The Best US Markets for Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) in 2026
Where STR economics still work in 2026 — markets with tourism demand, manageable regulation, and acquisition costs supportive of STR ROI.
DATA · ZILLOW REGIONAL ROLLUPS · 12 CITIES
- 01Buffalo, NY$241k median · 6.91% LTR yield (STR typically 1.5-3x)75/100STR FIT SCOREMEDIAN $241kYoY +3.7%RENT $1,390/moYIELD 6.91%
- 02Fresno, CA$391k median · 5.78% LTR yield (STR typically 1.5-3x)75/100STR FIT SCOREMEDIAN $391kYoY +0.3%RENT $1,886/moYIELD 5.78%
- 03Richmond, VA$374k median · 5.38% LTR yield (STR typically 1.5-3x)75/100STR FIT SCOREMEDIAN $374kYoY +1.6%RENT $1,678/moYIELD 5.38%
- 04Wichita, KS$204k median · 6.58% LTR yield (STR typically 1.5-3x)75/100STR FIT SCOREMEDIAN $204kYoY +2.8%RENT $1,118/moYIELD 6.58%
- 05Albuquerque, NM$346k median · 5.06% LTR yield (STR typically 1.5-3x)65/100STR FIT SCOREMEDIAN $346kYoY +0.9%RENT $1,460/moYIELD 5.06%
- 06Arlington, TX$314k median · 5.74% LTR yield (STR typically 1.5-3x)65/100STR FIT SCOREMEDIAN $314kYoY -2.4%RENT $1,502/moYIELD 5.74%
- 07Atlanta, GA$388k median · 5.80% LTR yield (STR typically 1.5-3x)65/100STR FIT SCOREMEDIAN $388kYoY -3.6%RENT $1,873/moYIELD 5.80%
- 08Baton Rouge, LA$231k median · 6.98% LTR yield (STR typically 1.5-3x)65/100STR FIT SCOREMEDIAN $231kYoY -0.3%RENT $1,343/moYIELD 6.98%
- 09Charlotte, NC$399k median · 5.19% LTR yield (STR typically 1.5-3x)65/100STR FIT SCOREMEDIAN $399kYoY -1.2%RENT $1,727/moYIELD 5.19%
- 10Cincinnati, OH$253k median · 6.99% LTR yield (STR typically 1.5-3x)65/100STR FIT SCOREMEDIAN $253kYoY +1.6%RENT $1,473/moYIELD 6.99%
- 11Dallas, TX$312k median · 6.27% LTR yield (STR typically 1.5-3x)65/100STR FIT SCOREMEDIAN $312kYoY -3.4%RENT $1,631/moYIELD 6.27%
- 12Des Moines, IA$211k median · 6.58% LTR yield (STR typically 1.5-3x)65/100STR FIT SCOREMEDIAN $211kYoY +0.6%RENT $1,156/moYIELD 6.58%
How the ranking is computed.
Score = base 30 + sweet-spot price bonus ($150-400k) + moderate-yield bonus (STR adds 1.5-3x premium over LTR; markets that already have decent LTR economics tend to support STR best) + sale-to-list bonus (tourism markets have pricing power).
Frequently asked.
Are short-term rentals still profitable in 2026?
In tourism markets with stable regulation: yes, STR continues to outperform LTR by 1.5-3x gross. In oversaturated markets (Joshua Tree, some Smoky Mountains submarkets) and regulation-hostile markets (NYC, some California cities), STR has compressed meaningfully. Local research is essential before buying.
What's the #1 risk in STR investing?
Regulation. STR rules can change overnight — cities ban or restrict short-term rentals when neighbors complain about parties or noise. Before buying, research the local STR ordinance, attend a city council meeting, and confirm zoning explicitly permits STR.
STR vs LTR — which makes more money?
STR usually grosses more (1.5-3x) but costs more to operate (cleaning, supplies, dynamic pricing software, OTA fees, higher vacancy). Net after expenses, STR typically outperforms LTR by 20-50% in good markets — but with much more operational lift.
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