Top 13 Airbnb Markets in New York

From world-renowned cities to tranquil lake towns, New York state delivers a diverse landscape for short-term rental (STR) investment. Whether you’re chasing high nightly rates in downstate metro areas or strong cash-flow potential in up-and-coming upstate communities, these are the highest-ranking Airbnb markets across the Empire State according to AirDNA’s proprietary data.

What Is AirDNA’s Market Score?

Market Score is a proprietary metric that ranks how attractive a location is for STR investment. Each score is calculated based on the following five metrics:

• Investability
• Rental Demand
• Revenue Growth
• Seasonality
• Regulation

Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating stronger overall market health. In addition to an overall Market Score, each of the five metrics receives its own score on the same scale within the AirDNA app. This level of granularity is useful for Airbnb stakeholders interested in a particular aspect of market behavior.

Understanding Markets vs. Submarkets

This list includes a mix of the largest markets and submarkets, which are defined as:

• Markets refer to well-defined, often larger geographic areas like cities or metro regions.
• Submarkets are more granular locations, such as smaller towns, neighborhoods, or lakeside communities within those larger regions.

Including both allows investors to spot opportunities that may be overlooked when focusing solely on large-scale market data. A market with a mediocre score might contain submarkets with excellent performance.

Airbnb Market Overview in New York

New York’s STR landscape stretches far beyond the bright lights of Manhattan. While downstate areas continue to command premium daily rates, many upstate destinations—from the Catskills to the Finger Lakes—offer affordability, year-round outdoor recreation, and rapidly improving demand. As travelers seek nature escapes, college-town convenience, and convenient highway hubs, investors have a broad slate of options at varying price points and risk profiles.

Top 13 Airbnb Markets in New York (Ranked by Market Score)

13. New York City

Market Score: 25.30

Average Annual Revenue: $26,731

Despite strict regulations and high acquisition costs, New York City remains a magnet for international and business travelers. Investors able to navigate the compliance landscape can still capture premium ADRs, but barriers to entry and evolving rules place it at the bottom of the list for overall attractiveness.

12. Cooperstown

Market Score: 32.44

Average Annual Revenue: $44,845

Home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and scenic Otsego Lake, Cooperstown attracts steady seasonal tourism. Limited inventory and strong summer demand produce solid revenues, though off-season dips and a small market size temper its overall score.

11. Finger Lakes

Market Score: 32.66

Average Annual Revenue: $45,633

The Finger Lakes region shines for its wineries, waterfalls, and year-round outdoor activities. High summer demand and fall foliage season elevate ADRs, but wide seasonality and dispersed town centers contribute to a mid-range Market Score.

10. Ellicottville

Market Score: 37.36

Average Annual Revenue: $41,870

Known for Holiday Valley ski resort and year-round festivals, Ellicottville delivers impressive revenue potential relative to property costs. Its smaller inventory and winter-heavy seasonality keep the overall score modest but attractive to niche investors.

9. Buffalo/Niagara Falls

Market Score: 38.58

Average Annual Revenue: $30,962

This binational tourism hub benefits from Niagara Falls visitors, sports events, and renewed downtown development. Moderate regulations, affordable housing, and year-round demand bolster returns, though hotel competition slightly dampens performance.

8. Plattsburgh

Market Score: 38.93

Average Annual Revenue: $30,638

Located on Lake Champlain near the Canadian border, Plattsburgh enjoys cross-border tourism, college traffic, and Adirondack access. Low inventory keeps occupancy high, yet winter slowdowns and limited airlift weigh on its score.

7. Chautauqua Lake

Market Score: 38.98

Average Annual Revenue: $32,988

Chautauqua Lake delivers classic lake-house vacations, bolstered by the renowned Chautauqua Institution’s cultural programming. Summer ADRs are strong, though a brief peak season and rural setting create volatility in occupancy.

6. Great Valley

Market Score: 57.74

Average Annual Revenue: $46,132

Adjacent to Ellicottville, Great Valley offers larger home lots and lower purchase prices while still tapping into ski and outdoor demand. Elevated average revenues and growth potential help it outrank many peer submarkets.

5. Oneonta

Market Score: 72.27

Average Annual Revenue: $35,784

A twin-college town near Cooperstown, Oneonta benefits from academic calendars, Cooperstown All-Star Village tournaments, and regional tourism. Relatively low home prices and diversified demand give investors resilient cash flow.

4. Lower Hudson Valley

Market Score: 73.78

Average Annual Revenue: $45,486

Stretching from Westchester to the lower Catskills, the Lower Hudson Valley is a weekend playground for New York City residents. High ADRs and proximity to major transit boost revenue, while tighter regulations in certain municipalities temper its score.

3. Binghamton

Market Score: 77.19

Average Annual Revenue: $18,455

Binghamton, anchored by Binghamton University and regional healthcare, sees consistent business and academic travel. Affordable real estate and limited STR competition help generate above-average occupancy, though ADRs remain modest.

2. Utica

Market Score: 81.95

Average Annual Revenue: $25,325

Utica’s revitalizing downtown, SUNY Polytechnic presence, and proximity to the Adirondacks drive year-round bookings. Moderate home prices, improving tourism infrastructure, and relatively light regulations place it near the top of the list.

1. Delhi / Stamford

Market Score: 87.00

Average Annual Revenue: $32,464

Nestled in the western Catskills, the Delhi/Stamford submarket combines mountain scenery, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. Low saturation, affordable inventory, and growing demand from downstate weekenders give it the highest Market Score in New York.

Should You Invest in New York?

New York’s STR scene is nuanced. Downstate markets like New York City and portions of the Hudson Valley continue to command premium nightly rates but require careful navigation of regulations and higher upfront costs. Upstate, investors find lower purchase prices, lighter regulation, and strong seasonal demand anchored by outdoor recreation, universities, and regional events.

For investors seeking lower barriers to entry and balanced risk, submarkets such as Delhi/Stamford, Utica, and Oneonta offer appealing revenue potential with less competition. Meanwhile, well-known vacation areas like the Finger Lakes or Ellicottville provide robust ADRs for those comfortable with seasonality.

With a diverse array of demand drivers and property price points, New York remains an attractive—but highly localized—STR investment landscape where diligent market research and regulatory awareness are key to success.