Cologne Airbnb Market Analysis 2026: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Is Airbnb profitable in Cologne in 2026? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany to uncover income potential. This 2026 STR market report for Cologne, based on AirROI data from January 2025 to December 2025, reveals key trends in the bustling market of 2,094 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Cologne, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Cologne Airbnb data is crucial. Navigating the high regulation landscape is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Cologne Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Cologne (2026)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Cologne is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Cologne is typically October, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Cologne across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,283+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,825 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,662 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $830, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Cologne
Cologne Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2026)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Cologne STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Septembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Cologne:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 86%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 69% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 42%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 20% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Cologne
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Cologne (2026)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Cologne involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cologne typically peaks in October and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $281+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $186 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $129 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $92 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Cologne
Get Live Cologne Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Cologne (2025)
Peak Season (October, August, September)
- Revenue averages $2,440 per month
- Occupancy rates average 48.3%
- Daily rates average $173
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,194 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 46.2%
- Daily rates hold near $168
Low Season (January, February, April)
- Revenue drops to average $1,765 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 39.4%
- Daily rates adjust to average $163
Seasonality Insights for Cologne
- The Airbnb seasonality in Cologne shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Cologne's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $2,473, occupancy reaching a high of 50.3%, and ADRs peaking at $175.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,669, occupancy could drop to 35.2%, and ADRs may adjust down to $161.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Cologne.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Cologne seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Cologne (2026)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Cologne? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Altstadt-Nord | The historic center of Cologne, known for its beautiful architecture, historic churches, and vibrant atmosphere. Ideal for tourists who want to experience the heart of the city. | Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, Museum Ludwig, Hohenzollern Bridge, Rheinauhafen |
| Belgisches Viertel | A trendy neighborhood filled with boutiques, cafes, and bars. Popular with young travelers and locals alike for its relaxed vibe and cultural offerings. | Apostelnstraße, Stadtgarten, Brussels Square, Design shops, Trendy cafes and bars |
| Ehrenfeld | A multicultural district with a mix of old and new. Known for its street art, music scene, and hip cafes. Attracts a young, artistic crowd. | Landschaftspark Ehrenfeld, Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld, Ehrenfelder Strasse, Street Art Tour, Local markets |
| Deutz | This district provides a modern side of Cologne with access to the Kölnmesse exhibition grounds and beautiful views of the cathedral and Rhine River. | Koelnmesse, Rheinpark, Flora und Botanischer Garten, Deutzer Brücke, Heumarkt |
| Südstadt | A residential area with a cozy atmosphere, known for its charming streets and local restaurants. Great for families and longer stays. | Kwartier Latäng, Alter Markt, Chlodwigplatz, Local boutiques, Hamburger Straße nightlife |
| Rodenkirchen | A serene suburb located by the Rhine River, known for its green spaces and a more relaxed pace. Perfect for families and nature lovers. | Rodenkirchen Park, Rhine promenade, Local dining options, Brühl Palace, Schnellenstraße |
| Lindenthal | An upscale residential area with a good mix of leisure and business. Ideally situated for those wanting city access with a suburban feel. | Bürgerpark, Paradiesgarten, Local shops, University of Cologne, Gustav-Heinemann-Straße restaurants |
| Nippes | A developing area known for its independent shops and cafes, drawing a diverse crowd from across the city. Popular among younger generations. | Marktplatz Nippes, Hilmersdorfplatz, Local art venues, Theater im Bauturm, Nippeser Bürgerhaus |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Cologne (2026)
Yes, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany enforces high STR regulations. Obtaining a license and ensuring compliance is almost certainly required according to current 2026 STR laws. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Cologne to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 92% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Cologne (2026)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Colognebased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Mediterranean flair near cathedral for 9, terrace
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Family Mansion in Cologne
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Classes Stay - Luxury Loft by the Dom | Rooftop
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Quiet city oasis at the main train station
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
House Cologne Suite
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Suite - perfect for groups | Punching Bag, Parking
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Cologne (2026)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Cologne based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firat | 55 | $1,097,670 | 610 | 4.14/5.0 |
| Gaby | 32 | $547,504 | 602 | 4.55/5.0 |
| Marcel | 6 | $541,698 | 374 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Aparthotels | 26 | $519,837 | 407 | 3.97/5.0 |
| Maki | 7 | $470,629 | 122 | 4.31/5.0 |
| Severine | 5 | $432,058 | 241 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Helina | 28 | $404,240 | 662 | 4.45/5.0 |
| Kristin | 8 | $287,629 | 1177 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Kristian | 9 | $282,728 | 3180 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Rainer | 5 | $282,491 | 1364 | 4.59/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Cologne.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Cologne STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Cologne. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsCologne Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2026): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Cologne
- The Cologne Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 73.1% of the 2,094 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Cologne, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (86%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- The presence of 5.6% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like others, outdoor/unique (combined 1.1%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Cologne Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Cologne
- The dominant room capacity in Cologne is 1 bedroom listings, making up 57.9% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 71.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Cologne, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- With over half the market (57.9%) consisting of studios or 1-bedroom units, Cologne is particularly well-suited for individuals or couples.
- Listings with 3+ bedrooms (4.6%) represent a smaller niche, potentially indicating an underserved market for larger group accommodations in Cologne.
Cologne Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Cologne
- The most common guest capacity trend in Cologne vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (38.2%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Cologne STR market, accounting for 52.3% of listings.
- A significant 41.7% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Cologne.
- On average, properties in Cologne are equipped to host 2.4 guests.
Cologne Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Cologne
- The most common availability pattern in Cologne falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 43.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 72.4% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Cologne (28.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 28.9% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Cologne Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
631 listings
30.2% of total
2 Nights
422 listings
20.2% of total
3 Nights
136 listings
6.5% of total
4-6 Nights
135 listings
6.5% of total
7-29 Nights
127 listings
6.1% of total
30+ Nights
639 listings
30.6% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Cologne is 30+ Nights, adopted by 30.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (30.6%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Cologne, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 30.6% of Cologne hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 30.6% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Cologne.
Cologne Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
49 listings
2.4% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
8 listings
0.4% of total
Limited
14 listings
0.7% of total
Non-refundable
1 listings
0% of total
Flexible
419 listings
20.2% of total
Moderate
731 listings
35.2% of total
Firm
551 listings
26.5% of total
Strict
304 listings
14.6% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Cologne
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Cologne is Moderate, used by 35.2% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (55.4%) and stricter (41.1%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 35.2% market standard in Cologne.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 14.6% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Cologne.
Cologne STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2026)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Cologne
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Cologne is 57 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 86 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 29 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (67 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (44 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (57 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Cologne.
- For October stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 86 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 67 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Cologne averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Cologne (2026)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Cologne
- Essential amenities in Cologne that guests expect include: Wifi. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Heating, Smoke alarm, Kitchen are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Cologne: Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating or Smoke alarm to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Cologne to stay competitive.
Cologne Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Cologne
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Cologne consists of a mix of domestic (42%) and international guests, with top international origins including United Kingdom, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or German.
- Domestic travelers account for 41.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include Germany (41.9%) and United Kingdom (9.7%).
- Top languages spoken are English (40.2%) followed by German (23%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Cologne Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haghorst | 11 | $6,275 | $467.13 | 43% |
| Baarlo | 20 | $5,655 | $329.43 | 53% |
| Aubel | 26 | $4,369 | $287.67 | 47% |
| Wellin | 12 | $4,311 | $442.67 | 44% |
| Bertogne | 27 | $3,885 | $315.17 | 43% |
| Heers | 30 | $3,543 | $291.28 | 39% |
| Samrée | 18 | $3,457 | $368.15 | 31% |
| Chiny | 21 | $3,419 | $265.17 | 40% |
| Peer | 22 | $3,364 | $345.07 | 36% |
| Kerkdriel | 18 | $3,327 | $380.17 | 37% |