Columbia, TN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Columbia Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Columbia, TN is a compact short-term rental market with 88 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $22,491 per property. At an ADR of $162—roughly half the Tennessee state average—the market trades premium pricing for slightly above-average occupancy at 31%. With home values averaging $561,240 and a revenue-to-price ratio that currently sits below average, investors will need to be strategic about deal sourcing and property selection to generate meaningful cash flow.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Columbia 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 Columbia

Investors consider Columbia for its proximity to Nashville, relatively affordable entry compared to larger Tennessee markets, and growing visitor interest that has nearly doubled the STR supply in a year.

Expert Market Assessment

"Columbia presents a competitive but demanding opportunity for STR investors. The market's ROI score of 51 out of 100 reflects solid occupancy stability paired with a below-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning returns hinge on acquiring properties at the right price point. Seasonality follows a clear summer peak from May through October—when monthly revenues consistently exceed $2,000—before tapering to a low of $1,174 in February. Larger properties, particularly 4-bedroom homes, deliver outsized returns and may represent the most compelling play for investors willing to navigate a market where supply is expanding rapidly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Columbia

Average revenue by month in Columbia

Columbia's revenue cycle peaks in June at $2,210 and bottoms out in February at $1,174, creating a roughly 88% spread between the strongest and weakest months. The May-through-October window consistently delivers $2,000+ in monthly revenue, while January through March represents the clear off-season—important context for cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Columbia

Supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties (27 listings each), with 2-bedrooms close behind at 20. The 4-bedroom segment is notably thin at just 9 listings, which could signal a supply gap worth exploring given the outsized revenue those properties generate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Columbia

ADR nearly triples from $103 for 1-bedroom listings to $301 for 4-bedroom homes, with a modest jump between 2-bedrooms ($161) and 3-bedrooms ($168). The sharpest pricing premium kicks in at the 4-bedroom tier, where the rate leap suggests strong demand for larger group-friendly properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Columbia

RevPAN climbs steadily from $36 for 1-bedroom units to $83 for 4-bedroom properties, confirming that larger homes generate substantially more revenue per available night even after accounting for their lower occupancy. The gap between 3-bedroom ($50) and 4-bedroom ($83) RevPAN is especially striking, reinforcing the premium earnings potential of the largest tier.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Columbia

Occupancy rates are highest for 1-bedroom listings at 35% and gradually taper to 28% for 4-bedroom properties. The relatively narrow spread suggests that while smaller units fill slightly more nights, the difference isn't dramatic enough to offset the far higher nightly rates that larger properties command.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Columbia

Monthly revenue scales predictably with size—from $1,216 for 1-bedroom listings up to $3,629 for 4-bedroom homes, nearly tripling across the range. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($2,282) to 4-bedrooms ($3,629) represents a 59% increase, making the larger configuration the standout performer on a monthly basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Columbia

Four-bedroom properties lead the market with $43,550 in average annual revenue, nearly double the $22,491 market-wide average and roughly three times the $14,597 earned by 1-bedroom units. For investors focused on top-line revenue potential, the 3-bedroom ($27,386) and 4-bedroom tiers offer the most compelling return profiles.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Columbia

Parking (99%), kitchens (94%), and self check-in (90%) are near-universal, establishing them as baseline expectations rather than differentiators. Outdoor amenities like patios (66%), backyards (56%), and BBQ grills (46%) appear frequently, reflecting a guest base that values leisure-oriented, home-like spaces—while premium features like hot tubs (5%) remain rare and could serve as competitive advantages.

Understanding Columbia's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Columbia's ROI score of 51 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, indicating that while demand is present, investors face headwinds from a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and a supply-demand balance that's tightening as listings nearly doubled year over year. Occupancy stability and market growth trend both score at average levels, suggesting the market isn't in decline but isn't accelerating fast enough to easily offset higher acquisition costs. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-revenue property configurations will be key to building a viable investment thesis here.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Columbia

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Columbia, Tennessee may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Columbia and the State of Tennessee before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Tennessee municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum night stays, noise ordinances, and parking requirements. Some neighborhoods may also be subject to HOA rules that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing any applicable covenants is an essential step before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Tennessee are typically subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm whether additional local hotel or tourism taxes apply in Columbia and ensure they remain compliant with all filing obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Columbia's STR market is expected to see continued supply growth following a notable 99% year-over-year increase in active listings. This influx of competition could put modest downward pressure on occupancy rates and ADR, though the market's summer peak—when monthly revenues reach $2,100–$2,200—should remain resilient. Investors entering now should anticipate occupancy settling in the 28–33% range and may see ADR hold steady or edge up 1–3% as the market matures. Monitoring the supply-demand balance will be critical given the pace of new listings entering the market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Columbia, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Columbia?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Columbia, TN is currently 31%, which slightly edges out the Tennessee state average of 29%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units leading at 35% and 4-bedroom properties sitting at 28%. While these rates are modest, they reflect the market's mix of leisure-oriented demand and seasonal fluctuations.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Columbia?

Airbnb hosts in Columbia earn an average of $1,874 per month and approximately $22,491 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom listings average about $14,597 annually, while 4-bedroom homes can generate around $43,550. Peak earning months run from May through October, when monthly revenues regularly surpass $2,000.

Is Columbia a good market for Airbnb investment?

Columbia carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 51 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. This means demand and investor interest are present, but higher property prices relative to revenue and rapid supply growth require careful deal sourcing. Investors targeting larger properties—especially 3- and 4-bedroom homes—may find the strongest return potential, though thorough due diligence on acquisition cost and local regulations is essential.

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

The average daily rate in Columbia is $162, which is significantly below the Tennessee state average of $309. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $103 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $161, 3-bedrooms at $168, and 4-bedroom properties command a premium at $301 per night. The lower overall ADR reflects the market's positioning as an accessible, value-oriented destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Columbia?

Short-term rentals operate in Columbia, TN, but specific permit, zoning, and licensing requirements may apply at both the city and state level. Regulations can change, so prospective hosts should check directly with the City of Columbia and the State of Tennessee for the most current rules before launching a listing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Columbia?

Peak season in Columbia runs from May through October, with June generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,210. The summer months of May through August are particularly strong, and revenue stays elevated through the fall before declining in the winter. February is the softest month at $1,174 in average revenue, making the peak-to-trough spread roughly $1,036.

How many Airbnbs are there in Columbia?

As of April 2026, there are 88 active Airbnb listings in Columbia, TN. The market has experienced dramatic growth, with a 99% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is fairly evenly split between 1-bedroom (27 listings), 2-bedroom (20 listings), and 3-bedroom (27 listings) properties, with a smaller segment of 9 four-bedroom homes.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Columbia?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Columbia 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, seasonal peaks and slower periods are naturally reflected in the figures. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

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 rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level benchmarks
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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 historical averages and market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.