Cologne

As of May 2026, Cologne, Bonn, Düsseldorf have 2,488 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 16% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Cologne generates €20K per year. High-performing properties earn €45K/year, while low-performing properties earn €10K/year. The substantial revenue spread suggests that market performance is highly polarized, with top-tier listings capturing a disproportionate share of demand despite an overall 13% decline in annual revenue.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Cologne. Average annual revenue is €20K with 40% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to €45K/year. A 16% contraction in supply alongside stagnant two-year growth indicates that the market is consolidating, rewarding operators who maintain high utilization rates in a tighter competitive environment.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Cologne is 40%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of €138, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of €37 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Cologne, with annual revenue of €43K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Cologne market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Cologne area. Cologne: Strict. Registration required, primary residence only, max 8 weeks/year rental. Active enforcement with fines up to €100,000. Many hosts operate illegally but face prosecution. Bonn: Strict. Registration mandatory, primary residence rule, similar to Cologne restrictions. Active enforcement with significant penalties. Underground market exists but risky. Düsseldorf: Strict. Permit required, primary residence only, max 8 weeks annually. Strong enforcement with high fines. Illegal rentals pursued actively by authorities. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Cologne Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 16% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 13%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized reduction in both supply and revenue suggests that the market is adjusting to lower demand levels without experiencing a total collapse in profitability.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak fall season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -1% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (May-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Cologne listings include: Kitchen (97%), Heating (87%), Tv (84%), Washing Machine (63%), Parking (56%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Air Conditioning, Heating, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 22% more (€30K/year vs €25K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Cologne over the last 12 months: May: €965, June: €941, July: €862, August: €992, September: €1K, October: €1K, November: €1K, December: €1K, January: €808, February: €1K, March: €1K, April: €2K. 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 Cologne is €138, up 16% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average €112/night, 2-bedroom properties average €168/night, 3-bedroom properties average €197/night, 4+ bedroom properties average €319/night. Rates peak in October and are lowest in May.

Guests in Cologne book an average of 31 days in advance, down 26% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 31 days, 2-bedroom: 32 days, 3-bedroom: 35 days, 4+ bedroom: 37 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Cologne Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 16%, revenue per listing decreased 13%, occupancy fell 11%, average nightly rates increased 16%, and lead time decreased 26%. The combination of higher nightly rates and shorter lead times points to a shift toward impulsive, short-notice booking behavior.

In Cologne, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Sunday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Thursday. Weekends show 17% higher occupancy than weekdays.