Cotonou

As of June 2026, Cotonou has 721 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Cotonou generates XOF1.4M per year. High-performing properties earn XOF7.1M/year, while low-performing properties earn XOF383K/year. Despite minimal supply contraction, revenue has declined sharply year-over-year amid 15% occupancy, indicating demand weakness outpacing supply adjustments. The five-fold revenue gap between high and low performers suggests significant differentiation in market positioning rather than across-the-board market constraints.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Cotonou. Average annual revenue is XOF1.4M with 15% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to XOF7.1M/year. Declining supply and sharply contracting revenue suggest a market facing headwinds, while the five-fold gap between average and top performers indicates significant differentiation among listings despite thin occupancy rates.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Cotonou is 15%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of XOF35K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of XOF3K per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Cotonou, with annual revenue of XOF3.0M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Cotonou market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Cotonou area. I don't have reliable current data on Cotonou, Benin's short-term rental regulations or enforcement practices. The regulatory framework for platforms like Airbnb in Benin is not well-documented in available sources. I recommend contacting local authorities or legal experts in Cotonou directly for current requirements. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Cotonou Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 26%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. However, the stark gap between average revenue ($1.36M) and peak performance ($7.05M) suggests significant performance variance across properties, while the 15% occupancy rate reveals substantial unutilized capacity despite balanced supply conditions.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -152% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (September-June) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Cotonou listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (99%), Tv (97%), Washing Machine (67%), Parking (47%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Washing Machine, Parking, with Pool properties earning approximately 195% more (XOF16.1M/year vs XOF5.4M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Cotonou over the last 12 months: May: XOF64K, June: XOF61K, July: XOF92K, August: XOF108K, September: XOF78K, October: XOF98K, November: XOF101K, December: XOF120K, January: XOF111K, February: XOF78K, March: XOF84K, April: XOF106K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Cotonou is XOF35K, up 22% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average XOF26K/night, 2-bedroom properties average XOF31K/night, 3-bedroom properties average XOF46K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average XOF98K/night. Rates peak in February and are lowest in May.

Guests in Cotonou book an average of 17 days in advance, down 29% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 15 days, 2-bedroom: 17 days, 3-bedroom: 19 days, 4+ bedroom: 22 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Cotonou Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 1%, revenue per listing decreased 26%, occupancy fell 11%, average nightly rates increased 22%, and lead time decreased 29%. The sharp revenue decline despite higher nightly rates signals weakening demand outpacing supply contraction, while the vast gap between average and top-performing listings suggests highly concentrated market performance.

In Cotonou, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 7% higher occupancy than weekdays.