Airbnb market data · 202512 months to September 2025
Columbus, MT Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in Columbus brought in $14,944 over the 12 months through September 2025, across just 19 active listings, so a single property can move that figure.
AirROI's latest figures for Columbus run through September 2025.
The short answer
Columbus Airbnb Market at a Glance
Listings averaged $237 a night and were booked on 28% of available nights.
Timing matters: in July, the best month, the average listing earned about 2.1 times as much as in April, the slowest. With only 19 active listings, a few bookings can reorder the months.
With 19 active listings, Columbus is the 78th-largest of 85 Montana markets AirROI tracks.
Browse the live Columbus Airbnb market See Every Columbus ListingRevenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Columbus?
Gross bookings per Columbus listing averaged $14,944 over the 12 months to September 2025 (Montana average: $43,340), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
The average Columbus listing brought in $3,460 in July, its best month, and $1,640 in April, its slowest. The three strongest months bring in 32% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
Across Columbus's 19 active listings, monthly revenue by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $4,660+ a month, about three times the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn $3,310 or more, roughly $1,800 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about $1,510 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $782 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.
July earned about 2.1 times what April did
Average revenue per active listing, by month
Columbus Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the September 2025 data.
July led on revenue and bookings; nightly rates peaked in June.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | Booking Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2024 | $2,134 | 33.1% | $212 | 47 days |
| Nov 2024 | $2,247 | 30.5% | $210 | 13 days |
| Dec 2024 | $1,922 | 30.6% | $208 | 15 days |
| Jan 2025 | $1,711 | 34.9% | $205 | 1 day |
| Feb 2025 | $2,040 | 39.3% | $202 | 21 days |
| Mar 2025 | $1,803 | 30.0% | $203 | 46 days |
| Apr 2025 | $1,638 | 22.8% | $202 | 29 days |
| May 2025 | $2,086 | 32.0% | $234 | 54 days |
| Jun 2025 | $2,304 | 27.6% | $253 | 76 days |
| Jul 2025 | $3,457 | 47.3% | $249 | 72 days |
| Aug 2025 | $2,496 | 33.3% | $247 | 54 days |
| Sep 2025 | $2,565 | 36.4% | $249 | 55 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.
For a figure on one home rather than the whole Columbus market, enter its address and size in the Airbnb income calculator, which compares it with similar listings nearby.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in Columbus Profitable?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Columbus Airbnb took in $14,944 in the 12 months to September 2025, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about $910 a month of that is left after running costs, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes money. A listing in the top quarter leaves about $2,020 a month.
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 HOA or condo fees.
Columbus Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Gross bookings | $14,944 | $32,850 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's fee15.5% of bookings, Airbnb's standard host-only fee | −$2,320 | −$5,090 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −$750 | −$1,640 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −$300 | −$660 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −$450 | −$990 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −$150 | −$150 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −$70 | −$70 |
| Management$0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookings | $0 | $0 |
| Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are free | $0 | $0 |
| Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed on | $0 | $0 |
| Total running costsAbout 27% of bookings | −$4,040 | −$8,600 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | $10,904about $910 a month | $24,250about $2,020 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, HOA or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own Columbus Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from Columbus'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 Columbus 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 Columbus's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Columbus listings are booked on 43% or more of their nights, against 28% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of $170 adds about $1,690 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge $295 a night or more, against a median of $170. 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 $1,490 a year.
- Open for the busy months. July brought the average listing about $3,460, against $1,640 in April, 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 $2,740 a month, against $1,250 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Columbus?
Columbus listings were booked on 28% of the nights they were open over the past year, 17 percentage points below the Montana average (45%) and 13 points below the U.S. average (41%). Occupancy climbs to 47% in July and falls to 23% in April.
Across Columbus's 19 active listings, the share of open nights booked by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 66%+ of open nights, 38 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 43% or more, roughly three nights a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 28% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 15% or less, under two nights a week.
July was the busiest month in Columbus, April the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month
The 12-month rate of 28% 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 Columbus?
The average nightly rate in Columbus, known as ADR (average daily rate), was $237 over the past year, about 38% below the Montana average of $380 and about 29% below the U.S. average of $335. Rates peak in June and September at about $255 and bottom out in February and April at about $200.
Across Columbus's 19 active listings, nightly rates by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge $395+ a night, about 2.4 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge $295 or more, about $130 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about $170 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge $105 or less, about two-thirds of the median.
June rates ran 25% above April's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month
The 12-month ADR of $237 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 Columbus
With only 19 active listings, the monthly pattern in Columbus is noisy, since a few long or pricey stays can lift a month; revenue peaked in July and bottomed out in April.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Columbus?
Guests book Columbus stays 56 days ahead on average (about eight weeks). June stays are booked furthest out, about 76 days ahead, and January stays closest to arrival, about 1 days. A typical June booking is made in late March.
June stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay
The 12-month figure of 56 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 Columbus
None of the 19 active listings in Columbus 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 occupancy-tax rules vary by address and change often, so confirm them with the city or county before buying or listing in Columbus.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Columbus
AirROI's area guide picks eight Columbus neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Downtown Columbus, Bear Creek and Bridger Canyon. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Columbus | Heart of the city with a vibrant arts scene, dining options, and access to major attractions. Ideal for travelers looking for a central location to explore. | The Columbus Opera House, Historic downtown buildings, Columbus Arts Council, Local restaurants and cafes, Columbus Riverfront Park |
| Bear Creek | Scenic area near the Bear Creek, perfect for nature lovers and those looking for a serene environment to relax. Appeals to families and outdoor enthusiasts. | Bear Creek, Fishing and hiking trails, Local wildlife viewing, Picnic areas, Campgrounds |
| Bridger Canyon | Offering stunning mountain views and outdoor adventure options. Great for visitors seeking a getaway in nature while still being close to town. | Bridger Mountains, Hiking and biking trails, Skiing opportunities, Camping spots, Winter sports activities |
| Columbus Historical District | Showcases the rich history of Columbus with beautifully preserved buildings and charm. Attracts history buffs and those interested in local heritage. | Historic landmarks, Local museums, Walking tours, Art galleries, Cultural events |
| Lake Mayer | Popular for water activities and recreational options, making it excellent for families. Perfect for summer vacation rentals and nature lovers. | Lake Mayer, Boating and fishing, Picnic areas, Trails around the lake, Wildlife observation |
| Custer Gallatin National Forest | A vast and beautiful natural area that draws outdoor enthusiasts for camping, hiking, and exploring. Ideal for adventure tourism. | Diverse wildlife, Scenic drives, Hiking trails, Camping facilities, Winter sports |
| Columbus College District | Home to educational institutions, making it attractive to students and visiting families. Offers a youthful and vibrant atmosphere. | Local colleges, Student events, Community activities, Coffee shops and cafes, Cultural experiences |
| Stillwater River | Offers a peaceful setting with access to river activities, fishing, and camping. Excellent for visitors looking for tranquility and outdoor fun. | Stillwater River, Fishing spots, Kayaking and canoeing, Camping areas, Scenic views |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Nearby markets
Columbus vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets
Of the four nearby markets in the table, all within 85 km, Cooke City (85 km away, 42 listings) earned the most per listing, about 3.6 times as much as Columbus.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Lodge 49 km | 262 | $39,169 | $336 | 39% |
| Billings 60 km | 469 | $24,196 | $185 | 47% |
| Big Timber 61 km | 33 | $21,249 | $235 | 37% |
| Cooke City 85 km | 42 | $53,966 | $336 | 52% |
Other Airbnb Markets in Montana
- Big Sky Airbnb data 1,068 listings
- Whitefish Airbnb data 1,042 listings
- Bozeman Airbnb data 738 listings
- Columbia Falls Airbnb data 613 listings
- Missoula Airbnb data 557 listings
- Kalispell Airbnb data 517 listings
- Livingston Airbnb data 347 listings
- West Yellowstone Airbnb data 332 listings
See all 85 Montana Airbnb markets
Markets Similar to Columbus
Markets elsewhere in the United States with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to Columbus:
- Sulphur Airbnb data OK · $255/night · 27.6%
- Fulton Airbnb data TX · $238/night · 30.3%
- Heber Springs Airbnb data AR · $257/night · 28.8%
- Williamsburg Airbnb data VA · $246/night · 25.4%
- Navajo County Airbnb data AZ · $258/night · 29.2%
- Mount Ida Airbnb data AR · $255/night · 25.7%
FAQ
Columbus Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Columbus?
An active Columbus Airbnb grossed $14,944 on average in the 12 months to September 2025, according to AirROI's tracking of 19 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in $3,310 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in Columbus?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Columbus listings earn between $782 and $3,310 in a typical month, and the top tenth $4,660 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Columbus?
Listings in Columbus were booked on 28% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 45% for the Montana average. July was the busiest month.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Columbus?
The average booked night in Columbus cost $237 before fees. Half of listings charge between $105 and $295, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Columbus?
None of the active Columbus listings display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply, so confirm registration, permit and occupancy-tax rules with the city or county before buying.
Is Airbnb profitable in Columbus?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Columbus Airbnb grossed $14,944 in the 12 months to September 2025, 66% below the Montana average of $43,340, though with only 19 active listings a single property can move that figure. Run by its owner, with everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, $10,904 a year (about $910 a month) is left before the mortgage or rent. A home that costs less than that to own or rent makes a profit, and a listing at the top-quarter mark leaves about $2,020 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb estimator.
When is Airbnb peak season in Columbus?
July paid best over the past year, at $3,460 per active listing, and April paid least. The month-by-month table above shows how rates and bookings each move.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Columbus?
Columbus stays were booked 56 days (about eight weeks) before arrival on average over the past year, so most of a month is booked well before it starts.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Columbus?
Downtown Columbus, Bear Creek and Bridger Canyon draw the most short-term rental interest in Columbus. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in Columbus?
AirROI counted 19 active Airbnb listings in Columbus as of September 2025. The closest tracked market is Red Lodge, 49 km away.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 19 active Airbnb listings in Columbus from October 2024 to September 2025 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. Money figures are in U.S. dollars. 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.