Tampa

As of May 2026, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater have 19,353 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Tampa generates $47K per year. High-performing properties earn $109K/year, while low-performing properties earn $18K/year. The massive earnings gap suggests that revenue potential is highly polarized, indicating that market performance is driven by a small segment of listings rather than uniform demand.

Average home prices in Tampa vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $142K, 2-bedroom homes average $253K, 3-bedroom properties are around $387K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $514K. These prices reflect median home values across the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Tampa, with an average gross yield of 12% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 27%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This wide yield variance highlights that while baseline profitability exists, top-tier returns are contingent on capturing a specific, high-demand segment.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Tampa is 41%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $285, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $91 per day.

1-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Tampa, with an average gross yield of 16% and annual revenue of $26K. These properties balance purchase price ($142K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Tampa market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Tampa area. Tampa: Moderate. Business tax receipt required, zoning compliance needed. Enforcement is moderate with complaint-driven action. St. Petersburg: Strict. Annual permit mandatory, owner-occupancy required for multi-family units, density caps in some zones. Active enforcement with inspections and fines. Clearwater: Lenient. Business tax receipt needed, basic zoning rules. Light enforcement, mostly complaint-based. Many hosts operate informally. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Tampa Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 8%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous drop in supply and RevPAR suggests that the market is adjusting to lower revenue expectations rather than experiencing a supply-driven saturation crisis.

Launch around December, 2-3 months before peak spring season (March peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 49% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (November-September) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Tampa listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (94%), Washing Machine (78%), Tv (78%), Balcony (62%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Washing Machine, Hot Tub, with Pool properties earning approximately 47% more ($69K/year vs $46K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Tampa over the last 12 months: May: $3K, June: $3K, July: $3K, August: $2K, September: $1K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $2K, February: $3K, March: $6K, 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 Tampa is $285, up 16% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $161/night, 2-bedroom properties average $251/night, 3-bedroom properties average $330/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $561/night. Rates peak in March and are lowest in September.

Guests in Tampa book an average of 38 days in advance, down 8% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 31 days, 2-bedroom: 40 days, 3-bedroom: 40 days, 4+ bedroom: 44 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Tampa Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 1%, revenue per listing decreased 8%, occupancy fell 16%, average nightly rates increased 16%, and lead time decreased 8%. This shift toward higher rates despite lower occupancy and revenue suggests hosts are prioritizing margin over volume amidst tightening market demand.

In Tampa, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 25% higher occupancy than weekdays.