Is the Bend “Airbnb Gold Rush” Still On? Calculating Your Potential Income
In a town defined by “the outdoors,” Bend has long been a crown jewel for short-term rentals (STRs). Airbnb income in Bend has seen changes as we move into 2026, with the landscape shifting from a “wild west” of easy bookings to a more sophisticated, regulated, and professional market.
At Bend Relo, we get asked the “income question” daily. Whether you’re eyeing a sleek condo in the Old Mill or a cozy bungalow in Midtown, here is the reality of what you can earn with an Airbnb in Bend today.
The Numbers: What’s the Realistic Revenue?
Based on 2025–2026 market data, Bend remains one of the top-performing STR markets in Oregon, but your “take-home” depends heavily on property size and amenities.
| Property Type | Avg. Nightly Rate (ADR) | Median Annual Revenue |
| Studio / 1-Bedroom | $160 – $180 | $27,000 – $34,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Home | $220 – $260 | $36,000 – $45,000 |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $300 – $350 | $48,000 – $55,000 |
| Large/Luxury (5+ BR) | $450+ | $75,000 – $140,000+ |
The “Bend Secret”: While summer (July/August) is the peak with revenue averaging $6,500+ per month, successful hosts leverage the winter ski season to maintain an average annual occupancy rate of around 46-54%.
Three Factors That Dictate Your Income
1. The “500-Foot Rule” & Zoning
You can’t just buy any house and list it. Bend has strict concentration limits:
-
The Rule: In most residential zones, a new “whole-house” STR permit will not be issued if there is already another one within 500 feet.
-
The Opportunity: This makes existing permitted properties or homes in “exempt” zones (like certain parts of Mount Bachelor Village or the Old Mill) significantly more valuable.
2. Amenities That Drive “Premium” Rates
To hit those top-tier revenue numbers, “standard” isn’t enough. In Bend, specific amenities drastically increase your nightly rate:
-
Hot Tubs: Can add up to $14,000/year in additional revenue.
-
Pet-Friendliness: Bend is a dog town. Allowing pets can boost your occupancy by 10-15% during shoulder seasons.
-
AC & Fireplaces: Essential for our high-desert climate swings.
3. Taxes and Fees (The “Bottom Line” Killers)
When calculating your net income, don’t forget the local “slice”:
-
Bend Room Tax: 10.4%
-
State Lodging Tax: 1.5%
-
Annual Fees: Expect to pay roughly $800–$1,200 annually in registration, transportation, and operating license fees.
The 2026 Strategy: Long-Term vs. Short-Term
Interestingly, about 45% of Bend “vacation” listings have moved to a 30-day minimum stay model. This avoids the 500-foot rule and the high turnover of short-term stays while catering to the “Zoom Town” crowd—remote workers who want to live in Bend for a month at a time. While the nightly rate is lower, the 100% occupancy and lower utility/cleaning costs often result in a similar net profit.
The Bottom Line
Can you make money with an Airbnb in Bend? Yes. Average annual host pay in our area is currently hovering around $94,800 (for those with larger or multiple units), but the “easy” permits are gone. Success in 2026 requires buying the right location with an existing permit or a unique “30-day plus” strategy.
