4-6 Nights (1.7%)

4-6 Nights

6 listings

1.7% of total

7-29 Nights (5.5%)

7-29 Nights

20 listings

5.5% of total

30+ Nights (34.8%)

30+ Nights

126 listings

34.8% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Bellingham is 30+ Nights, adopted by 34.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
  • A significant segment (34.8%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Bellingham, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 34.8% of Bellingham hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 27.6% currently do.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 34.8% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Bellingham.

Bellingham Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Super Strict 30 Days

11 listings

3% of total

Super Strict 60 Days

2 listings

0.6% of total

Limited

8 listings

2.2% of total

Flexible (15.2%)

Flexible

55 listings

15.2% of total

Moderate (32%)

Moderate

116 listings

32% of total

Firm (37%)

Firm

134 listings

37% of total

Strict (9.9%)

Strict

36 listings

9.9% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Bellingham

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Bellingham is Firm, used by 37% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (47.2%) and stricter (46.9%) 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% market standard in Bellingham.
  • 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 Bellingham.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Bellingham?

Cleaning fees in Bellingham 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.

Average Cleaning Fee
$428
Median Cleaning Fee
$95
Listings Charging a Fee
86.2%
Fee as Revenue Share
8.5%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Bellingham

  • 86.2% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Bellingham. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
  • The gap between the average ($428) and median ($95) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
  • Cleaning fees represent 8.5% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Bellingham median of $95. 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 Bellingham Look Like?

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Bellinghambased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Luxury Waterfront Retreat w/ Dock & Ocean Views

Luxury Waterfront Retreat w/ Dock & Ocean Views

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$193,193
Revenue
48.2%
Occupancy
$1216.27
Daily Rate
Stillwater Lakehouse -  Waterfront on Lake Samish

Stillwater Lakehouse - Waterfront on Lake Samish

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$139,885
Revenue
50.9%
Occupancy
$677.87
Daily Rate
Chuckanut Beachfront Sanctuary

Chuckanut Beachfront Sanctuary

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$125,108
Revenue
65.0%
Occupancy
$629.99
Daily Rate
Luxury 4 bdr Parkfront Contemporary

Luxury 4 bdr Parkfront Contemporary

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$124,569
Revenue
47.1%
Occupancy
$608.48
Daily Rate
Stunning Victorian 4BR w/Hot Tub 5 Min to Downtown

Stunning Victorian 4BR w/Hot Tub 5 Min to Downtown

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$114,962
Revenue
73.3%
Occupancy
$412.76
Daily Rate
Spacious Home+Games| Grand Fountain District Suite

Spacious Home+Games| Grand Fountain District Suite

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$113,355
Revenue
78.3%
Occupancy
$388.98
Daily Rate

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 Bellingham?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Bellingham based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Bellingham by revenue
Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Gather Vacations8$572,0151274.88/5.0
Sam & Lori3$264,1252044.99/5.0
StayBham4$251,7465244.95/5.0
Natasha3$234,1927904.96/5.0
Lindsy6$227,66726504.90/5.0
Michaela3$215,9442184.93/5.0
Cecelia6$195,9267354.81/5.0
Evolve4$174,7171474.46/5.0
Carlee And Mark3$174,3311944.96/5.0
Adam4$172,1925894.99/5.0

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 Bellingham.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Bellingham?

Bellingham is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.

Superhosts
76.8%
Professional Management
9.4%
Cohosted Listings
41.2%
Instant Book Enabled
1.7%
Simplified Pricing
76.2%

Host Profile Insights for Bellingham

  • With 76.8% Superhosts, Bellingham has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
  • 9.4% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
  • 1.7% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
  • 76.2% 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

  • Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
  • With 41.2% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
  • Benchmark your host metrics against these Bellingham averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

Top Professional Management Companies in Bellingham

These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Bellingham, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.

Top Airbnb management companies in Bellingham
CompanyListingsRevenueADROcc.Rating
Gather Vacations8$572,015$53045.9%4.88/5
StayBham4$251,746$27159.2%4.95/5
Natasha3$234,192$30068.7%4.96/5
Michaela3$215,944$26972.9%4.93/5
Evolve4$174,717$31656.2%4.46/5
Adam4$172,192$16468.8%4.99/5
Vacationville2$115,572$39832.2%4.95/5
Hannah1$114,962$41373.3%4.99/5
Jackie2$113,602$41744.7%4.90/5
RedAwning Vacation Rentals1$56,040$33344.1%4.84/5

Management Company Insights for Bellingham

  • The leading management company, Gather Vacations, operates 8 listings with $572,015 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Bellingham.
  • Top managers average 3 properties each, suggesting professional management in Bellingham still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
  • Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.89/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.

Recommendations

  • With only 9.4% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
  • 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 Bellingham's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Bellingham 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 North Bend, Bellingham has 3 percentage points lower occupancy and about $145 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Bellingham — performance comparison
MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Erlands Point-Kitsap Lake11$6,075$384.1851%
Verlot10$5,122$342.9851%
North Bend51$5,073$363.6756%
Olalla13$4,950$332.2852%
Sudden Valley63$4,870$337.3950%
Sultan16$4,780$317.7551%
Ronald149$4,730$473.8934%
Warm Beach10$4,705$333.6141%
Canyon Creek13$4,599$352.8650%
Amanda Park11$4,484$458.1942%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Bellingham

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Bellingham.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bellingham?

Bellingham hosts earn about $34,076 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $219 and RevPAR of $117. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Bellingham, Washington, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Bellingham market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bellingham?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bellingham is 52.6%. July is the strongest month and February 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 Bellingham?

Listings in Bellingham average $219 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 Bellingham?

Bellingham currently has about 362 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 Bellingham?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Bellingham 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 Bellingham?

RevPAR in Bellingham is about $117. 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 Bellingham?

At 52.6% occupancy, Bellingham can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $34,076, 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 Bellingham?

The average booking lead time in Bellingham is about 50 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 Bellingham?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Bellingham include Fairhaven, Downtown Bellingham, California Hill. 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 Bellingham?

entire_home listings make up 89.0% of the active supply in Bellingham. 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 Bellingham compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Erlands Point-Kitsap Lake posts $72,895 in average annual revenue with 51.2% occupancy, compared to Bellingham's $34,076 and 52.6%. 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 Bellingham?

The average Airbnb stay length in Bellingham is about 6.5 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 Bellingham?

Airbnb listings in Bellingham average 4.9 out of 5 overall. About 67.1% 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 Bellingham?

Dishes and silverware and Hot water are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Bellingham. 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 Bellingham?

Yes. About 86.2% of active Airbnb listings in Bellingham charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $428. 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 Bellingham?

A 76.8% 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.

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