Mobile

As of May 2026, Mobile, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Pensacola have 20,383 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 6% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Mobile generates $58K per year. High-performing properties earn $98K/year, while low-performing properties earn $22K/year. The substantial variance between top and bottom tiers suggests that market returns are highly sensitive to property-specific execution despite an overall contraction in revenue and supply.

Average home prices in Mobile vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $334K, 2-bedroom homes average $142K, 3-bedroom properties are around $216K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $312K. These prices reflect median home values across the Mobile, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Pensacola area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Mobile, with an average gross yield of 25% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 42%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. These yield spreads highlight that despite a 10% revenue decline, top-tier assets maintain significant margin advantages over the market average.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Mobile is 39%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $314, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $112 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Mobile, with an average gross yield of 28% and annual revenue of $91K. These properties balance purchase price ($312K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Mobile market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Mobile area. Mobile: Lenient. Business license required, sales tax collection. Minimal enforcement, many operate informally. Gulf Shores: Moderate. Business license, lodging tax required, zoning compliance needed. Enforcement focuses on tax collection and complaints. Orange Beach: Moderate. Business license and lodging tax mandatory, zoning restrictions apply. Active tax enforcement, complaint-driven zoning checks. Pensacola: Moderate. Business tax receipt, state registration required, residential zoning restrictions. Enforcement primarily tax-focused, some illegal operations exist. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Mobile Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 10%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized reduction in supply and revenue suggests the market is naturally correcting to align with current demand levels.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 62% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (February-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Mobile listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (96%), Washing Machine (91%), Balcony (88%), Pool (77%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pets Allowed, Washing Machine, Internet, with Pets Allowed properties earning approximately 24% more ($86K/year vs $69K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Mobile over the last 12 months: May: $4K, June: $7K, July: $8K, August: $4K, September: $2K, October: $3K, November: $1K, December: $1K, January: $769, February: $1K, March: $5K, April: $4K. 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 Mobile is $314, up 9% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $196/night, 2-bedroom properties average $242/night, 3-bedroom properties average $333/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $601/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Guests in Mobile book an average of 57 days in advance, down 8% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 49 days, 2-bedroom: 57 days, 3-bedroom: 60 days, 4+ bedroom: 61 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Mobile Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 6%, revenue per listing decreased 10%, occupancy fell 2%, average nightly rates increased 9%, and lead time decreased 8%. Rising nightly rates alongside falling occupancy and revenue imply that operators are attempting to offset lower demand volumes through higher pricing.

In Mobile, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 17% higher occupancy than weekdays.