AirDNA has released its 2026 Best Places to Invest in Short-Term Rentals report, spotlighting the top U.S. markets for vacation rental investment based on its proprietary BPTI Score. The ranking favors affordable, high-yield locations with year-round demand—many of which fall outside traditional vacation hotspots. Leading the list is Port Arthur, TX, followed by Abilene, TX, and Downtown Saint Paul, MN. Across the Top 10, home prices average $296,000, with annual revenue potential exceeding $40,000 and yields approaching 14%. The report also introduces new filters for buyers based on budget and demand drivers like military bases, universities, and national parks.

2026 is one of the strongest environments we’ve seen for short-term rental investment in recent years. This report lays out the framework to identify the best opportunities, and investors can apply the same approach within AirDNA to evaluate deals at a more granular level.

AirDNA’s 2026 report ranks top U.S. short-term rental investment markets, with Port Arthur, TX leading and affordability driving high returns.

AirDNA highlights strongest US vacation rental investment locations

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