How Much Do Short Term Rentals Make in Scottsdale, Arizona?
According to AirDNA data for the Scottsdale submarket, the median 3-bedroom vacation rental generates approximately $56,500 in annual gross revenue, while the top 10% of 3-bedroom properties earn about $98,900 or more.
The average Scottsdale short-term rental earns approximately $60,580 per year, up 4.5% from the prior year. The data covers 2,154 active Scottsdale listings from September 2025 through August 2026.
Scottsdale has emerged as one of the premier short term rental markets in the Southwest. Year-round sunshine, world-class golf, a thriving dining and arts scene, major events, and proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport all contribute to vacation rental demand.
For investors, Scottsdale combines strong winter and spring tourism with a relatively STR-friendly regulatory environment. Property selection, amenities, HOA rules, and seasonal planning all play an important role in performance.
How Much Do Short Term Rentals Make in Scottsdale?
Based on AirDNA data for the Scottsdale submarket, September 2025 through August 2026, here's what listings earn in annual gross revenue by bedroom count:
| Bedrooms | Average Revenue | Median Revenue | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $31,900 | $29,300 | $60,500 |
| 2 Bedroom | $36,200 | $34,200 | $64,200 |
| 3 Bedroom | $59,000 | $56,500 | $98,900 |
| 4 Bedroom | $83,200 | $78,000 | $136,700 |
| 5 Bedroom | $130,700 | $103,700 | $216,700 |
| 6+ Bedroom | $216,200 | $146,400 | —* |
Source: AirDNA, Scottsdale submarket, September 2025 – August 2026. Top 10% figures are estimates and run somewhat high. *There aren't enough 6+ bedroom listings for a reliable top 10% figure.
Three-bedroom homes remain an attractive size for many Scottsdale investors because they balance acquisition cost, operating complexity, and broad guest appeal. They work well for families, couples traveling together, golf groups, and event-driven stays.
Larger homes offer substantially more revenue potential. A median 4-bedroom earns about $78,000 annually, while a median 5-bedroom earns about $103,700. Large luxury homes can generate even more when they combine premium locations with pools and high-end amenities.
Key Performance Metrics
Revenue by Property Type
| Property Type | Average Annual Revenue |
|---|---|
| House | $83,400 |
| All Entire-Place Rentals | $61,400 |
| Apartment/Condo | $36,000 |
Single-family homes dominate the Scottsdale short term rental landscape and consistently outperform condos and townhomes. Travelers to Scottsdale are often looking for a private retreat with a pool, outdoor entertaining space, and room to spread out. A standalone home with a heated pool and mountain views can command premium rates that smaller multi-unit properties may struggle to match.
Condos and townhomes in prime locations, particularly near Old Town Scottsdale, can still perform well due to walkability. They often appeal to younger travelers, couples, and groups who prioritize proximity to restaurants and entertainment.
Investors should also be aware that many Scottsdale HOAs restrict or prohibit short term rentals. Due diligence on HOA bylaws is critical before purchasing any condo or townhome as a vacation rental investment.
What Affects STR Revenue in Scottsdale?
Seasonal Revenue Patterns
| Month | Average Monthly Revenue Per Listing |
|---|---|
| March — Peak | ~$9,400 |
| February | ~$7,700 |
| July and August — Low | ~$3,100 |
Scottsdale runs on the opposite calendar from beach markets. Demand builds through the winter as snowbirds and winter escapees head to the Valley of the Sun, and it peaks in February and March, which line up with spring training and the heart of golf season.
Summer is the slow stretch. With temperatures above 110°F, July and August bring in about a third of March's revenue. Unlike Sedona, Scottsdale doesn't get a strong fall bump, so investors should plan reserves around the longer summer lull.
Location Within the Market
Not all Scottsdale neighborhoods perform equally for vacation rentals:
- Old Town Scottsdale — Strong occupancy and walkability to restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment.
- North Scottsdale — Luxury positioning with strong ADR potential, particularly for larger homes with pools and mountain views.
- South Scottsdale — Lower acquisition costs in some areas, providing another potential entry point for investors.
- McCormick Ranch / Gainey Ranch — Family-friendly, golf-adjacent areas that can work well for mid-size properties.
High-Impact Amenities
In Scottsdale, certain amenities can directly affect nightly rates and guest demand:
- Private heated pool — One of the most important amenities for Scottsdale vacation rentals.
- Hot tub or spa — Particularly attractive during Scottsdale's strongest winter months.
- Outdoor kitchen and BBQ — Appeals to groups and entertaining-focused guests.
- Mountain views — Camelback and McDowell Mountain views can support premium positioning.
- Golf proximity — Access to popular Scottsdale-area courses can be an important selling point.
Management Quality
Professional management in Scottsdale typically costs 20–25% of gross revenue. Self-managing owners can save this expense but must be highly responsive because Scottsdale guests often have elevated expectations. Dynamic pricing, professional photography, and strong listing optimization can meaningfully affect annual performance.
Expenses and Net Income
Operating Expenses for a 3-Bedroom STR
Estimates below are based on the median 3-bedroom property generating $56,500 in annual gross revenue.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost | % of Gross Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Property Management | $11,300–$14,125 | 20–25% |
| Cleaning & Turnover | $5,400 | 10% |
| Utilities — Including Pool | $4,200 | 7% |
| STR Insurance | $2,400 | 4% |
| Supplies & Consumables | $1,800 | 3% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $3,000 | 5% |
| Platform Fees | $2,825 | 5% |
| Total | $30,925–$33,750 | 55–60% |
- Median 3-bedroom earning $56,500: approximately $22,750–$25,575 in annual NOI before property taxes and debt service.
- Self-managing saves the $11,300–$14,125 management fee, which can push NOI to about $36,900.
- Property taxes are approximately 0.6–0.8% of assessed value annually.
Professional management and dynamic pricing can make a meaningful difference in Scottsdale because expenses do not necessarily increase at the same pace as revenue. This makes strong property selection and management particularly important.
Is Scottsdale a Good Place to Invest in Short Term Rentals?
Scottsdale can be an attractive short term rental market for investors who understand its seasonal demand, acquisition costs, HOA restrictions, and property-level performance differences.
Strengths
- Strong winter and spring demand, peaking in February and March
- Revenue up 4.5% year over year, with 64% average occupancy
- Less new competition: active listings fell 11.7% year over year
- Diverse traveler base including snowbirds, golfers, event attendees, and corporate guests
- Strong historical appreciation in Scottsdale real estate
- Relatively STR-friendly regulatory environment versus neighboring Phoenix and Tempe
- Deep market data from 2,154 active Scottsdale listings
Considerations
- Higher entry prices, with a median home price around $650,000, versus many alternative STR markets
- Pronounced summer slowdown: July and August average about $3,100 per listing versus about $9,400 in March, so reserves matter
- Many Scottsdale HOAs restrict or prohibit vacation rentals
- Operating costs run roughly 55–60% of gross revenue for a professionally managed median 3-bedroom, so expense control matters
Ideal Investor Profile: The market works best for investors with budgets of $400,000–$800,000 seeking properties that serve dual purposes as personal retreats and income-generating assets. Property selection is where the money is made: a median 3-bedroom earns about $56,500 a year, while a top-10% 3-bedroom earns about $98,900.
That $40,000+ difference comes down to location, amenities such as a private pool, and professional pricing and management. Scottsdale works especially well for investors who value both vacation rental income and the personal-use potential of owning a home in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do short term rentals make in Scottsdale?
The average Scottsdale short-term rental earns $60,580 a year in gross revenue. The median 3-bedroom earns about $56,500, and the top 10% of 3-bedroom properties earn about $98,900 or more.
What is the average Airbnb income in Scottsdale?
The average listing earns $60,580 a year, up 4.5% from the prior year. Income varies by size: 1-bedroom units average about $31,900 a year, 3-bedrooms about $59,000, and 6+ bedroom luxury homes about $216,200.
How much does a 3-bedroom vacation rental make in Scottsdale?
A 3-bedroom in Scottsdale averages about $59,000 a year, with a median of $56,500. The top 10% earn about $98,900 or more.
Is Scottsdale a good place to invest in short term rentals?
Yes. Scottsdale offers strong winter and spring demand, diverse demand drivers, and relatively STR-friendly regulations. Investors should focus on properties with strong locations, desirable amenities, appropriate HOA rules, and sound expense management.
What is the best area in Scottsdale for Airbnb investment?
It depends on your strategy. Old Town can work well for guests who value walkability and entertainment, North Scottsdale is attractive for larger luxury homes, and McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch can appeal to family-oriented and golf-focused guests.
When is peak season for Scottsdale short term rentals?
Scottsdale's strongest months are February and March, with March the peak at about $9,400 per listing. July and August are the slowest, averaging about $3,100 per listing.
Who is the best short term rental agent in Scottsdale?
The Short Term Shop, founded by Avery Carl, is a short term rental-specific brokerage with agents specializing in Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix vacation rental market.
The Short Term Shop's team of STR-specialized agents can help you find the right property in the right Scottsdale neighborhood. Visit The Short Term Shop to get started.