The 15 Finest Airbnb Markets for Each Investor’s Price range in 2025

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

Some of us desire a trip dwelling that pulls its weight, others chase excessive money movement, and a few simply need to experience 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 finances. Not each market might be a slam dunk in your objectives, however the suitable one is on this checklist. 

Now, let’s discover your good match.

1. Funding Degree: $200,000

Potential markets

• Akron, Ohio
  • Median dwelling value: $212,500
  • Occupancy charge: 52%
  • ADR: $188
  • Annual income: $28,800
• Stanton, Kentucky
  • Median dwelling value: $165,533
  • Occupancy charge: 51%
  • ADR: $227
  • Annual income: $37,833
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Median dwelling value: $208,593
  • Occupancy charge: 53%
  • ADR: $174.5
  • Annual income: $28,300
• Peoria, Illinois
  • Median dwelling 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 provide inexpensive entry factors with robust 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 yr. This suggests a market that continues to thrive regardless of rising stock.

Stanton noticed an amazing enhance over the previous few years however cooled off barely in 2024. Nevertheless, it nonetheless boasts a formidable 22.8% yield proportion, one of many highest on this checklist. Yield proportion, calculated as annual income divided by the median dwelling 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 yr, it has seen a formidable 11% progress in RevPAR (income per out there 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 economic system, Pittsburgh presents a lower-risk possibility for buyers in search of regular money movement.

Peoria was named AirDNA’s No. 1 finest 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 charge (ADR), and RevPAR. Nevertheless, listings have surged by 23% as a result of hype surrounding its robust efficiency. Whereas the expansion is simple, buyers ought to be aware of how growing provide may impression occupancy and pricing over time.

Whereas all 4 markets current promising numbers, buyers ought to take into account native rules, 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 Degree: $500,000

Potential markets

• Logan, Ohio
  • Median dwelling value: $310,924
  • Occupancy charge: 54%
  • ADR: $362
  • Annual income: $65,700
• Myrtle Seashore, South Carolina
  • Median dwelling value: $331,265
  • Occupancy charge: 58%
  • ADR: $285.36
  • Annual income: $47,600
• Panama Metropolis Seashore, Florida
  • Median dwelling value: $353,298
  • Occupancy charge: 57%
  • ADR: $327
  • Annual income: $53,800
• Sneads Ferry, North Carolina
  • Median dwelling value: $425,219
  • Occupancy charge: 60%
  • ADR: $421
  • Annual income: $71,500
• Seaside, Oregon
  • Median dwelling value: $450,000
  • Occupancy charge: 59%
  • ADR: $336 
  • Annual income: $62,700
• Branson, Missouri
  • Median dwelling 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 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 essential to standing out. RevPAR has grown 9% and annual income by 10%, however listings have surged by 15% within the final yr. It is probably not for you for those who don’t plan on catering to this artistic market.

Myrtle Seashore is an STR-friendly market with important 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 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%. Nevertheless, there are over 16,000 energetic listings, and occupancy charges have trended down barely (1% YoY).

Panama Metropolis Seashore is likely one of the most STR-friendly markets within the nation, with each annual income (AR) and common every day charge (ADR) rising 14%. Whereas it’s a extremely seasonal market, it presents constant yearly income. Listings have solely elevated by 1%, exhibiting demand stays robust. Nevertheless, insurance coverage prices are a priority for buyers in Florida.

For these with a bit extra to spend, Sneads Ferry (North Topsail Seashore) gives 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 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 value is $255,532. Nevertheless, energetic listings have risen by 7%, and occupancy charges have dipped 2% YoY. Whereas Branson does expertise seasonal dips, it was just lately named one among Airbnb’s prime 10 Thanksgiving locations, indicating robust demand throughout peak durations.

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

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

Potential markets

• Sevierville, Tennessee
  • Median dwelling value: $687,000
  • Occupancy charge: 60%
  • ADR: $370
  • Annual income: $74,300
• Pawleys Island, South Carolina
  • Median dwelling value: $532,057
  • Occupancy charge: 56%
  • ADR: $441
  • Annual income: $70,700
• Flagstaff, Arizona
  • Median dwelling value: $625,695
  • Occupancy charge: 58%
  • ADR: $271.3
  • Annual income: $50,300
• Hilton Head, South Carolina
  • Median dwelling value: $761,100
  • Occupancy charge: 61%
  • ADR: $439.6
  • Annual income: $76,900
• Sedona, Arizona
  • Median dwelling 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 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 a couple of 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’ve got the correct finances to match the facilities and placement desired within the space.

On the identical time, Pawleys Island presents a profitable coastal market, the place being as near the seaside as doable will considerably impression 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 just one,479 energetic listings, based on 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. The town advantages from year-round tourism, drawing guests for outside actions, nationwide parks, and occasions that maintain 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. Nevertheless, competitors is fierce, so standout design and top-tier facilities are obligatory. 

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

Then again, Sedona is all about breathtaking purple rock views, luxurious retreats, and a gentle stream of adventure-seeking guests. The yield proportion 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 might be a winner for folks within the Southwest. Whereas its year-round occupancy is a big draw, buyers 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 suitable 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 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 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 likely to be one other’s gold mine.