How to Price Your Airbnb in Aurora: The Complete 2026 Guide

Aurora’s short-term rental market offers steady demand from both Denver commuters and families visiting the Aurora Reservoir. This guide covers everything you need to set competitive rates that maximize your bookings and revenue.

Understanding the Aurora Short-Term Rental Market

• Aurora attracts a mix of business travelers working at the Anschutz Medical Campus and vacationing families heading to the Gaylord Rockies Resort.
• The market is less saturated than downtown Denver, meaning well-priced listings often see higher occupancy rates year-round.
• Guests typically book 3–5 night stays, with longer reservations common during summer and holiday periods.
• Nearby attractions like the Aurora Reservoir, Southlands Mall, and Cherry Creek State Park drive consistent leisure demand.
• Proximity to Denver International Airport makes Aurora a popular choice for fly-in guests seeking affordable alternatives to central Denver hotels.

Aurora's Seasonal Pricing Calendar

Peak Season

Expect your highest rates from June through August, when families book stays near the reservoir and outdoor festivals. Raise your base rate by 40–60% and require minimum stays of 3–4 nights.

High Season

September and October bring pleasant weather and events like the Aurora Oktoberfest, keeping demand strong. Increase rates by 20–30% above your base, with flexible 2-night minimums.

Shoulder Season

April, May, and early November see moderate demand from business travelers and spring break families. Keep rates at your base level or just 10–15% higher, with no minimum stay requirements.

Low Season

December through February are the quietest months, especially January and February. Drop your rate by 15–25% below base and consider offering weekly discounts to attract longer-staying guests.

Event-Specific Pricing Windows

• Gaylord Rockies Events: Major conferences and holiday celebrations at the Gaylord can triple demand in nearby neighborhoods for 3–5 day windows.
• Denver Broncos Games: Home game weekends push rates up 25–35% in central Aurora, as guests seek affordable alternatives to Denver stadium-area hotels.
• Colorado Rockies Games: Summer baseball series at Coors Field create steady weekend demand for Aurora listings within a 20-minute drive.

Setting Your Base Rate in Aurora

Build Your Comp Set

Identify 8–12 comparable listings within a 2-mile radius of your property. Focus on similar size, amenities (like pools or garages), and guest ratings to set your initial nightly price.

Neighbourhood Matters in Aurora

• Southeast Aurora: Commands premium rates of $150–$200 per night due to proximity to Southlands Mall and the reservoir.
• Central Aurora: Near the Anschutz Medical Campus, rates hover around $120–$160 per night with strong business traveler demand.
• North Aurora: More affordable at $90–$130 per night, but close to the Gaylord Rockies and Denver airport.
• Southlands Area: Popular with families, rates average $140–$180 per night, especially during summer weekends.
• Quincy Reservoir Area: A quieter pocket with rates of $110–$150 per night, appealing to nature-focused guests.

Weekday vs Weekend Split

Set your weekday rate as your base, then charge 20–30% more for Friday and Saturday nights. Business travelers dominate weekdays in Aurora, while weekends draw leisure guests willing to pay a premium.

The New Listing Strategy

Start your base rate 15–20% below your comp set average for the first 30 days to build reviews and traction. Once you have 5–10 positive reviews, raise rates to match the market.

Aurora STR Regulations

Aurora requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain a business license and pay a 10.5% lodging tax on all bookings. You must also register your property with the city and comply with noise and occupancy limits. Check our STR Regulation Finder for the latest requirements.

Pricing Mistakes Aurora Hosts Make

• Ignoring event impacts: Failing to raise rates during Gaylord Rockies conferences or Broncos games leaves significant money on the table.
• Setting a single flat rate: Using one price year-round ignores Aurora’s clear seasonal demand shifts, reducing both bookings and revenue.
• Underpricing near the airport: Many hosts price too low despite proximity to DIA, missing out on fly-in guests willing to pay $20–$30 more per night.
• Overlooking weekday demand: Business travelers from the Anschutz Campus book weeknights at solid rates, yet some hosts discount too aggressively during the week.
• Not updating minimum stays: Keeping a 1-night minimum during peak summer weekends invites last-minute bookings that could be replaced with longer, more profitable stays.

When to Switch to Dynamic Pricing in Aurora

If you’re manually adjusting rates weekly and still seeing gaps in your calendar, dynamic pricing can automate 80% of your pricing decisions. It’s especially useful in Aurora where demand shifts quickly due to events and airport traffic.

Dynamic pricing tools like Beyond Pricing connect directly to your Airbnb calendar and adjust rates daily based on real-time demand data.

See our Analytics & Revenue Software directory for a full comparison of pricing tools.

Quick-Start Aurora Pricing Checklist

• Research your comp set in a 2-mile radius
• Set a base rate for each season using the calendar above
• Apply a 20–30% weekend markup
• Price 15–20% below comps for your first 30 days
• Use our Airbnb Fee Calculator to understand your net payout
• Check our STR Profit Calculator to model revenue against costs
• Register for Aurora’s business license and lodging tax
• Update minimum stays for peak and event periods
• Monitor occupancy weekly and adjust rates if below 50%
• Consider dynamic pricing tools for automated adjustments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Airbnb rate in Aurora?
Most listings range from $100 to $180 per night, depending on neighborhood, season, and amenities.

How do I price my Aurora Airbnb for a Broncos game weekend?
Raise your base rate by 25–35% for Friday through Sunday nights of home games, and set a 2-night minimum.

Is Aurora a good market for Airbnb investing?
Yes, especially near the Anschutz Medical Campus and Gaylord Rockies, where demand is consistent and competition is lower than in downtown Denver.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Aurora?
Hosts must collect and remit a 10.5% lodging tax plus applicable state and county taxes on all bookings.

How often should I update my pricing in Aurora?
Review rates at least monthly, and adjust weekly during event-heavy periods like summer and Broncos season.