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Airbnb market data · 202612 months to September 2026

Colombo, Sri Lanka Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends

Source: AirROI Reviewed by , Founder @ AirROI Updated

Active Airbnb listings
695
Avg. booking lead time
32 days
Listings showing a permit
<1%
Peak revenue month
December
Lowest revenue month
October

The short answer

Colombo Airbnb Market at a Glance

Both rates and bookings run ahead of the Western Province average. Listings averaged Rs 22,726 a night and were booked on 39% of available nights, against Rs 19,400 and 36% for the Western Province average.

December, usually the best month, brings in about 58% more per listing than October, usually the slowest.

With 695 active listings, Colombo is the largest of 18 Western Province markets AirROI tracks. From a year earlier, average revenue rose 8% while the number of active listings grew 65%.

Map of Airbnb listings in Colombo Browse the live Colombo Airbnb market See Every Colombo Listing

Revenue

How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Colombo?

Gross bookings per Colombo listing averaged Rs 2,183,838 over the 12 months to September 2026 (Western Province average: Rs 1,691,673), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.

In a typical year, the average Colombo listing brings in Rs 351,000 in December, its best month, and Rs 222,000 in October, its slowest. The three strongest months bring in 29% 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 4.3 times as much as a bottom-quarter one.

  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn Rs 652,000+ a month, about 2.9 times the typical property.
  • Strong performers (top 25%) earn Rs 429,000 or more, roughly Rs 200,000 a month above the median.
  • Typical properties (median) earn about Rs 228,000 a month.
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn Rs 98,600 or less, about 43% 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 1.6 times what October does

Average revenue per active listing, by month, September 2024 to August 2026

The dashed line is the average of the months shown, Rs 288,000. 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.

Colombo 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.

July 2026 led on revenue and nightly rate; bookings peaked in December 2025. Across the past two years, December is usually the strongest month.

Average monthly Airbnb revenue, occupancy, nightly rate, RevPAR, booking lead time and length of stay per active listing in Colombo, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026
Month Avg. Revenue Occupancy Avg. Nightly Rate RevPAR Booking Lead Time Avg. Length of Stay
Sep 2025Rs 235,70436.2%Rs 21,982Rs 7,85728 days5.6 nights
Oct 2025Rs 216,38933.3%Rs 21,968Rs 6,98023 days5.5 nights
Nov 2025Rs 250,54938.5%Rs 21,897Rs 8,35233 days5.8 nights
Dec 2025Rs 357,49749.1%Rs 22,365Rs 11,53242 days7.2 nights
Jan 2026Rs 346,27447.7%Rs 22,117Rs 11,17040 days6.3 nights
Feb 2026Rs 294,01248.3%Rs 21,637Rs 10,50035 days5.9 nights
Mar 2026Rs 311,58245.1%Rs 21,876Rs 10,05126 days5.6 nights
Apr 2026Rs 281,82539.0%Rs 22,226Rs 9,39430 days5.9 nights
May 2026Rs 295,51839.1%Rs 23,657Rs 9,53326 days7 nights
Jun 2026Rs 337,20941.1%Rs 23,969Rs 11,24029 days7.5 nights
Jul 2026Rs 372,35942.4%Rs 24,207Rs 12,01244 days7.2 nights
Aug 2026Rs 364,29346.3%Rs 24,118Rs 11,75135 days5.4 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.

These are market-wide figures. To see what one particular Colombo home could earn, enter its address, bedrooms and guests in the Airbnb calculator; it compares the home with similar listings nearby.

Profit

Is an Airbnb in Colombo Profitable?

Yes, when it's run well. The average Colombo Airbnb took in Rs 2,183,838 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 Rs 4,110,000, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about Rs 250,000 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.

Colombo Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year

A year of income, running costs and what is left for housing costs for an average and a top-quarter Colombo Airbnb
Line Average listing Top-quarter listing
Money in
Nightly bookingsRs 2,112,838Rs 3,976,000
Cleaning fees guests pay3% of Colombo bookingsRs 71,000Rs 134,000
Gross bookingsRs 2,183,838Rs 4,110,000
Running costs
Airbnb's feeAbout 13%: 15.5% for the 79% of Colombo listings on Simplified Pricing, 3% for the rest−Rs 282,000−Rs 531,000
Cleaning and laundryPaid for by the cleaning fee; Rs 0 if you clean yourself−Rs 71,000−Rs 134,000
Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings−Rs 109,000−Rs 205,000
Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2%−Rs 44,000−Rs 82,000
Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3%−Rs 66,000−Rs 123,000
Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover−Rs 22,000−Rs 22,000
Permit and registrationWhere one is required−Rs 11,000−Rs 11,000
ManagementRs 0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookingsRs 0Rs 0
Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are freeRs 0Rs 0
Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed onRs 0Rs 0
Total running costsAbout 24% of bookings, plus cleaning paid for by the cleaning fee−Rs 605,000−Rs 1,108,000
Left for housing costs, then profitRs 1,578,838about Rs 132,000 a monthRs 3,002,000about Rs 250,000 a month
Housing costs
Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, building or condo fees Depend on the home

Estimate Your Own Colombo Airbnb Profit

The estimate starts from Colombo'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 Colombo 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 Colombo's Top Earners Get There

  • More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Colombo listings are booked on 63% or more of their nights, against 39% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of Rs 19,900 adds about Rs 199,000 in bookings.
  • Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge Rs 28,500 a night or more, against a median of Rs 19,900. 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 Rs 211,000 a year.
  • Open for the busy months. In a typical year, December brings the average listing about Rs 351,000, against Rs 222,000 in October, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
  • Reviews that stand out. Colombo listings average 4.80 stars, and 36% 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 Rs 343,000 a month, against Rs 182,000 for the average one.

Occupancy

What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Colombo?

Colombo listings were booked on 39% of the nights they were open over the past year, 3 percentage points above the Western Province average (36%) and 6 points above the Sri Lanka average (33%). In a typical year, occupancy climbs to 49% in December and falls to 35% in October.

The busiest tenth of listings are booked about 4.3 times as often as the bottom quarter.

  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 81%+ of open nights, 42 points above the median.
  • Strong performers (top 25%) fill 63% or more, roughly four nights a week.
  • Typical properties (median) fill about 39% of open nights.
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 19% or less, under two nights a week.

December is usually the busiest month in Colombo, October the quietest

Share of open nights booked, by month, September 2024 to August 2026

The 12-month rate of 39% 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 Colombo?

The average nightly rate in Colombo, known as ADR (average daily rate), was Rs 22,726 over the past year, about 17% above the Western Province average of Rs 19,400 and about 24% below the Sri Lanka average of Rs 29,800. In a typical year, rates barely change through the year, staying between about Rs 21,400 and Rs 23,200.

Prices span a wide range: the top 10% charge about 3.1 times the rate of the bottom quarter.

  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge Rs 38,100+ a night, about twice the median.
  • Strong performers (top 25%) charge Rs 28,500 or more, about Rs 8,600 above the median.
  • Typical properties (median) charge about Rs 19,900 a night.
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge Rs 12,200 or less, about 61% of the median.

Average nightly rate by month in Colombo

Average nightly rate (ADR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026

The dashed line is the average of the months shown, Rs 22,200.

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Colombo?

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 Colombo it averaged Rs 9,110 over the past year, from about Rs 7,150 in a typical October to about Rs 11,300 in a typical December.

Per open night, by tier:

  • Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn Rs 17,600+ per open night, about 2.4 times the median.
  • Strong performers (top 25%) earn Rs 12,300 or more, about Rs 5,100 a night above the median.
  • Typical properties (median) earn about Rs 7,240 per open night.
  • Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn Rs 3,850 or less, about half of the median.

December RevPAR is about 1.6 times October's

Revenue per open night (RevPAR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026

The dashed line is the average of the months shown, Rs 9,470.

Seasonality

Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in Colombo

Colombo has two high seasons, July–August and December–January, which makes it a moderately seasonal market. Business is slowest from September to November and slows again in May.

Average revenue by month in Colombo

Average revenue per active listing, each calendar month averaged over the past two years

The dashed line is the average of the 12 calendar months, Rs 288,000.

Revenue by month in Colombo in numbers
Average monthly revenue per active listing in Colombo, by calendar month
Month Season Revenue per listing
JanuaryHigh seasonRs 331,000
FebruaryShoulder seasonRs 290,000
MarchShoulder seasonRs 291,000
AprilShoulder seasonRs 279,000
MayLow seasonRs 257,000
JuneShoulder seasonRs 290,000
JulyHigh seasonRs 326,000
AugustHigh seasonRs 327,000
SeptemberLow seasonRs 234,000
OctoberLow seasonRs 222,000
NovemberLow seasonRs 258,000
DecemberHigh seasonRs 351,000
Average monthly Airbnb revenue, occupancy and nightly rate in Colombo by season
Season Revenue per month Occupancy Nightly rate
High seasonJuly–August, December–JanuaryRs 334,00045%Rs 22,633
Shoulder seasonFebruary–April, JuneRs 288,00043%Rs 22,154
Low seasonMay, September–NovemberRs 243,00037%Rs 21,797

How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Colombo?

Guests book Colombo stays 32 days ahead on average (about five weeks). December stays are booked furthest out, about 44 days ahead, and October stays closest to arrival, about 23 days. A typical December booking is made in early November.

December stays are booked furthest ahead

Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay, September 2024 to August 2026

Permits

Airbnb Permits and Registration in Colombo

Fewer than 1% of the 695 active listings in Colombo 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 Colombo.

Neighborhoods

Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Colombo

AirROI's area guide picks seven Colombo neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Fort, Mount Lavinia and Colpetty. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Colombo
Area Who it suits Landmarks nearby
Fort A historic neighborhood that is home to several colonial-era buildings, Fort is a hub for tourism and commerce, attracting visitors interested in Sri Lankan history and culture.Dutch Hospital, Sri Lanka National Museum, Galle Face Green, Colombo Lighthouse, Cargills Millenia
Mount Lavinia Famous for its stunning beach and vibrant nightlife, Mount Lavinia is popular among locals and tourists alike, making it a prime location for Airbnb hosting.Mount Lavinia Beach, Mount Lavinia Hotel, Lavinia Lighthouse, Local seafood restaurants, Nightclubs and bars
Colpetty Known for its cosmopolitan vibe, Colpetty is a bustling area with a mix of local culture and international influences, making it appealing to diverse travelers.Grocery stores, Cafes and restaurants, Wellawatte Beach, Local markets, Shopping centers
Borella A more residential area that offers a glimpse into local life, Borella is close to attractions while providing a quieter environment for guests.Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya, Cemetery of the Old Dutch Reformed Church, Local parks, Restaurants and cafes
Kottawa Located near the Southern Expressway, Kottawa is an up-and-coming area for investment, catering to both tourists and business travelers.Kottawa Temple, Shopping malls, Cafes and restaurants, Local parks
Galle Face An iconic promenade along the coast, Galle Face attracts many visitors for leisurely walks, making it a great area for short-term rentals.Galle Face Green, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo skate park, Bicycle rentals, Food stalls
Wellawatte A vibrant beachfront area that offers a mix of local and international cuisine, Wellawatte is increasingly popular with tourists looking for affordable stays.Wellawatte Beach, Local seafood restaurants, Shopping complex, Cafes

Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.

Listings

Colombo Airbnb Listings by Type and Size

Entire homes make up 82% of listings in Colombo, but private rooms are a real segment: more than one listing in six (18%) rents out a single room. Apartments and condos are the most common property type at 74%, about four times the share of houses (18%).

Mostly entire homes, with a private-room segment

Colombo Airbnb listings by room type

  • Entire home 82%
  • Private room 18%
  • Hotel room <1%
Room types in numbers
Colombo Airbnb listings by room type
Room type Share of listings Listings
Entire home81.6%567
Private room18.1%126
Hotel room0.3%2

Listings by property type

Colombo Airbnb listings by property type

  • Apartment/Condo 74%
  • House 18%
  • Hotel/Boutique 5%
  • Others 3%
  • Unique stay <1%
Property types in numbers
Colombo Airbnb listings by property type
Property type Share of listings Listings
Apartment/Condo74.0%514
House18.3%127
Hotel/Boutique4.9%34
Others2.7%19
Unique stay0.1%1

How Many Bedrooms Do Airbnb Listings in Colombo Have?

Two-bedroom homes are the most common size in Colombo (49% of entire homes), followed by three-bedroom homes (25%). Shares are of the 564 entire homes that give a bedroom count; rented rooms are left out.

Colombo entire homes by number of bedrooms

Entire homes with each number of bedrooms, of those with a bedroom count on file

Bedroom counts in numbers
Colombo entire homes by number of bedrooms
Bedrooms Share of entire homes with a bedroom count Entire homes
Studio2.7%15
1 bedroom19.0%107
2 bedrooms49.3%278
3 bedrooms24.8%140
4 bedrooms2.1%12
5+ bedrooms2.1%12

What Each Home Size Earns in Colombo

A typical studio in Colombo earned Rs 403,000 over the past year, against Rs 3,120,000 for a home with five or more bedrooms.

What each home size earns in Colombo
Home size Listings Typical annual revenue (median) Average annual revenue Avg. nightly rate Occupancy
Studio15Rs 403,000Rs 870,000Rs 11,21532%
1 bedroom107Rs 1,860,000Rs 2,130,000Rs 16,94749%
2 bedrooms278Rs 1,760,000Rs 2,510,000Rs 24,91840%
3 bedrooms140Rs 1,350,000Rs 2,380,000Rs 27,62136%
4 bedrooms12Rs 868,000Rs 4,160,000Rs 55,34028%
5+ bedrooms12Rs 3,120,000Rs 5,260,000Rs 61,99735%

How Many Guests Do Airbnbs in Colombo Sleep?

Most Colombo listings are sized for couples and small families: 70% sleep four guests or fewer, and just 5% take eight or more. Shares are of the 606 listings with a guest capacity on file (87% of the market).

Colombo listings by guest capacity

Share of listings by the number of guests they sleep, of those with a capacity on file

Guest capacity in numbers
Colombo listings by guest capacity
Guest capacity Share of listings with a capacity on file Listings
1 guest0.8%5
2 guests21.0%127
3 guests5.1%31
4 guests43.4%263
5 guests6.4%39
6 guests17.7%107
7 guests0.8%5
8+ guests4.8%29

How Colombo Airbnb Listings Are Set Up

Colombo hosts set up an average of 2.3 beds per listing, close to one bed per bedroom. Only 47% of listings show their exact location on the listing map; the rest show an approximate area.

Photos per listing
13
Beds per listing
2.3
Show exact location
47%

What Amenities Do Airbnb Listings in Colombo Offer?

Pools are common in Colombo: 49% of listings have one, and 90% offer free parking on site.

Share of Colombo listings with each common amenity

  • Wifi Nearly all
  • Air conditioning 99%
  • Free parking on premises 90%
  • Kitchen 90%
  • TV 87%
  • Washer 84%
  • Hot water 82%
  • Iron 82%
  • Refrigerator 76%
  • Bed linens 75%

Airbnb Amenities Linked to Higher Revenue in Colombo

Listings in Colombo with a pool earned about 2.2 times as much a year, on average, as those without: Rs 3,030,000 against Rs 1,360,000. The gap is smaller for sun loungers (about twice as much) and a gym (about twice as much). 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 Colombo 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

  • Pool +123% on 49% of listings
  • Sun loungers +110% on 13% of listings
  • Gym +107% on 38% of listings
  • Outdoor furniture +88% on 24% of listings
  • Exercise equipment +80% on 34% of listings
  • Hot tub +78% on 5% of listings
  • Outdoor kitchen +76% on 2% of listings
  • Outdoor shower +69% on 11% of listings
  • Ocean view +63% on 7% of listings
  • Movie theater +61% on 4% of listings
Revenue by amenity in numbers
Average annual revenue of Colombo listings with and without each amenity
Amenity Listings with it Avg. revenue with Avg. revenue without Revenue gap
Pool49%Rs 3,030,000Rs 1,360,000+123%
Sun loungers13%Rs 4,030,000Rs 1,920,000+110%
Gym38%Rs 3,210,000Rs 1,550,000+107%
Outdoor furniture24%Rs 3,390,000Rs 1,810,000+88%
Exercise equipment34%Rs 3,100,000Rs 1,720,000+80%
Hot tub5%Rs 3,730,000Rs 2,090,000+78%
Outdoor kitchen2%Rs 3,790,000Rs 2,150,000+76%
Outdoor shower11%Rs 3,430,000Rs 2,030,000+69%
Ocean view7%Rs 3,410,000Rs 2,090,000+63%
Movie theater4%Rs 3,430,000Rs 2,130,000+61%

Guests

Who Books Airbnbs in Colombo?

Colombo runs on foreign visitors: 97% of guests who left reviews live outside Sri Lanka. The United Kingdom leads with 16% of reviewers, ahead of Australia at 12%. Guests speak a mix of languages: English leads at 45%, followed by French and German.

97% of Colombo guests come from abroad

Where guests who left reviews live

  • International 97%
  • Domestic 3%

Where Colombo guests come from: top cities

Share of guests who left reviews

  • London 5%
  • Bengaluru 2%
  • Melbourne 2%
  • Berlin 2%
Top origin cities in numbers
Where Colombo guests come from: top cities
Origin city Share of guests
London5.2%
Bengaluru2.1%
Melbourne2.1%
Berlin2.0%

Where Colombo guests come from: top countries

Share of guests who left reviews

  • United Kingdom 16%
  • Australia 12%
  • United States 10%
  • India 9%
  • Germany 9%
Top origin countries in numbers
Where Colombo guests come from: top countries
Origin country Share of guests
United Kingdom15.6%
Australia12.0%
United States10.5%
India9.3%
Germany9.1%

Languages spoken by Colombo guests

Share of guests who left reviews

  • English 45%
  • French 9%
  • German 9%
  • Spanish 7%
  • Hindi 6%
Top languages in numbers
Languages spoken by Colombo guests
Language Share of guests
English45.4%
French9.0%
German8.7%
Spanish6.6%
Hindi5.6%

What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Colombo?

Colombo Airbnbs average 4.80 stars, and 36% of listings hold Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge. The category scores are tightly bunched, and cleanliness is the lowest, at 4.75.

Communication scores highest in Colombo; cleanliness is lowest

Average guest rating out of 5 by category; the bars start at 4.0

  • Accuracy 4.83
  • Cleanliness 4.75
  • Communication 4.88
  • Location 4.82
  • Check-in 4.86
  • Value 4.77
Category scores in numbers
Colombo guest ratings by category
Category Average rating (out of 5)
Accuracy4.83
Cleanliness4.75
Communication4.88
Location4.82
Check-in4.86
Value4.77

Booking patterns

How Guests Book in Colombo: Stays, Rules and Fees

86% of Colombo listings are open to guests more than 180 days a year, but only 16% are booked or blocked that many days. The most common booked-or-blocked total is 91 to 180 days a year, covering 31% of listings; blocked nights include any the host closes off.

Days a year Colombo listings are open to guests

Share of listings by days a year

  • 271-366 days 55%
  • 181-270 days 31%
  • 91-180 days 13%
  • 31-90 days 2%
Open days in numbers
Days a year Colombo listings are open to guests
Days a year Share of listings Listings
271-366 days55.1%383
181-270 days30.5%212
91-180 days12.8%89
31-90 days1.6%11

Days a year Colombo listings are booked or blocked

Share of listings by days a year

  • 271-366 days 2%
  • 181-270 days 14%
  • 91-180 days 31%
  • 31-90 days 27%
  • 1-30 days 26%
Booked or blocked days in numbers
Days a year Colombo listings are booked or blocked
Days a year Share of listings Listings
271-366 days1.7%12
181-270 days14.0%97
91-180 days30.9%215
31-90 days27.2%189
1-30 days26.2%182

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Colombo?

The average Colombo booking lasts 6.7 nights, longest in June and shortest in March. Listings took about 15 bookings each over the year, some 10,300 in all. 44% of listings that give a check-in time set it at 2 p.m., with check-out usually at 11 a.m.

Average length of stay by month in Colombo

Average nights per booking, by month of stay

Two-year average by calendar month.

Colombo Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements

Nearly eight in ten listings in Colombo accept stays of one or two nights.

Minimum stay set by Colombo listings

Share of listings by the shortest stay they accept, from one night to 30 or more

  • 1 Night 42% 294 listings
  • 2 Nights 36% 251 listings
  • 3 Nights 11% 78 listings
  • 4-6 Nights 6% 42 listings
  • 7-29 Nights 4% 26 listings
  • 30+ Nights 1% 4 listings

What Cancellation Policies Do Airbnb Hosts Use in Colombo?

Flexible is the most common cancellation policy in Colombo, used by 47% of listings; it refunds guests in full if they cancel at least a day before check-in. Hosts here lean flexible: more than eight in ten listings offer Flexible or Moderate terms, against 15% on Firm or stricter ones.

Cancellation policies of Colombo listings, from most to least flexible

Share of listings by the policy they use

  • Flexible 47% 325 listings
  • Moderate 35% 240 listings
  • Limited 4% 29 listings
  • Firm 13% 92 listings
  • Strict 1% 9 listings

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Colombo?

Nearly half of Colombo listings charge a cleaning fee. The typical fee is Rs 3,448; a handful of extreme values pull the simple average far above that, so the median is the better guide. Spread over the average stay of 6.7 nights, that adds roughly Rs 515 a night to what guests pay. For listings that charge one, cleaning fees make up about 3% of gross revenue.

Median cleaning fee
Rs 3,448
Listings charging a fee
46.9%
Share of gross revenue
3.3%

Top earners

Top-Earning Airbnbs and Hosts in Colombo

The top-grossing Airbnb in Colombo, a four-bedroom home, took in Rs 21,100,000 over the past year, about 9.7 times the city's average of Rs 2,180,000. Three of the six listings below have two bedrooms or fewer, so size alone doesn't explain the top of this market.

VAUX Park Street 4 Bedroom Penthouse duplex 300m² VAUX Park Street 4 Bedroom Penthouse duplex 300m² Entire home · 4 bedrooms Rated 4.95
Revenue
Rs 21.1M
Occupancy
49.6%
Daily rate
Rs 120,126
Granny's House Colombo - Entire Villa Granny's House Colombo - Entire Villa Entire home · 6 bedrooms Rated 4.25
Revenue
Rs 16.7M
Occupancy
72.7%
Daily rate
Rs 99,018
Rooftop Jacuzzi Pool | Full Aircon 4BR | Colpetty Rooftop Jacuzzi Pool | Full Aircon 4BR | Colpetty Entire home · 4 bedrooms Rated 4.87
Revenue
Rs 14.7M
Occupancy
51.9%
Daily rate
Rs 70,110
2BR+Study @ Trizen | Great View 2BR+Study @ Trizen | Great View Entire home · 2 bedrooms Rated 4.82
Revenue
Rs 12.2M
Occupancy
75.2%
Daily rate
Rs 42,556
Oasis in the city-pool-Unit A Oasis in the city-pool-Unit A Entire home · 2 bedrooms Rated 4.94
Revenue
Rs 11.1M
Occupancy
63.9%
Daily rate
Rs 47,435
High-Floor Large Luxury Apartment at Luna Colombo High-Floor Large Luxury Apartment at Luna Colombo Entire home · 2 bedrooms Rated 5.00
Revenue
Rs 10.8M
Occupancy
58.6%
Daily rate
Rs 78,743

Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Colombo?

Thushi is the top-grossing host in Colombo, with Rs 38.0 million in bookings across 5 listings over the past year. Hosting here is fragmented: the ten top-grossing hosts run just 9% of the market's 695 listings.

Top Airbnb hosts in Colombo by revenue
# Host Listings Gross revenue Per listing Avg. rating
Thushi 5Rs 37,964,701Rs 7,592,9404.92/5
Priyantha 4Rs 33,701,821Rs 8,425,4554.63/5
Sara 11Rs 33,530,366Rs 3,048,2154.73/5
4 Anuruddha Suraweera 10Rs 33,238,547Rs 3,323,8554.69/5
5 Cass 3Rs 31,198,634Rs 10,399,5454.98/5
6 Leedons 9Rs 26,128,942Rs 2,903,2164.87/5
7 JCJ Properties 5Rs 23,309,800Rs 4,661,9604.68/5
8 Umendra 8Rs 21,203,749Rs 2,650,4694.89/5
9 Ahmed 2Rs 16,312,722Rs 8,156,3614.83/5
10 Future 7Rs 15,141,371Rs 2,163,0534.82/5

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Colombo?

Fewer than 1% of Colombo listings are classed as professionally managed, though 36% of listings have a co-host. Superhosts run half 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 79% of listings.

Superhosts
49.6%
Professional management
0.6%
Cohosted listings
35.8%
Instant Book enabled
31.5%
Simplified Pricing
79.4%

Nearby markets

Colombo vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets

Colombo out-earns every one of the eight nearby markets in the table, all within 57 km; the best of them, Bentota, averaged about 13% less per listing.

Airbnb markets near Colombo: distance, revenue, nightly rate and occupancy
Market Listings Avg. annual revenue Avg. nightly rate Occupancy
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte 5 km 102Rs 1,318,358Rs 19,55032%
Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte 5 km 48Rs 824,366Rs 16,40635%
Nugegoda 5 km 46Rs 1,142,201Rs 13,89840%
Dehiwala 7 km 85Rs 1,693,241Rs 16,98337%
Katunayake 28 km 30Rs 594,296Rs 8,76128%
Negombo 34 km 243Rs 1,230,279Rs 16,07430%
Ettukala 37 km 60Rs 1,100,512Rs 13,69824%
Bentota 57 km 34Rs 1,895,414Rs 33,43226%

Markets Similar to Colombo

Markets elsewhere in Sri Lanka with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to Colombo:

FAQ

Colombo Airbnb FAQ

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Colombo?

An active Colombo Airbnb grossed Rs 2,183,838 on average in the 12 months to September 2026, according to AirROI's tracking of 695 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in Rs 429,000 or more in a typical month.

How much can I make on Airbnb in Colombo?

It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Colombo listings earn between Rs 98,600 and Rs 429,000 in a typical month, and the top tenth Rs 652,000 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 Colombo?

Listings in Colombo were booked on 39% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 36% for the Western Province average. December is usually the busiest month.

How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Colombo?

The average booked night in Colombo cost Rs 22,726 before fees. Half of listings charge between Rs 12,200 and Rs 28,500, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.

Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Colombo?

Fewer than 1% of active Colombo 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 Colombo?

Yes, when it's run well. The average Colombo Airbnb grossed Rs 2,183,838 in the 12 months to September 2026, 29% above the Western Province average of Rs 1,691,673, 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 Rs 250,000 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 estimator.

When is Airbnb peak season in Colombo?

December usually pays best, averaging Rs 351,000 per active listing over the past two years, and October usually pays least. The month-by-month table above shows how the latest 12 months played out.

What is the Airbnb RevPAR in Colombo?

Each night a Colombo listing was open to book earned Rs 9,110 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 Rs 17,600 or more.

How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Colombo?

Colombo stays were booked 32 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 Colombo?

The average Colombo Airbnb stay lasted 6.7 nights over the past year. A listing took 15 reservations over the year on average.

How are Airbnbs in Colombo rated?

Guests rate Colombo Airbnbs 4.80 out of 5 on average. Guests score communication highest and cleanliness lowest.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Colombo?

Fort, Mount Lavinia and Colpetty draw the most short-term rental interest in Colombo. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.

How many Airbnbs are there in Colombo?

AirROI counted 695 active Airbnb listings in Colombo as of September 2026. The closest tracked market is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, 5 km away.

How much are Airbnb cleaning fees in Colombo?

In Colombo, nearly half of listings add a cleaning fee. The median fee is Rs 3,448; a handful of extreme values pull the simple average far above that, so the median is the better guide.

Method

About This Data

Figures on this page cover 695 active Airbnb listings in Colombo 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 Sri Lankan rupees at Rs 313 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.