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

Columbus Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Columbus, OH presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity backed by a market of 1,274 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $22,585 per property. With an average daily rate of $150—well below the $250 Ohio state average—the market offers accessible entry points for investors, while the city's mix of university events, sports, and corporate travel provides diversified demand drivers. The ROI score of 65 out of 100 reflects balanced fundamentals across revenue, occupancy, and growth metrics.

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 relatively affordable home prices, diversified demand from university and corporate activity, and room to scale into higher-earning property sizes.

Expert Market Assessment

"Columbus earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with a 65/100 ROI score, reflecting average but dependable fundamentals across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, growth trends, and supply/demand balance. Seasonality is moderate—July is the clear peak at $2,567 in average revenue, while January dips to $951—meaning investors should plan for roughly a 2.7x swing between the best and weakest months. The sweet spot for returns appears to be mid-size to larger properties: 4-bedroom units deliver $39,632 annually with a $66 RevPAN, while 5-bedroom homes push past $57,000 in yearly revenue. With home values averaging $371,067, the market offers a workable path to positive cash flow for operators who manage expenses carefully and price strategically during high-demand periods."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Columbus

Average revenue by month in Columbus

Columbus shows clear summer-weighted seasonality, with July ($2,567) and August ($2,415) representing the strongest months and January ($951) marking the low point—a spread of roughly $1,600 between peak and trough. The shoulder months of May, September, and October all exceed $2,000, giving investors a solid six-month window of elevated revenue from May through October.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Columbus

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 487 listings (38% of the market), followed by 2-bedrooms at 303 and 3-bedrooms at 241. Larger configurations are notably underrepresented—only 51 five-bedroom and 17 six-plus-bedroom listings exist—which could signal an opportunity for investors willing to target the higher-revenue large-home segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Columbus

ADR climbs steeply with size, from $73 for studios to $402 for 6+ bedroom properties, with the sharpest jump occurring between 4-bedroom ($229) and 5-bedroom ($359) homes. The premium-to-cost trade-off appears strongest in the 4- and 5-bedroom categories, where nightly rates more than double compared to 2-bedroom units.

Average RevPAN by property size in Columbus

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $113 per available night, outperforming even 6+ bedroom homes ($104), which likely suffer from lower occupancy. The gap between small and large is substantial—studios generate just $29 in RevPAN versus $66 for 4-bedrooms—making mid-to-large properties the clear winners on a per-night revenue basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Columbus

Studios lead occupancy at 40%, while rates gradually decline as property size increases, with 6+ bedroom homes filling just 26% of available nights. This inverse relationship between size and occupancy is typical, but larger properties more than compensate through significantly higher nightly rates, making occupancy alone an incomplete measure of profitability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Columbus

Monthly revenue scales dramatically with size: studios bring in $961 while 6+ bedroom properties average $5,034—more than five times the studio figure. The jump from 3-bedroom ($2,317) to 4-bedroom ($3,302) is particularly notable at nearly $1,000 per month, suggesting a meaningful return threshold for investors stepping into the mid-size category.

Average annual revenue by property size in Columbus

Annual revenue ranges from $11,542 for studios to $60,419 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedroom homes hitting $57,389—nearly on par despite being more common in supply. Given average home values of $371,067, investors targeting 4-bedroom ($39,632 annual) or 5-bedroom configurations are best positioned to achieve favorable revenue-to-price ratios.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Columbus

Parking (98%), kitchen (97%), and self check-in (93%) are near-universal in Columbus listings, effectively making them baseline expectations rather than differentiators. Amenities like hot tubs (7%) and pools (4%) remain rare and could help properties stand out, while the 78% prevalence of workspace amenities reflects strong demand from business travelers and remote workers.

Understanding Columbus's ROI Score: 65/100

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 65 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band—a market with solid fundamentals rather than outlier performance. All four calculation factors—Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance—score at average levels, indicating a balanced but not exceptional market where disciplined operators can still generate meaningful returns. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and a clear property strategy, particularly targeting larger-bedroom configurations where revenue potential is strongest.

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, Ohio may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Columbus and Franklin County authorities, as rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Columbus can include occupancy limits, minimum night stays, noise ordinances, and parking requirements. HOA rules may further restrict STR activity in certain neighborhoods, and investors should also check for any permit caps or zoning limitations that could affect eligibility.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Ohio are generally subject to state and local lodging taxes, which may include occupancy and sales taxes. Many platforms like Airbnb collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional.

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 expected to maintain steady demand with occupancy rates hovering around 32–36% depending on property size, supported by consistent seasonal patterns that peak in summer months. ADR could see modest increases of 1–3% as listing growth (currently up 120% year-over-year) stabilizes and the market finds its equilibrium between supply and demand. Investors entering larger property segments—particularly 4- and 5-bedroom homes—may capture disproportionate revenue gains as those configurations continue to show the strongest RevPAN performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Columbus, OH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Columbus?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Columbus is currently 34%, which is in line with the Ohio state average. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios leading at 40% and larger 6+ bedroom properties sitting around 26%. Investors targeting smaller units may benefit from more consistent bookings, while larger homes compensate with significantly higher nightly rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Columbus?

Airbnb hosts in Columbus earn an average of $1,882 per month, or roughly $22,585 annually, based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings scale substantially with property size—studios average about $961 per month, while 5-bedroom homes bring in approximately $4,782 and 6+ bedroom properties reach $5,034 monthly. Peak summer months like July can push individual monthly revenue above $2,500.

Is Columbus a good market for Airbnb investment?

Columbus scores a 65 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from affordable home prices averaging $371,067, a favorable ADR of $150, and diversified demand. While the 34% occupancy rate is moderate, the revenue-to-price ratio is reasonable, and larger properties offer particularly strong income potential. Investors should pair this data with local regulatory research and a solid pricing strategy.

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

The average daily rate in Columbus is $150, which is notably lower than the $250 Ohio state average. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $73 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $229, and 6+ bedroom homes reach $402. This pricing structure rewards investors who can acquire and manage larger properties effectively.

Are short-term rentals legal in Columbus?

Short-term rentals do operate in Columbus, with over 1,274 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and operational requirements can change, so prospective investors should consult the City of Columbus and relevant Ohio state agencies to confirm current legality and compliance requirements before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Columbus?

Peak season in Columbus runs from May through October, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $2,567 per listing. June, August, and October also perform well, each generating over $2,100 in monthly revenue. The off-peak period spans November through February, with January being the slowest month at $951—about 37% of the July peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Columbus?

Columbus currently has 1,274 active Airbnb listings. The market has seen significant growth, with a 120% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 487 listings, followed by 2-bedroom properties (303) and 3-bedroom homes (241). Larger properties with 5 or more bedrooms remain relatively scarce, which may represent a supply gap for investors.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Columbus?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Columbus are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers including Rabbu proprietary analytics

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; always verify with local authorities before investing. Individual results may vary significantly based on property location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.