The 15 Best Airbnb Markets for Every Investor’s Budget 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 price range and funding targets.

Some people desire a trip house that pulls its weight, others chase excessive money stream, and a few simply need to journey 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 price range. Not each market can be a slam dunk in your targets, however the fitting one is on this checklist. 

Now, let’s discover your good match.

1. Funding Degree: $200,000

Potential markets

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

Evaluation

For buyers working with a $200,000 price range, Akron, Stanton, Pittsburgh, and Peoria provide reasonably priced entry factors with robust 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. Nevertheless, it nonetheless boasts a formidable 22.8% yield share, one of many highest on this checklist. Yield share, calculated as annual income divided by the median house worth, helps decide how a lot an investor could make relative to their buy worth.

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 obtainable 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 house costs nonetheless accessible and a robust sports activities, healthcare, and education-driven financial system, Pittsburgh presents a lower-risk possibility for buyers searching for regular money stream.

Peoria was named AirDNA’s No. 1 greatest place to put money into a metropolis and has seen a 9% improve throughout all key metrics, together with annual income (AR), common each day fee (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 conscious of how growing 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 may be enticing, however long-term success hinges on understanding demand traits and competitors in every space.

2. Funding Degree: $500,000

Potential markets

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

Evaluation

With a price range of $500,000 or much less, buyers have a number of robust markets to think about.

Logan stands out with its excessive annual income potential, however its market is crammed with some of essentially 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 12 months. It might not be for you when 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 robust tourism. Annual income and ADR have elevated by 4%, with RevPAR up 3%. Nevertheless, there are over 16,000 lively listings, and occupancy charges have trended down barely (1% YoY).

Panama Metropolis Seaside is among the most STR-friendly markets within the nation, with each annual income (AR) and common each day fee (ADR) rising 14%. Whereas it’s a extremely seasonal market, it provides 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 Seaside) supplies excessive ADRs and substantial income, with beachfront proximity being the last word profitability booster (but in addition a value 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 robust short-term rental (STR) markets with favorable laws 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, out of doors fanatics, 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 house worth is $255,532. Nevertheless, lively listings have risen by 7%, and occupancy charges have dipped 2% YoY. Whereas Branson does expertise seasonal dips, it was just lately named certainly one of Airbnb’s high 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 traits, seasonality, and potential bills is essential in deciding which market aligns greatest along with your technique.

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

Potential markets

• Sevierville, Tennessee
  • Median house worth: $687,000
  • Occupancy fee: 60%
  • ADR: $370
  • Annual income: $74,300
• Pawleys Island, South Carolina
  • Median house worth: $532,057
  • Occupancy fee: 56%
  • ADR: $441
  • Annual income: $70,700
• Flagstaff, Arizona
  • Median house worth: $625,695
  • Occupancy fee: 58%
  • ADR: $271.3
  • Annual income: $50,300
• Hilton Head, South Carolina
  • Median house worth: $761,100
  • Occupancy fee: 61%
  • ADR: $439.6
  • Annual income: $76,900
• Sedona, Arizona
  • Median house worth: $917,779
  • Occupancy fee: 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 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 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 got the right price range to match the facilities and site desired within the space.

On the identical time, Pawleys Island provides a profitable coastal market, the place being as near the seaside as potential will considerably impression ROI. When you can technically get into Pawleys Island for below $600,000, anticipate 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 line with AirDNA.

In the meantime, Flagstaff is among 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 out of doors 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. Nevertheless, competitors is fierce, so standout design and top-tier facilities are vital. 

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

Alternatively, Sedona is all about breathtaking pink rock views, luxurious retreats, and a gradual stream of adventure-seeking guests. The yield share 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 may very well be a winner for individuals within the Southwest. Whereas its year-round occupancy is a major draw, buyers should navigate native STR laws rigorously.

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

Last Ideas

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

If robust money stream is your precedence, budget-friendly markets can provide excessive returns with the fitting 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 first-rate 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 could be one other’s gold mine.