The 15 Best Airbnb Markets for Every Investor’s Budget in 2025

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

Some of us need a trip house that pulls its weight, others chase excessive money circulation, 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 will likely be a slam dunk to your targets, however the suitable one is on this listing. 

Now, let’s discover your excellent 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 finances, Akron, Stanton, Pittsburgh, and Peoria supply reasonably priced entry factors with sturdy return potential.

Akron has skilled a 15% enhance in annual income since 2023, with demand constantly 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 enhance over the previous few years however cooled off barely in 2024. Nonetheless, it nonetheless boasts a powerful 22.8% yield share, one of many highest on this listing. 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 steady 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% progress in RevPAR (income per accessible room) and a 12% progress 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 choice for buyers searching for regular money circulation.

Peoria was named AirDNA’s No. 1 greatest place to spend money on a metropolis and has seen a 9% enhance throughout all key metrics, together with annual income (AR), common every day fee (ADR), and RevPAR. Nonetheless, listings have surged by 23% as a result of hype surrounding its sturdy efficiency. Whereas the expansion is plain, 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 tendencies 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 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 crammed with some of essentially 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 12 months. It might not be for you in case you don’t plan on catering to this inventive market.

Myrtle Seaside is an STR-friendly market with vital tourism enchantment. 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 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 every day fee (ADR) rising 14%. Whereas it’s a extremely seasonal market, it presents constant yearly income. Listings have solely elevated by 1%, exhibiting 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 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 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% enhance 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. Nonetheless, energetic 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 in all Airbnb’s prime 10 Thanksgiving locations, indicating sturdy demand throughout peak durations.

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 vital in deciding which market aligns greatest together 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 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 reveals—with occupancy charges dropping 4% YoY as provide begins to outpace demand (2% provide progress). The benefit will lie in making certain you have got the right 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 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 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 steady 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. Town advantages from year-round tourism, drawing guests for out of doors 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 essential. 

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

Alternatively, Sedona is all about breathtaking crimson rock views, luxurious retreats, and a gradual stream of adventure-seeking guests. The yield share in Sedona might not be 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 individuals within the Southwest. Whereas its year-round occupancy is a major draw, buyers should navigate native STR rules rigorously.

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

Closing Ideas

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

If sturdy money circulation is your precedence, budget-friendly markets can supply excessive returns with the suitable deal. If appreciation is your focus, locations like Sedona and Sneads Ferry could also be extra your velocity. And if you would like 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 may be one other’s gold mine.