Suburban Sanctuary Entire home · 3 bedrooms Rated 4.95 - Revenue
- R 456,686
- Occupancy
- 52.3%
- Daily rate
- R 2,312
Prices in
Airbnb market data · 202612 months to September 2026
East London, South Africa Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in East London brought in R 56,877 over the 12 months through September 2026, about 53% less than the Eastern Cape average of R 121,368.
The short answer
East London Airbnb Market at a Glance
Rates and bookings both trail the Eastern Cape average. Listings averaged R 1,162 a night and were booked on 24% of available nights, against R 1,810 and 29% for the Eastern Cape average.
Timing matters: in December, usually the best month, the average listing earns about twice as much as in September, usually the slowest.
With 523 active listings, East London is the third-largest of 28 Eastern Cape markets AirROI tracks. From a year earlier, average revenue rose 4% while the number of active listings grew 43%.
Browse the live East London Airbnb market
See Every East London Listing
Revenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in East London?
Gross bookings per East London listing averaged R 56,877 over the 12 months to September 2026 (Eastern Cape average: R 121,368), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
In a typical year, the average East London listing brings in R 12,900 in December, its best month, and R 6,510 in September, its slowest. February runs within 2% of September, so either can be the slowest in a given year. The three strongest months bring in 32% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
In a typical month, a top-quarter listing earns at least 4.1 times as much as a bottom-quarter one.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn R 18,500+ a month, about 3.4 times the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn R 10,500 or more, roughly R 5,100 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about R 5,400 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn R 2,520 or less, about half of the median.
These are monthly figures for listings active in each month. The annual average above also counts listings that operated for only part of the year, so it runs below twelve times these figures.
December earns about twice what September does
Average revenue per active listing, by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average R 13,100 R 5,770
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, R 8,070. Each point is one month as recorded, averaged over the listings active in it. The best and slowest months in the text average each calendar month over the past two years, so they can differ from the highest and lowest points here.
East London Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the September 2026 data. September's figures are still coming in, so the rows run to August.
December 2025 led on revenue and bookings; nightly rates peaked in July 2026.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | RevPAR | Booking Lead Time | Avg. Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | R 5,979 | 24.0% | R 1,075 | R 199 | 29 days | 3.7 nights |
| Oct 2025 | R 7,411 | 27.3% | R 1,081 | R 239 | 38 days | 3 nights |
| Nov 2025 | R 6,936 | 25.7% | R 1,083 | R 231 | 40 days | 3.5 nights |
| Dec 2025 | R 13,144 | 35.0% | R 1,138 | R 424 | 53 days | 4.1 nights |
| Jan 2026 | R 6,563 | 19.7% | R 1,122 | R 212 | 35 days | 3.8 nights |
| Feb 2026 | R 6,404 | 24.6% | R 1,091 | R 229 | 21 days | 3.7 nights |
| Mar 2026 | R 7,918 | 26.8% | R 1,111 | R 255 | 21 days | 3.6 nights |
| Apr 2026 | R 8,143 | 26.3% | R 1,132 | R 271 | 32 days | 3.4 nights |
| May 2026 | R 8,440 | 25.0% | R 1,214 | R 272 | 22 days | 3.6 nights |
| Jun 2026 | R 10,199 | 26.7% | R 1,217 | R 340 | 18 days | 4 nights |
| Jul 2026 | R 12,175 | 27.7% | R 1,232 | R 393 | 27 days | 4.3 nights |
| Aug 2026 | R 7,998 | 22.9% | R 1,232 | R 258 | 24 days | 2.9 nights |
Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month of the 12. RevPAR is the month's revenue spread over its nights, booked or not. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in, and length of stay the nights per booking, for stays in that month.
For a figure on one home rather than the whole East London market, enter its address and size in the free Airbnb calculator, which compares it with similar listings nearby.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in East London Profitable?
Yes, when it's run well. The average East London Airbnb took in R 56,877 in the 12 months to September 2026, an average that counts every active listing, including those open only part of the year. A listing in the top quarter took in about R 110,410, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about R 6,780 a month of that is left after running costs, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes money.
These amounts come before housing costs. Where the mortgage or rent is less each month, the difference is profit; a home owned outright keeps it all after property tax, home insurance and any building or condo fees.
East London Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Nightly bookings | R 55,147 | R 107,050 |
| Cleaning fees guests pay3% of East London bookings | R 1,730 | R 3,360 |
| Gross bookings | R 56,877 | R 110,410 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's feeAbout 13%: 15.5% for the 76% of East London listings on Simplified Pricing, 3% for the rest | −R 7,130 | −R 13,840 |
| Cleaning and laundryPaid for by the cleaning fee; R 0 if you clean yourself | −R 1,730 | −R 3,360 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −R 2,840 | −R 5,520 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −R 1,140 | −R 2,210 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −R 1,710 | −R 3,310 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −R 570 | −R 570 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −R 280 | −R 280 |
| ManagementR 0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookings | R 0 | R 0 |
| Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are free | R 0 | R 0 |
| Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed on | R 0 | R 0 |
| Total running costsAbout 24% of bookings, plus cleaning paid for by the cleaning fee | −R 15,400 | −R 29,090 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | R 41,477about R 3,460 a month | R 81,320about R 6,780 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, building or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own East London Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from East London's average listing, run by its owner. Change how the listing performs, who runs it and who cleans to see what is left for the mortgage or rent.
To work out the profit on one East London home, with its price, its mortgage or rent and your own costs, use the Airbnb profit calculator. It starts from the comparable listings around the address.
How East London's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of East London listings are booked on 36% or more of their nights, against 20% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of R 825 adds about R 8,240 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge R 1,165 a night or more, against a median of R 825. That is a separate ranking from the busiest quarter, so the two marks don't multiply into one listing's takings. For the average listing, a 10% higher rate on the nights it already books adds about R 5,510 a year.
- Open for the busy months. In a typical year, December brings the average listing about R 12,900, against R 6,510 in September, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
- Reviews that stand out. East London listings average 4.72 stars, and 22% carry Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge, which guests can filter for.
What a listing keeps comes down to the figures this page measures: nightly rate, nights booked and the months it's open. A listing at the top-quarter mark takes in about R 9,200 a month, against R 4,740 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in East London?
East London listings were booked on 24% of the nights they were open over the past year, 5 percentage points below the Eastern Cape average (29%) and 11 points below the South Africa average (35%). In a typical year, occupancy climbs to 37% in December and falls to 21% in January.
The busiest tenth of listings are booked about 6.2 times as often as the bottom quarter.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 58%+ of open nights, 38 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 36% or more, roughly two and a half nights a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 20% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 9% or less, less than one night a week.
December is usually the busiest month in East London, January the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average 27% 40% 20%
The 12-month rate of 24% averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Nightly rates
How Much Does an Airbnb Cost per Night in East London?
The average nightly rate in East London, known as ADR (average daily rate), was R 1,162 over the past year, about 36% below the Eastern Cape average of R 1,810 and about 52% below the South Africa average of R 2,425. Averaged month by month over the past two years, rates peak in July and August at about R 1,155 and bottom out in September and October at about R 1,025.
The top 10% charge about three times the rate of the bottom quarter.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge R 1,895+ a night, about 2.3 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge R 1,165 or more, about R 340 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about R 825 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge R 645 or less, about three-quarters of the median.
August rates run 13% above September's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average R 1,230 R 971
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, R 1,090. The 12-month ADR of R 1,162 averages each listing's own rate across its whole year; the monthly points average listings month by month, so the two differ.
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in East London?
RevPAR, or revenue per available night, divides a listing's income by every night it was open to book, so it rises with both price and bookings. In East London it averaged R 273 over the past year, from about R 217 in a typical September to about R 416 in a typical December.
Per open night, by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn R 525+ per open night, about 2.9 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn R 303 or more, about R 120 a night above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about R 181 per open night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn R 111 or less, about 61% of the median.
December RevPAR is about twice September's
Revenue per open night (RevPAR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average R 424 R 186
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, R 265.
Seasonality
Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in East London
East London has two high seasons, July and December, which makes it a moderately seasonal market.
Average revenue by month in East London
Average revenue per active listing, each calendar month averaged over the past two years
Monthly average R 12,900 R 6,510
The dashed line is the average of the 12 calendar months, R 8,070.
Revenue by month in East London in numbers
| Month | Season | Revenue per listing |
|---|---|---|
| January | Low season | R 6,940 |
| February | Low season | R 6,600 |
| March | Shoulder season | R 8,070 |
| April | Shoulder season | R 7,950 |
| May | Low season | R 7,100 |
| June | Shoulder season | R 8,620 |
| July | High season | R 9,540 |
| August | Low season | R 7,120 |
| September | Low season | R 6,510 |
| October | Shoulder season | R 7,740 |
| November | Shoulder season | R 7,760 |
| December | High season | R 12,900 |
| Season | Revenue per month | Occupancy | Nightly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| High seasonDecember | R 12,900 | 37% | R 1,087 |
| High seasonJuly | R 9,540 | 27% | R 1,153 |
| Shoulder seasonMarch–April, June, October–November | R 8,030 | 27% | R 1,074 |
| Low seasonJanuary–February, May, August–September | R 6,850 | 24% | R 1,091 |
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in East London?
Guests book East London stays 33 days ahead on average (about five weeks). December stays are booked furthest out, about 55 days ahead, and June stays closest to arrival, about 17 days. A typical December booking is made in late October.
December stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average 28 days 56 days 16 days
The 12-month figure of 33 days averages each listing's year as a whole; each month here averages only the listings with stays in it.
Permits
Airbnb Permits and Registration in East London
None of the 523 active listings in East London display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply: some places don't ask hosts to show a number on the listing, and listing data doesn't capture every scheme.
Registration, permit, zoning and tourist-tax rules vary by address and change often, so confirm them with the local authority before buying or listing in East London.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in East London
AirROI's area guide picks eight East London neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Grahamstown, East London Central and Beacon Bay. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.
| Area | Who it suits | Landmarks nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Grahamstown | A charming historic town known for its cultural festivals and educational institutions. Ideal for visitors attending the National Arts Festival and Rhodes University events. | National Arts Festival, Rhodes University, Grahamstown Cathedral, The Owl House, Fort Selwyn |
| East London Central | The heart of East London with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Perfect for travelers looking for convenience and local experiences. | East London Museum, Jan Smuts Stadium, Orient Beach, Boardwalk Mall, East London Harbor |
| Beacon Bay | A suburban area with scenic river views and popular beaches. Attracts families and beach lovers looking for a relaxed atmosphere. | Nahoon Beach, Beacon Bay Retail Park, Hemingway's Mall, Buffalo River, Eagle's Nest |
| Southernwood | A vibrant suburb close to the city center with many educational institutions and a youthful vibe. Popular with students and budget travelers. | Buffalo City Stadium, City Hall, City Centre Markets, Southernwood Community Park, St. James Church |
| Bunkers Hill | A tranquil residential area with close proximity to the beach. Ideal for guests seeking quiet and comfort near the ocean. | Bunkers Hill Golf Club, Nahoon Beach, Gonubie Beach, The Cove, East London Zoo |
| Cintsa | A coastal village near East London known for its stunning beaches and outdoor activities. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. | Cintsa Beach, Cintsa River, Wild Coast Sun, Kayaking opportunities, Hiking trails |
| Willowbrook | A suburban area that provides a peaceful retreat while being close to East London attractions. Great for families and longer stays. | Willowbrook Villas, Outdoor Markets, Bushy Park, Local eateries, Community parks |
| Scenery Park | An emerging area that showcases local culture and community spirit. Ideal for travelers looking for an authentic experience. | Scenery Park Community Centre, Local artisan shops, Cultural festivals, Buffalo City Park, Nature walks |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Listings
East London Airbnb Listings by Type and Size
East London is a room-rental market as much as a whole-home one: private rooms account for 44% of listings, against 56% for entire homes. Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs (34%) and apartments or condos (33%) split the stock almost evenly.
Private rooms are a large share of supply
East London Airbnb listings by room type
- Entire home 56%
- Private room 44%
- Shared room <1%
Room types in numbers
| Room type | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Entire home | 56.0% | 293 |
| Private room | 43.8% | 229 |
| Shared room | 0.2% | 1 |
Hotels and B&Bs and apartments split the stock
East London Airbnb listings by property type
- Hotel/Boutique 34%
- Apartment/Condo 33%
- House 23%
- Others 7%
- Cabin/Outdoor 2%
- Unique stay <1%
Property types in numbers
| Property type | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel/Boutique | 34.4% | 180 |
| Apartment/Condo | 32.9% | 172 |
| House | 22.8% | 119 |
| Others | 7.5% | 39 |
| Cabin/Outdoor | 2.3% | 12 |
| Unique stay | 0.2% | 1 |
How Many Bedrooms Do Airbnb Listings in East London Have?
One-bedroom homes are the most common size in East London (54% of entire homes), followed by two-bedroom homes (22%). Shares are of the 288 entire homes that give a bedroom count; rented rooms are left out.
East London entire homes by number of bedrooms
Entire homes with each number of bedrooms, of those with a bedroom count on file
4%
54%
22%
14%
3%
3%
Bedroom counts in numbers
| Bedrooms | Share of entire homes with a bedroom count | Entire homes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 4.2% | 12 |
| 1 bedroom | 53.8% | 155 |
| 2 bedrooms | 21.5% | 62 |
| 3 bedrooms | 13.9% | 40 |
| 4 bedrooms | 3.5% | 10 |
| 5+ bedrooms | 3.1% | 9 |
What Each Home Size Earns in East London
A typical studio in East London earned R 32,800 over the past year, against R 135,000 for a four-bedroom home.
| Home size | Listings | Typical annual revenue (median) | Average annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 12 | R 32,800 | R 63,500 | R 769 | 28% |
| 1 bedroom | 155 | R 41,500 | R 54,100 | R 794 | 28% |
| 2 bedrooms | 62 | R 52,400 | R 74,400 | R 1,116 | 27% |
| 3 bedrooms | 40 | R 76,300 | R 102,000 | R 1,926 | 28% |
| 4 bedrooms | 10 | R 135,000 | R 156,000 | R 2,919 | 27% |
How Many Guests Do Airbnbs in East London Sleep?
Most East London listings are sized for couples and small families: 82% sleep four guests or fewer, and just 5% take eight or more. Shares are of the 412 listings with a guest capacity on file (79% of the market).
East London listings by guest capacity
Share of listings by the number of guests they sleep, of those with a capacity on file
<1%
60%
5%
16%
3%
9%
1%
5%
Guest capacity in numbers
| Guest capacity | Share of listings with a capacity on file | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 guest | 0.5% | 2 |
| 2 guests | 60.4% | 249 |
| 3 guests | 4.9% | 20 |
| 4 guests | 16.0% | 66 |
| 5 guests | 2.9% | 12 |
| 6 guests | 9.2% | 38 |
| 7 guests | 1.2% | 5 |
| 8+ guests | 4.9% | 20 |
How East London Airbnb Listings Are Set Up
East London hosts set up an average of 1.9 beds per listing, close to one bed per bedroom. About three in ten listings (29%) show their exact location on the listing map; the rest show an approximate area.
- Photos per listing
- 11
- Beds per listing
- 1.9
- Show exact location
- 29%
What Amenities Do Airbnb Listings in East London Offer?
Free on-site parking is close to standard in East London: 96% of listings offer it, and 67% have a dedicated workspace. Only 69% of listings offer a kitchen.
Share of East London listings with each common amenity
Airbnb Amenities Linked to Higher Revenue in East London
Listings in East London with beach essentials earned about 2.6 times as much a year, on average, as those without: R 139,000 against R 54,100. The gap is smaller for a sound system (about 2.3 times as much) and an elevator (about 65% more). Bigger, professionally run homes tend to carry more amenities, so these gaps reflect the kind of listing as much as the feature itself.
Revenue gap for East London listings with each amenity
How much more listings with the amenity earned in a year than those without, and the share of listings that have it
Revenue by amenity in numbers
| Amenity | Listings with it | Avg. revenue with | Avg. revenue without | Revenue gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beach essentials | 3% | R 139,000 | R 54,100 | +157% |
| Sound system | 3% | R 126,000 | R 54,500 | +132% |
| Elevator | 5% | R 91,800 | R 55,000 | +67% |
| BBQ grill | 54% | R 69,800 | R 41,900 | +67% |
| Outdoor shower | 2% | R 92,000 | R 56,100 | +64% |
| Keypad | 3% | R 90,900 | R 55,800 | +63% |
| Indoor fireplace | 7% | R 86,600 | R 54,500 | +59% |
| Self check-in | 38% | R 73,100 | R 47,100 | +55% |
| Patio or balcony | 37% | R 73,200 | R 47,100 | +55% |
| Outdoor playground | 2% | R 83,300 | R 56,300 | +48% |
Guests
Who Books Airbnbs in East London?
East London draws mostly domestic guests: 87% of those who left reviews live in South Africa. Cape Town alone accounts for 12% of reviews. Of the 13% from abroad, the largest groups come from Germany and the United Kingdom. Guests speak a mix of languages: English leads at 57%, followed by Xhosa and Afrikaans.
87% of East London guests are domestic
Where guests who left reviews live
- Domestic 87%
- International 13%
Where East London guests come from: top cities
Share of guests who left reviews
Top origin cities in numbers
| Origin city | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| Cape Town | 12.1% |
| Johannesburg | 9.7% |
| East London | 8.3% |
| Port Elizabeth | 6.3% |
| Gqeberha | 6.3% |
Where East London guests come from: top countries
Share of guests who left reviews
Top origin countries in numbers
| Origin country | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 86.9% |
| Germany | 2.6% |
| United Kingdom | 2.5% |
| United States | 1.9% |
| Australia | 1.2% |
Languages spoken by East London guests
Share of guests who left reviews
Top languages in numbers
| Language | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| English | 57.4% |
| Xhosa | 12.5% |
| Afrikaans | 11.9% |
| Zulu | 6.1% |
| German | 3.2% |
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in East London?
East London Airbnbs average 4.72 stars, and 22% of listings hold Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge. The category scores are tightly bunched, and value for money is the lowest, at 4.75.
Communication and check-in score highest in East London; value is lowest
Average guest rating out of 5 by category; the bars start at 4.0
Category scores in numbers
| Category | Average rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | 4.76 |
| Cleanliness | 4.78 |
| Communication | 4.80 |
| Location | 4.79 |
| Check-in | 4.80 |
| Value | 4.75 |
Booking patterns
How Guests Book in East London: Stays, Rules and Fees
Nearly all East London listings are open to guests more than 180 days a year, but only 4% are booked or blocked that many days. The most common booked-or-blocked total is 1 to 30 days a year, covering 47% of listings; blocked nights include any the host closes off.
Days a year East London listings are open to guests
Share of listings by days a year
- 271-366 days 81%
- 181-270 days 16%
- 91-180 days 3%
- 31-90 days <1%
Open days in numbers
| Days a year | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 271-366 days | 80.7% | 422 |
| 181-270 days | 16.1% | 84 |
| 91-180 days | 2.9% | 15 |
| 31-90 days | 0.4% | 2 |
Days a year East London listings are booked or blocked
Share of listings by days a year
- 271-366 days <1%
- 181-270 days 3%
- 91-180 days 17%
- 31-90 days 33%
- 1-30 days 47%
Booked or blocked days in numbers
| Days a year | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 271-366 days | 0.4% | 2 |
| 181-270 days | 3.3% | 17 |
| 91-180 days | 16.6% | 87 |
| 31-90 days | 33.1% | 173 |
| 1-30 days | 46.7% | 244 |
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in East London?
The average East London booking lasts 4 nights, longest in December and shortest in August. Listings took about 12 bookings each over the year, some 6,120 in all. More than six in ten listings that give a check-in time set it at 2 p.m., with check-out usually at 10 a.m.
Average length of stay by month in East London
Average nights per booking, by month of stay
Average 3.6 nights 4 nights 2.9 nights
Two-year average by calendar month.
East London Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements
Nearly all listings in East London accept stays of one or two nights.
Minimum stay set by East London listings
Share of listings by the shortest stay they accept, from one night to 30 or more
What Cancellation Policies Do Airbnb Hosts Use in East London?
Flexible is the most common cancellation policy in East London, used by 46% of listings; it refunds guests in full if they cancel at least a day before check-in. Hosts here lean flexible: nearly two-thirds of listings offer Flexible or Moderate terms, against 33% on Firm or stricter ones.
Cancellation policies of East London listings, from most to least flexible
Share of listings by the policy they use
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in East London?
More than four in ten East London listings charge a cleaning fee. Fees here tend to be small: for listings that charge one, cleaning fees make up only about 3% of gross revenue.
- Listings charging a fee
- 43.2%
- Share of gross revenue
- 3.0%
Top earners
Top-Earning Airbnbs and Hosts in East London
The top-grossing listing, a private room at R 45,685 a night (about 24 times the R 1,895 that puts a listing in the top 10% here), is left out below: a price like that usually means it covers several rooms or units, or that it is misrecorded. Leaving it out, the top earner in East London, a three-bedroom home, took in R 457,000 over the past year, about 8 times the city's average of R 56,900.
Suburban Sanctuary Entire home · 3 bedrooms Rated 4.95 
The Nathaniel Main House - 8 Sleeper Private room · 4 bedrooms Rated 4.42 - Revenue
- R 425,367
- Occupancy
- 33.8%
- Daily rate
- R 3,434
Modern home, ideal for family stay Entire home · 3 bedrooms Rated 4.94 - Revenue
- R 411,157
- Occupancy
- 42.6%
- Daily rate
- R 2,958
Strandhaus Room 1
Your room with a view Private room · 1 bedroom Rated 4.73 - Revenue
- R 381,113
- Occupancy
- 52.1%
- Daily rate
- R 1,645
German Bay Lodge - Seaside Splendour Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 5.00 - Revenue
- R 367,581
- Occupancy
- 23.5%
- Daily rate
- R 5,870
Arbor Ease | Family Fun Haven Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 4.73 - Revenue
- R 340,188
- Occupancy
- 47.6%
- Daily rate
- R 4,718
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in East London?
Pauline is the top-grossing host in East London, with R 1.93 million in bookings across 46 listings over the past year. Together, the ten top-grossing hosts run 20% of the market's 523 listings. Per listing, a smaller operator earns more: Sheree grossed R 121,000 per listing, about 2.9 times Pauline's R 42,000.
| # | Host | Listings | Gross revenue | Per listing | Avg. rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pauline | 46 | R 1,930,623 | R 41,970 | 4.57/5 | |
| Mark | 10 | R 937,205 | R 93,721 | 4.78/5 | |
| Carike Gouws | 8 | R 797,238 | R 99,655 | 4.70/5 | |
| 4 | Carin | 9 | R 724,232 | R 80,470 | 4.70/5 |
| 5 | Siya | 1 | R 675,920 | R 675,920 | 4.67/5 |
| 6 | Liam | 9 | R 632,792 | R 70,310 | 4.94/5 |
| 7 | Sheree | 5 | R 606,905 | R 121,381 | 4.84/5 |
| 8 | Buhle | 7 | R 575,454 | R 82,208 | 4.67/5 |
| 9 | Lucia | 8 | R 541,021 | R 67,628 | 4.60/5 |
| 10 | Samkelo | 1 | R 456,686 | R 456,686 | 4.95/5 |
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in East London?
Only 6% of East London listings are classed as professionally managed, though 27% of listings have a co-host. Superhosts run 31% of listings. Airbnb's Simplified Pricing, where the host pays the whole service fee and guests see one price with no separate Airbnb charge, covers 76% of listings.
- Superhosts
- 31.0%
- Professional management
- 5.5%
- Cohosted listings
- 26.6%
- Instant Book enabled
- 45.3%
- Simplified Pricing
- 76.3%
Nearby markets
East London vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets
Of the two nearby markets in the table, all within 37 km, Great Kei Local Municipality (37 km away) earned the most per listing, about 2.4 times as much as East London. Gonubie was the busiest, booked on 28% of nights against 24% in East London.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonubie 10 km | 82 | R 109,609 | R 1,501 | 28% |
| Great Kei Local Municipality 37 km | 137 | R 133,806 | R 2,170 | 26% |
Other Airbnb Markets in Eastern Cape
- Gqeberha Airbnb data 893 listings
- Kouga Local Municipality Airbnb data 847 listings
- Ndlambe Local Municipality Airbnb data 326 listings
- Port Elizabeth Airbnb data 322 listings
- Camdeboo Local Municipality Airbnb data 222 listings
- Jeffreys Bay Airbnb data 154 listings
- Kou-Kamma Local Municipality Airbnb data 105 listings
- Saint Francis Bay Airbnb data 91 listings
See all 28 Eastern Cape Airbnb markets
Markets Similar to East London
Markets elsewhere in South Africa with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to East London:
- Tlokwe Local Municipality Airbnb data South Africa · R 1,193/night · 26.3%
- Germiston Airbnb data South Africa · R 1,072/night · 25.2%
- Beaufort West Local Municipality Airbnb data South Africa · R 1,011/night · 22.0%
- Pretoria Airbnb data South Africa · R 1,151/night · 29.3%
- Midrand Airbnb data South Africa · R 1,234/night · 28.8%
- Kingsburgh Airbnb data South Africa · R 1,393/night · 27.1%
FAQ
East London Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in East London?
An active East London Airbnb grossed R 56,877 on average in the 12 months to September 2026, according to AirROI's tracking of 523 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in R 10,500 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in East London?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of East London listings earn between R 2,520 and R 10,500 in a typical month, and the top tenth R 18,500 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb income calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in East London?
Listings in East London were booked on 24% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 29% for the Eastern Cape average. December is usually the busiest month.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in East London?
The average booked night in East London cost R 1,162 before fees. Half of listings charge between R 645 and R 1,165, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in East London?
None of the active East London listings display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply, so confirm registration, permit and tourist-tax rules with the local authority before buying.
Is Airbnb profitable in East London?
Yes, when it's run well. The average East London Airbnb grossed R 56,877 in the 12 months to September 2026, 53% below the Eastern Cape average of R 121,368, counting listings open only part of the year. A listing at the top-quarter mark, run by its owner with the cleaning fee covering the cleaner and everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, has about R 6,780 a month left before the mortgage or rent, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes a profit. Check a specific home in the Airbnb calculator.
When is Airbnb peak season in East London?
December usually pays best, averaging R 12,900 per active listing over the past two years, and September usually pays least. The month-by-month table above shows how the latest 12 months played out.
What is the Airbnb RevPAR in East London?
Each night a East London listing was open to book earned R 273 on average over the past year, booked or not. That figure, revenue per available night (RevPAR), folds price and occupancy into one number; the top 10% of listings made R 525 or more.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in East London?
East London stays were booked 33 days (about five weeks) before arrival on average over the past year, so most of a month is booked well before it starts.
How long do guests stay at Airbnbs in East London?
The average East London Airbnb stay lasted 4 nights over the past year. A listing took 12 reservations over the year on average.
How are Airbnbs in East London rated?
Guests rate East London Airbnbs 4.72 out of 5 on average. Guests score check-in highest and value lowest.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in East London?
Grahamstown, East London Central and Beacon Bay draw the most short-term rental interest in East London. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in East London?
AirROI counted 523 active Airbnb listings in East London as of September 2026. The closest tracked market is Gonubie, 10 km away.
How much are Airbnb cleaning fees in East London?
In East London, more than four in ten listings add a cleaning fee, and the fees tend to be small: for listings that charge one, they make up only about 3% of gross revenue.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 523 active Airbnb listings in East London from October 2025 to September 2026 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. AirROI measures bookings in US dollars; this page shows them in South African rand at R 16.6 per US$, the typical rate from October 2025 to September 2026. Annual revenue averages every listing active during the period, including those listed for only part of it; monthly figures average the listings active in each month; the tier lists show the spread. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-assisted. See the methodology for definitions.
Need this programmatically? The same metrics are available through the AirROI Airbnb Data API and bulk downloads in the data portal.