Columbus

As of May 2026, Columbus, Atlanta, Macon, Auburn have 5,259 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 5% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Columbus generates $30K per year. High-performing properties earn $58K/year, while low-performing properties earn $11K/year. This significant performance spread suggests that revenue potential is heavily bifurcated, with top-tier assets capturing substantially more market share despite stagnant inventory growth.

Average home prices in Columbus vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $62K, 2-bedroom homes average $118K, 3-bedroom properties are around $207K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $314K. These prices reflect median home values across the Columbus, Atlanta, Macon, Auburn area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Columbus, with an average gross yield of 16% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 30%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The wide variance between mean and peak yields reflects a market where asset positioning creates distinct financial tiers.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Columbus is 31%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $232, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $59 per day.

1-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Columbus, with an average gross yield of 20% and annual revenue of $14K. These properties balance purchase price ($62K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Columbus market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Columbus area. Columbus: Lenient. Business license required, zoning compliance needed. Light enforcement, many operate without permits. Atlanta: Moderate. Business license and certificate of compliance required, owner-occupancy for entire home rentals. Moderate enforcement, some unpermitted activity. Macon: Lenient. Minimal regulations, basic business license. Very light enforcement, largely unregulated market. Auburn: Lenient. Business license required, basic zoning rules. Light enforcement, host-friendly environment. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Columbus Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 22%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in revenue per listing alongside moderate supply growth suggests that market saturation is increasingly pressuring per-unit earnings.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak fall season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -13% 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 Columbus listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (95%), Tv (90%), Washing Machine (89%), Heating (71%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Lake Access, Pool, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 47% more ($62K/year vs $42K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Columbus over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $924, February: $1K, March: $2K, 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 Columbus is $232, up 19% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $131/night, 2-bedroom properties average $176/night, 3-bedroom properties average $222/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $382/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Guests in Columbus book an average of 28 days in advance, down 15% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 23 days, 2-bedroom: 26 days, 3-bedroom: 27 days, 4+ bedroom: 33 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Columbus Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 5%, revenue per listing decreased 22%, occupancy fell 19%, average nightly rates increased 19%, and lead time decreased 15%. These metrics illustrate a shift toward shorter booking windows and lower utilization, indicating heightened sensitivity to price-to-occupancy trade-offs.

In Columbus, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 49% higher occupancy than weekdays.