Short-Term Rental Market Overview for Cary – April 2025
Cary short-term rentals are making headlines in 2025, fueled by strong local tourism and vibrant cultural offerings like Koka Booth Amphitheatre and the Cary Arts Center. Visitors are drawn in by festivals, greenway trails, and events, keeping Cary a consistent performer for STR investors. Whether you’re eyeing an investment or managing existing vacation rentals in Cary, understanding market dynamics is essential for maximizing your returns.
Quick Takeaways
- 543 total active listings in April 2025
- Average daily rate (ADR): $184
- Occupancy rate: nearly 69%
- Average monthly revenue per listing: $2,735
- YOY revenue growth: Positive, stable demand
- Flexible cancellation & short minimum stays give hosts a strategic edge
Cary’s Market Performance by the Numbers
Cary, North Carolina continues to attract short-term renters with strong performance. In April 2025, the market saw an average daily rate of $184. Occupancy rates reached nearly 69%, reflecting steady demand. Total revenue per listing averaged $2,735. These metrics highlight a resilient market with promising opportunities for investors. In this article, we’ll analyze the latest data and explore what it means for your rental strategy.
Seasonal Patterns and Booking Trends
The quarterly booking trends in Cary reveal a clear seasonal pattern with peak demand in Q1, likely driven by spring visitors, followed by a significant drop during Q2 and Q3 as summer and early fall bookings decline. The sharp decrease in booked nights from Q1 to Q4 indicates shortened booking lead times and reduced guest demand as the year progresses. For STR investors, this underscores the importance of strategic pricing and marketing to maximize occupancy during peak seasons while adjusting expectations for the typically quieter months.
Explore the schedule at the Cary Farmers Market or catch a game at WakeMed Soccer Park, both favorites among visiting guests.
Flexibility Wins: Host Strategies
Abilene hosts favor moderate and flexible cancellation policies, indicating responsiveness to guest preferences. Most listings require only short stays, reflecting seasonal or spontaneous travel demand. A balanced mix of minimum stay lengths suggests diverse guest types and strategic flexibility by hosts. Investing in offers with flexible cancellation and shorter minimum stays could attract a broader customer base and maximize occupancy during peak seasons.
Turbocharge Your Research: The StaySTRa Analyzer
If you’re evaluating a specific property or narrowing your investment focus, the StaySTRa Analyzer lets you plug in an address and see actual STR performance data. It’s free to use and built for investors—making due diligence simple and data-driven for anyone interested in STR investing in Cary.
Find Your Next Investment
To further explore available vacation rentals in Cary, you can browse listings in Cary on major booking platforms. Consider timing your strategy around major events or seasonal peaks to make the most of Cary’s strong demand for short-term stays.
Conclusion: Partner with Data, Win with Location
With its dependable revenue figures, steady demand, and active local tourism, Cary is one of the most attractive markets in North Carolina for short-term rental investors. Remember, success hinges on strategic pricing, flexible guest policies, and in-depth market research. Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly data, tips, and premium insights to stay ahead in the market.
