Looking for your next big short-term rental or Airbnb investment opportunity? As the short-term rental (STR) market evolves, savvy investors are turning to lesser-known, but high-performing, destinations. These up-and-coming Airbnb markets offer strong revenue per listing and a more accessible path to success than saturated urban hubs like Chicago or Orlando.
At Beyond, a leading provider of vacation rental data and dynamic pricing, we analyzed thousands of listings across the U.S. to identify 10 destinations where STRs are thriving. Whether you're building a rental arbitrage portfolio or testing your first listing with an Airbnb calculator, these markets deserve your attention.
1. Galena, IL
A historic gem popular among weekenders from the Midwest, Galena’s STR market is growing fast—without the crowded feel of larger cities.
- Avg. Revenue per Listing: $32,852
- Avg. Nightly Rate: $204
- Avg. Occupancy: 44%
Looking to evaluate returns? Try using an Airbnb estimator to model expected margins.
2. Mackinac Island, MI
No cars, just charm. Mackinac Island draws tourists seeking nature, history, and cozy stays ideal for new Vrbo owners or Airbnb cohosts.
- Avg. Revenue per Listing: $37,222
- Avg. Nightly Rate: $226
- Avg. Occupancy: 45%
3. Traverse City, MI
With high guest demand during the summer and premium rates, Traverse City is a strong market for those looking for good returns.
- Avg. Revenue per Listing: $46,270
- Avg. Nightly Rate: $301
- Avg. Occupancy: 42%
4. Eureka Springs, AR
Charming, quirky, and relatively low on regulations, Eureka Springs is ideal for those dipping into vacation rental arbitrage or looking for quick expansion.
- Avg. Revenue per Listing: $39,733
- Avg. Nightly Rate: $236
- Avg. Occupancy: 46%
5. Sedona, AZ
Known for stunning red rocks and holistic retreats, Sedona also offers top-tier returns for short-term rental hosts.
- Avg. Revenue per Listing: $68,457
- Avg. Nightly Rate: $334
- Avg. Occupancy: 56%
6. Oregon Coast, OR
STR operators on the Oregon Coast benefit from both beachgoers and nature lovers, making it great for high occupancy and off-season resilience.
- Avg. Revenue per Listing: $56,181
- Avg. Nightly Rate: $307
- Avg. Occupancy: 50%
Don’t forget to factor in Airbnb cleaning fees and service fees to optimize your pricing strategy.
7. Hudson Valley, NY
From leaf-peeping to wine tours, Hudson Valley hosts earn strong returns from New York City travelers.
- Avg. Revenue per Listing: $58,780
- Avg. Nightly Rate: $365
- Avg. Occupancy: 44%
8. Maine Coast, ME
Dramatic coastlines, seafood, and lighthouses drive bookings along the Maine Coast. Great for hosts managing remote listings or considering Airbnb Co Host options.
- Avg. Revenue per Listing: $49,600
- Avg. Nightly Rate: $308
- Avg. Occupancy: 44%
9. Annapolis, MD
This coastal capital thrives on historic charm and sailing season. A solid bet for newer Vrbo hosts and Airbnb hosts.
- Avg. Revenue per Listing: $37,142
- Avg. Nightly Rate: $236
- Avg. Occupancy: 43%
10. Charleston, SC
Year-round sunshine and Southern hospitality give Charleston the edge in this list, boasting the highest revenue and a diverse STR guest pool.
- Avg. Revenue per Listing: $81,936
- Avg. Nightly Rate: $367
- Avg. Occupancy: 51%
How We Gather Our Data
All insights are powered by Beyond’s proprietary dataset, built from tens of thousands of active vacation rental listings across global markets. We analyze real-time reservation activity, historical trends, forward-looking data, and anonymized performance metrics. Our focus is to surface actionable intelligence, from guest search habits to revenue per available night (RevPAN) movement, so STR operators can make informed pricing and portfolio decisions with confidence. Data in this post reflects trends for short-term rental markets in the U.S. and includes year-over-year comparisons where relevant.
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