The 15 Greatest Airbnb Markets for Each Investor’s Finances in 2025

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Investing in short-term leases (STRs) could be a gold mine—or a pricey lesson in what to not do. The important thing? Selecting the correct market that matches your funds and funding objectives.

Some people desire a trip dwelling that pulls its weight, others chase excessive money movement, and a few simply wish to trip the appreciation wave. No matter your technique, there’s a market on the market calling your identify.

We ran the numbers utilizing information from BiggerPockets Market Finder, Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and AirDNA to uncover STR markets that also make sense—whether or not you’re working with champagne cash or a beer funds. Not each market might be a slam dunk on your objectives, however the suitable one is on this record. 

Now, let’s discover your excellent match.

1. Funding Degree: $200,000

Potential markets

• Akron, Ohio
  • Median dwelling worth: $212,500
  • Occupancy price: 52%
  • ADR: $188
  • Annual income: $28,800
• Stanton, Kentucky
  • Median dwelling worth: $165,533
  • Occupancy price: 51%
  • ADR: $227
  • Annual income: $37,833
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Median dwelling worth: $208,593
  • Occupancy price: 53%
  • ADR: $174.5
  • Annual income: $28,300
• Peoria, Illinois
  • Median dwelling worth: $144,272
  • Occupancy price: 55%
  • ADR: $153.5
  • Annual income: $24,200

Evaluation

For buyers working with a $200,000 funds, Akron, Stanton, Pittsburgh, and Peoria provide inexpensive entry factors with robust return potential.

Akron has skilled a 15% improve in annual income since 2023, with demand constantly outpacing provide—at the same time as listings have grown by 20% within the final yr. This suggests a market that continues to thrive regardless of rising stock.

Stanton noticed an incredible enhance over the previous few years however cooled off barely in 2024. Nonetheless, it nonetheless boasts a formidable 22.8% yield proportion, one of many highest on this record. Yield proportion, calculated as annual income divided by the median dwelling worth, helps decide how a lot an investor could make relative to their buy worth.

Pittsburgh is a bigger, extra steady market than Akron and Stanton, providing a mixture of city tourism, enterprise journey, and native demand for short-term leases. Within the final yr, it has seen a formidable 11% progress in RevPAR (income per obtainable room) and a 12% progress in annual income per itemizing. There was a rise of 12% in listings yr over yr, however occupancy charges are nonetheless rising by 3%, even with the inflow of listings. With dwelling costs nonetheless accessible and a powerful sports activities, healthcare, and education-driven financial system, Pittsburgh presents a lower-risk possibility for buyers looking for regular money movement.

Peoria was named AirDNA’s No. 1 greatest place to spend money on a metropolis and has seen a 9% improve throughout all key metrics, together with annual income (AR), common every day price (ADR), and RevPAR. Nonetheless, listings have surged by 23% because of the hype surrounding its robust efficiency. Whereas the expansion is simple, buyers ought to be conscious of how rising provide might influence occupancy and pricing over time.

Whereas all 4 markets current promising numbers, buyers ought to contemplate native rules, seasonality, and market saturation earlier than diving in. Inexpensive entry factors may be engaging, however long-term success hinges on understanding demand traits and competitors in every space.

2. Funding Degree: $500,000

Potential markets

• Logan, Ohio
  • Median dwelling worth: $310,924
  • Occupancy price: 54%
  • ADR: $362
  • Annual income: $65,700
• Myrtle Seashore, South Carolina
  • Median dwelling worth: $331,265
  • Occupancy price: 58%
  • ADR: $285.36
  • Annual income: $47,600
• Panama Metropolis Seashore, Florida
  • Median dwelling worth: $353,298
  • Occupancy price: 57%
  • ADR: $327
  • Annual income: $53,800
• Sneads Ferry, North Carolina
  • Median dwelling worth: $425,219
  • Occupancy price: 60%
  • ADR: $421
  • Annual income: $71,500
• Seaside, Oregon
  • Median dwelling worth: $450,000
  • Occupancy price: 59%
  • ADR: $336 
  • Annual income: $62,700
• Branson, Missouri
  • Median dwelling worth: $255,532
  • Occupancy price: 51%
  • ADR: $249.99 
  • Annual income: $40,500

Evaluation

With a funds of $500,000 or much less, buyers have a number of robust markets to contemplate.

Logan stands out with its excessive annual income potential, however its market is crammed with some of probably the most distinctive properties—which means creativity is vital to standing out. RevPAR has grown 9% and annual income by 10%, however listings have surged by 15% within the final yr. It will not be for you in case you don’t plan on catering to this artistic market.

Myrtle Seashore is an STR-friendly market with vital tourism attraction. Town is so pro-STR that there’s even hypothesis they may outlaw long-term leases because of the excessive demand for trip stays and the shortage of provide. It’s a extremely seasonal market however advantages from robust tourism. Annual income and ADR have elevated by 4%, with RevPAR up 3%. Nonetheless, there are over 16,000 lively listings, and occupancy charges have trended down barely (1% YoY).

Panama Metropolis Seashore is without doubt one of the most STR-friendly markets within the nation, with each annual income (AR) and common every day price (ADR) rising 14%. Whereas it’s a extremely seasonal market, it gives constant yearly income. Listings have solely elevated by 1%, displaying demand stays robust. Nonetheless, insurance coverage prices are a priority for buyers in Florida.

For these with a bit extra to spend, Sneads Ferry (North Topsail Seashore) supplies excessive ADRs and substantial income, with beachfront proximity being the last word profitability booster (but additionally a value driver). Listings decreased by 3% whereas rising in ADR (2%) and occupancy charges (3%).

In the meantime, Seaside and Rockaway Seashore are proving to be robust short-term rental (STR) markets with favorable rules and rising income potential. RevPAR, ADR, and annual income projections are all up, signaling robust demand, whereas occupancy has remained regular regardless of a 6% improve in new listings since 2024. These coastal locations entice constant tourism, benefiting from beachgoers, outside fans, and regional vacationers.

Branson stays an interesting STR market regardless of seasonality considerations. Annual income and ADR elevated by 6%, reaching $40,500, whereas the median dwelling worth is $255,532. Nonetheless, lively listings have risen by 7%, and occupancy charges have dipped 2% YoY. Whereas Branson does expertise seasonal dips, it was not too long ago named certainly one of Airbnb’s prime 10 Thanksgiving locations, indicating robust demand throughout peak intervals.

With a balanced market and investor-friendly insurance policies, these markets provide compelling alternatives for STR buyers. Nonetheless, understanding native competitors, tourism traits, seasonality, and potential bills is vital in deciding which market aligns greatest along with your technique.

3. Funding Degree: $800,000-$1 Million

Potential markets

• Sevierville, Tennessee
  • Median dwelling worth: $687,000
  • Occupancy price: 60%
  • ADR: $370
  • Annual income: $74,300
• Pawleys Island, South Carolina
  • Median dwelling worth: $532,057
  • Occupancy price: 56%
  • ADR: $441
  • Annual income: $70,700
• Flagstaff, Arizona
  • Median dwelling worth: $625,695
  • Occupancy price: 58%
  • ADR: $271.3
  • Annual income: $50,300
• Hilton Head, South Carolina
  • Median dwelling worth: $761,100
  • Occupancy price: 61%
  • ADR: $439.6
  • Annual income: $76,900
• Sedona, Arizona
  • Median dwelling worth: $917,779
  • Occupancy price: 61%
  • ADR: $376.8
  • Annual income: $74,100

Evaluation

Sevierville, Pawleys Island, Flagstaff, Hilton Head, and Sedona all provide substantial short-term rental funding alternatives, every with distinct benefits, relying in your funds and technique.

For buyers within the $800,000 vary, Sevierville, Pawleys Island, and Flagstaff stand out. Sevierville advantages from its proximity to the Smoky Mountains, a top-tier tourism vacation spot. This has been one of many hottest markets for just a few years now, and it reveals—with occupancy charges dropping 4% YoY as provide begins to outpace demand (2% provide progress). The benefit will lie in making certain you will have the correct funds to match the facilities and site desired within the space.

On the identical time, Pawleys Island gives a profitable coastal market, the place being as near the seashore as attainable will considerably influence ROI. When you can technically get into Pawleys Island for underneath $600,000, count on to stretch nearer to $800,000 if you wish to compete on the highest degree. RevPAR, ADR, and annual income are up 14% YoY in a much less aggressive market than others, with only one,479 lively listings, based on AirDNA.

In the meantime, Flagstaff is without doubt one of the least seasonal STR markets within the U.S., making it a steady funding possibility in comparison with different trip locations. In 2024, annual income and RevPAR elevated by 8%, whereas ADR rose by 6%, signaling regular demand. Town advantages from year-round tourism, drawing guests for outside actions, nationwide parks, and occasions that preserve occupancy ranges extra constant than in conventional seasonal markets.

All three markets require an understanding of peak tourism seasons and the design types that attraction to their distinctive audiences to maximise returns.

With a $1 million funds, Hilton Head and Sedona current much more substantial alternatives. Hilton Head’s well-established coastal attraction attracts golfers, beachgoers, and year-round vacationers, making it a dependable STR market. Nonetheless, competitors is fierce, so standout design and top-tier facilities are vital. 

With this provide progress and seven,330 lively listings, occupancy charges have trended down by 3%, based on AirDNA. Alternatively, annual income and RevPAR are up by 5%, which means individuals are prepared to pay for this extremely desired trip space.

Alternatively, Sedona is all about breathtaking pink rock views, luxurious retreats, and a gentle stream of adventure-seeking guests. The yield proportion in Sedona will not be as attractive as another markets. Nonetheless, with all metrics (occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, and annual income) trending upwards by 5%+, Sedona could possibly be a winner for individuals within the Southwest. Whereas its year-round occupancy is a big draw, buyers should navigate native STR rules rigorously.

In all 5 markets, maximizing returns requires premium experiences—suppose high-end outside areas, sizzling tubs, and professional-grade inside design. Whether or not it’s a mountain retreat, a beachfront escape, or a desert oasis, the suitable technique can flip these markets into extremely worthwhile investments.

Remaining Ideas

Each STR market isn’t a one-size-fits-all alternative. Every investor has distinctive objectives, whether or not maximizing money movement, long-term appreciation, or balancing each. 

If robust money movement is your precedence, budget-friendly markets can provide excessive returns with the suitable deal. If appreciation is your focus, locations like Sedona and Sneads Ferry could also be extra your velocity. And in order for you a mix of each—plus a main trip location—Hilton Head and Sedona must be in your radar. 

The fantastic thing about STR investing is that the trail is yours to decide on, and what one investor overlooks may be one other’s gold mine.