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

Cosby Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Nestled at the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cosby offers short-term rental investors a mountain-cabin market with average home values around $409,582 and trailing annual revenue of $25,757 across 252 active listings. While the market's 24% occupancy rate sits below the Tennessee state average of 29%, an above-average growth trend and 87% year-over-year listing growth signal rising investor interest. Larger properties command outsized returns—5-bedroom cabins average nearly $69,000 in annual revenue—making Cosby particularly compelling for investors willing to target family and group travelers.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cosby 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 Cosby

Cosby appeals to STR investors because it pairs relatively affordable Smoky Mountain real estate with year-round cabin demand and a revenue-to-price ratio that pencils out for larger properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cosby presents an attractive opportunity for investors who target the right property size and lean into the area's outdoor-recreation appeal. Revenue is sharply seasonal—July ($3,450) and October ($3,189) deliver the strongest months while winter dips below $1,100—so cash-flow planning should account for a wide swing between peaks and troughs. The market's ROI score of 61 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price and occupancy fundamentals buoyed by above-average growth, suggesting that well-managed, amenity-rich cabins can outperform the market median. Investors entering with 4- or 5-bedroom properties stand to capture significantly higher returns than the typical one-bedroom listing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cosby

Average revenue by month in Cosby

Revenue in Cosby follows a pronounced seasonal curve, peaking in July at $3,450 and October at $3,189—driven by summer travel and Smoky Mountain fall foliage—while February marks the low point at just $936. The nearly 3.7x spread between peak and trough months means investors should budget for significant off-season softness and consider dynamic pricing strategies to maximize shoulder-season bookings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cosby

One-bedroom cabins dominate Cosby's supply at 126 listings (50% of the market), with 2-bedrooms at 64 and quantities dropping sharply from there—only 17 four-bedroom and 8 five-bedroom properties are active. The scarcity of larger units, combined with their higher revenue potential, suggests an underserved niche that investors could target for better returns.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cosby

ADR scales steadily from $126 for 1-bedroom properties to $332 for 5-bedroom cabins, with the biggest jump occurring between 3-bedrooms ($198) and 4-bedrooms ($324)—a 64% premium for one additional bedroom. This suggests that the move into 4+ bedroom territory captures a meaningfully different guest segment willing to pay substantially more per night.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cosby

RevPAN tells a clear story: 5-bedroom properties lead at $104 per available night and 4-bedrooms follow at $90, while 1- through 3-bedroom units cluster between $30 and $37. The outsized RevPAN gap confirms that larger cabins not only charge more but also convert that pricing power into materially higher per-night earnings after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cosby

Five-bedroom properties post the highest occupancy at 32%, followed by 4-bedrooms at 28%, while 3-bedroom cabins lag at just 18%—likely reflecting oversupply or pricing misalignment at that size. The pattern suggests that group-friendly larger cabins enjoy more consistent demand, offering better cash-flow stability for investors.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cosby

Monthly revenue rises dramatically with size: 1-bedroom cabins average $1,571 per month, 2-bedrooms reach $2,384, and 5-bedroom properties top the market at $5,745—nearly four times the smallest category. Investors weighing acquisition costs should note that the revenue premium for each additional bedroom accelerates above three bedrooms.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cosby

Annual revenue ranges from $18,856 for 1-bedroom units to $68,951 for 5-bedroom cabins, with 4-bedrooms delivering $61,802—both configurations generating returns well above the market-wide average of $25,757. For investors evaluating return on investment against Cosby's average home value of $409,582, the larger property formats clearly offer the strongest revenue-to-price potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cosby

Kitchens (94%), self check-in (91%), and BBQ grills (91%) are near-universal in Cosby, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient cabin stays. Hot tubs appear in 65% of listings—a competitive baseline rather than a differentiator—while pet-friendliness (55%) and waterfront access (30%) offer potential ways to stand out in a crowded one-bedroom market.

Understanding Cosby's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Cosby's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics elevated by an above-average market growth trend and balanced supply-demand dynamics. The growth signal is particularly noteworthy—it suggests the market is still gaining momentum rather than plateauing—though the average occupancy figures remind investors that returns depend heavily on property size and amenity mix. Pairing this score with local regulatory research and a focus on 4–5 bedroom properties will give investors the clearest picture of realistic return potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cosby

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cosby, Tennessee may need to register or obtain a permit through Cocke County or applicable local jurisdictions. Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements directly with local government offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Tennessee mountain communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates for rural properties, and HOA or deed restrictions that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals in certain subdivisions.

Tax Obligations

Tennessee imposes a state sales tax and a local occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm applicable county-level tax rates and filing obligations with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cosby's above-average market growth trend suggests continued demand expansion, likely driven by the Smokies' enduring popularity as a drive-to vacation destination. Seasonal patterns point to summer and fall as the strongest booking windows, with July and October revenues roughly three times higher than the February trough—expect ADR to hold steady or edge up 1–3% as new supply is absorbed. Occupancy may face modest pressure from the rapid 87% year-over-year listing growth, though larger properties with premium amenities like hot tubs should remain well-positioned to maintain stronger fill rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cosby, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cosby?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cosby is currently 24%, which falls below the Tennessee state average of 29%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size: 5-bedroom properties lead at 32%, followed by 4-bedrooms at 28%, while 3-bedroom cabins tend to sit lower at 18%. These figures reflect market-wide averages, and individual hosts who optimize pricing and guest experience can often outperform.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cosby?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb listing in Cosby generates about $2,146 per month or $25,757 per year. Earnings scale significantly with property size—1-bedroom units average around $18,856 annually, while 5-bedroom cabins bring in roughly $68,951. Peak months like July and October can push monthly income above $3,000, while the winter low point in February drops to around $936.

Is Cosby a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cosby earns an ROI score of 61 out of 100, classified as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from an above-average growth trend and steady Smoky Mountain tourism demand, though its occupancy rate of 24% is below the state average. Larger properties (4–5 bedrooms) show the strongest return potential with annual revenues of $62K–$69K, making Cosby especially appealing for investors willing to target group and family travelers with well-appointed cabins.

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

The current average daily rate across all Cosby Airbnb listings is $172, compared to a Tennessee state average of $309. ADR increases with property size: 1-bedroom units average $126 per night, 2-bedrooms hit $162, and 4- and 5-bedroom cabins command $324 and $332 respectively. The lower market-wide ADR relative to the state reflects the prevalence of smaller cabin listings in Cosby.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cosby?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Cosby, TN, and there are currently over 250 active Airbnb listings in the area. However, local permit, registration, and zoning requirements can change, so investors should always verify current regulations with Cocke County and any applicable local authorities before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cosby?

Cosby's peak season runs through the summer and fall, with July ($3,450 average monthly revenue) and October ($3,189) standing out as the top-performing months—likely driven by summer vacations and fall foliage in the Smokies. The slowest period is winter, when February revenue dips to around $936. This gives the market a roughly 3.7x spread between its best and worst months, so investors should plan for meaningful seasonal cash-flow variation.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cosby?

As of April 2026, there are 252 active Airbnb listings in Cosby. The supply is heavily weighted toward smaller properties: 1-bedroom cabins account for 126 listings (half the market), with 2-bedrooms at 64 and 3-bedrooms at 32. Larger 4- and 5-bedroom properties are far less common at 17 and 8 listings respectively, which may present an opportunity for investors targeting underserved segments.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cosby?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cosby 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 performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July and October) and slower months (like February). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively a host manages their listing.

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, occupancy rates, and daily rates for the Cosby market
• Historical revenue and yield metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance of comparable listings
• Property size breakdowns covering bedroom-level ADR, occupancy, RevPAN, and revenue data
• Amenity prevalence data showing the most common features across active listings
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 as of the date indicated; actual results may vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and management. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change—investors should verify current rules with the appropriate authorities before acquiring or listing a property.