Short-Term Rental (STR) Calculator
Analyze cash flow, cap rate, and returns for short-term rental properties (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.). Compare STR performance against long-term rental alternatives.
Local Regulation Warning
Short-term rental regulations vary widely by city, county, and HOA. Many jurisdictions require permits, impose occupancy limits, or ban STRs entirely. Always verify local rules before purchasing an STR investment property.
Property & Financing
Revenue
Occupancy assumptions are not guaranteed. Actual rates depend on location, seasonality, and competition.
e.g. Airbnb host fee (example assumption)
STR management company fee. Enter 0 if self-managing.
Expenses
Tax, insurance, utilities, cleaning, supplies, maintenance
For STR vs LTR comparison
Results
Gross Booking Revenue
$35,588
annual
Net Revenue
$25,623
after platform & mgmt fees
Annual NOI
$13,123
Annual Cash Flow
-$9,798
-$817/mo
Cap Rate
3.75%
Cash-on-Cash Return
-12.44%
Revenue Breakdown
| Gross Booking Revenue | $35,588 |
| Platform Fees (3%) | ($1,068) |
| Management Fees (25%) | ($8,897) |
| Net Revenue | $25,623 |
| Operating Expenses | ($12,500) |
| Annual NOI | $13,123 |
| Annual Debt Service | ($22,921) |
| Annual Cash Flow | -$9,798 |
STR vs Long-Term Rental Comparison
Short-Term Rental
-$9,798
Annual cash flow
Est. Long-Term Rental
-$10,341
Annual cash flow (est.)
LTR estimate uses 95% occupancy equivalent and the same operating expenses — adjust for a more accurate comparison.
How to Estimate Airbnb and Short-Term Rental ROI
Short-term rental returns depend on nightly rate, occupancy, seasonality, platform fees, cleaning costs, management fees, utilities, furnishing reserves, maintenance, and local regulation. A strong Airbnb ROI estimate should model both revenue and downtime instead of assuming every night is booked.
Use the occupancy rate and average daily rate fields to test conservative, base, and optimistic scenarios. If the deal only works at peak-season pricing, compare it against a long-term rental using the same debt service and expense assumptions.
Educational Disclaimer
All calculations are estimates for educational and planning purposes only. PropertyFlowTools.com does not provide financial, tax, legal, lending, or investment advice. Verify calculations and consult qualified professionals before making property or financing decisions.
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Last reviewed: 2026