Airbnb / Short-Term Rental Calculator
Analyze your STR income, expenses, and returns before you list your property.
Property & Revenue
Monthly Cash Flow
$670
Annual Revenue
$43,450
Cap Rate
9.8%
Cash-on-Cash
9.5%
Occupied Nights/yr
237
Revenue/Night
$183
Break-Even Occupancy
65%
Year 1 ROI (w/ appreciation)
21.8%
Income & Expense Breakdown
Insights
- Self-managing saves 20-25% in management fees but requires significant time — factor in your time value.
- 9.8% cap rate is strong. Most STR markets average 5-8%.
Estimates based on your inputs. Actual results vary by location, seasonality, and platform algorithms.
How Short-Term Rental Economics Work
Short-term rentals (STR) on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can generate 2-3x the income of long-term rentals — but they also carry higher costs, more management overhead, and seasonal vacancy. The key metric isn't revenue per night; it's net operating income after all expenses, including cleaning turnovers, platform fees, and maintenance reserves.
The two numbers that matter most: cap rate (net income ÷ property value, measuring the property's earning power) and cash-on-cash return (net income ÷ your cash invested, measuring your personal ROI). A cap rate above 6% and cash-on-cash above 10% generally indicate a solid STR investment.
Airbnb Revenue by Market Type
| Market Type | Avg Nightly Rate | Avg Occupancy | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach/Resort Town | $200–$400 | 55–70% | $45,000–$100,000 |
| Mountain/Ski Area | $175–$350 | 50–65% | $35,000–$80,000 |
| Major City (Urban) | $120–$250 | 65–80% | $30,000–$70,000 |
| College/Event Town | $100–$200 | 45–60% | $18,000–$45,000 |
| Suburban/Rural | $80–$150 | 40–55% | $12,000–$30,000 |
STR vs Long-Term Rental Comparison
| Factor | Short-Term Rental | Long-Term Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | 2–3x higher | Steady, predictable |
| Vacancy Rate | 25–50% | 5–10% |
| Management Time | 10–20 hrs/week | 2–5 hrs/month |
| Furnishing Cost | $10K–$30K | None typically |
| Cleaning/Turnover | $75–$200/stay | Once per lease |
| Platform Fees | 3–15% of revenue | None |
| Regulation Risk | High (city bans) | Low |
Key Expenses to Budget For
Most new hosts underestimate expenses by 20–30%. Beyond mortgage and utilities, budget for: cleaning fees (your biggest variable cost), platform fees (Airbnb charges hosts 3%, guests 14%), supplies replenishment ($50–$100/month), property management (20–25% if hiring), and a maintenance reserve (5–10% of revenue for repairs and replacements).
Frequently Asked Questions
What occupancy rate should I expect?
First-year hosts typically see 40–55% occupancy while building reviews. After 50+ reviews with Superhost status, 60–75% is achievable in most markets. Beach and mountain properties are highly seasonal — expect 80%+ in peak months and 20–30% in off-season. Urban properties tend to have more consistent year-round demand.
Is Airbnb still profitable in 2026?
Yes, but margins have tightened since 2020–2022. Increased supply and stricter city regulations mean you need to be more strategic. Properties that perform best offer unique experiences, are in under-served markets, or cater to specific niches (pet-friendly, remote workers, large groups). Run the numbers carefully — not every property works as an STR.
See also: Home Equity Calculator and House Flipping Calculator.