Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Iowa City?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Iowa City market averaged 665 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, down 8% from a year earlier and up 54% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Iowa City?

Accepted Answer

An average Iowa City listing earns $33K/year. High-performing listings earn $64K, while low-performing listings earn $13K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Iowa City home prices by size are 1-bedroom $100K, 2-bedroom $163K, 3-bedroom $240K, and 4+ bedroom $323K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Iowa City?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Iowa City is 44%, producing RevPAR of $63 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Iowa City?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Iowa City. Iowa City: Moderate. Requires rental permit, inspections, and occupancy limits. Owner-occupancy not required. Active enforcement of rental housing code.
Cedar Rapids: Lenient. Business license required, zoning compliance needed. Minimal specific STR regulations. Light enforcement focused on complaints.
Amana Colonies: Lenient. No specific STR regulations in unincorporated areas. County zoning applies. Minimal enforcement, tourism-friendly area with many vacation rentals operating freely. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Iowa City Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Iowa City Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has declined 8% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 30%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Iowa City?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Iowa City?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (99%), Internet (99%), Heating (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Internet (+66%), TV (+62%), Parking (+35%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Iowa City is $204, up 23% year-over-year. Rates peak in September and are lowest in January.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Iowa City book an average of 32 days in advance, down 3% from last year. Booking windows range from 29 days for 1-bedroom listings to 37 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 42% 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.Burlington	$25.3K 31 listings	24.3% 31 listings
2.Cedar Rapids	$37.5K 156 listings	22.8% 156 listings
3.Marion & Linn County	$39.5K 42 listings	16.4% 42 listings
4.Fairfield	$20.3K 21 listings	16.0% 21 listings
5.Iowa City	$37.1K 107 listings	15.5% 107 listings
6.Coralville & Johnson County	$42.1K 46 listings	15.4% 46 listings
7.Washington & Kalona	$28.1K 21 listings	12.9% 21 listings