Kansas City

As of May 2026, Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, Independence have 3,113 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 9% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Kansas City generates $36K per year. High-performing properties earn $72K/year, while low-performing properties earn $12K/year. This massive disparity suggests that market returns are highly polarized, with top-tier assets capturing significant revenue shares despite a broader 13% decline in market-wide earnings.

Average home prices in Kansas City vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $129K, 2-bedroom homes average $224K, 3-bedroom properties are around $314K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $409K. These prices reflect median home values across the Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, Independence area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Kansas City, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 22%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The gap between average and peak yields highlights that yield potential is heavily dependent on asset-specific performance rather than general market conditions.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Kansas City is 38%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $220, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $69 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Kansas City, with an average gross yield of 15% and annual revenue of $64K. These properties balance purchase price ($409K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Kansas City market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Kansas City area. Kansas City: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply, owner-occupancy needed in some zones. Complaint-driven enforcement. Lawrence: Moderate. Special use permit required, owner-occupancy mandate, density limits by zone. Enforcement through complaints and inspections. Topeka: Lenient. Basic business license, zoning compliance. Minimal enforcement, largely complaint-based. Independence: Lenient. General business licensing, basic zoning rules. Light enforcement, few active restrictions. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Kansas City Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 9% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 13%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous contraction in both supply and revenue suggests that the market is recalibrating as lower-performing inventory exits the ecosystem.

Launch around July, 2-3 months before peak fall season (October peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -34% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (May-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Kansas City listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (95%), Tv (92%), Washing Machine (86%), Heating (73%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Gym, Bbq, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 26% more ($46K/year vs $36K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Kansas City over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $3K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $1K, 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 Kansas City is $220, up 22% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $127/night, 2-bedroom properties average $170/night, 3-bedroom properties average $226/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $400/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in January.

Guests in Kansas City book an average of 30 days in advance, down 18% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 26 days, 2-bedroom: 30 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 Kansas City Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 9%, revenue per listing decreased 13%, occupancy fell 14%, average nightly rates increased 22%, and lead time decreased 18%. These metrics reveal a shift toward shorter booking windows and higher pricing power for remaining operators despite lower overall occupancy.

In Kansas City, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 65% higher occupancy than weekdays.