Looking into buying a vacation home that can serve as an Airbnb property? Depending on location and initial investment costs, becoming an Airbnb host can be extremely profitable. To get the best return on investment for your Airbnb, you need to find a city that has affordable housing costs, as well as enticing attractions and amenities. Here are 15 U.S. cities worth considering for Airbnb investments!
- Austin, TX
- Breckenridge, CO
- Charleston, SC
- Chicago, IL
- Denver, CO
- Key West, FL
- Las Vegas, NV
- Nashville, TN
- New Orleans, LA
- Orlando, FL
- Phoenix, AZ
- Portland, OR
- San Diego, CA
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Washington, DC
Austin, TX
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $358,600 median purchase price; $1,346 median monthly rent
Between the dining, nightlife, and quirky “Keep Austin Weird” attitude, Austin is one of the best places for Airbnb investments! Part of Austin’s popularity as a place for Airbnb properties is due to its massive events and long list of attractions. Texas’ capital city is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” drawing tourists from all over the country to the hundreds of music venues in Austin. Visitors also flock to Austin festivals like SXSW (South by Southwest), one of the world’s largest joint film, music, and arts festivals. On top of that, adults love exploring the lively Austin nightlife scene on6th Street, which is home to a stretch of cowboy bars, co*cktail lounges, speakeasies, and karaoke clubs. If you’re thinking about becoming an Airbnb host here, check out homes in one of ATX’s trendy neighborhoods or close to Downtown Austin!
Breckenridge, CO
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $450,400 median purchase price; $1,458 median monthly rent
Airbnb travelers who want to hit the slopes often head out to Breckenridge, as it’s home to one of the best ski resorts in the U.S. With 2,908 skiable acres and 187 trails, this former mining town is a winter sports paradise—offering options for everyone from first-timers to professional skiers and snowboarders. And Breckenridge is a part of Summit County, so even more skiing adventures in Keystone, Copper Mountain, and other locales are just a short drive away! It’s not all about the slopes, however. As one of the best cities for spring vacations, Breck also offers year-round alpine activities likehiking, whitewater rafting, and the famous alpine slides, so Airbnb owners don’t have to worry about the seasonality other ski towns may encounter. Plus, there are hundreds of unique restaurants, bars, and boutiques to explore in Downtown Breckenridge! Those investing in Airbnb property in Breck might want to consider buying a vacation home with a hot tub, where guests can warm up after a long day on the slopes.
Charleston, SC
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $349,000 median purchase price; $1,318 median monthly rent
Nestled along the Cooper River and the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston is a great place to consider investing into Airbnb. One of the top destinations for summer travel, Chucktown is filled with historic charm, from its iconic cobblestone streets to popular tourist destinations like Fort Sumter and The Charleston Museum. The city also has a constant stream of visitors year-round looking for short-term Airbnb rentals for Charleston festivals and events like Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the Cooper River Bridge Run. While tourists are in town, they can also get some fresh air at spots like Charleston Waterfront Park, James Island County Park, and Folly Beach—a popular nearby surfing destination. From family-friendly Charleston neighborhoods like Mount Pleasant to trendy areas in Charleston such as Harleston Village, Chucktown offers a variety of charming housing options surrounded by top attractions!
Chicago, IL
- Home Price: $267,600 median purchase price; $1,154 median monthly rent
Thanks to its epic festivals, expansive art scene, and numerous tourist hot spots, Chicago is one of the best places to vacation in the U.S.—especially during the fall—making it a great place to buy a condoor vacation home to use as an Airbnb rental property! Hundreds of thousands flock to Chicago for the four-day music festival Lollapalooza each summer, while others travel to party at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, sample the best cuisine in the Windy City atTaste of Chicago, or enjoy the rhythms at the Chicago Jazz Festival. But events aren’t the only thing that makes Chi-town great for Airbnb real estate investing. Vacationers rent out Airbnb homes so they can get pictures in front of The Bean in Millennium Park, take an architecture river cruise, savor deep-dish pizza on Navy Pier, or enjoy a casual afternoon on the Chicago Riverwalk. With its many tourism opportunities andunique hidden gems, Chicago is a place Airbnb investors should definitely look into!
Denver, CO
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $427,600 median purchase price; $1,397 median monthly rent
There are always interesting festivals and events going on in Denver, which makes it a perfect place for Airbnb investment opportunities. Whether it’s to sample brews from all over the country at theGreat American Beer Festival, catch a film screening at the Denver Film Festival, join the grand parades at Denver Pride, or see a concert at the nearby Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, travelers are always on the hunt for Airbnb rentals in Denver. Most of the action takes place in Downtown Denver, but keep an eye out for vacation homes on the city’s outskirts, too, as these areas are near attractions that help make Denver one of America’s best cities for outdoor activities! Many outdoor enthusiasts stay in the Mile High City so they can be within driving distance of Rocky Mountain National Park,Chatfield State Park, and a host of nearby ski resorts.
Key West, FL
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $686,700 median purchase price; $1,877 median monthly rent
Couples looking for a romantic getaway or one of the best cities for winter vacations often head to Key West, making it a prime area for profitable Airbnb properties. Located on the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, this famous island paradise is known for its serene, turquoise waters. Key West’s many beaches—including Smathers Beach, Rest Beach at C.B. Harvey Park, and Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park—are popular tourist attractions, lending to a high Airbnb occupancy rate in the city year-round. Visitors also rent Airbnb rooms to attend fun Key West festivals like Fantasy Fest, Key West Lobsterfest, and the Key West Songwriters Festival. Plus, tourists often stick around to explore Duval Street‘s variety of restaurants, boutiques, and exciting nightlife options, including the Green Parrot Bar, Hog’s Breath Saloon, and Rick’s Bar—which is actually several bars in one!
Las Vegas, NV
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $279,700 median purchase price; $1,153 median monthly rent
Known as the Entertainment Capital of the World and a top U.S. city for destination weddings, Las Vegas attracts vacationers from all across the globe with its flashy casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues. From sampling some of the best food in Las Vegas at restaurants like Yama Sushi, Sparrow + Wolf, and Top of the World to watching the dancing fountains at Bellagio, Las Vegas has no shortage of fun things to do. However, not everyone wants to stay in one of the glitzy resort hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. After a day of gambling at famous casinos like Caesars Palace and ARIA or partying at OMNIA Nightclub and Marquee Nightclub, many Las Vegas visitors enjoy retreating to a short-term rental home away from the hustle and bustle of The Strip so they can relax before hitting the town again. When investing in property for Airbnb in Las Vegas, a quiet neighborhood that’s close to but not on The Strip could be very appealing to potential renters!
Nashville, TN
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $264,600 median purchase price; $1,170 median monthly rent
Nashville is well-known for its country music history, and travelers frequently converge on Music City USA to visit venues likethe Grand Ole Opry, The Bluebird Cafe, and Ryman Auditorium. Airbnb listings are usually in high demand when Nashville hosts the CMA Awards and Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival each year. But it’s not just music that makes this Tennessee city a great place for short-term rentals. Nashville is also one of the best bachelorette party destinations because of its lively music scene and great eats at spots like lou nashville, S.S. Gai, Folk, and more. Some of the best Airbnb houses are found near Downtown Nashville—andBroadwayin particular—where all the trendy bars, music venues, and best restaurants in Nashville are located!
New Orleans, LA
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $250,000 median purchase price; $1,025 median monthly rent
Owning an Airbnb rental home or condo in New Orleans might be worth it for Mardi Gras alone—the two-week celebration typically falls in late February or early March and lures more than a million visitors to the French Quarter and Bourbon Street for parades, parties, and more. But Mardi Gras is far from the only major annual festival in New Orleans—the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Essence Festival, and New Orleans Wine & Food Experience are among the city’s long list of great events! There are also plenty of year-round activities in The Big Easy, whether it’s enjoying smooth jazz at The Spotted Cat Music Club, seeing historical exhibits at The National WWII Museum, or exploring the beautiful “Cities of the Dead.” These are just a few reasons why New Orleans is regarded as one of the best places to visit in the U.S.!
Orlando, FL
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $262,500 median purchase price; $1,253 median monthly rent
Searching for a hot spot for long-term Airbnb rentals? Consider Orlando, one of the top vacation places in the world! The City Beautiful has warm weather year-round, and it’s within driving distance of several fantastic beaches. Orlando is also America’s theme park capital, bringing in families from around the world who come to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and LEGOLAND. These family-friendly attractions in Orlando make spacious vacation homes extremely popular for investors in Airbnb. In addition, Orlando is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the U.S. and hosts some of the largest gay pride events, including Gay Days and Come Out With Pride Orlando. With all that and more, your Orlando Airbnb home can have a constant stream of new visitors!
Phoenix, AZ
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $250,800 median purchase price; $1,100 median monthly rent
Phoenix is one of the best vacation spots in the U.S. during winter, when residents from colder locations want to escape to the Valley of the Sun. With nearly 200 golf courses, Phoenix is also one of the top golf destinations in the U.S.—especially during the week of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, known as the “Greatest Show on Grass.” Sports fans also rent out Airbnb homes in Phoenix each March to watch their MLB teams play spring training games in the Cactus League. It’s not just Phoenix sports, though, that make this spot worthwhile for Airbnb property managers! Adventurous hikers can take on outdoor activities in Phoenix like Piestewa Peak, Camelback Mountain, and 36 miles of trails in the Sonoran Preserve. At the end of a long day full of activities in the sun, travelers look forward to the refuge of a guest house or condo, preferably one with access to a pool or shaded deck!
Portland, OR
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $438,500 median purchase price; $1,325 median monthly rent
Vacationers who want to get active, indulge in the food scene, and explore unique curiosities love Portland! The Rose City is home to more than 200 parks, so there’s always another outdoor adventure around the bend. Visitors travel to Portland to hike and bike through scenic Forest Park, kayak the Willamette River, walk through the International Rose Test Garden, and take a day trip skiing down Mount Hood. PDX is also a foodie paradisethat embraces its “Keep Portland Weird” personality, and the city is home to more than 70 breweries—including Stormbreaker Brewing, Occidental Brewing Company, and Great Notion Brewery. For tourists who want to take in the city skyline, the Portland Aerial Tram not only offers stunning views but provides convenient transportation between the South Waterfront and Marquam Hill neighborhoods. If you’re ready to buy a home in Portland for your Airbnb investment, check out the antique houses in Sellwood-Moreland, the vintage cottages and Colonials in Hawthorne and Belmont, or the modern apartments in buzzing Downtown Portland.
San Diego, CA
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $629,500 median purchase price; $1,770 median monthly rent
If you’re looking to invest in Airbnb rentals in California, San Diego offers promising opportunities for profitability. The city offers gorgeous weather year-round, allowing visitors to take advantage of surfing opportunities along 70 miles of coastline, enjoy iconic beaches like San Onofre Beach and Black’s Beach, and explore hidden gems like the Encinitas Beaches. Aside from the beautiful natural landscape, there are plenty of fun things to do in San Diego. Tourists can spend multiple days exploring the 1,200-acre Balboa Park, which features the world-famous San Diego Zoo, the Fleet Science Center, and the stunning Palm Canyon—a hidden oasis with more than 450 palm trees. Additionally, thousands of vacationers stop by each year to take part in a variety of San Diego festivals, like San Diego Bayfest, San Diego Pride, and the legendary San Diego Comic-Con—which has attracted over 130,000 attendees in recent years. Consider buying property for Airbnb in hip San Diego neighborhoods like Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and Pacific Beach, which will be prime areas for visitors to return to after exploring the city all day.
Virginia Beach, VA
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $287,400 median purchase price; $1,380 median monthly rent
Who wouldn’t want to rent an Airbnb in one of America’s best beach cities? Virginia Beach is popular for being a budget-friendly beach vacation destination with an oceanside attraction for every desire—from the lively boardwalk and outdoor cafes along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to the laid-back beaches and sand volleyball courts at Chesapeake Bay. The city’s beach scene is so wide-ranging that it features seven distinct beach districts, making it an ideal getaway for any tourist. And while the agreeable weather makes Virginia Beach a great place to visit year-round, tourism really amps up near the end of summer during the Neptune Festival, which draws hundreds of thousands of guests for parades, concerts, athletic events, and sand sculpture competitions. The closer your Airbnb beach house or condo can get guests to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, the more visitors you’ll have battling for rental dates. You might also want to look into affordable Virginia Beach neighborhoods like Great Neck for your next Airbnb investment property!
Washington, DC
A post shared by @instagram
- Home Price: $618,100 median purchase price; $1,607 median monthly rent
While investing in an Airbnb in Washington, DC comes with a higher sticker price, it also eliminates the seasonality that affects many other vacation homes. Despite popular events like the National Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring, DC’s appeal isn’t dependent upon the weather or annual events—the city has a wide array of historical attractions and monuments that vacationers flock to year-round. Between the United States Capitol, The White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, there’s so much to do and see in the National Mall! When searching for potential homes to rent out as an Airbnb in Washington, DC, consider top neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Capitol Riverfront, and Southwest, which are close to DC’s biggest attractions. Or look for condos and apartments in trendy DC areas like Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan that provide close proximity to some of the city’s best dining, shopping, and nightlife!
***
Need to store belongings while you rent out your vacation home? Extra Space Storage has storage facilities all over the country to help with your storage needs. Find self storage near you!
Real estate statistics from AreaVibes
