New Orleans, LA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

62 / 100

New Orleans offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

New Orleans Short-Term Rental Market Overview

New Orleans stands out as an attractive short-term rental market, with 3,301 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $31,712 per property. The city's world-renowned cultural scene, year-round festival calendar, and convention traffic create a diverse demand base that keeps occupancy at 40% — well above the 34% Louisiana state average. With an average daily rate of $252 and a RevPAN of $100, the market offers solid revenue fundamentals, especially for investors targeting larger properties that can command premium nightly rates.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 3,301
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $301 state avg. $252
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 34% state avg. 40%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $100
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,642
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $31,712

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

Why Investors Consider New Orleans

New Orleans attracts STR investors because its cultural tourism, convention activity, and event-driven demand create multiple revenue streams throughout the year.

Key investment factors

  • Year-round tourism fueled by a globally recognized food, music, and cultural scene
  • Convention and business travel supports weekday and off-season bookings
  • Larger properties (4+ bedrooms) command outsized revenue, with 5-bedroom units averaging $83,094 annually
  • Occupancy rate of 40% exceeds the Louisiana state average by 6 percentage points
  • Average home values around $496,011 offer a reasonable entry point relative to revenue potential

Expert Market Assessment

"New Orleans earns an ROI score of 62 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category — a market where revenue fundamentals and property values align well enough to warrant serious investor attention. Revenue peaks sharply in March at $4,552 per month before tapering through the summer, with a secondary surge in October at $3,018, reflecting the city's event-driven demand cycle. The wide revenue gap between property sizes — from $17,643 annually for studios up to $163,577 for 6+ bedroom homes — signals that strategic property selection matters enormously here. Investors who target larger, well-located properties and price aggressively during peak periods are best positioned to capitalize on what this market has to offer."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding New Orleans's ROI Score: 62/100

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

Factor New Orleans Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

New Orleans' ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue potential and property costs are reasonably well aligned. All four calculation factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance — register at average levels, indicating consistent fundamentals without any single metric dragging performance down. Investors should pair these data points with thorough research into New Orleans' evolving STR regulations and neighborhood-level dynamics before making acquisition decisions.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in New Orleans

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

Permit Requirements

New Orleans, Louisiana requires short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or license before listing a property, and the city has historically maintained one of the more structured STR regulatory frameworks in the state. Investors should verify current permit requirements, zoning eligibility, and any platform-specific registration rules directly with the City of New Orleans and the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in New Orleans include limits on the number of guests allowed per property, minimum stay requirements in certain residential zones, and noise and nuisance ordinances designed to preserve neighborhood livability. Investors should also be aware of potential permit caps in specific districts, HOA covenants that may restrict STR activity, and parking requirements that can vary by neighborhood.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Louisiana are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, sales taxes, and potentially a tourism or convention center tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and the City of New Orleans.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for New Orleans

Financing an Airbnb investment in New Orleans requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a New Orleans Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, New Orleans is expected to maintain its seasonal revenue pattern with strong peaks in spring (March–April) and fall (October), driven by marquee events like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and the city's robust convention calendar. ADR may see modest gains in the 1–3% range as demand continues to outpace the national travel recovery trend, though summer months will likely remain softer with occupancy dipping below 35%. Investors should plan for average monthly revenue ranging from approximately $1,800–$4,500 depending on the season, with larger properties positioned to capture group and event-driven bookings continuing to outperform. Overall, the market's balance of demand drivers and manageable supply growth suggests stable, if not slightly improving, performance ahead."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in New Orleans, LA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in New Orleans?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in New Orleans is currently 40%, which is notably higher than the Louisiana state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 6+ bedroom properties leading at 44% and 2-bedroom units close behind at 42%. Three-bedroom listings tend to have the lowest occupancy at 35%, suggesting that mid-size properties face stiffer competition.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in New Orleans?
On average, Airbnb hosts in New Orleans earn approximately $2,642 per month or $31,712 annually, based on trailing 12-month booking data from active listings. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average around $20,406 per year, while 5-bedroom homes bring in roughly $83,094 and 6+ bedroom properties can reach $163,577 annually. Seasonal peaks, particularly in March and October, can substantially boost monthly earnings.
Is New Orleans a good market for Airbnb investment?
New Orleans holds an ROI score of 62 out of 100, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" designation. The city benefits from a diverse tourism base, above-average occupancy, and strong revenue potential for larger properties. Key factors like a balanced revenue-to-price ratio, stable occupancy, and steady market growth all contribute to the city's appeal. That said, investors should carefully evaluate local regulations and seasonal revenue fluctuations before committing.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in New Orleans?
The current average daily rate for Airbnb listings in New Orleans is $252, which is below the Louisiana state average of $301. ADR scales sharply with property size: studios average $189 per night, 3-bedroom homes reach $291, and 6+ bedroom properties command an impressive $963 per night. Investors targeting higher-end, group-friendly properties can tap into significantly higher nightly rates.
Are short-term rentals legal in New Orleans?
Short-term rentals are legal in New Orleans, but the city has established a regulatory framework that includes permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and specific operational guidelines. Regulations can vary by neighborhood and property type, so investors should consult the City of New Orleans directly and review any applicable HOA rules before purchasing or listing a property. Staying compliant is essential, as enforcement has been an active priority in recent years.
When is peak season for Airbnb in New Orleans?
Peak season in New Orleans centers around spring, with March topping the charts at $4,552 in average monthly revenue — driven by events like Mardi Gras and the lead-up to Jazz Fest. April ($3,385) and February ($3,003) are also strong months. A secondary peak occurs in October ($3,018), coinciding with fall festival season. Summer months from June through September represent the softest period, with average revenue dipping to the $1,800–$1,900 range.
How many Airbnbs are there in New Orleans?
As of April 2026, there are 3,301 active Airbnb listings in New Orleans. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom (1,120 listings) and 2-bedroom (1,006 listings) properties, which together account for nearly two-thirds of the market. Larger properties with 4+ bedrooms are less common — only 504 listings combined — which may present an opportunity given their significantly higher revenue potential.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in New Orleans?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for New Orleans 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 up the remainder into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like March's $4,552) and slower months (like June's $1,827). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the property 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 for the New Orleans market
  • Occupancy, average daily rate, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
  • Historical monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions
  • 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. Local regulations in New Orleans may change; investors should verify current STR permit requirements and restrictions before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in New Orleans's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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