Dayton

As of May 2026, Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati have 2,070 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 2% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Dayton generates $31K per year. High-performing properties earn $55K/year, while low-performing properties earn $11K/year. The substantial variance between top and bottom performers suggests that revenue is highly sensitive to specific asset positioning within the current market environment.

Average home prices in Dayton vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $98K, 2-bedroom homes average $177K, 3-bedroom properties are around $263K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $341K. These prices reflect median home values across the Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Dayton, with an average gross yield of 12% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 22%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This wide spread highlights that top-tier assets capture significantly more value, even as overall market revenues experience downward pressure.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Dayton is 38%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $203, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $59 per day.

1-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Dayton, with an average gross yield of 16% and annual revenue of $16K. These properties balance purchase price ($98K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Dayton market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Dayton area. Dayton: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general business and zoning rules. Minimal enforcement. Columbus: Moderate. Business registration required, safety inspections, zoning compliance needed. Some enforcement but many unlicensed hosts operate. Cincinnati: Moderate. Short-term rental permit required, owner-occupancy for Type 1, inspection needed. Enforcement exists but inconsistent compliance. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Dayton Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 2% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 22%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics, where the equilibrium is currently shifting toward lower per-unit revenue despite stable inventory levels.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 9% 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 Dayton listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (97%), Tv (92%), Washing Machine (83%), Heating (74%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Hot Tub, Washing Machine, with Pool properties earning approximately 41% more ($55K/year vs $39K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Dayton over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $965, February: $951, 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 Dayton is $203, up 20% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $125/night, 2-bedroom properties average $153/night, 3-bedroom properties average $217/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $342/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Guests in Dayton book an average of 33 days in advance, down 8% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 26 days, 2-bedroom: 30 days, 3-bedroom: 34 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 Dayton Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 2%, revenue per listing decreased 22%, occupancy fell 16%, average nightly rates increased 20%, and lead time decreased 8%. These metrics reflect a market attempting to offset lower occupancy through aggressive pricing, altering typical booking behaviors.

In Dayton, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 46% higher occupancy than weekdays.