Airbnb vs Long-Term Rental Yield — Which Wins in 2026?
The Airbnb vs long-term rental yield comparison has shifted in 2026. STR regulations are tightening. Insurance costs are rising. The yield gap is narrowing.
Compare STR vs LTR yield on any US property. Enter an address and see both scenarios side by side.
Compare STR vs LTR yields Free preview • No credit card requiredThe 2026 Yield Comparison
| Factor | Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) | Long-Term Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 12-25% | 6-11% |
| Net Yield | 5-12% | 4-8% |
| Management Fee | 20-25% of revenue | 8-12% of rent |
| Insurance | $2,500-5,000/year | $1,200-3,500/year |
| Vacancy | 20-40% (between bookings) | 5-8% (between leases) |
| Regulation Risk | High — 200+ cities added restrictions | Low |
| Time Investment | 10-15 hours/week (or pay manager) | 2-4 hours/month |
| Income Stability | Variable by season | Fixed by lease |
Where STR Still Wins
Short-term rentals still outperform in high-tourism, year-round markets where occupancy stays above 70%. According to AirDNA, these markets deliver 15-25% gross yield:
- Orlando, FL — Theme park tourism drives 75%+ year-round occupancy
- Gatlinburg, TN — Smoky Mountains destination with strong cabin rental demand
- Scottsdale, AZ — Winter sun destination with golf/sports events
Read our full analysis on is Airbnb still profitable in 2026? for city-by-city revenue data.
Where LTR Wins
Long-term rentals win on income stability, lower expenses, and regulatory safety. The Airbnb vs long-term rental yield comparison favors LTR in 2026 because:
- Insurance costs. The NAIC reports STR insurance premiums running 2-3x standard landlord insurance
- Regulation risk. Over 200 US cities added STR restrictions since 2024. Bans in NYC, LA, and San Francisco eliminated entire markets
- Management overhead. STR management costs 20-25% vs 8-12% for LTR per the NAA
See the full STR market data on our Airbnb market analyzer. For the middle ground, read about why mid-term rentals are winning.