Airbnb vs Long-Term Rental Calculator
A short-term rental can earn more per night but costs more to run. This compares the yearly net of each option. The mortgage, property tax and insurance are left out because you pay them either way.
Results
How it works
STR gross = nightly rate x 365 x occupancy. STR net = gross - platform and management fees - STR-only costs. Lease gross = rent x 12 x (1 - vacancy). Lease net = gross - management fee - lease costs. Break-even occupancy = (lease net + STR costs) / (nightly rate x 365 x (1 - fee rates)).
FAQ
Why are the mortgage and taxes left out?
They are the same under both plans, so they do not change which one earns more. Property tax or insurance that differs for STRs belongs in STR-only costs.
Are local STR rules included?
No. Check zoning, permits and caps first. For coastal South Carolina, see the SC accommodations tax pages and the STR rules tracker.
What about my time?
Self-managed STRs take hours each week. Add a management fee even if you do it yourself to compare fairly.
Track every booking and the tax you owe by town in the Keel & Charter Airbnb Host Tracker ($19)
Coastal South Carolina and Georgia hosts
Want the number after every tax and fee? The STR take-home calculator stacks state, county and town taxes for 18 coastal towns and shows which ones Airbnb remits. Rates by town: SC accommodations tax.
Related calculators
Estimates, not tax or financial advice. Check important numbers with a qualified professional.