Airbnb market data · 202612 months to October 2026
Columbia, NC Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in Columbia brought in $18,246 over the 12 months through October 2026, across just 28 active listings, so a single property can move that figure.
The short answer
Columbia Airbnb Market at a Glance
Rates and bookings both trail the North Carolina average. Listings averaged $192 a night and were booked on 37% of available nights, against $320 and 40% for the North Carolina average.
Timing matters: in July, usually the best month, the average listing earns about three times as much as in February, usually the slowest. With only 28 active listings, a few bookings can reorder the months.
With 28 active listings, Columbia is the 227th-largest of 298 North Carolina markets AirROI tracks.
Browse the live Columbia Airbnb market See Every Columbia ListingRevenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Columbia?
Gross bookings per Columbia listing averaged $18,246 over the 12 months to October 2026 (North Carolina average: $34,622), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
In a typical year, the average Columbia listing brings in $3,660 in July, its best month, and $1,180 in February, its slowest. June runs within 4% of July, so either can come out on top in a given year. The three strongest months bring in 36% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
Across Columbia's 28 active listings, monthly revenue by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $3,990+ a month, about 2.1 times the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn $2,970 or more, roughly $1,100 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about $1,890 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $1,070 or less, about 57% 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 earns about three times what February does
Average revenue per active listing, by month, October 2024 to September 2026
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.
Columbia Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the October 2026 data. October's figures are still coming in, so the rows run to September.
July 2026 led on revenue. Nightly rates peaked in May 2026 and bookings in June 2026, so the best-paying month is not always the busiest or the priciest.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | RevPAR | Booking Lead Time | Avg. Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | $1,810 | 38.0% | $184 | $58 | 71 days | 3.9 nights |
| Nov 2025 | $2,308 | 42.9% | $187 | $77 | 62 days | 4.1 nights |
| Dec 2025 | $2,021 | 40.1% | $183 | $65 | 36 days | 5.7 nights |
| Jan 2026 | $1,531 | 35.9% | $178 | $49 | 36 days | 2.3 nights |
| Feb 2026 | $1,174 | 28.0% | $178 | $42 | 20 days | 3 nights |
| Mar 2026 | $1,526 | 34.1% | $178 | $49 | 38 days | 3.7 nights |
| Apr 2026 | $1,961 | 40.0% | $187 | $65 | 34 days | 5.8 nights |
| May 2026 | $2,089 | 37.3% | $194 | $67 | 37 days | 3 nights |
| Jun 2026 | $3,183 | 53.8% | $190 | $106 | 54 days | 4.4 nights |
| Jul 2026 | $3,281 | 42.7% | $183 | $106 | 73 days | 3.7 nights |
| Aug 2026 | $2,638 | 47.1% | $178 | $85 | 42 days | 4.3 nights |
| Sep 2026 | $1,789 | 37.5% | $174 | $60 | 24 days | 4.4 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.
For a figure on one home rather than the whole Columbia market, enter its address and size in the Airbnb calculator, which compares it with similar listings nearby.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in Columbia Profitable?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Columbia Airbnb took in $18,246 in the 12 months to October 2026, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about $940 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 $1,490 a month.
Cleaning it yourself keeps the $2,400 a year guests pay in cleaning fees, for about $1,140 a month. Handing the listing to a co-host at about 10% of nightly bookings still leaves about $810 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.
Columbia Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Nightly bookings | $15,846 | $24,950 |
| Cleaning fees guests pay13% of Columbia bookings | $2,400 | $3,780 |
| Gross bookings | $18,246 | $28,730 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's feeAbout 14%: 15.5% for the 86% of Columbia listings on Simplified Pricing, 3% for the rest | −$2,500 | −$3,940 |
| Cleaning and laundryPaid for by the cleaning fee; $0 if you clean yourself | −$2,400 | −$3,780 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −$910 | −$1,440 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −$360 | −$570 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −$550 | −$860 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −$180 | −$180 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −$90 | −$90 |
| 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 25% of bookings, plus cleaning paid for by the cleaning fee | −$6,990 | −$10,860 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | $11,256about $940 a month | $17,870about $1,490 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, HOA or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own Columbia Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from Columbia'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 Columbia 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 Columbia's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Columbia listings are booked on 58% or more of their nights, against 37% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of $150 adds about $1,490 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge $210 a night or more, against a median of $150. 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 $1,580 a year.
- Open for the busy months. In a typical year, July brings the average listing about $3,660, against $1,180 in February, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
- Reviews that stand out. Columbia listings average 4.91 stars, and 75% 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 $2,390 a month, against $1,520 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Columbia?
Columbia listings were booked on 37% of the nights they were open over the past year, 3 percentage points below the North Carolina average (40%) and 4 points below the U.S. average (41%). In a typical year, occupancy swings from 29% in February to 59% in June.
Across Columbia's 28 active listings, the share of open nights booked by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 75%+ of open nights, 38 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 58% or more, roughly four nights a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 37% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 21% or less, under two nights a week.
June is usually the busiest month in Columbia, February the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month, October 2024 to September 2026
The 12-month rate of 37% 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 Columbia?
The average nightly rate in Columbia, known as ADR (average daily rate), was $192 over the past year, about 40% below the North Carolina and U.S. averages ($320 and $335). Averaged month by month over the past two years, rates peak in May and June at about $190 and bottom out in January at about $160.
Across Columbia's 28 active listings, nightly rates by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge $350+ a night, about 2.3 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge $210 or more, about $60 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about $150 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge $115 or less, about three-quarters of the median.
June rates run 18% above January's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month, October 2024 to September 2026
The 12-month ADR of $192 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 Columbia?
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 Columbia it averaged $70 over the past year, from about $42 in a typical February to about $118 in a typical July.
Across Columbia's 28 active listings, RevPAR by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $119+ per open night, about 1.8 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn $91 or more, about $25 a night above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about $66 per open night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $43 or less, about two-thirds of the median.
July RevPAR is about 2.8 times February's
Revenue per open night (RevPAR), by month, October 2024 to September 2026
The 12-month RevPAR of $70 averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Seasonality
Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in Columbia
With only 28 active listings, the monthly pattern in Columbia is noisy, since a few long or pricey stays can lift a month; revenue has tended to peak in July and bottom out in February.
Average revenue by month in Columbia
Average revenue per active listing, each calendar month averaged over the past two years
Revenue by month in Columbia in numbers
| Month | Revenue per listing |
|---|---|
| January | $1,730 |
| February | $1,180 |
| March | $1,710 |
| April | $2,430 |
| May | $2,470 |
| June | $3,520 |
| July | $3,660 |
| August | $3,020 |
| September | $2,080 |
| October | $2,130 |
| November | $2,210 |
| December | $2,000 |
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Columbia?
Guests book Columbia stays 46 days ahead on average (about seven weeks). July stays are booked furthest out, about 84 days ahead, and February stays closest to arrival, about 17 days. A typical July booking is made in late April.
July stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay, October 2024 to September 2026
The 12-month figure of 46 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 Columbia
None of the 28 active listings in Columbia 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 Columbia.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Columbia
AirROI's area guide picks eight Columbia neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Downtown Columbia, Five Points and West Columbia. 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 Columbia | The heart of the city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, cultural institutions, and bustling nightlife. It's a prime location for those looking to explore local attractions and enjoy the urban lifestyle. | South Carolina State House, Columbia Museum of Art, Main Street, Edward W. Hendrix Park, The Colonial Life Arena |
| Five Points | A historic district with a lively atmosphere, popular among students and young professionals. This area is known for its eclectic mix of shops, bars, and restaurants, making it a hotspot for renters and visitors alike. | Five Points Fountain, The Whig, Publick House, The Flying Saucer, The Lost Cajun |
| West Columbia | Located just across the Congaree River from downtown, this area offers a quieter suburban feel while still being close to the city's amenities. Perfect for families and longer stays. | Riverwalk Park, West Columbia Riverfront Park, Saluda River, New Brookland Tavern, Carolina Adventure World |
| North Columbia | This area is growing in popularity with affordable housing and close proximity to outdoor activities. It's appealing to those who want to enjoy nature while remaining near the urban center. | Sesquicentennial State Park, Congaree National Park, Piney Grove Baptist Church, Columbia College |
| Blythewood | A suburban area just north of Columbia, known for its friendly community and proximity to nature. Great for families and travelers looking for a peaceful retreat with outdoor access. | Blythewood Park, Lake Carolina, The Golf Club at Cateechee, Blythewood History Center |
| Forest Acres | A residential area known for its parks and family-friendly environment. It offers local shops and a mix of small businesses, making it a pleasant stay for visitors who prefer a neighborhood feel. | Forest Acres Park, East Richland Public Library, Dentsville Shopping Center |
| Irmo | Located to the northwest of Columbia, Irmo offers great recreational opportunities and an array of shopping and dining options. It's appealing to families and visitors who enjoy a suburban lifestyle. | Lake Murray, Irmo Community Park, Harbison State Forest, Irmo Town Park |
| Southeast Columbia | A diverse area with a rich culture and close-knit communities. Offers easy access to various local attractions and is known for its affordability and accessibility. | The South Carolina State Museum, EdVenture Children's Museum, Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Nearby markets
Columbia vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets
Of the eight nearby markets in the table, all within 54 km, Duck (54 km away) earned the most per listing, about 3.2 times as much as Columbia. Kitty Hawk was the busiest, booked on 44% of nights against 37% in Columbia.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertford 24 km | 36 | $27,289 | $215 | 42% |
| Edenton 35 km | 85 | $21,645 | $203 | 39% |
| Elizabeth City 40 km | 98 | $23,257 | $198 | 41% |
| Colington 51 km | 59 | $29,039 | $319 | 37% |
| Southern Shores 53 km | 168 | $56,416 | $498 | 43% |
| Kitty Hawk 53 km | 444 | $48,938 | $399 | 44% |
| Duck 54 km | 285 | $57,936 | $518 | 42% |
| Manteo 54 km | 182 | $33,381 | $312 | 36% |
Other Airbnb Markets in North Carolina
- Charlotte Airbnb data 3,646 listings
- Asheville Airbnb data 1,836 listings
- Raleigh Airbnb data 1,764 listings
- Carolina Beach Airbnb data 1,684 listings
- Wilmington Airbnb data 1,619 listings
- Oak Island Airbnb data 1,615 listings
- Kill Devil Hills Airbnb data 1,224 listings
- Durham Airbnb data 1,187 listings
See all 298 North Carolina Airbnb markets
Markets Similar to Columbia
Markets elsewhere in the United States with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to Columbia:
- Fort White Airbnb data FL · $193/night · 37.4%
- Katy Airbnb data TX · $195/night · 37.3%
- Hudson Airbnb data FL · $192/night · 38.3%
- Newark Airbnb data NJ · $195/night · 38.1%
- Elizabethtown Airbnb data KY · $188/night · 37.8%
- Pearland Airbnb data TX · $191/night · 36.7%
FAQ
Columbia Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Columbia?
An active Columbia Airbnb grossed $18,246 on average in the 12 months to October 2026, according to AirROI's tracking of 28 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in $2,970 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in Columbia?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Columbia listings earn between $1,070 and $2,970 in a typical month, and the top tenth $3,990 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 Columbia?
Listings in Columbia were booked on 37% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 40% for the North Carolina average. June is usually the busiest month.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Columbia?
The average booked night in Columbia cost $192 before fees. Half of listings charge between $115 and $210, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Columbia?
None of the active Columbia 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 Columbia?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Columbia Airbnb grossed $18,246 in the 12 months to October 2026, 47% below the North Carolina average of $34,622, though with only 28 active listings a single property can move that figure. Run by its owner, with the cleaning fee covering the cleaner and everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, $11,256 a year (about $940 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 $1,490 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb estimator.
When is Airbnb peak season in Columbia?
July usually pays best, averaging $3,660 per active listing over the past two years, and February usually pays least. The month-by-month table above shows how the latest 12 months played out.
What is the Airbnb RevPAR in Columbia?
Each night a Columbia listing was open to book earned $70 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 $119 or more.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Columbia?
Columbia stays were booked 46 days (about seven 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 Columbia?
The average Columbia Airbnb stay lasted 4.1 nights over the past year. A listing took 24 reservations over the year on average.
How are Airbnbs in Columbia rated?
Guests rate Columbia Airbnbs 4.91 out of 5 on average. Guests score check-in highest and location lowest.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Columbia?
Downtown Columbia, Five Points and West Columbia draw the most short-term rental interest in Columbia. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in Columbia?
AirROI counted 28 active Airbnb listings in Columbia as of October 2026. The closest tracked market is Hertford, 24 km away.
How much are Airbnb cleaning fees in Columbia?
In Columbia, 86% of listings add a cleaning fee. The median fee is $76, and some higher fees lift the average to $114.
How many tourists visit Columbia, NC?
All of North Carolina had nearly 40 million domestic visitors in 2024, the North Carolina Office of the Governor reports. AirROI estimates 677 Airbnb stays in Columbia, NC in the 12 months to October 2026, which counts bookings and not tourists. See North Carolina tourism statistics.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 28 active Airbnb listings in Columbia from November 2025 to October 2026 (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.