Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Columbus?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Columbus market averaged 4,916 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, down 0% from a year earlier and up 49% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Columbus?

Accepted Answer

An average Columbus listing earns $28K/year. High-performing listings earn $57K, while low-performing listings earn $9K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Columbus?

Accepted Answer

Median Columbus home prices by size are 1-bedroom $64K, 2-bedroom $119K, 3-bedroom $210K, and 4+ bedroom $314K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Columbus?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Columbus is 31%, producing RevPAR of $61 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Columbus?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Columbus. Columbus: Lenient. Business license required, no owner-occupancy rules. Minimal enforcement, many operate without permits.
Atlanta: Moderate. Registration and business license required, 90-day cap for non-owner-occupied. Enforcement increasing but inconsistent.
Macon: Lenient. Business license needed, basic zoning compliance. Light enforcement, limited monitoring.
Auburn: Lenient. Business license required, some zoning restrictions. Minimal enforcement, hosts commonly operate informally. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Columbus Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Columbus Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has declined 0% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 4%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Columbus?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and May; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Columbus?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), Internet (99%), Kitchen (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Lake Access (+61%), Pool (+53%), Washing Machine (+43%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Columbus?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Columbus is $236, up 14% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Columbus?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Columbus book an average of 28 days in advance, down 1% from last year. Booking windows range from 24 days for 1-bedroom listings to 33 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Columbus?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Friday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 50% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Central & East Macon	$28.7K 55 listings	41.6% 55 listings
2.Midtown & South Columbus	$29.6K 54 listings	28.6% 54 listings
3.West & North Macon	$30.9K 54 listings	20.5% 54 listings
4.LaGrange & West Point	$36.2K 21 listings	19.7% 21 listings
5.East Columbus	$31.1K 108 listings	19.2% 108 listings
6.Uptown & Riverfront Columbus	$24.4K 75 listings	17.9% 75 listings
7.Milledgeville & Lake Sinclair	$41.9K 66 listings	17.6% 66 listings
8.Albany & Leesburg	$23.4K 66 listings	16.2% 66 listings
9.Douglas & Fitzgerald Country	$28.1K 20 listings	16.1% 20 listings
10.North Columbus	$30.1K 147 listings	15.5% 147 listings
11.Warm Springs & Thomaston Country	$25.2K 25 listings	15.5% 25 listings
12.Eufaula & Lower Chattahoochee	$26.3K 20 listings	14.6% 20 listings
13.Warner Robins & Centerville	$30.2K 126 listings	13.6% 126 listings
14.Perry & Fort Valley	$29.8K 38 listings	13.1% 38 listings
15.Moultrie & Tifton Country	$29.8K 23 listings	12.6% 23 listings
16.Thomasville & Red Hills Country	$29.1K 77 listings	12.5% 77 listings
17.North Valdosta & South Georgia	$30.7K 39 listings	12.3% 39 listings
18.Pine Mountain & Harris County	$34.5K 35 listings	11.7% 35 listings
19.Central & South Valdosta	$25.2K 68 listings	11.6% 68 listings
20.Eatonton, Lake Oconee & West Sinclair	$45.9K 99 listings	9.2% 99 listings