New Orleans

As of May 2026, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Biloxi, Lafayette have 6,718 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in New Orleans generates $48K per year. High-performing properties earn $113K/year, while low-performing properties earn $17K/year. This significant performance spread suggests that revenue potential is highly polarized, with top-tier assets capturing a vastly larger share of market demand than the typical listing.

Average home prices in New Orleans vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $231K, 2-bedroom homes average $169K, 3-bedroom properties are around $238K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $321K. These prices reflect median home values across the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Biloxi, Lafayette area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in New Orleans, with an average gross yield of 19% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 46%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The wide gap between average and top yields highlights how effectively premium inventory can outpace broader market stagnation.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in New Orleans is 33%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $327, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $104 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in New Orleans, with an average gross yield of 27% and annual revenue of $98K. These properties balance purchase price ($321K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the New Orleans market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the New Orleans area. New Orleans: Strict. Commercial STR permit required, owner-occupancy mandatory for most, density caps by neighborhood, 90-day limit for non-owner-occupied. Active enforcement with significant fines and platform cooperation. Baton Rouge: Moderate. Business license and permit required, inspections mandatory, zoning restrictions apply. Enforcement exists but inconsistent across parishes. Biloxi: Lenient. Business license and sales tax registration required. Minimal restrictions, light enforcement focused mainly on tax collection. Lafayette: Lenient. Occupational license required, basic safety standards. Limited enforcement, primarily complaint-driven with focus on problem properties. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The New Orleans Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 1%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics, suggesting a stabilized environment where inventory growth is currently tracking closely with shifts in consumer spending.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak spring season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 51% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (June-September) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in New Orleans listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (96%), Tv (88%), Washing Machine (82%), Heating (66%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Pool, Air Conditioning, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 73% more ($99K/year vs $57K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in New Orleans over the last 12 months: May: $3K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $3K, November: $3K, December: $3K, January: $2K, February: $5K, March: $5K, April: $5K. 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 New Orleans is $327, up 7% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $168/night, 2-bedroom properties average $251/night, 3-bedroom properties average $326/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $661/night. Rates peak in February and are lowest in September.

Guests in New Orleans book an average of 39 days in advance, down 11% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 33 days, 2-bedroom: 38 days, 3-bedroom: 38 days, 4+ bedroom: 51 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the New Orleans Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 1%, revenue per listing decreased 1%, occupancy fell 7%, average nightly rates increased 7%, and lead time decreased 11%. These metrics reveal a market shifting toward higher price points despite tightening occupancy and compressed booking windows.

In New Orleans, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 72% higher occupancy than weekdays.