Columbus, GA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Columbus Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Columbus, GA presents an appealing entry point for short-term rental investors, pairing relatively affordable property values (averaging $289,744) with an above-average revenue-to-price ratio. With 348 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $21,022, the market rewards operators who target the right property size and maintain competitive pricing. The city's proximity to Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) and the Chattahoochee River corridor helps sustain a mix of military, leisure, and event-driven demand throughout the year.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Columbus 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 Columbus

Columbus attracts STR investors because of its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and diversified demand base anchored by military, leisure, and regional event traffic.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 64 out of 100 — categorized as an 'Attractive Opportunity' — Columbus delivers a solid balance of affordability and earning potential without the sky-high competition found in Georgia's coastal markets. Revenue peaks from August through November, when monthly averages climb above $1,900 and top out near $2,138 in November, while January is the clear soft spot at just $996. The 142% year-over-year listing growth is a double-edged sword: it validates demand but means new entrants need sharp pricing and standout amenities to compete. Investors focused on larger properties (4+ bedrooms) stand to capture disproportionate revenue, with annual earnings north of $30,000 and RevPAN figures that significantly outpace smaller configurations."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Columbus

Average revenue by month in Columbus

Columbus shows clear seasonality, with revenue peaking in November at $2,138 and bottoming out in January at just $996 — a spread of more than 2x. The strongest earning window stretches from August through November, while the first quarter represents the softest period, making cash-reserve planning essential for winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Columbus

Three-bedroom units dominate supply with 108 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (83) and 1-bedrooms (70), while 5-bedroom and 6+-bedroom properties are notably scarce with just 14 and 8 listings respectively. This thin supply at the larger end may signal an opportunity for investors willing to target group-travel demand with bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Columbus

ADR scales predictably from $91 for 1-bedroom listings up to $380 for 6+-bedroom properties, with each step up in bedrooms adding $30–$100 to the nightly rate. The jump from 4-bedroom ($209) to 5-bedroom ($311) is particularly steep, suggesting a meaningful premium for properties that accommodate larger groups.

Average RevPAN by property size in Columbus

Revenue per available night rises sharply with property size, from $32 for 1-bedroom units to $133 for 6+-bedroom listings. Larger properties deliver outsized RevPAN even with comparable or lower occupancy, making them more efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis for investors who can manage higher acquisition and operating costs.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Columbus

Occupancy rates remain fairly compressed across property sizes, ranging from 27% for 5-bedroom units to 35% for both 1-bedroom and 6+-bedroom listings. The relatively narrow band suggests that cash-flow differences between property types are driven more by nightly rates than by occupancy gaps, so investors should focus on ADR optimization alongside booking frequency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Columbus

Monthly revenue gaps widen significantly at the top end: 6+-bedroom properties average $5,182 per month compared to just $1,034 for 1-bedrooms — a nearly 5x difference. Even mid-range 3-bedroom units earn $1,865 monthly, making them a solid middle ground between acquisition cost and revenue output.

Average annual revenue by property size in Columbus

Annual revenue ranges from $12,409 for 1-bedroom properties to $62,186 for 6+-bedroom listings, with 4-bedroom units ($30,736) offering a strong balance of attainable revenue and manageable property costs. Investors targeting higher absolute returns should note that 5-bedroom and 6+-bedroom configurations deliver $43,754 and $62,186 respectively, though the limited supply in these categories suggests careful deal sourcing is required.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Columbus

Parking (99%) and kitchens (98%) are virtually universal, while self check-in (92%), washer (89%), and dryer (87%) round out the top-five essentials guests expect in Columbus. Differentiators like pools (6%), hot tubs (2%), and waterfront access (1%) are rare across listings — adding any of these could meaningfully boost a property's competitive positioning and justify a higher nightly rate.

Understanding Columbus's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Columbus earns a 64 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band. The score is driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning the income potential relative to property acquisition cost is stronger here than in many Georgia markets — paired with average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance. Market growth trend scores below average, reflecting the rapid 142% increase in listings, so investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and competitive analysis before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Columbus

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Columbus, Georgia may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the Columbus Consolidated Government and the Georgia Department of Revenue before going live.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in Columbus include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and off-street parking mandates. Some properties may also be subject to HOA rules that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing any deed covenants is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

STR operators in Georgia are generally subject to state sales tax, local hotel-motel excise taxes, and potentially a tourism or lodging surcharge. Major booking platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Georgia Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Columbus is likely to see steady but modest performance improvements as the market matures. Listing supply has grown sharply (142% year-over-year), which could compress occupancy rates if demand doesn't keep pace — expect occupancy to hover in the 30–35% range market-wide. Seasonal patterns suggest ADR could nudge up 1–3% during the stronger August-through-November window, though investors should budget conservatively for softer winter months when revenue dips below $1,000. Properties in the 4- to 6+-bedroom range are best positioned to capture group and extended-stay demand that may offset any supply-side pressure."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Columbus, GA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Columbus?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Columbus, GA is currently 33%, which slightly edges out the Georgia state average of 32%. Occupancy varies by property size — 1-bedroom and 6+-bedroom units lead at 35%, while 5-bedroom properties tend to be the lowest at 27%. These figures reflect trailing performance and can shift with seasonal demand patterns.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Columbus?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Columbus earn approximately $1,751 per month or $21,022 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average around $12,409 annually, while 6+-bedroom properties can bring in roughly $62,186 per year. Individual results depend on factors like pricing strategy, property quality, and guest experience.

Is Columbus a good market for Airbnb investment?

Columbus scores a 64 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio thanks to relatively affordable home values averaging $289,744 and reasonable daily rates. While occupancy stability is average and market growth trends are below average (partly due to rapid supply increases), the low entry cost and diversified demand drivers make it a compelling option for investors seeking strong cash-flow potential relative to acquisition cost.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Columbus is $153, which is roughly half the Georgia state average of $299. ADR increases steadily with property size, starting at $91 for 1-bedroom units and climbing to $380 for 6+-bedroom properties. This lower-than-state-average ADR reflects Columbus's more affordable market positioning, which can work in investors' favor by keeping nightly rates accessible to a broader pool of guests.

Are short-term rentals legal in Columbus?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Columbus, GA, as evidenced by the 348 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, operators may need to obtain a business license or specific STR permit, comply with local zoning requirements, and meet applicable safety standards. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should confirm the latest rules with the Columbus Consolidated Government and consult local legal counsel before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Columbus?

Peak season in Columbus runs from roughly August through November, with November delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,138 and August close behind at $2,068. The slowest month is January, when average revenue drops to just $996. This late-summer-to-fall peak pattern may be tied to events, football season, and favorable travel conditions, making it important for hosts to optimize pricing during these high-demand months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Columbus?

As of April 2026, there are 348 active Airbnb listings in Columbus, GA. The supply is led by 3-bedroom properties (108 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (83) and 1-bedrooms (70). Notably, listing counts have grown 142% year-over-year, indicating strong investor and host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Columbus?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Columbus 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. 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 for Columbus, GA and surrounding zip codes
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost context
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.