Houston

As of May 2026, Houston, Galveston, College Station have 22,394 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 0% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Houston generates $36K per year. High-performing properties earn $85K/year, while low-performing properties earn $13K/year. The wide revenue disparity highlights significant performance variance, suggesting that top-tier assets are capturing outsized returns despite stagnant market-wide supply growth.

Average home prices in Houston vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $120K, 2-bedroom homes average $180K, 3-bedroom properties are around $267K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $334K. These prices reflect median home values across the Houston, Galveston, College Station area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Houston, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 26%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. These yield figures illustrate how top-quartile performance significantly outpaces market averages in a supply-constrained environment.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Houston is 31%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $263, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $72 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Houston, with an average gross yield of 16% and annual revenue of $67K. These properties balance purchase price ($334K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Houston market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Houston area. Houston: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permits required. Operates under general hotel occupancy tax rules. Minimal enforcement. Galveston: Moderate. Registration required, hotel tax collection, zoning restrictions in historic districts. Moderate enforcement with complaints-based action. College Station: Moderate. STR permit required, occupancy limits, parking requirements, no owner-occupancy mandate. Enforcement through complaint response system. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Houston Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 0% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 3%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. Stable inventory levels coupled with rising revenue suggest that demand is strengthening without the dilutive pressure of new market entrants.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 23% 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 Houston listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (95%), Washing Machine (88%), Tv (86%), Heating (66%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Hot Tub, Pool, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 29% more ($53K/year vs $41K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Houston over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $3K, July: $4K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $1K, February: $1K, March: $3K, 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 Houston is $263, up 18% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $119/night, 2-bedroom properties average $190/night, 3-bedroom properties average $267/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $492/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Guests in Houston book an average of 29 days in advance, down 9% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 23 days, 2-bedroom: 28 days, 3-bedroom: 30 days, 4+ bedroom: 34 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Houston Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 0%, revenue per listing increased 3%, occupancy fell 3%, average nightly rates increased 18%, and lead time decreased 9%. The combination of rising rates and lower occupancy points to a shift toward premium pricing models despite reduced booking windows.

In Houston, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 60% higher occupancy than weekdays.