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

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Investing in short-term leases (STRs) is usually a gold mine—or a pricey lesson in what to not do. The important thing? Choosing the right market that matches your finances and funding objectives.

Some people desire a trip residence 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 title.

We ran the numbers utilizing knowledge 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 finances. Not each market will likely be a slam dunk to your objectives, however the precise one is on this listing. 

Now, let’s discover your good match.

1. Funding Stage: $200,000

Potential markets

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

Evaluation

For buyers working with a $200,000 finances, Akron, Stanton, Pittsburgh, and Peoria supply reasonably priced entry factors with sturdy return potential.

Akron has skilled a 15% improve in annual income since 2023, with demand persistently outpacing provide—at the same time as listings have grown by 20% within the final 12 months. This suggests a market that continues to thrive regardless of rising stock.

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

Pittsburgh is a bigger, extra secure market than Akron and Stanton, providing a mixture of city tourism, enterprise journey, and native demand for short-term leases. Within the final 12 months, it has seen a formidable 11% development in RevPAR (income per out there room) and a 12% development in annual income per itemizing. There was a rise of 12% in listings 12 months over 12 months, however occupancy charges are nonetheless rising by 3%, even with the inflow of listings. With residence costs nonetheless accessible and a powerful sports activities, healthcare, and education-driven economic system, Pittsburgh presents a lower-risk choice for buyers searching 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 day by day charge (ADR), and RevPAR. Nonetheless, listings have surged by 23% as a result of hype surrounding its sturdy efficiency. Whereas the expansion is simple, buyers ought to be aware of how rising provide may impression occupancy and pricing over time.

Whereas all 4 markets current promising numbers, buyers ought to contemplate native laws, seasonality, and market saturation earlier than diving in. Reasonably priced entry factors will be enticing, however long-term success hinges on understanding demand tendencies and competitors in every space.

2. Funding Stage: $500,000

Potential markets

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

Evaluation

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

Logan stands out with its excessive annual income potential, however its market is stuffed with some of essentially the most distinctive properties—that means creativity is essential to standing out. RevPAR has grown 9% and annual income by 10%, however listings have surged by 15% within the final 12 months. It is probably not for you in case you don’t plan on catering to this artistic market.

Myrtle Seaside is an STR-friendly market with vital tourism enchantment. The town is so pro-STR that there’s even hypothesis they could outlaw long-term leases as a result of excessive demand for trip stays and the dearth of provide. It’s a extremely seasonal market however advantages from sturdy 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 Seaside is likely one of the most STR-friendly markets within the nation, with each annual income (AR) and common day by day charge (ADR) rising 14%. Whereas it’s a extremely seasonal market, it provides constant yearly income. Listings have solely elevated by 1%, displaying demand stays sturdy. Nonetheless, insurance coverage prices are a priority for buyers in Florida.

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

In the meantime, Seaside and Rockaway Seaside are proving to be sturdy short-term rental (STR) markets with favorable laws and rising income potential. RevPAR, ADR, and annual income projections are all up, signaling sturdy 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 issues. Annual income and ADR elevated by 6%, reaching $40,500, whereas the median residence value 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 one among Airbnb’s prime 10 Thanksgiving locations, indicating sturdy demand throughout peak intervals.

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

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

Potential markets

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

Evaluation

Sevierville, Pawleys Island, Flagstaff, Hilton Head, and Sedona all supply substantial short-term rental funding alternatives, every with distinct benefits, relying in your finances 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 exhibits—with occupancy charges dropping 4% YoY as provide begins to outpace demand (2% provide development). The benefit will lie in making certain you’ve the right finances to match the facilities and site desired within the space.

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

In the meantime, Flagstaff is likely one of the least seasonal STR markets within the U.S., making it a secure funding choice in comparison with different trip locations. In 2024, annual income and RevPAR elevated by 8%, whereas ADR rose by 6%, signaling regular demand. The town advantages from year-round tourism, drawing guests for outside actions, nationwide parks, and occasions that hold occupancy ranges extra constant than in conventional seasonal markets.

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

With a $1 million finances, Hilton Head and Sedona current much more substantial alternatives. Hilton Head’s well-established coastal enchantment 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 mandatory. 

With this provide development and seven,330 lively listings, occupancy charges have trended down by 3%, in keeping with AirDNA. However, annual income and RevPAR are up by 5%, that means persons are keen to pay for this extremely desired trip space.

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

In all 5 markets, maximizing returns requires premium experiences—assume 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 precise technique can flip these markets into extremely worthwhile investments.

Ultimate 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 sturdy money movement is your precedence, budget-friendly markets can supply excessive returns with the precise deal. If appreciation is your focus, locations like Sedona and Sneads Ferry could also be extra your pace. And in order for you a mix of each—plus a primary trip location—Hilton Head and Sedona ought to be in your radar. 

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