Houston, TX · Real Estate Investment Analysis
Airbnb vs Long-Term Rental in Houston, TX
Should you Airbnb or rent your property in Houston? Compare STR vs LTR returns using real market data from 17+ properties across 3 ZIP codes in Houston.
Market Recommendation
Short-Term Rental (Airbnb)
· STR has the edgeSTR typically outperforms long-term rental in this market, though the margin is moderate. STR investors benefit from solid Airbnb demand but should factor in management overhead.
Houston Rental Market Data
$3,200
Avg Monthly LTR Rent
$225
Avg Airbnb Nightly Rate
60%
Avg STR Occupancy Rate
At these averages, an Airbnb in Houston generates ~$4,135/month gross vs ~$3,200/month for long-term rental — before expenses and mortgage.
Based on 17 properties across 3 ZIP codes in Houston, TX.
Quick Estimator
Adjust the inputs to estimate monthly cash flow for a property in Houston, TX. Pre-filled with Houston market averages.
Financing
Market Inputs
Long-Term Rental
-$650
/ month cash flow
Short-Term Rental (Airbnb)
-$2,398
/ month cash flow
Estimates use standard assumptions: 20% down, 1.2% property tax, 1% maintenance, 10% LTR property management, 20% STR property management, 15% OTA fees, 5% LTR vacancy. For a property-specific analysis with live market data, use the full PropClarity calculator.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Houston, TX
Is Airbnb profitable in Houston, TX?
Based on market data, Airbnb properties in Houston earn an average of $225 per night at 60% occupancy. That works out to roughly $4,135 in gross monthly revenue before expenses and mortgage. Profitability depends on your purchase price, financing, and local STR regulations.
Should I Airbnb or rent my property in Houston?
For most investors in Houston, Airbnb (STR) tends to generate higher gross revenue than long-term rental — especially for well-located, well-furnished properties. However, STR comes with higher operating costs and more active management. Run a full analysis on your specific property for an accurate comparison.
What is the average Airbnb nightly rate in Houston?
The average Airbnb daily rate (ADR) in Houston based on PropClarity's market data is approximately $225 per night. Rates vary by property size, location, amenities, and season.
What are the Airbnb regulations in Houston, TX?
Short-term rental regulations vary significantly by city and change frequently. Houston may require a business license, STR permit, or owner-occupancy requirement to operate an Airbnb. Always verify with the Houston city or county government and your HOA before starting an STR. PropClarity does not provide legal or regulatory advice.
How does PropClarity calculate STR vs LTR returns?
PropClarity pulls live data from multiple sources including Zillow, RentCast, and AirDNA to estimate property-specific LTR rent, STR nightly rate, and occupancy. It then runs a full investment model including mortgage, all operating expenses, cap rate, cash-on-cash return, DSCR, and 10-year projections — on a per-property basis. The quick estimator on this page uses city market averages and simplified assumptions as an initial benchmark only.
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Market averages are estimates derived from aggregated listing and market data and do not constitute financial advice. Past performance does not guarantee future returns. Always verify local STR regulations before investing. Full disclaimer