Airbnb Rental Income in 2021: The 100 Best US Cities

Mashvisor has ranked the 100 best US cities for Airbnb rental income in 2021.

If you’re planning to buy a short-term rental property to make money from real estate this year, you will want to know which markets offer the highest Airbnb income. Together with the average property prices and the recurring monthly rental expenses, this metric is the most important factor affecting your return on investment.

After the initial decline in the Airbnb industry as a result of the outbreak of the Covid-19 global pandemic early last year, short-term rentals demonstrated strong resilience and started recovering within a few months. By September 2020 the Airbnb occupancy rate was on the road to recovery across the US market, and Mashvisor forecasts it to be growing at its pre-Coronavirus rate by September 2021. What all this means for real estate investors is that vacation home rentals are once again the more profitable strategy, outperforming traditional rentals at large. Thus, buying an Airbnb investment property for sale makes perfect financial sense in 2021.

Where Can You Find Reliable Data on Airbnb Income?

Savvy investors know that smart investment decisions are based on solid data which comes from reliable sources. That’s why investors thinking of owning an Airbnb property are looking for the best sources of Airbnb data in 2021.

Related: Where to Get Reliable Airbnb Data in 2021

If you’re one of these investors, you’ve come to the right place. Mashvisor is an industry-leading real estate data analytics software which helps beginner as well as experienced investors make confident, profitable investment decisions.

Our real estate data comes from a number of publicly available sources such as the MLS, Airbnb, and public records. We continuously gather this big data before applying our machine-learning algorithms to it in order to provide you with readily available analysis of the performance of entire markets in addition to individual income properties for sale.

In this article we will look at the 100 best US cities for Airbnb rental income in 2021. However, Airbnb income data is not enough to ensure a profitable real estate investing decision. Investors also need to know the average Airbnb daily rate, the Airbnb occupancy rate, and the Airbnb cash on cash return to ensure that buying a certain short-term rental property makes sense. Moreover, it’s important to buy affordable properties in order to avoid a foreclosure as a beginner real estate investor. That’s why you also need to know the median home value and the average home price per square foot in a market where you are considering investing. Last but not least, investors should know if they are purchasing in a seller’s market or buyer’s market so that they know where to expect a bidding war or not. The average days on market for real estate listings is one of the best indicators of this housing market trend.

Related: 50 Cities with the Highest Average Airbnb Daily Rate in 2021

We’ve conducted nationwide real estate market analysis based on our Airbnb data as well as other relevant property data to rank the 100 US markets with the highest Airbnb rental income for 2021.

What Are the Best Places for Airbnb Rental Income in 2021?

Following is our list of the 100 US cities which offer the highest monthly rental income for short-term rental properties this year. We’ve organized these markets based on the Airbnb rental income which they provide.

Best US Cities with Airbnb Rental Income $2,000-$3,000

Salt Lake City offers one of the best Airbnb rental incomes in 2021

#1. Salt Lake City, UT

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,800
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $126
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 70%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.90%
• Median Property Price: $544,142
• Property Price per Square Foot: $356
• Days on Market: 79

#2. Bourne, MA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,804
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $288
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 45%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.22%
• Median Property Price: $501,976
• Property Price per Square Foot: $297
• Days on Market: 92

#3. Santa Fe, MN

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,825
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $199
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 65%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.91%
• Median Property Price: $667,813
• Property Price per Square Foot: $326
• Days on Market: 98

#4. Fort Lauderdale, FL

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,856
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $286
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 52%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 0.44%
• Median Property Price: $753,732
• Property Price per Square Foot: $412
• Days on Market: 131

#5. Norfolk, VA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,877
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $151
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 62%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 5.54%
• Median Property Price: $308,014
• Property Price per Square Foot: $909
• Days on Market: 66

#6. Avondale, AZ

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,884
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $179
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 71%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 5.16%
• Median Property Price: $349,128
• Property Price per Square Foot: $176
• Days on Market: 81

#7. Fresno, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,913
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $124
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 73%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.80%
• Median Property Price: $386,383
• Property Price per Square Foot: $206
• Days on Market: 42

#8. Scottsdale, AZ

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,915
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $281
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 62%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.35%
• Median Property Price: $1,049,878
• Property Price per Square Foot: $386
• Days on Market: 91

#9. Naples, FL

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,926
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $294
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 56%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.99%
• Median Property Price: $719,546
• Property Price per Square Foot: $340
• Days on Market: 85

#10. Denver, CO

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,928
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $150
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 67%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.26%
• Median Property Price: $503,959
• Property Price per Square Foot: $358
• Days on Market: 52

#11. Oakland Park, FL

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,932
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $182
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 60%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.98%
• Median Property Price: $354,653
• Property Price per Square Foot: $267
• Days on Market: 76

#12. Olympia, WA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,936
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $102
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 71%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.51%
• Median Property Price: $426,023
• Property Price per Square Foot: $245
• Days on Market: 33

#13. Sandy Springs, GA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,940
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $286211
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 48%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.95%
• Median Property Price: $472,684
• Property Price per Square Foot: $218
• Days on Market: 52

#14. Shaker Heights, OH

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,947
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $124
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 60%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.51%
• Median Property Price: $287,481
• Property Price per Square Foot: $138
• Days on Market: 61

#15. Jupiter, FL

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,953
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $226
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 42%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 0.86%
• Median Property Price: $849,765
• Property Price per Square Foot: $384
• Days on Market: 49

#16. Jackson, MS

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,954
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $97
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 68%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 6.42%
• Median Property Price: $753,732276,862
• Property Price per Square Foot: $63
• Days on Market: 109

#17. San Angelo, TX

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,964
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $122
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 78%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 6.14%
• Median Property Price: $405,129
• Property Price per Square Foot: $161
• Days on Market: 271

#18. Edina, MN

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,971
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $152
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 54%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.80%
• Median Property Price: $473,304
• Property Price per Square Foot: $232
• Days on Market: 47

#19. Omaha, NE

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,976
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $95
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 62%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.16%
• Median Property Price: $427,410
• Property Price per Square Foot: $163
• Days on Market: 81

#20. Blacksburg, VA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,984
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $442
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 35%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.22%
• Median Property Price: $556,805
• Property Price per Square Foot: $203
• Days on Market: 151

#21. Salem, OR

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,990
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $125
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 72%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.43%
• Median Property Price: $424,425
• Property Price per Square Foot: $242
• Days on Market: 53

#22. Arlington, TX

• Airbnb Rental Income: $2,995
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $181
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 68%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 5.42%
• Median Property Price: $315,118
• Property Price per Square Foot: $153
• Days on Market: 87

Best US Cities with Airbnb Rental Income $3,000-$4,000

#1. Smyrna, GA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,015
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $130
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 54%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.48%
• Median Property Price: $397,813
• Property Price per Square Foot: $198
• Days on Market: 54

#2. Tigard, OR

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,027
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $159
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 62%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.06%
• Median Property Price: $558,719
• Property Price per Square Foot: $281
• Days on Market: 28

#3. Colorado Springs, CO

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,050
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $150
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 64%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.71%
• Median Property Price: $477,852
• Property Price per Square Foot: $218
• Days on Market: 36

#4. Dallas, TX

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,074
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $142
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 59%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.83%
• Median Property Price: $485,522
• Property Price per Square Foot: $235
• Days on Market: 58

#5. Oakland, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,078
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $144
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 62%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.21%
• Median Property Price: $865,188
• Property Price per Square Foot: $596
• Days on Market: 59

#6. Eugene, OR

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,096
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $166
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 58%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.01%
• Median Property Price: $471,446
• Property Price per Square Foot: $249
• Days on Market: 34

#7. San Bernardino, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,109
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $133
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 77%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 5.30%
• Median Property Price: $359,179
• Property Price per Square Foot: $285
• Days on Market: 36

#8. Traverse City, MI

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,110
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $203
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 53%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.63%
• Median Property Price: $604,312
• Property Price per Square Foot: $332
• Days on Market: 86

#9. Sacramento, Ca

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,113
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $126
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 75%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.26%
• Median Property Price: $413,857
• Property Price per Square Foot: $301
• Days on Market: 42

#10. Pensacola, FL

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,125
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $137
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 68%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.44%
• Median Property Price: $585,122
• Property Price per Square Foot: $265
• Days on Market: 94

#11. Carrollton, TX

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,148
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $169
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 62%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.60%
• Median Property Price: $373,709
• Property Price per Square Foot: $181
• Days on Market: 81

#12. San Jose, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,154
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $169
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 58%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 0.67%
• Median Property Price: $993,786
• Property Price per Square Foot: $697
• Days on Market: 45

#13. San Diego, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,171
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $198
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 60%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.53%
• Median Property Price: $899,251
• Property Price per Square Foot: $598
• Days on Market: 52

#14. Raleigh, NC

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,178
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $138
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 66%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.28%
• Median Property Price: $513,064
• Property Price per Square Foot: $232
• Days on Market: 79

#15. Everett, WA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,194
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $112
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 71%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.10%
• Median Property Price: $441,773
• Property Price per Square Foot: $326
• Days on Market: 59

#16. Tempe, AZ

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,201
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $193
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 62%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.27%
• Median Property Price: $460,060
• Property Price per Square Foot: $270
• Days on Market: 47

#17. Stockton, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,237
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $94
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 62%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.39%
• Median Property Price: $393,043
• Property Price per Square Foot: $251
• Days on Market: 47

#18. Brookhaven, GA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,238
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $152
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 46%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.48%
• Median Property Price: $540,530
• Property Price per Square Foot: $257
• Days on Market: 67

#19. Tacoma, WA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,246
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $127
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 68%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.88%
• Median Property Price: $485,092
• Property Price per Square Foot: $281
• Days on Market: 42

#20. Richmond, VA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,247
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $143
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 66%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 5.74%
• Median Property Price: $379,923
• Property Price per Square Foot: $203
• Days on Market: 92

#21. Cathedral City, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,250
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $344
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 58%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.21%
• Median Property Price: $504,172
• Property Price per Square Foot: $255
• Days on Market: 62

#22. Portland, ME

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,271
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $158
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 56%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.34%
• Median Property Price: $708,196
• Property Price per Square Foot: $380
• Days on Market: 27

#23. Bethesda, MD

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,319
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $156
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 56%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.43%
• Median Property Price: $859,932
• Property Price per Square Foot: $447
• Days on Market: 81

#24. Prescott, AZ

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,332
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $130
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 66%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.69%
• Median Property Price: $654,946
• Property Price per Square Foot: $283
• Days on Market: 57

#25. Visalia, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,355
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $104
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 84%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 6.61%
• Median Property Price: $392,630
• Property Price per Square Foot: $193
• Days on Market: 116

#26. Richardson, TX

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,361
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $203
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 65%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.48%
• Median Property Price: $429,139
• Property Price per Square Foot: $192
• Days on Market: 20

#27. Plantation, FL

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,365
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $235
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 59%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.24%
• Median Property Price: $405,098
• Property Price per Square Foot: $213
• Days on Market: 58

#28. Fremont, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,381
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $159
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 65%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 0.54%
• Median Property Price: $1,111,746
• Property Price per Square Foot: $706
• Days on Market: 24

#29. Bend, OR

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,384
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $200
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 57%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.41%
• Median Property Price: $789,052
• Property Price per Square Foot: $388
• Days on Market: 91

#30. Phoenix, AZ

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,395
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $190
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 65%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.27%
• Median Property Price: $515,757
• Property Price per Square Foot: $258
• Days on Market: 79

#31. Chula Vista, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,414
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $221
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 70%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.23%
• Median Property Price: $625,989
• Property Price per Square Foot: $390
• Days on Market: 41

#32. Round Rock, TX

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,418
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $282
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 67%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.77%
• Median Property Price: $430,366
• Property Price per Square Foot: $191
• Days on Market: 32

#33. Bakersfield, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,422
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $136
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 76%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 6.31%
• Median Property Price: $375,332
• Property Price per Square Foot: $244
• Days on Market: 54

#34. Gilbert, AZ

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,422
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $200
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 67%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.46%
• Median Property Price: $489,494
• Property Price per Square Foot: $230
• Days on Market: 73

#35. Milwaukee, WI

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,452
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $128
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 59%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.22%
• Median Property Price: $476,223
• Property Price per Square Foot: $269
• Days on Market: 49

#36. Taos, NM

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,460
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $175
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 54%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.56%
• Median Property Price: $910,100
• Property Price per Square Foot: $429
• Days on Market: 284

#37. Chandler, AZ

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,502
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $178
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 64%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.25%
• Median Property Price: $476,518
• Property Price per Square Foot: $241
• Days on Market: 53

#38. Chico, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,508
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $173
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 68%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.57%
• Median Property Price: $541,543
• Property Price per Square Foot: $298
• Days on Market: 47

#39. Frederick, MD

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,516
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $126
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 63%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 5.03%
• Median Property Price: $410,787
• Property Price per Square Foot: $197
• Days on Market: 76

#40. Fort Collins, CO

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,569
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $154
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 66%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.94%
• Median Property Price: $538,493
• Property Price per Square Foot: $250
• Days on Market: 59

#41. Madison, WI

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,570
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $208
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 64%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.84%
• Median Property Price: $402,398
• Property Price per Square Foot: $210
• Days on Market: 19

#42. Franklin, TN

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,596
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $192
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 57%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.06%
• Median Property Price: $1,102,921
• Property Price per Square Foot: $270
• Days on Market: 18

#43. Boulder, CO

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,601
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $248
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 63%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.90%
• Median Property Price: $1,132,145
• Property Price per Square Foot: $597
• Days on Market: 82

#44. North Hollywood, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,601
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $127
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 63%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.75%
• Median Property Price: $975,923
• Property Price per Square Foot: $560
• Days on Market: 50

#45. Virginia Beach, VA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,618
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $252
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 55%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 5.60%
• Median Property Price: $432,470
• Property Price per Square Foot: $229
• Days on Market: 46

#46. Long Beach, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,628
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $153
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 66%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.02%
• Median Property Price: $901,121
• Property Price per Square Foot: $555
• Days on Market: 58

#47. Renton, WA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,631
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $190
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 51%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.28%
• Median Property Price: $602,074
• Property Price per Square Foot: $318
• Days on Market: 32

#48. Stamford, CT

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,657
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $174
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 65%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.75%
• Median Property Price: $526,053
• Property Price per Square Foot: $299
• Days on Market: 61

#49. San Francisco, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,800
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $240
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 56%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 0.36%
• Median Property Price: $1,452,510
• Property Price per Square Foot: $1,024
• Days on Market: 98

#50. Federal Way, WA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,813
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $174
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 60%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 5.01%
• Median Property Price: $443,966
• Property Price per Square Foot: $280
• Days on Market: 28

#51. Anaheim, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,867
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $186
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 63%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.00%
• Median Property Price: $748,841
• Property Price per Square Foot: $458
• Days on Market: 39

#52. Austin, TX

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,906
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $266
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 56%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.93%
• Median Property Price: $732,510
• Property Price per Square Foot: $350
• Days on Market: 58

#53. Henderson, NV

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,909
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $226
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 67%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.34%
• Median Property Price: $691,019
• Property Price per Square Foot: $266
• Days on Market: 79

#54. Irvine, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,916
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $237
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 65%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.19%
• Median Property Price: $1,075,121
• Property Price per Square Foot: $538
• Days on Market: 51

#55. Levittown, PA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,987
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $104
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 78%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 7.98%
• Median Property Price: $292,897
• Property Price per Square Foot: $218
• Days on Market: 30

#56. Charleston, SC

• Airbnb Rental Income: $3,993
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $255
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 64%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.12%
• Median Property Price: $707,762
• Property Price per Square Foot: $356
• Days on Market: 96

Best US Cities with Airbnb Rental Income $4,000-$5,000

#1. Ithaca, NY

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,060
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $344
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 53%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.24%
• Median Property Price: $574,946
• Property Price per Square Foot: $220
• Days on Market: 63

#2. Claremont, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,075
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $160
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 71%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.89%
• Median Property Price: $776,620
• Property Price per Square Foot: $428
• Days on Market: 30

#3. Eureka, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,080
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $169
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 75%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.91%
• Median Property Price: $545,541
• Property Price per Square Foot: $308
• Days on Market: 83

#4. Chesapeake, VA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,086
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $170
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 68%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 6.64%
• Median Property Price: $327,831
• Property Price per Square Foot: $170
• Days on Market: 59

#5. Clarkstown, NY

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,174
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $225
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 66%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.23%
• Median Property Price: $591,990
• Property Price per Square Foot: $282
• Days on Market: 41

#6. Torrance, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,201
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $204
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 76%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.25%
• Median Property Price: $890,430
• Property Price per Square Foot: $578
• Days on Market: 30

#7. San Mateo, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,246
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $193
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 54%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 0.05%
• Median Property Price: $1,490,840
• Property Price per Square Foot: $952
• Days on Market: 34

#8. Mashpee, MA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,281
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $365
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 49%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 4.62%
• Median Property Price: $726,406
• Property Price per Square Foot: $374
• Days on Market: 84

#9. Nerbugh, NY

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,340
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $219
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 63%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 6.21%
• Median Property Price: $391,600
• Property Price per Square Foot: $190
• Days on Market: 107

#10. Ventura, GA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,354
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $240
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 68%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.06%
• Median Property Price: $937,047
• Property Price per Square Foot: $566
• Days on Market: 37

#11. Glendale, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,358
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $162
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 66%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.99%
• Median Property Price: $1,084,650
• Property Price per Square Foot: $639
• Days on Market: 48

#12. Walnut Creek, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,407
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $177
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 71%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.07%
• Median Property Price: $763,097
• Property Price per Square Foot: $560
• Days on Market: 34

#13. San Rafael, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,457
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $259
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 67%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.09%
• Median Property Price: $994,900
• Property Price per Square Foot: $613
• Days on Market: 31

#14. Los Angeles, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,545
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $193
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 64%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.75%
• Median Property Price: $1,155,227
• Property Price per Square Foot: $897
• Days on Market: 73

#15. Riverside, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,800
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $157
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 65%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 5.75%
• Median Property Price: $551,821
• Property Price per Square Foot: $318
• Days on Market: 37

#16. Charlottesville, VA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $4,804
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $273
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 60%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 5.97%
• Median Property Price: $573,284
• Property Price per Square Foot: $240
• Days on Market: 103

Best US Cities with Airbnb Rental Income $5,000 or More

#1. Pasadena, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $5,027
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $168
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 67%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.02%
• Median Property Price: $1,258,566
• Property Price per Square Foot: $645
• Days on Market: 68

#2. Lake Oswego, OR

• Airbnb Rental Income: $5,069
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $201
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 69%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.11%
• Median Property Price: $1,297,181
• Property Price per Square Foot: $423
• Days on Market: 35

#3. Oxnard, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $5,198
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $314
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 67%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.05%
• Median Property Price: $771,993
• Property Price per Square Foot: $4,343
• Days on Market: 31

#4. Key West, FL

• Airbnb Rental Income: $5,780
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $646
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 47%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.28%
• Median Property Price: $1,132,743
• Property Price per Square Foot: $809
• Days on Market: 100

#5. Santa Barbara, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $7,197
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $281
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 61%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.77%
• Median Property Price: $1,969,847
• Property Price per Square Foot: $1,033
• Days on Market: 124

#6. San Marino, CA

• Airbnb Rental Income: $7,210
• Airbnb Daily Rate: $154
• Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 77%
• Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.19%
• Median Property Price: $2,773,732
• Property Price per Square Foot: $941
• Days on Market: 109

How Do You Make a Profitable Real Estate Investment in One of the Top Locations for Airbnb?

Knowing the best cities for Airbnb income in 2021 is a great starting point for buying Airbnb property that will bring positive cash flow and a high return on investment. However, that’s not enough.

To help you learn how to start an Airbnb business in the right way, we’ve put together the following steps on choosing an Airbnb investment property that will let you start making money from real estate investing in 2021:

Step #1. Choose the Best Market for Your Investment Needs and Requirements

Each real estate investor has his/her own criteria and expectations. For example, if you’re looking for an affordable real estate market for buying a vacation home to rent out on a short-term basis, you can consider Airbnb Jackson, Airbnb Oakland Park, or Airbnb Bakersfield.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for the highest rate of return, you should look into Airbnb Levittown, Airbnb Chesapeake, or Airbnb Visalia.

Related: 2021 Cash on Cash Return by City: What to Expect as a Real Estate Investor

Meanwhile, if you’d like to make your Airbnb income as passive as possible, it’s a good idea to invest in a location with a high Airbnb occupancy rate in order not to have to put much effort into marketing your rental. Then Airbnb San Angelo, Airbnb Bernardino, or Airbnb San Marino might be the right place for you.

Related: What Airbnb Occupancy Rate Can You Expect in 2021?

Step #2. Find Out the Airbnb Laws and Rules

Once you’ve selected a market or two which meet your real estate investment needs and requirements, it’s time to do research on the short-term rental regulations in the area. Many states, counties, and cities have imposed specific laws which govern the short-term rental industry. Before starting an Airbnb investing business, you have to make sure that non-owner occupied vacation rentals are allowed throughout the year.

Step #3. Select the Best Neighborhood for Buying an Airbnb Rental Property

The next step is to conduct neighborhood analysis to determine the top area for owning an Airbnb property in 2021 in the market of your choice. One way to do that is to gather Airbnb rental comps which refers to Airbnb data on the performance of actual short-term rental listings in the neighborhood.

Another – more efficient – way to do neighborhood real estate market analysis and research is to use Mashvisor’s real estate investment tools. The real estate heatmap will color-code for you neighborhoods based on different criteria including listing price, Airbnb rental income, Airbnb occupancy rate, and Airbnb cash on cash return. This will help you narrow down your search to areas which fit your budget and which offer a high return on investment on Airbnb income properties for sale.

Mashvisor’s heatmap helps you analyze neighborhoods in the best cities for Airbnb rental income in 2021

Next, you can use Mashvisor’s neighborhood analysis pages to get all the real estate data on the performance of Airbnb rentals in the areas you’ve selected. You can see the median property price, the average Airbnb rental income, Airbnb occupancy rate, and Airbnb cash on cash return as well as real estate comps and the optimal property type and number of bedrooms in this neighborhood.

Mashvisor’s neighborhood analysis pages help investigate the potential of areas in the top markets for Airbnb income

Step #4. Search for Investment Properties for Sale

Once you know where you’d like to invest in Airbnb in 2021, you should start your investment property search. You can use Mashvisor’s property search engine or rental property finder to do that. All you need to do is to set up your preferred market and neighborhood, budget, expected rental income and cash on cash return, number of bedrooms, property type (single-family home, townhouse, condo, or apartment), and listing type (MLS listings for sale or off market properties).

As soon as you’ve done that, the Mashvisor real estate investment software will provide you with a list of all rental properties for sale which match your criteria.

Step #5. Analyze the Investment Potential of Real Estate Listings

While all properties provided by Mashvisor’s real estate online marketplace will match your requirements, they are not all equal. You should conduct detailed investment property analysis to find the most suitable and lucrative deal for your specific situation.

You are in luck once again. Mashvisor’s Airbnb profit calculator provides you with comprehensive investment property analysis which gives you all the Airbnb analytics and data that you need to make the best real estate investing decision in 2021.

Mashvisor’s investment property calculator helps you analyze properties in the best cities for Airbnb

Step #6. Buy the Property

Once you know which income property for sale you’d like to invest in, it’s time to move forward with the process of buying rental property. If it’s the first time that you engage in a real estate transaction, it’s a smart move to hire one of the top-performing real estate agents in your market. This is also true if you’re buying an investment property in a seller’s market where competition among buyers is tough. A skilled and experienced agent will be able to help you close the deal in the most profitable way while making sure all legalities are fulfilled.

Investing in Airbnb can be a very smart and profitable investment move in 2021 as long as it’s based on reliable data and solid research. Now that you know the 100 best US cities for Airbnb rental income this year, the first step is done. The next step is to get access to reliable real estate investment tools – like Mashvisor’s – to start searching for and analyzing Airbnb properties in these top locations. Sign up for Mashvisor now to become the proud owner of a money-making Airbnb investment property.