AirROI ranking · 20268 markets ranked
Best Places to Buy an Airbnb in Western Province, Sri Lanka (2026)
Colombo is the best place to buy an Airbnb in Western Province in 2026, according to AirROI's ranking of 8 markets. Its listings averaged $6,970 in revenue over the 12 months to September 2026 and were booked on 39% of nights. It also earns the most per listing of any ranked market. Dehiwala and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte come next.
- Markets tracked
- 18
- Active Airbnb listings
- 1,580
- Avg. revenue per listing
- $5,400
- Occupancy rate
- 36%
- Avg. nightly rate
- $62
- Avg. revenue, top 8 markets
- $4,020
The short answer
Western Province Airbnb Market at a Glance
Across Western Province, the 1,580 active Airbnb listings tracked by AirROI, a short-term-rental data firm, averaged $5,400 over the same period. They were booked on 36% of nights at about $62 a night; the ranking covers the 8 markets with at least 30 active listings.
The ranking weighs revenue per listing most, then occupancy and market size, then how evenly income spreads across the year and how it changed on the year. It reflects rental performance, not purchase prices or local short-term rental rules. How the ranking works.
Where the top 8 Airbnb markets in Western Province are
Each dot is one of the 18 markets AirROI tracks in Western Province, sized by active listings and coloured by average revenue per listing. Select a number to jump to its profile.
All money figures on this page are in US dollars.
Top 8
The Top 8 Airbnb Markets in Western Province
Each profile draws on the market's full AirROI report: how it earns, when in the year, who books and what sells. Monthly figures are averages per listing active in that month, so twelve of them add up to more than the annual average, which also counts listings that operated for only part of the year.
| # | Market | Avg. revenue | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Colombo High earnings · Large market | $6,970 | 39% | |
 Dehiwala High earnings · High occupancy | $5,400 | 37% | |
 Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Year-round demand · Large market | $4,210 | 32% | |
| 4 |  Negombo Large market | $3,930 | 30% |
| 5 |  Nugegoda High occupancy | $3,640 | 40% |
| 6 |  Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte | $2,630 | 35% |
| 7 |  Ettukala | $3,510 | 24% |
| 8 |  Katunayake | $1,900 | 28% |
1. Colombo
Known for: High earnings · Large market
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Colombo - Avg. revenue
- $6,970 +8% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 39%
- Nightly rate
- $73
- Active listings
- 695
Where it places among the 8 ranked markets in Western Province
- Revenue 1st of 8
- Occupancy 2nd of 8
- Market size 1st of 8
- Year-round 2nd of 7
- Growth 1st of 4
- How it earns
- Colombo fills more nights than most of Western Province: 39% of them, the second-highest occupancy of the 8 ranked markets, at about $73 a night. That adds up to $6,970 per listing over the year, the highest of the 8 ranked markets. A typical listing takes in about $728 a month; the top quarter clear $1,370 or more. Revenue per listing rose 8% over the year, the biggest gain in Western Province, helped by nightly rates 6% higher, even as the number of listings grew 65%.
- When it earns
- Demand in Colombo holds up through the year: October, the slowest month, still brings in about two-thirds of December's revenue.
- What sells
- The most common entire home has 2 bedrooms (49% of entire homes), and apartments and condos make up 74% of supply.
- Who it suits
- It suits buyers who want income that holds up all year.
Revenue per listing by month
$1,120 $707- Median listing
- $728/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $1,370+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 32 days
- Average stay
- 7 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 50%
Areas in the full report: Fort · Mount Lavinia · Colpetty
Full Colombo Airbnb report2. Dehiwala
Known for: High earnings · High occupancy
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Dehiwala - Avg. revenue
- $5,400 +2% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 37%
- Nightly rate
- $54
- Active listings
- 85
Where it places among the 8 ranked markets in Western Province
- Revenue 2nd of 8
- Occupancy 3rd of 8
- Market size 4th of 8
- Year-round 3rd of 7
- Growth 2nd of 4
- How it earns
- Dehiwala is Western Province's fourth-largest Airbnb market, with 85 active listings to price against. Average revenue per listing came to $5,400, the second-highest of the 8 ranked markets. In a typical month the median listing brings in about $469, and the best quarter clear $1,060. With 85 listings it is a small market, so its averages can move more from year to year.
- When it earns
- Dehiwala has two seasons, December–March and July–August. January is the strongest month at about $895 per listing, and June the quietest at about $534. Guests book early, about 45 days ahead against roughly 34 for the typical market in Western Province, and stay about 8 nights.
- What sells
- Two-bedroom homes lead the market (45% of entire homes), and apartments and condos make up 64% of supply.
- Who it suits
- Best for buyers who want income that holds up all year.
Revenue per listing by month
$895 $534- Median listing
- $469/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $1,060+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 45 days
- Average stay
- 8 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 33%
3. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Known for: Year-round demand · Large market
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte - Avg. revenue
- $4,210 0% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 32%
- Nightly rate
- $62
- Active listings
- 102
Where it places among the 8 ranked markets in Western Province
- Revenue 3rd of 8
- Occupancy 5th of 8
- Market size 3rd of 8
- Year-round 1st of 7
- Growth 3rd of 4
- How it earns
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is Western Province's third-largest Airbnb market, with 102 active listings to price against. Listings averaged $4,210 in revenue over the year, the third-highest of the 8 ranked markets. Month to month, the median listing earns about $383 and a top-quarter listing $814 or more.
- When it earns
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte earns steadily through the year, from about $514 per listing in June to $750 in August.
- What sells
- The most common entire home has 2 bedrooms (34% of entire homes), and houses make up 59% of supply.
- Who it suits
- A good fit for buyers who want income that holds up all year.
Revenue per listing by month
$750 $514- Median listing
- $383/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $814+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 42 days
- Average stay
- 7 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 42%
4. Negombo
Known for: Large market
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Negombo - Avg. revenue
- $3,930
- Occupancy
- 30%
- Nightly rate
- $51
- Active listings
- 243
Where it places among the 8 ranked markets in Western Province
- Revenue 4th of 8
- Occupancy 6th of 8
- Market size 2nd of 8
- Year-round 5th of 7
- Growth No prior year
- How it earns
- Negombo is Western Province's second-largest Airbnb market, with 243 active listings to price against. Average revenue per listing came to $3,930, the fourth-highest of the 8 ranked markets. Its place at #4 rests on market size (2nd of 8) rather than on revenue per listing. The gap between listings is wide: a typical one takes in about $292 a month, while the top quarter clear $695 and the top 10% $1,190, so pricing and presentation count for more here than in most of Western Province.
- When it earns
- Revenue in Negombo peaks twice, over December–March and again over July–August; July leads at about $751 per listing, while September brings in about $379. Stays are shorter than in most of Western Province, about 4 nights, so listings turn over often; guests book about 35 days ahead. Most hosts take one- or two-night bookings (98% of listings), more than in the typical market.
- What sells
- Private rooms are a large part of supply (42% of listings), which pulls the average nightly rate down.
- Guest expectations
- Average ratings (4.73 stars) trail the typical market in Western Province (4.79), which leaves room for a well-run listing to stand out.
Revenue per listing by month
$751 $379- Median listing
- $292/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $695+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 35 days
- Average stay
- 4 nights
- Most common home size
- 1 bedroom
- Superhosts
- 45%
5. Nugegoda
Known for: High occupancy
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Nugegoda - Avg. revenue
- $3,640
- Occupancy
- 40%
- Nightly rate
- $44
- Active listings
- 46
Where it places among the 8 ranked markets in Western Province
- Revenue 5th of 8
- Occupancy 1st of 8
- Market size 7th of 8
- Year-round 4th of 7
- Growth No prior year
- How it earns
- Nugegoda earns on volume. Rates run below the Western Province average at about $44 a night, but listings book 40% of nights. Listings averaged $3,640 in revenue over the year, the fifth-highest of the 8 ranked markets. Its place at #5 rests on occupancy (1st of 8) rather than on revenue per listing. A typical listing takes in about $493 a month; the top quarter clear $897 or more. Its 46 listings make it one of the smaller ranked markets, so its figures are less settled than those of larger ones.
- When it earns
- Nugegoda has two seasons, July–September and December–January. January is the strongest month at about $722 per listing, and November the quietest at about $407. Guests book later than in most of Western Province, about 19 days ahead against roughly 34 for the typical market in Western Province, so pricing close to the date matters; stays average 9 nights.
- Guest expectations
- Guests rate listings highly, 4.86 stars on average against 4.79 for the typical market in Western Province, so reviews set a high bar.
- What sells
- Two-bedroom homes lead the market (41% of entire homes), and apartments and condos make up 54% of supply.
- Who it suits
- It suits buyers who would rather price for occupancy than for rate and are comfortable adjusting prices close to the date.
Revenue per listing by month
$722 $407- Median listing
- $493/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $897+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 19 days
- Average stay
- 9 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 46%
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte - Avg. revenue
- $2,630
- Occupancy
- 35%
- Nightly rate
- $52
- Active listings
- 48
Where it places among the 8 ranked markets in Western Province
- Revenue 7th of 8
- Occupancy 4th of 8
- Market size 6th of 8
- Year-round Not enough data
- Growth No prior year
- How it earns
- Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte listings charge about $52 a night, 16% below the Western Province average, and are booked on 35% of nights. Average revenue per listing came to $2,630, the seventh-highest of the 8 ranked markets. In a typical month the median listing brings in about $398, and the best quarter clear $764. With 48 listings it is a small market, so its averages can move more from year to year.
- When it earns
- Bookings arrive closer to the date than in most of Western Province, about 13 days before check-in, so pricing close to the date matters, and guests stay about 7 nights.
- Who books
- Most guests come from abroad (93%), led by visitors from the United Kingdom, India and the United States.
- What sells
- The most common entire home has 2 bedrooms (31% of entire homes), and houses make up 56% of supply.
- Who it suits
- Best for buyers who are comfortable adjusting prices close to the date.
Revenue per listing by month
$722 $382- Median listing
- $398/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $764+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 13 days
- Average stay
- 7 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 27%
7. Ettukala
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Ettukala - Avg. revenue
- $3,510 −4% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 24%
- Nightly rate
- $44
- Active listings
- 60
Where it places among the 8 ranked markets in Western Province
- Revenue 6th of 8
- Occupancy 8th of 8
- Market size 5th of 8
- Year-round 6th of 7
- Growth 4th of 4
- How it earns
- Ettukala is Western Province's fifth-largest Airbnb market, with 60 active listings to price against. Listings averaged $3,510 in revenue over the year, the sixth-highest of the 8 ranked markets. The gap between listings is wide: a typical one takes in about $235 a month, while the top quarter clear $584 and the top 10% $908, so pricing and presentation count for more here than in most of Western Province. Its 60 listings make it one of the smaller ranked markets, so its figures are less settled than those of larger ones.
- When it earns
- Ettukala's season runs from December to March, peaking in January at about $584 per listing; June, the quietest month, brings in about $283. Bookings arrive well in advance, about 46 days before check-in, so much of a season's calendar fills early; stays average 3 nights. Most hosts take one- or two-night bookings (98% of listings), more than in the typical market.
- What sells
- Private rooms are a large part of supply (58% of listings), which pulls the average nightly rate down.
- Who it suits
- A good fit for buyers who prefer a smaller one- or two-bedroom place.
Revenue per listing by month
$584 $283- Median listing
- $235/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $584+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 46 days
- Average stay
- 3 nights
- Most common home size
- Studio
- Superhosts
- 50%
8. Katunayake
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Katunayake - Avg. revenue
- $1,900
- Occupancy
- 28%
- Nightly rate
- $28
- Active listings
- 30
Where it places among the 8 ranked markets in Western Province
- Revenue 8th of 8
- Occupancy 7th of 8
- Market size 8th of 8
- Year-round 7th of 7
- Growth No prior year
- How it earns
- Katunayake listings charge about $28 a night, 55% below the Western Province average, and are booked on 28% of nights. Listings averaged $1,900 in revenue over the year, the eighth-highest of the 8 ranked markets. Month to month, the median listing earns about $194 and a top-quarter listing $352 or more. With 30 listings it is a small market, so its averages can move more from year to year.
- When it earns
- Revenue in Katunayake peaks twice, over June–September and again over December–January; August leads at about $361 per listing, while October brings in about $152. Visits are quick, about 3 nights on average against 7 nights for the typical market in Western Province, booked about 30 days ahead. Most hosts take one- or two-night bookings (100% of listings), more than in the typical market.
- What sells
- Private rooms are a large part of supply (53% of listings), which pulls the average nightly rate down.
Revenue per listing by month
$361 $152- Median listing
- $194/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $352+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 30 days
- Average stay
- 3 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 20%
Full ranking
How All 8 Ranked Markets in Western Province Compare
The overall ranking with the five measures behind it. "Slow month" is a market's weakest month of revenue as a share of its best, so a higher figure means steadier income. Select a column heading to re-sort.
| Colombo High earnings, large market | $6,967 | 39% | $73 | 63% | +8% | 695 | |
| Dehiwala High earnings, high occupancy | $5,402 | 37% | $54 | 60% | +2% | 85 | |
| Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Year-round demand, large market | $4,206 | 32% | $62 | 69% | 0% | 102 | |
| 4 | Negombo Large market | $3,925 | 30% | $51 | 50% | – | 243 |
| 5 | Nugegoda High occupancy | $3,644 | 40% | $44 | 56% | – | 46 |
| 6 | Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte | $2,630 | 35% | $52 | – | – | 48 |
| 7 | Ettukala | $3,511 | 24% | $44 | 49% | −4% | 60 |
| 8 | Katunayake | $1,896 | 28% | $28 | 42% | – | 30 |
By measure
Western Province Airbnb Markets Ranked by Revenue, Nightly Rate and Occupancy
The overall ranking balances five measures. These lists take one at a time, for buyers who care most about income, pricing power, bookings, a steady calendar, momentum or market size.
Highest-earning Airbnb markets in Western Province
Average annual revenue per active listing over the past 12 months. Markets with at least 60 listings.
| # | Market | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo #1 overall | $6,970 | |
| Dehiwala #2 overall | $5,400 | |
| Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte #3 overall | $4,210 | |
| 4 | Negombo #4 overall | $3,930 |
| 5 | Ettukala #7 overall | $3,510 |
Most expensive Airbnb markets in Western Province by nightly rate
Average rate per booked night. A high rate earns most where occupancy holds up too. Markets with at least 60 listings.
| # | Market | Nightly |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo #1 overall | $73 | |
| Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte #3 overall | $62 | |
| Dehiwala #2 overall | $54 | |
| 4 | Negombo #4 overall | $51 |
| 5 | Ettukala #7 overall | $44 |
Highest-occupancy Airbnb markets in Western Province
Share of available nights booked over the past 12 months. Markets with at least 60 listings.
| # | Market | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo #1 overall | 39% | |
| Dehiwala #2 overall | 37% | |
| Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte #3 overall | 32% | |
| 4 | Negombo #4 overall | 30% |
| 5 | Ettukala #7 overall | 24% |
Most year-round Airbnb markets in Western Province
Revenue in the slowest month as a share of the best month, so a higher figure means steadier income. Markets with at least 60 listings.
| # | Market | Slow month |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte #3 overall | 69% | |
| Colombo #1 overall | 63% | |
| Dehiwala #2 overall | 60% | |
| 4 | Negombo #4 overall | 50% |
| 5 | Ettukala #7 overall | 49% |
Largest Airbnb markets in Western Province
Active listings. Bigger markets have more comparable rentals to price against and more buyers at resale.
| # | Market | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo #1 overall | 695 | |
| Negombo #4 overall | 243 | |
| Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte #3 overall | 102 | |
| 4 | Dehiwala #2 overall | 85 |
| 5 | Ettukala #7 overall | 60 |
| 6 | Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte #6 overall | 48 |
| 7 | Nugegoda #5 overall | 46 |
| 8 | Katunayake #8 overall | 30 |
Seasonality
When Airbnbs in Western Province Earn the Most
No single month dominates in Western Province: January is the peak for 3 of the 7 ranked markets and August for 2. June is the most common slowest month, in 3 markets.
December earns about 1.5 times what October does
Average revenue per listing across the 8 ranked markets in Western Province, by month
| Month | Avg. revenue per listing | Best month for | Highest-ranked examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | $879 | 3 markets | Dehiwala, Nugegoda, Ettukala |
| February | $752 | – | – |
| March | $752 | – | – |
| April | $705 | – | – |
| May | $649 | – | – |
| June | $706 | – | – |
| July | $877 | 1 market | Negombo |
| August | $839 | 2 markets | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Katunayake |
| September | $612 | – | – |
| October | $583 | – | – |
| November | $668 | – | – |
| December | $882 | 1 market | Colombo |
Average revenue is per listing across the ranked markets, the line in the chart above. "Best month for" counts the ranked markets whose own revenue peaks in that month.
Method
How the Ranking Works
The ranking covers the 8 markets in Western Province with at least 30 active Airbnb listings and data through September 2026. Each market is compared with the others on five measures, and markets are ordered by a weighted blend of where they place on each:
- Revenue per listing (35%): average revenue an active listing earned over the past 12 months.
- Occupancy (20%): share of available nights that were booked.
- Market size (20%): active listings. Bigger markets offer more comparable rentals to price against and more buyers when you sell.
- Year-round demand (15%): revenue in the slowest month as a share of the best month. The latest month is left out when its bookings look incomplete.
- Growth (10%): change in revenue per listing from the year before. Markets whose boundaries changed between years are scored in the middle.
Left out: 8 markets whose data predate the latest refresh and one town listed a second time under another spelling. The score measures how rentals perform. It does not include purchase prices, financing, operating costs or local short-term rental rules, which vary by address and should be checked before buying. Figures are in US dollars and match each market's own report; see the data methodology for how listings are tracked.
To check one property before buying, run its address and size through the Airbnb estimator for a revenue, occupancy and nightly-rate range from comparable listings.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb Investing in Western Province
What is the best place to buy an Airbnb in Western Province?
Colombo ranks first of the 8 markets in Western Province in AirROI's ranking, with US$6,970 in average revenue per listing and 39% occupancy. Dehiwala and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte follow. The ranking weighs revenue, occupancy, market size, seasonality and growth; it leaves out purchase prices.
What are the most profitable Airbnb locations in Western Province?
By revenue per listing, among markets with at least 60 listings, Colombo leads at US$6,970 a year, ahead of Dehiwala at US$5,400. Profit also depends on what a property costs to buy and run, which varies far more between markets than revenue does.
How much does an Airbnb make in Western Province?
The average active listing in Western Province earned US$5,400 over the 12 months to September 2026, at 36% occupancy. Across the ranked markets, the middle half averaged between US$2,630 and US$4,210 per listing. Averages include listings that operated for only part of the year, so a listing rented all year typically earns more.
What is a good Airbnb occupancy rate in Western Province?
The average listing in Western Province was booked on 36% of available nights over the past 12 months. Half of the ranked markets fall between 28% and 37%, so a market above about 37% sits in the top quarter. Occupancy is only half the picture: a market with lower occupancy can still earn more if its nightly rates are higher.
Where is Airbnb demand highest in Western Province?
Among ranked markets with at least 60 listings, Colombo has the highest occupancy, with 39% of available nights booked, followed by Dehiwala at 37%. Its listings average about US$73 a night and US$6,970 a year.
Where are Airbnb nightly rates highest in Western Province?
Among ranked markets with at least 60 listings, Colombo has the highest average nightly rate, about US$73, followed by Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte at US$62. Ettukala is the least expensive, at about US$44. The average booked night in Western Province costs about US$62.
What is the best month for Airbnb in Western Province?
January is the highest-earning month for 3 of the 7 ranked markets, followed by August (2). June is the most common slowest month, in 3 of the 7 markets. Each market's report shows its own month-by-month revenue, occupancy and rates.
Which Airbnb markets in Western Province earn the most evenly through the year?
Among ranked markets with at least 60 listings, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte has the steadiest income: its slowest month, June, still earns about two-thirds of its best. Colombo follows, at 63%. Steadier markets are easier to budget for, though they do not always earn the most per listing.
Which Airbnb markets are growing fastest in Western Province?
Among ranked markets with at least 60 listings, revenue per listing grew most in Colombo, up 8% on the year before. A single strong year can reflect events or new supply, so it is worth checking a market's monthly trend before relying on it.
How many Airbnb listings are there in Western Province?
AirROI tracked 1,580 active Airbnb listings in Western Province over the 12 months to September 2026, across 18 markets. The largest ranked market is Colombo, with 695 listings, followed by Negombo with 243.
Directory
All 18 Airbnb Markets in Western Province
Every Western Province city with an AirROI Airbnb market report, A–Z, with its active listing count.
A
- Aluthgama 39 listings
B
- Beruwala 23 listings
- Boralesgamuwa 18 listings
C
- Colombo 695 listings
D
- Dehiwala 85 listings
- Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia 74 listings
- Delkanda 20 listings
E
- Ettukala 60 listings
K
- Kalutara 19 listings
- Katunayake 30 listings
- Kochchikade 18 listings
- Kurana 19 listings
M
- Moratuwa 23 listings
S
- Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte 48 listings
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte 102 listings
W
- Watarappola 20 listings