The 25 Best Short-Term Rental Markets in 2026
The top 25 of 88 fully scored U.S. markets, ranked where revenue, regulation, tourism and housing data line up.
This ranking orders U.S. short-term rental markets by the STR HUB Opportunity Score, a 0-100 screening score that weighs average annual revenue (35%), regulatory climate (25%), tourism employment (15%), nearby amenities (15%) and large-home supply (10%). Only full-basis scores are ranked here: the 88 markets where we hold revenue data, out of 176 tracked. The 86 markets scored without revenue data are left out rather than ranked on an assumption.
Top 25: best STR markets overall
| Rank | Market | State | Opportunity score | Annual revenue | Gross yield | Typical 4BR value | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DestinOkaloosa County | FL | 82 | $78K | 18.2% | $429K | 1/5 Relaxed |
| 2 | ScottsdaleMaricopa County | AZ | 77 | $91K | 16.5% | $552K | 2/5 Light-touch |
| 3 | BreckenridgeSummit County | CO | 75 | $101K | 5.1% | $2M | 3/5 Moderate |
| 4 | Park CitySummit County | UT | 74 | $105K | 4.7% | $2.3M | 4/5 Strict |
| 5 | VailEagle County | CO | 71 | $126K | 5.3% | $2.4M | 4/5 Strict |
| 6 | GatlinburgSevier County | TN | 71 | $65K | 10.0% | $653K | 1/5 Relaxed |
| 7 | Outer BanksDare County | NC | 69 | $74K | 10.4% | $714K | 2/5 Light-touch |
| 8 | OrlandoOrange County | FL | 69 | $59K | 11.5% | $514K | 2/5 Light-touch |
| 9 | SedonaCoconino County | AZ | 66 | $80K | 9.6% | $830K | 3/5 Moderate |
| 10 | CharlestonCharleston County | SC | 66 | $73K | 8.3% | $880K | 3/5 Moderate |
| 11 | Sandbridge BeachVirginia Beach city | VA | 66 | $67K | 12.8% | $523K | 2/5 Light-touch |
| 12 | Palm SpringsRiverside County | CA | 65 | $73K | 10.8% | $677K | 3/5 Moderate |
| 13 | Las VegasClark County | NV | 65 | $59K | 11.8% | $500K | 3/5 Moderate |
| 14 | Pigeon ForgeSevier County | TN | 64 | $64K | 9.8% | $653K | 2/5 Light-touch |
| 15 | Key WestMonroe County | FL | 62 | $104K | 5.4% | $1.9M | 4/5 Strict |
| 16 | Ponte Vedra BeachSt. Johns County | FL | 62 | $76K | 13.2% | $578K | 3/5 Moderate |
| 17 | NaplesCollier County | FL | 61 | $86K | 7.9% | $1.1M | 4/5 Strict |
| 18 | HonoluluHonolulu County | HI | 61 | $81K | 6.8% | $1.2M | 5/5 Very strict |
| 19 | San DiegoSan Diego County | CA | 61 | $75K | 6.6% | $1.1M | 4/5 Strict |
| 20 | NashvilleDavidson County | TN | 61 | $68K | 11.0% | $620K | 3/5 Moderate |
| 21 | Orange BeachBaldwin County | AL | 61 | $66K | 14.8% | $445K | 2/5 Light-touch |
| 22 | Ocean CityWorcester County | MD | 60 | $60K | 9.6% | $626K | 2/5 Light-touch |
| 23 | MiamiMiami-Dade County | FL | 59 | $83K | 11.4% | $728K | 4/5 Strict |
| 24 | Hilton HeadBeaufort County | SC | 59 | $78K | 9.1% | $858K | 4/5 Strict |
| 25 | Fort LauderdaleBroward County | FL | 59 | $75K | 10.4% | $720K | 3/5 Moderate |
Swipe the table sideways for more columns. Ranked by Opportunity Score (full basis). 25 of 88 fully scored markets shown.
How to read this
- The Opportunity Score (0-100) is a screening heuristic, not investment advice. It weighs revenue (35%), regulatory climate (25%), tourism employment (15%), nearby amenities (15%) and large-home supply (10%), each measured relative to the other markets we track.
- Annual revenue is the average annual gross STR revenue from STR HUB's market analytics, the same figure shown on each market page. It is gross, and an individual property can earn more or less.
- Gross yield is average annual STR revenue divided by the county's typical 4BR home value. It is before cleaning, management, utilities, taxes, insurance and financing, so it is a screening ratio, not a cash-on-cash return.
- Home values are county-wide typical values from the Zillow Home Value Index, not list prices. "Typical 4BR value" is the typical value of a 4-bedroom home in the county named under each market; a specific property can sit well above or below it.
- Regulation ratings run from 1/5 (Relaxed) to 5/5 (Very strict) and summarise the rules we hold on file. Rules change, and a city rating does not cover HOA or deed restrictions. Confirm current requirements with the local jurisdiction before you buy or list.
- An empty cell means we do not hold that figure for the market. We never estimate or interpolate a missing number.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best short-term rental market in 2026?
By STR HUB Opportunity Score, Destin, FL ranks first at 82/100, with average annual gross revenue of $78K and a regulation rating of 1/5 Relaxed. Scottsdale, AZ (77) and Breckenridge, CO (75) follow. The score is a screening heuristic, not investment advice.
Why are only some markets eligible for this ranking?
Only full-basis scores are ranked. 88 of the 176 tracked markets have revenue data and therefore a full score. The other 86 scored markets are partial: their cash-flow component is assumed below average, so they are excluded here instead of being ranked on an assumption.
Which top-25 market has the lightest regulation?
Destin, FL and Gatlinburg, TN are rated 1/5 Relaxed, the lowest strictness rating among the top 25. Rules change, so confirm locally before you buy.
Which state has the most markets on the best STR markets list?
Florida has the most, with 7 of the 25 listed markets: Destin, Orlando, Key West, Ponte Vedra Beach, Naples, Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
See these on the interactive map
Turn on the Opportunity overlay to see all scored markets at once, then open any pin for its revenue, rules and county housing data.
More rankings
State pages for the top markets here
- Florida STR markets
- Arizona STR markets
- Colorado STR markets
- Utah STR markets
- Tennessee STR markets
- North Carolina STR markets
- South Carolina STR markets
- All rankings →
Data sources
- Revenue, nightly rate, occupancy and regulation ratings: STR HUB market analytics and regulation research.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI). Data provided by Zillow Group.
- Housing and employment shares: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
- Amenity data: © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Figures come from the STR HUB national dataset dated September 21, 2026 and are refreshed whenever that dataset is rebuilt. Screening data only: not investment, legal or tax advice.
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