Is 2026 shaping up to be the most compelling year for short-term rental investing since the post-pandemic boom? In this episode of The STR Data Lab, AirDNA Chief Economist Jamie Lane and co-host Scott Sage break down the newly released 2026 Best Places to Invest report and explain why smart investors may finally see the odds shifting back in their favor.

After several challenging years marked by high home prices, rising interest rates, and uneven STR performance, the data is starting to tell a more optimistic story. Jamie walks through the core metrics behind AirDNA’s rankings, including investability, demand momentum, revenue growth, and regulatory viability, and explains why yield, not hype, is driving today’s best opportunities.

The result? A list that favors overlooked small and mid-sized cities, infrastructure-driven demand, and markets where affordability still creates room for returns. The conversation also explores how investors can tailor their strategy using price-tier analysis and demand drivers like universities, national parks, and major infrastructure projects.

Rather than chasing “vacation-only” destinations, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what makes a strong STR market and how to build a repeatable investment thesis using data, not instinct. You don’t want to miss this episode if you’re planning your next STR investment.

Key Takeaways

• Yield matters more than ever, especially in markets with lower home prices and steady demand.
• Small and mid-sized cities continue to outperform, driven by infrastructure, workforce, and extended-stay demand.
• Price-tier analysis unlocks opportunity, showing where returns change dramatically at different budget levels.
• Demand drivers like universities and national parks create resilient, diversified booking patterns beyond traditional vacation travel.