The 15 Greatest Airbnb Markets for Each Investor’s Funds 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? Selecting the correct market that matches your price range and funding targets.

Some people desire a trip residence that pulls its weight, others chase excessive money circulate, 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 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 price range. Not each market might be a slam dunk on your targets, however the precise one is on this listing. 

Now, let’s discover your good match.

1. Funding Degree: $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 traders working with a $200,000 price range, Akron, Stanton, Pittsburgh, and Peoria provide reasonably priced entry factors with sturdy return potential.

Akron has skilled a 15% improve in annual income since 2023, with demand persistently outpacing provide—whilst 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 powerful 22.8% yield proportion, one of many highest on this listing. Yield proportion, 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 powerful 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 possibility for traders in search of regular money circulate.

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 each day charge (ADR), and RevPAR. Nonetheless, listings have surged by 23% because of the hype surrounding its sturdy efficiency. Whereas the expansion is plain, traders ought to be aware of how growing provide might affect occupancy and pricing over time.

Whereas all 4 markets current promising numbers, traders ought to think about native rules, seasonality, and market saturation earlier than diving in. Reasonably priced entry factors might 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 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 price range of $500,000 or much less, traders 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 probably the most distinctive properties—that 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 12 months. It might not be for you in the event you don’t plan on catering to this artistic market.

Myrtle Seaside is an STR-friendly market with important tourism enchantment. 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 sturdy tourism. Annual income and ADR have elevated by 4%, with RevPAR up 3%. Nonetheless, there are over 16,000 energetic 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 each day charge (ADR) rising 14%. Whereas it’s a extremely seasonal market, it presents constant yearly income. Listings have solely elevated by 1%, displaying demand stays sturdy. Nonetheless, insurance coverage prices are a priority for traders 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 final 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 rules 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, energetic listings have risen by 7%, and occupancy charges have dipped 2% YoY. Whereas Branson does expertise seasonal dips, it was lately named one among Airbnb’s prime 10 Thanksgiving locations, indicating sturdy demand throughout peak durations.

With a balanced market and investor-friendly insurance policies, these markets provide compelling alternatives for STR traders. 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 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 provide substantial short-term rental funding alternatives, every with distinct benefits, relying in your price range and technique.

For traders 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 a number of years now, and it reveals—with occupancy charges dropping 4% YoY as provide begins to outpace demand (2% provide development). The benefit will lie in guaranteeing you’ve gotten the correct price range to match the facilities and placement desired within the space.

On the similar time, Pawleys Island presents a profitable coastal market, the place being as near the seashore as potential will considerably affect ROI. Whilst you can technically get into Pawleys Island for underneath $600,000, anticipate 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 just one,479 energetic listings, in accordance with AirDNA.

In the meantime, Flagstaff is likely one of the least seasonal STR markets within the U.S., making it a secure 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 enchantment to their distinctive audiences to maximise returns.

With a $1 million price range, 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 vital. 

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

However, Sedona is all about breathtaking crimson rock views, luxurious retreats, and a gradual stream of adventure-seeking guests. The yield proportion in Sedona might 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 major draw, traders should navigate native STR rules fastidiously.

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 targets, whether or not maximizing money circulate, long-term appreciation, or balancing each. 

If sturdy money circulate is your precedence, budget-friendly markets can provide excessive returns with the precise deal. If appreciation is your focus, locations like Sedona and Sneads Ferry could also be extra your pace. And if you would like a mix of each—plus a major 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.