Airbnb market data · 202512 months to April 2025
Soweto, South Africa Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in Soweto brought in R 42,570 over the 12 months through April 2025, across just 21 active listings, so a single property can move that figure.
AirROI's latest figures for Soweto run through April 2025.
The short answer
Soweto Airbnb Market at a Glance
Listings averaged R 792 a night and were booked on 20% of available nights.
Timing matters: in May, the best month, the average listing earned about 2.2 times as much as in February, the slowest. With only 21 active listings, a few bookings can reorder the months.
With 21 active listings, Soweto is the 26th-largest of 28 Gauteng markets AirROI tracks.
Browse the live Soweto Airbnb market See Every Soweto ListingRevenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Soweto?
Gross bookings per Soweto listing averaged R 42,570 over the 12 months to April 2025 (Gauteng average: R 99,804), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
The average Soweto listing brought in R 23,400 in May, its best month, and R 10,500 in February, its slowest. The three strongest months bring in 34% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
Across Soweto's 21 active listings, monthly revenue by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn R 32,900+ a month, about 3.3 times the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn R 17,700 or more, roughly R 7,600 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about R 10,100 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn R 6,190 or less, about 61% 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.
May earned about 2.2 times what February did
Average revenue per active listing, by month
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, R 16,100. Dashed: April left out, as the latest month's data looks incomplete.
Soweto Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the April 2025 data.
May led on revenue. Nightly rates peaked in December and bookings in October, so the best-paying month is not always the busiest or the priciest.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | Booking Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | R 23,388 | 61.3% | R 594 | – |
| Jun 2024 | R 22,153 | 20.0% | R 599 | 100 days |
| Jul 2024 | R 13,304 | 25.8% | R 614 | 44 days |
| Aug 2024 | R 18,416 | 14.0% | R 610 | 3 days |
| Sep 2024 | R 18,428 | 13.3% | R 607 | 7 days |
| Oct 2024 | R 17,065 | 65.4% | R 610 | 9 days |
| Nov 2024 | R 17,046 | 51.7% | R 610 | 2 days |
| Dec 2024 | R 13,449 | 27.4% | R 736 | 5 days |
| Jan 2025 | R 12,185 | 32.8% | R 663 | 5 days |
| Feb 2025 | R 10,523 | 15.7% | R 653 | 7 days |
| Mar 2025 | R 11,537 | 21.8% | R 652 | 16 days |
| Apr 2025* | R 8,898 | 18.9% | R 650 | 15 days |
Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in for stays in that month. *Apr 2025 is the latest month and looks incomplete: its occupancy sits well below the calendar months either side of it, as the latest month often does before late bookings are recorded. It may be revised and is not counted as a best or worst month.
Location, size and how a home is run move its income far more than a city average shows. For a range on one Soweto address, run it through the short-term rental calculator.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in Soweto Profitable?
Yes, as extra income from a home or room you already have. The average Soweto Airbnb took in R 42,570 in the 12 months to April 2025, counting listings open only part of the year, and a listing in the top quarter, run by its owner at everyday costs, keeps about R 4,600 a month after running costs.
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.
Soweto Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Gross bookings | R 42,570 | R 74,950 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's fee15.5% of bookings, Airbnb's standard host-only fee | −R 6,600 | −R 11,620 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −R 2,130 | −R 3,750 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −R 850 | −R 1,500 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −R 1,280 | −R 2,250 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −R 430 | −R 430 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −R 210 | −R 210 |
| 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 27% of bookings | −R 11,500 | −R 19,760 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | R 31,070about R 2,590 a month | R 55,190about R 4,600 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, building or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own Soweto Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from Soweto'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 Soweto 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 Soweto's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Soweto listings are booked on 45% or more of their nights, against 20% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of R 430 adds about R 4,290 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge R 715 a night or more, against a median of R 430. 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 4,260 a year.
- Open for the busy months. May brought the average listing about R 23,400, against R 10,500 in February, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
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 6,250 a month, against R 3,550 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Soweto?
Soweto listings were booked on 20% of the nights they were open over the past year, 12 percentage points below the Gauteng average (32%) and 15 points below the South Africa average (35%). Occupancy swings from 13% in September to 65% in October.
Across Soweto's 21 active listings, the share of open nights booked by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 52%+ of open nights, 32 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 45% or more, roughly three nights a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 20% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 10% or less, less than one night a week.
October was the busiest month in Soweto, September the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month
Dashed: April data incomplete. The 12-month rate of 20% 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 Soweto?
The average nightly rate in Soweto, known as ADR (average daily rate), was R 792 over the past year, about 39% below the Gauteng average of R 1,305 and about 69% below the South Africa average of R 2,565. Averaged month by month, rates peak in December at about R 735 and bottom out in May and June at about R 595.
Across Soweto's 21 active listings, nightly rates by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge R 1,355+ a night, about 3.2 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge R 715 or more, about R 290 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about R 430 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge R 325 or less, about three-quarters of the median.
December rates ran 24% above May's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, R 632. Dashed: April data incomplete. The 12-month ADR of R 792 averages each listing's own rate across its whole year; the monthly points average listings month by month, so the two differ.
Seasonality
Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in Soweto
With only 21 active listings, the monthly pattern in Soweto is noisy, since a few long or pricey stays can lift a month; revenue peaked in May and bottomed out in February.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Soweto?
Guests book Soweto stays 16 days ahead on average (about two weeks), so many trips are booked close to arrival. June stays are booked furthest out, about 100 days ahead, and November stays closest to arrival, about 2 days. A typical June booking is made in early March.
June stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay
Dashed: April data incomplete. The 12-month figure of 16 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 Soweto
None of the 21 active listings in Soweto 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 Soweto.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Soweto
AirROI's area guide picks eight Soweto neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Vilakazi Street, Soweto Towers and Orlando West. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vilakazi Street | Famous for being the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, this street attracts tourists seeking to learn about South Africa's history and culture. | Mandela House, Tutu's House, Vilakazi Street Precinct, Soweto Bicycle Tours |
| Soweto Towers | An iconic landmark in Soweto, offering adventure sports like bungee jumping and a unique view of the city. | Bungee jumping, Cable Car, Viewing deck, Soweto Towers events |
| Orlando West | A vibrant area in Soweto known for its cultural significance and community spirit, making it ideal for cultural tourism. | Orlando Stadium, Walter Sisulu Square, Local markets, Community events |
| Diepkloof | A suburb with a rich heritage and a growing commercial area, suitable for travelers looking to experience local life. | Shopping centers, Local eateries, Diepkloof's lively atmosphere |
| Maponya Mall | A modern shopping center that attracts both locals and visitors, ideal for Airbnb hosts targeting shoppers. | Shopping, Dining, Entertainment options, Cinemas |
| Kliptown | Known for the Kliptown Youth Program and its historical significance, this area attracts educational travelers and social activists. | Kliptown Youth Program, Kliptown Open Air Museum, Community projects |
| Thokoza Park | A scenic park that is family-friendly and popular among locals, suitable for guests looking to relax outdoors. | Picnic areas, Walking trails, Children's play areas, Outdoor events |
| Soweto Heritage Walks | Organized tours that showcase the rich history of Soweto, attracting history enthusiasts and families. | Heritage tours, Cultural experiences, Local guides |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Nearby markets
Soweto vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets
Of the eight nearby markets in the table, all within 27 km, Rosebank (18 km away) earned the most per listing, about 3.4 times as much as Soweto.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg South 14 km | 76 | R 55,235 | R 961 | 25% |
| Roodepoort 15 km | 287 | R 67,325 | R 1,052 | 31% |
| Johannesburg 17 km | 1,572 | R 85,411 | R 1,095 | 33% |
| Rosebank 18 km | 534 | R 143,892 | R 1,584 | 36% |
| Alberton 22 km | 79 | R 57,653 | R 885 | 29% |
| Randburg 23 km | 766 | R 119,066 | R 1,278 | 34% |
| Sandton 25 km | 1,852 | R 125,657 | R 1,503 | 35% |
| Germiston 27 km | 135 | R 50,912 | R 1,154 | 25% |
Other Airbnb Markets in Gauteng
- Pretoria Airbnb data 1,580 listings
- Midrand Airbnb data 798 listings
- Centurion Airbnb data 251 listings
- Kempton Park Airbnb data 167 listings
- Boksburg Airbnb data 159 listings
- Mogale City Local Municipality Airbnb data 145 listings
See all 28 Gauteng Airbnb markets
Markets Similar to Soweto
Markets elsewhere in South Africa with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to Soweto:
- Sol Plaatje Local Municipality Airbnb data South Africa · R 943/night · 23.1%
FAQ
Soweto Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Soweto?
An active Soweto Airbnb grossed R 42,570 on average in the 12 months to April 2025, according to AirROI's tracking of 21 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in R 17,700 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in Soweto?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Soweto listings earn between R 6,190 and R 17,700 in a typical month, and the top tenth R 32,900 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 Soweto?
Listings in Soweto were booked on 20% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 32% for the Gauteng average. October was the busiest month.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Soweto?
The average booked night in Soweto cost R 792 before fees. Half of listings charge between R 325 and R 715; a few high-priced homes pull the average above that range.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Soweto?
None of the active Soweto 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 Soweto?
It can be, as extra income from a home or room you already have. The average Soweto Airbnb grossed R 42,570 in the 12 months to April 2025, 57% below the Gauteng average of R 99,804, though with only 21 active listings a single property can move that figure, counting listings open only part of the year, and a listing at the top-quarter mark, run by its owner with everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, keeps about R 4,600 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb calculator.
When is Airbnb peak season in Soweto?
May paid best over the past year, at R 23,400 per active listing, and February paid least. The month-by-month table above shows how rates and bookings each move.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Soweto?
Soweto stays were booked 16 days (about two weeks) before arrival on average over the past year, so a listing can still fill close to the date.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Soweto?
Vilakazi Street, Soweto Towers and Orlando West draw the most short-term rental interest in Soweto. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in Soweto?
AirROI counted 21 active Airbnb listings in Soweto as of April 2025. The closest tracked market is Johannesburg South, 14 km away.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 21 active Airbnb listings in Soweto from May 2024 to April 2025 (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 November 2025 to October 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.