Austin

As of May 2026, Austin, San Marcos, Fredericksburg, New Braunfels have 13,475 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 4% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Austin generates $45K per year. High-performing properties earn $119K/year, while low-performing properties earn $18K/year. The substantial revenue spread suggests that market performance is heavily bifurcated, where elite listings capture a disproportionate share of total demand despite a 35% occupancy average.

Average home prices in Austin vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $229K, 2-bedroom homes average $314K, 3-bedroom properties are around $429K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $551K. These prices reflect median home values across the Austin, San Marcos, Fredericksburg, New Braunfels area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Austin, with an average gross yield of 8% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 22%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This yield variance highlights that even with a 6% revenue contraction, top-tier assets remain highly effective at navigating current market saturation.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Austin is 35%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $313, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $90 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Austin, with an average gross yield of 13% and annual revenue of $91K. These properties balance purchase price ($551K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Austin market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Austin area. Austin: Strict. License required, owner-occupancy mandated for Type 2 STRs, density caps in neighborhoods. Active enforcement with significant fines and license revocations. San Marcos: Moderate. Business license and registration required, occupancy limits enforced. Moderate enforcement through complaint-driven system. Fredericksburg: Lenient. Permit and tax collection required, minimal restrictions. Light enforcement, tourism-friendly approach. New Braunfels: Moderate. Registration mandatory, zoning compliance required, occupancy limits. Moderate enforcement with inspections. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Austin Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 6%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized decline in both supply and revenue suggests the market is stabilizing as it adjusts to lower overall demand levels.

Launch around December, 2-3 months before peak spring season (March peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 38% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Austin listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (94%), Tv (86%), Washing Machine (85%), Heating (71%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Pool, Washing Machine, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 82% more ($101K/year vs $56K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Austin over the last 12 months: May: $3K, June: $3K, July: $3K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $4K, November: $3K, December: $2K, January: $2K, February: $2K, March: $4K, April: $3K. 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 Austin is $313, up 10% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $155/night, 2-bedroom properties average $221/night, 3-bedroom properties average $293/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $651/night. Rates peak in October and are lowest in January.

Guests in Austin book an average of 30 days in advance, down 15% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 23 days, 2-bedroom: 28 days, 3-bedroom: 31 days, 4+ bedroom: 39 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Austin Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 4%, revenue per listing decreased 6%, occupancy fell 6%, average nightly rates increased 10%, and lead time decreased 15%. These metrics reveal a shift toward shorter booking windows and higher pricing premiums, signaling a more reactive and volatile consumer environment.

In Austin, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 54% higher occupancy than weekdays.