Lafayette

As of May 2026, Lafayette, New Iberia, Breaux Bridge have 838 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 6% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Lafayette generates $24K per year. High-performing properties earn $41K/year, while low-performing properties earn $7K/year. This wide disparity suggests that revenue outcomes are highly polarized, as top-tier listings capture significantly more market share than the average, indicating that revenue potential is heavily concentrated in a select segment of the inventory.

Average home prices in Lafayette vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $0, 2-bedroom homes average $96K, 3-bedroom properties are around $216K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $359K. These prices reflect median home values across the Lafayette, New Iberia, Breaux Bridge area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Lafayette, with an average gross yield of 14% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 24%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. Such a variance in yields points toward a market where operational efficiency or listing placement creates a substantial divide between baseline returns and peak profitability.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Lafayette is 32%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $175, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $47 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Lafayette, with an average gross yield of 17% and annual revenue of $20K. These properties balance purchase price ($96K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Lafayette market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Lafayette area. Lafayette: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general business licensing. Minimal enforcement, hosts operate freely. New Iberia: Lenient. Basic business license required, no STR-specific rules. Light enforcement, largely unregulated market. Breaux Bridge: Lenient. No formal STR ordinance. General zoning applies. Minimal oversight, small market with little enforcement activity. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Lafayette Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 11%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in revenue per available room despite moderate inventory growth suggests that current market absorption is struggling to keep pace with the influx of new listings.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak spring season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 44% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (August-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Lafayette listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (96%), Tv (91%), Washing Machine (90%), Heating (75%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Pool, Bbq, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 15% more ($33K/year vs $28K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Lafayette over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $1K, July: $2K, August: $1K, September: $1K, October: $2K, November: $1K, December: $1K, 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 Lafayette is $175, up 28% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $113/night, 2-bedroom properties average $151/night, 3-bedroom properties average $188/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $355/night. Rates peak in April and are lowest in May.

Guests in Lafayette book an average of 24 days in advance, down 18% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 20 days, 2-bedroom: 24 days, 3-bedroom: 25 days, 4+ bedroom: 32 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Lafayette Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 6%, revenue per listing decreased 11%, occupancy fell 21%, average nightly rates increased 28%, and lead time decreased 18%. These conflicting metrics highlight a trend where rising price points may be contributing to lower utilization rates and compressed booking windows.

In Lafayette, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 61% higher occupancy than weekdays.