Cincinnati, OH Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cincinnati Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cincinnati's short-term rental market presents an attractive entry point for investors, with an average home value of $423,651 and annual revenue averaging $21,829 across all property types. The market currently hosts 903 active Airbnb listings and has experienced significant supply growth at 129% year-over-year, signaling rising investor interest. With an ADR of $151 — well below the $250 Ohio state average — Cincinnati offers a more affordable positioning that appeals to budget-conscious travelers and event-goers drawn to the city's sports venues, cultural scene, and regional conventions.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cincinnati short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Cincinnati

Cincinnati attracts STR investors with its comparatively affordable property prices, diverse demand drivers, and strong summer revenue potential that offsets softer winter months.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 58 out of 100 — rated as an "Attractive Opportunity" — Cincinnati delivers a balanced profile where revenue potential aligns reasonably well with property costs. Seasonality is a defining feature: July leads the pack at $2,489 in average monthly revenue, while January dips to just $1,042, creating a roughly 2.4x spread between peak and trough. Investors who price strategically during the May-through-August high season and manage costs carefully during winter can still build a viable income stream, particularly with larger properties that generate outsized returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cincinnati

Average revenue by month in Cincinnati

Cincinnati shows strong seasonality, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,489 and January the lowest at $1,042 — a spread of nearly $1,450. The profitable corridor runs from May through August, making summer event season and warm-weather tourism the primary revenue engine for hosts in this market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cincinnati

One-bedroom listings dominate Cincinnati's supply at 375 units (42% of the market), followed by 2-bedrooms at 233. Larger properties are significantly underrepresented — only 56 four-bedroom and 15 six-plus-bedroom listings exist — which could signal less competition and differentiation opportunities for investors targeting group travelers or families.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cincinnati

ADR scales sharply with property size in Cincinnati, jumping from $81 for studios to $414 for 6+ bedroom homes. The steepest premium appears between 3-bedroom ($186) and 4-bedroom ($303) properties, where the $117 per-night jump represents an attractive pricing tier for investors who can source larger homes at reasonable acquisition costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cincinnati

Revenue per available night peaks at $112 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4-bedrooms also strong at $85 — both far outpacing smaller units where RevPAN ranges from $26 to $49. Interestingly, 5-bedroom properties dip to $67 RevPAN despite a higher ADR, suggesting lower occupancy erodes their per-night revenue efficiency compared to 4-bedroom alternatives.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cincinnati

Smaller units fill most consistently in Cincinnati: 1-bedrooms lead at 35% occupancy and studios follow at 33%, while 5-bedroom properties lag at just 19%. For investors prioritizing steady cash flow, smaller properties offer more predictable booking patterns, though their lower nightly rates limit total revenue potential.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cincinnati

Monthly revenue climbs steadily from $1,150 for studios to $4,864 for 6+ bedroom homes, with the biggest absolute jump occurring between 3-bedroom ($2,488) and 4-bedroom ($4,473) properties. The 4-bedroom sweet spot delivers nearly $2,000 more per month than a 3-bedroom while representing a relatively manageable step up in property size and cost.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cincinnati

Larger properties generate meaningfully higher annual revenue in Cincinnati: 4-bedroom homes average $53,686 per year and 6+ bedrooms reach $58,372, compared to just $14,809 for 1-bedrooms. Investors targeting the highest absolute returns should focus on 4-bedroom or larger configurations, though they'll need to weigh higher acquisition and operating costs against the revenue premium.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cincinnati

Kitchens (98%) and parking (97%) are near-universal among Cincinnati listings, establishing them as baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Self check-in at 89% and washer/dryer at 82–83% also reflect standard market norms, while amenities like pools (5%) and EV chargers (5%) remain rare enough to serve as genuine competitive advantages for hosts willing to invest in them.

Understanding Cincinnati's ROI Score: 58/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Cincinnati's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue potential and property costs are reasonably well-matched. All four calculation factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance — currently rate as average, indicating a balanced but not exceptional investment environment. Investors should pair these metrics with on-the-ground regulatory research and neighborhood-level analysis to identify pockets where returns may outperform the market-wide average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cincinnati

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Cincinnati. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Cincinnati, Ohio may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Cincinnati's Department of Buildings and Inspections or the relevant municipal office before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Ohio STR markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. Investors should also be aware that HOA rules or condo association bylaws may impose additional limitations or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing all governing documents before closing on a property is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Ohio are typically subject to state and county lodging taxes, and Cincinnati may impose its own transient occupancy tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with local and state authorities to remain compliant.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Cincinnati can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cincinnati's STR market is expected to see continued demand driven by its summer peak season, when monthly revenues climb above $2,300. With all four ROI calculation factors rated at average levels, investors can anticipate stable but not explosive growth — occupancy rates may hover around 28–35% depending on property size, with ADR potentially edging up 2–4% as the market absorbs new supply. The rapid 129% year-over-year listing growth warrants monitoring, as saturation could temper gains if demand doesn't keep pace, though the city's relatively low ADR and diverse demand base provide a buffer."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cincinnati, OH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cincinnati?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cincinnati is currently 30%, which trails the Ohio state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 35%, while 5-bedroom properties sit lower at 19%. Studios also perform relatively well at 33%. These figures reflect current market conditions and may shift seasonally.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cincinnati?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Cincinnati earn approximately $1,819 per month or $21,829 per year, based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average around $1,150–$1,234 per month, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in roughly $4,473 per month ($53,686 annually) and 6+ bedroom homes average $4,864 monthly ($58,372 annually). Individual results depend on pricing strategy, property quality, and management.

Is Cincinnati a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cincinnati earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 58 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market offers a reasonable balance of revenue-to-price ratio, stable occupancy, and moderate growth trends. With average home values at $423,651 and annual revenues near $21,829 for typical listings, the market is best suited for investors who target larger properties — 4-bedroom homes, for example, can generate over $53,000 annually — and who are prepared for seasonal fluctuations.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cincinnati?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Cincinnati is $151, which is notably below the Ohio state average of $250. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $81 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $414. The more moderate ADR positions Cincinnati as an accessible destination for guests, which can support steady booking volume.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cincinnati?

Short-term rentals operate in Cincinnati, but hosts may need to obtain permits or register with the city. Regulations can include occupancy limits, noise restrictions, and parking requirements. Ohio also imposes lodging tax obligations. Because local rules can change, investors should check directly with Cincinnati's municipal offices and review any HOA or condo association restrictions before purchasing an STR property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cincinnati?

Peak season for Airbnb in Cincinnati runs from May through August, with July topping out at $2,489 in average monthly revenue. June and August also perform strongly at $2,298 and $2,322, respectively. The slowest months are January ($1,042) and February ($1,132), creating a pronounced seasonal curve that investors should plan around with dynamic pricing and expense management.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cincinnati?

As of April 2026, there are 903 active Airbnb listings in Cincinnati. The supply is heavily weighted toward smaller properties: 1-bedroom listings make up the largest segment at 375 units, followed by 2-bedrooms at 233 and 3-bedrooms at 149. Larger formats (4+ bedrooms) account for only about 108 combined listings, which may represent less competitive niches.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cincinnati?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Cincinnati are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, seasonal peaks and slower months are naturally reflected in the figures. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN benchmarks across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for acquisition cost context
• Data aggregated from multiple providers including Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of the dates noted and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.