Washington, DC · Real Estate Investment Analysis
Airbnb vs Long-Term Rental in Washington, DC
Should you Airbnb or rent your property in Washington? Compare STR vs LTR returns using real market data from 1+ properties across 1 ZIP code in Washington.
Market Recommendation
Long-Term Rental
· LTR has the edgeLong-term rental typically performs better here. STR revenue does not sufficiently offset the higher management costs relative to what long-term rents offer in this market.
Washington Rental Market Data
$4,550
Avg Monthly LTR Rent
$269
Avg Airbnb Nightly Rate
49%
Avg STR Occupancy Rate
At these averages, an Airbnb in Washington generates ~$4,007/month gross vs ~$4,550/month for long-term rental — before expenses and mortgage.
Based on 1 properties across 1 ZIP code in Washington, DC.
Quick Estimator
Adjust the inputs to estimate monthly cash flow for a property in Washington, DC. Pre-filled with Washington market averages.
Financing
Market Inputs
Long-Term Rental
-$2,266
/ month cash flow
Short-Term Rental (Airbnb)
-$4,988
/ 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.
Recently Analyzed in Washington
Analyze yours →238 Longfellow St NW
$810,000
4bd · 4ba
Frequently Asked Questions — Washington, DC
Is Airbnb profitable in Washington, DC?
Based on market data, Airbnb properties in Washington earn an average of $269 per night at 49% occupancy. That works out to roughly $4,007 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 Washington?
Long-term rental tends to be a stronger strategy in Washington given current market conditions. LTR offers more predictable income with lower operating overhead. That said, certain property types and locations in Washington can still perform well as STR. Analyze your specific property for a data-backed recommendation.
What is the average Airbnb nightly rate in Washington?
The average Airbnb daily rate (ADR) in Washington based on PropClarity's market data is approximately $269 per night. Rates vary by property size, location, amenities, and season.
What are the Airbnb regulations in Washington, DC?
Short-term rental regulations vary significantly by city and change frequently. Washington may require a business license, STR permit, or owner-occupancy requirement to operate an Airbnb. Always verify with the Washington 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