St. Louis

As of May 2026, St. Louis, St. Charles, Alton have 3,528 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 10% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in St. Louis generates $35K per year. High-performing properties earn $62K/year, while low-performing properties earn $11K/year. This significant spread suggests that revenue potential is highly polarized, indicating that market saturation may be affecting average assets more severely than those capturing premium demand.

Average home prices in St. Louis vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $130K, 2-bedroom homes average $195K, 3-bedroom properties are around $281K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $382K. These prices reflect median home values across the St. Louis, St. Charles, Alton area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in St. Louis, with an average gross yield of 12% 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 top-tier yields highlights a market where profitability is increasingly concentrated among a smaller subset of listings.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in St. Louis is 38%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $215, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $66 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in St. Louis, with an average gross yield of 16% and annual revenue of $66K. These properties balance purchase price ($382K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the St. Louis market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the St. Louis area. St. Louis: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply, no owner-occupancy mandate. Enforcement varies by neighborhood; complaints drive action. St. Charles: Lenient. No specific STR regulations beyond standard business license. Minimal enforcement; operates under general lodging rules. Alton: Lenient. Business license needed, basic health/safety standards. Light enforcement; small market with few restrictions or active monitoring. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The St. Louis Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 10% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 12%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized contraction in supply and revenue suggests the market is naturally recalibrating to lower demand levels without excessive oversupply.

Launch around December, 2-3 months before peak summer season (March peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 31% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in St. Louis listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (97%), Tv (92%), Washing Machine (81%), Heating (72%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Pool, Washing Machine, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 42% more ($60K/year vs $42K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in St. Louis over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $1K, February: $1K, March: $3K, 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 St. Louis is $215, up 25% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $125/night, 2-bedroom properties average $173/night, 3-bedroom properties average $250/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $397/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Guests in St. Louis book an average of 31 days in advance, down 12% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 26 days, 2-bedroom: 31 days, 3-bedroom: 33 days, 4+ bedroom: 38 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the St. Louis Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 10%, revenue per listing decreased 12%, occupancy fell 13%, average nightly rates increased 25%, and lead time decreased 12%. These metrics reflect a shift toward a high-friction environment where higher pricing strategies are struggling to maintain occupancy levels.

In St. Louis, 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.