Top 100 Best Places in South Africa to Invest in Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals (2025)

Source: AirROI

Last updated: 2025-07-01

Unlock high-ROI opportunities in South Africa‘s booming short-term rental (STR) market. This 2025 Airbnb investment guide from AirROI leverages cutting-edge Airbnb data analytics to pinpoint the most profitable cities for Airbnb and vacation rental entrepreneurs. Whether you’re scaling your portfolio or making your first STR investment, discover markets with strong rental demand, high revenue potential, and favorable regulations. We are committed to providing trustworthy insights based on comprehensive market analysis, and you can learn more about our rigorous approach to data accuracy.

Our STR market analysis dives deep into key performance indicators like monthly revenue, average daily rates (ADR), occupancy trends, property counts, and regulatory landscapes across South Africa. We go beyond simple rankings to provide the context you need for informed investment decisions using reliable Airbnb data.

Explore the data-driven insights below to identify the premier short-term rental investment hotspots and high ROI Airbnb markets in South Africa for 2025.

Top Short-Term Rental Markets in South Africa

Rank:#1Market:Cape TownCountry:South AfricaProperties:12,510Monthly Revenue:$1777.66Daily Rate (ADR):$181.76Occupancy:47.29%Regulation:Low
Rank:#2Market:GeorgeCountry:South AfricaProperties:4,988Monthly Revenue:$949.54Daily Rate (ADR):$137.40Occupancy:33.06%Regulation:Low
Rank:#3Market:Overstrand Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:1,903Monthly Revenue:$1314.61Daily Rate (ADR):$171.65Occupancy:35.72%Regulation:Low
Rank:#4Market:KwaDukuza Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:1,594Monthly Revenue:$1215.69Daily Rate (ADR):$187.91Occupancy:32.11%Regulation:Low
Rank:#5Market:Stellenbosch Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:1,287Monthly Revenue:$1863.52Daily Rate (ADR):$181.80Occupancy:45.42%Regulation:Low
Rank:#6Market:SandtonCountry:South AfricaProperties:1,265Monthly Revenue:$589.62Daily Rate (ADR):$75.61Occupancy:37.85%Regulation:Low
Rank:#7Market:Saldanha Bay Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:1,245Monthly Revenue:$1112.36Daily Rate (ADR):$147.05Occupancy:31.99%Regulation:Low
Rank:#8Market:PretoriaCountry:South AfricaProperties:1,236Monthly Revenue:$404.83Daily Rate (ADR):$58.47Occupancy:32.10%Regulation:Low
Rank:#9Market:JohannesburgCountry:South AfricaProperties:1,218Monthly Revenue:$350.98Daily Rate (ADR):$50.11Occupancy:34.86%Regulation:Low
Rank:#10Market:Hibiscus Coast Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:1,016Monthly Revenue:$513.38Daily Rate (ADR):$112.17Occupancy:25.48%Regulation:Low
Rank:#11Market:Kouga Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:999Monthly Revenue:$790.53Daily Rate (ADR):$145.36Occupancy:31.46%Regulation:Low
Rank:#12Market:GqeberhaCountry:South AfricaProperties:955Monthly Revenue:$499.28Daily Rate (ADR):$71.46Occupancy:33.71%Regulation:Low
Rank:#13Market:Umhlanga RocksCountry:South AfricaProperties:749Monthly Revenue:$1093.06Daily Rate (ADR):$143.54Occupancy:34.45%Regulation:Low
Rank:#14Market:RandburgCountry:South AfricaProperties:735Monthly Revenue:$482.50Daily Rate (ADR):$62.33Occupancy:36.49%Regulation:Low
Rank:#15Market:DurbanCountry:South AfricaProperties:714Monthly Revenue:$555.92Daily Rate (ADR):$85.19Occupancy:31.99%Regulation:Low
Rank:#16Market:RosebankCountry:South AfricaProperties:678Monthly Revenue:$665.69Daily Rate (ADR):$74.77Occupancy:40.43%Regulation:Low
Rank:#17Market:MilnertonCountry:South AfricaProperties:578Monthly Revenue:$931.05Daily Rate (ADR):$117.03Occupancy:42.34%Regulation:Low
Rank:#18Market:MbombelaCountry:South AfricaProperties:569Monthly Revenue:$575.72Daily Rate (ADR):$96.84Occupancy:25.30%Regulation:Low
Rank:#19Market:MidrandCountry:South AfricaProperties:547Monthly Revenue:$397.98Daily Rate (ADR):$62.60Occupancy:31.67%Regulation:Low
Rank:#20Market:Hout BayCountry:South AfricaProperties:510Monthly Revenue:$1690.20Daily Rate (ADR):$196.07Occupancy:43.63%Regulation:Low
Rank:#21Market:NkomaziCountry:South AfricaProperties:487Monthly Revenue:$1508.62Daily Rate (ADR):$159.27Occupancy:36.84%Regulation:Low
Rank:#22Market:BloemfonteinCountry:South AfricaProperties:453Monthly Revenue:$322.58Daily Rate (ADR):$44.96Occupancy:30.19%Regulation:Low
Rank:#23Market:Langeberg Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:445Monthly Revenue:$994.15Daily Rate (ADR):$118.53Occupancy:33.01%Regulation:Low
Rank:#24Market:Drakenstein Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:425Monthly Revenue:$1142.87Daily Rate (ADR):$145.63Occupancy:35.75%Regulation:Low
Rank:#25Market:Cape Agulhas Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:421Monthly Revenue:$701.58Daily Rate (ADR):$127.39Occupancy:27.57%Regulation:Low
Rank:#26Market:East LondonCountry:South AfricaProperties:420Monthly Revenue:$268.96Daily Rate (ADR):$60.30Occupancy:26.67%Regulation:Low
Rank:#27Market:Somerset WestCountry:South AfricaProperties:419Monthly Revenue:$1059.50Daily Rate (ADR):$119.37Occupancy:42.32%Regulation:Low
Rank:#28Market:uMgeni Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:413Monthly Revenue:$867.23Daily Rate (ADR):$103.16Occupancy:31.33%Regulation:Low
Rank:#29Market:Swartland Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:399Monthly Revenue:$1131.08Daily Rate (ADR):$161.79Occupancy:29.54%Regulation:Low
Rank:#30Market:Dihlabeng Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:395Monthly Revenue:$659.74Daily Rate (ADR):$100.38Occupancy:25.61%Regulation:Low
Rank:#31Market:Ndlambe Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:373Monthly Revenue:$698.99Daily Rate (ADR):$120.98Occupancy:29.08%Regulation:Low
Rank:#32Market:Umdloti / eMdlotiCountry:South AfricaProperties:353Monthly Revenue:$984.88Daily Rate (ADR):$131.21Occupancy:34.35%Regulation:Low
Rank:#33Market:Emakhazeni Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:342Monthly Revenue:$1067.14Daily Rate (ADR):$154.35Occupancy:24.90%Regulation:Low
Rank:#34Market:BellvilleCountry:South AfricaProperties:310Monthly Revenue:$570.98Daily Rate (ADR):$69.08Occupancy:43.87%Regulation:Low
Rank:#35Market:Madibeng Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:298Monthly Revenue:$923.68Daily Rate (ADR):$148.37Occupancy:26.42%Regulation:Low
Rank:#36Market:StrandCountry:South AfricaProperties:289Monthly Revenue:$858.23Daily Rate (ADR):$93.40Occupancy:41.12%Regulation:Low
Rank:#37Market:Theewaterskloof Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:286Monthly Revenue:$963.67Daily Rate (ADR):$108.18Occupancy:33.28%Regulation:Low
Rank:#38Market:Swellendam Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:285Monthly Revenue:$736.43Daily Rate (ADR):$103.40Occupancy:31.85%Regulation:Low
Rank:#39Market:Simon's TownCountry:South AfricaProperties:282Monthly Revenue:$1337.99Daily Rate (ADR):$138.69Occupancy:41.95%Regulation:Low
Rank:#40Market:Bela Bela Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:262Monthly Revenue:$1727.96Daily Rate (ADR):$269.50Occupancy:26.41%Regulation:Low
Rank:#41Market:Witzenberg Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:248Monthly Revenue:$1400.45Daily Rate (ADR):$128.17Occupancy:36.44%Regulation:Low
Rank:#42Market:Cederberg Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:244Monthly Revenue:$799.21Daily Rate (ADR):$102.20Occupancy:31.39%Regulation:Low
Rank:#43Market:NoordhoekCountry:South AfricaProperties:244Monthly Revenue:$1652.21Daily Rate (ADR):$222.15Occupancy:42.06%Regulation:Low
Rank:#44Market:Durban NorthCountry:South AfricaProperties:223Monthly Revenue:$480.80Daily Rate (ADR):$83.59Occupancy:33.83%Regulation:Low
Rank:#45Market:RoodepoortCountry:South AfricaProperties:217Monthly Revenue:$309.82Daily Rate (ADR):$50.84Occupancy:33.16%Regulation:Low
Rank:#46Market:Maruleng Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:210Monthly Revenue:$1119.52Daily Rate (ADR):$151.31Occupancy:32.11%Regulation:Low
Rank:#47Market:Fish HoekCountry:South AfricaProperties:208Monthly Revenue:$1000.68Daily Rate (ADR):$110.66Occupancy:43.58%Regulation:Low
Rank:#48Market:Camdeboo Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:207Monthly Revenue:$412.30Daily Rate (ADR):$70.44Occupancy:26.62%Regulation:Low
Rank:#49Market:CenturionCountry:South AfricaProperties:203Monthly Revenue:$354.45Daily Rate (ADR):$54.30Occupancy:35.20%Regulation:Low
Rank:#50Market:Tlokwe Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:192Monthly Revenue:$403.72Daily Rate (ADR):$65.26Occupancy:27.08%Regulation:Low
Rank:#51Market:Okhahlamba Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:172Monthly Revenue:$975.58Daily Rate (ADR):$132.88Occupancy:32.50%Regulation:Low
Rank:#52Market:Thaba Chweu Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:170Monthly Revenue:$454.20Daily Rate (ADR):$78.32Occupancy:24.82%Regulation:Low
Rank:#53Market:uMdoni Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:160Monthly Revenue:$692.31Daily Rate (ADR):$119.94Occupancy:26.95%Regulation:Low
Rank:#54Market:Mogale City Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:158Monthly Revenue:$571.51Daily Rate (ADR):$93.32Occupancy:25.88%Regulation:Low
Rank:#55Market:Beaufort West Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:155Monthly Revenue:$272.71Daily Rate (ADR):$53.14Occupancy:23.32%Regulation:Low
Rank:#56Market:DurbanvilleCountry:South AfricaProperties:154Monthly Revenue:$745.70Daily Rate (ADR):$92.44Occupancy:40.62%Regulation:Low
Rank:#57Market:Mtubatuba Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:153Monthly Revenue:$613.70Daily Rate (ADR):$95.98Occupancy:29.46%Regulation:Low
Rank:#58Market:Great Kei Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:151Monthly Revenue:$613.80Daily Rate (ADR):$112.33Occupancy:27.26%Regulation:Low
Rank:#59Market:Rustenburg Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:149Monthly Revenue:$445.50Daily Rate (ADR):$85.99Occupancy:24.80%Regulation:Low
Rank:#60Market:Bergrivier Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:145Monthly Revenue:$849.16Daily Rate (ADR):$134.88Occupancy:27.97%Regulation:Low
Rank:#61Market:Kwa Sani Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:142Monthly Revenue:$618.14Daily Rate (ADR):$111.64Occupancy:25.57%Regulation:Low
Rank:#62Market:Greater Tzaneen Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:137Monthly Revenue:$527.92Daily Rate (ADR):$89.81Occupancy:24.83%Regulation:Low
Rank:#63Market:Breede Valley Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:137Monthly Revenue:$717.71Daily Rate (ADR):$99.13Occupancy:29.83%Regulation:Low
Rank:#64Market:Kempton ParkCountry:South AfricaProperties:132Monthly Revenue:$276.57Daily Rate (ADR):$48.43Occupancy:27.86%Regulation:Low
Rank:#65Market:Prince Albert Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:128Monthly Revenue:$717.54Daily Rate (ADR):$95.84Occupancy:28.30%Regulation:Low
Rank:#66Market:Sol Plaatje Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:117Monthly Revenue:$260.42Daily Rate (ADR):$60.37Occupancy:26.07%Regulation:Low
Rank:#67Market:Polokwane Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:116Monthly Revenue:$245.97Daily Rate (ADR):$56.00Occupancy:23.07%Regulation:Low
Rank:#68Market:Msunduzi Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:115Monthly Revenue:$352.02Daily Rate (ADR):$57.09Occupancy:30.51%Regulation:Low
Rank:#69Market:GermistonCountry:South AfricaProperties:112Monthly Revenue:$267.61Daily Rate (ADR):$58.38Occupancy:26.43%Regulation:Low
Rank:#70Market:Makana Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:111Monthly Revenue:$424.90Daily Rate (ADR):$69.86Occupancy:28.67%Regulation:Low
Rank:#71Market:BoksburgCountry:South AfricaProperties:111Monthly Revenue:$269.86Daily Rate (ADR):$45.75Occupancy:31.12%Regulation:Low
Rank:#72Market:Kou-Kamma Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:108Monthly Revenue:$714.39Daily Rate (ADR):$91.91Occupancy:30.36%Regulation:Low
Rank:#73Market:Ngwathe Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:107Monthly Revenue:$696.07Daily Rate (ADR):$105.68Occupancy:24.87%Regulation:Low
Rank:#74Market:ParowCountry:South AfricaProperties:103Monthly Revenue:$517.61Daily Rate (ADR):$62.05Occupancy:35.95%Regulation:Low
Rank:#75Market:uMhlathuze Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:100Monthly Revenue:$301.87Daily Rate (ADR):$65.36Occupancy:26.03%Regulation:Low
Rank:#76Market:Emfuleni Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:98Monthly Revenue:$664.46Daily Rate (ADR):$128.24Occupancy:21.89%Regulation:Low
Rank:#77Market:GonubieCountry:South AfricaProperties:95Monthly Revenue:$458.81Daily Rate (ADR):$75.53Occupancy:27.71%Regulation:Low
Rank:#78Market:KingsburghCountry:South AfricaProperties:95Monthly Revenue:$394.53Daily Rate (ADR):$70.21Occupancy:30.04%Regulation:Low
Rank:#79Market:Nkonkobe Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:86Monthly Revenue:$415.67Daily Rate (ADR):$71.87Occupancy:24.01%Regulation:Low
Rank:#80Market:MelkbosstrandCountry:South AfricaProperties:84Monthly Revenue:$1049.26Daily Rate (ADR):$165.62Occupancy:37.34%Regulation:Low
Rank:#81Market:HillcrestCountry:South AfricaProperties:80Monthly Revenue:$457.48Daily Rate (ADR):$57.07Occupancy:36.29%Regulation:Low
Rank:#82Market:Umsobomvu Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:79Monthly Revenue:$329.23Daily Rate (ADR):$52.60Occupancy:27.47%Regulation:Low
Rank:#83Market:EdenvaleCountry:South AfricaProperties:78Monthly Revenue:$247.38Daily Rate (ADR):$36.42Occupancy:33.45%Regulation:Low
Rank:#84Market:Kopanong Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:75Monthly Revenue:$301.57Daily Rate (ADR):$57.32Occupancy:24.60%Regulation:Low
Rank:#85Market:Matlosana Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:74Monthly Revenue:$217.77Daily Rate (ADR):$45.20Occupancy:23.24%Regulation:Low
Rank:#86Market:Sundays River Valley Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:71Monthly Revenue:$691.92Daily Rate (ADR):$80.24Occupancy:32.22%Regulation:Low
Rank:#87Market:AlbertonCountry:South AfricaProperties:70Monthly Revenue:$242.42Daily Rate (ADR):$46.74Occupancy:29.58%Regulation:Low
Rank:#88Market:City of Tshwane Metropolitan MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:70Monthly Revenue:$493.79Daily Rate (ADR):$104.14Occupancy:22.72%Regulation:Low
Rank:#89Market:PinetownCountry:South AfricaProperties:70Monthly Revenue:$313.42Daily Rate (ADR):$44.95Occupancy:36.77%Regulation:Low
Rank:#90Market:BenoniCountry:South AfricaProperties:69Monthly Revenue:$404.34Daily Rate (ADR):$60.41Occupancy:30.66%Regulation:Low
Rank:#91Market:IreneCountry:South AfricaProperties:67Monthly Revenue:$507.30Daily Rate (ADR):$51.43Occupancy:40.88%Regulation:Low
Rank:#92Market:Mpofana Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:66Monthly Revenue:$626.81Daily Rate (ADR):$99.01Occupancy:24.93%Regulation:Low
Rank:#93Market:Matzikama Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:63Monthly Revenue:$270.82Daily Rate (ADR):$63.72Occupancy:23.10%Regulation:Low
Rank:#94Market:Inxuba Yethemba Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:62Monthly Revenue:$164.39Daily Rate (ADR):$44.83Occupancy:21.92%Regulation:Low
Rank:#95Market:KloofCountry:South AfricaProperties:62Monthly Revenue:$435.06Daily Rate (ADR):$56.02Occupancy:33.29%Regulation:Low
Rank:#96Market:Midvaal Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:61Monthly Revenue:$446.86Daily Rate (ADR):$97.60Occupancy:21.62%Regulation:Low
Rank:#97Market:KraaifonteinCountry:South AfricaProperties:60Monthly Revenue:$451.91Daily Rate (ADR):$61.50Occupancy:40.13%Regulation:Low
Rank:#98Market:MasiphumeleleCountry:South AfricaProperties:59Monthly Revenue:$1020.51Daily Rate (ADR):$118.43Occupancy:38.98%Regulation:Low
Rank:#99Market:SeaviewCountry:South AfricaProperties:58Monthly Revenue:$1147.26Daily Rate (ADR):$111.43Occupancy:36.10%Regulation:Low
Rank:#100Market:Maluti-a-Phofung Local MunicipalityCountry:South AfricaProperties:57Monthly Revenue:$388.05Daily Rate (ADR):$58.26Occupancy:23.83%Regulation:Low

Our Data-Driven Methodology for STR Market Analysis

At AirROI, our market rankings and insights are powered by a robust methodology combining comprehensive Airbnb data collection with sophisticated STR analytics techniques. We strive to provide the most accurate and actionable intelligence for short-term rental investors.

Data Collection & Scope

  • Global Coverage: We aggregate STR data from tens of millions of active short-term rental listings across platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo worldwide.
  • Real-Time Metrics: Our systems track key performance indicators (KPIs) daily, including booking rates, nightly pricing (ADR), occupancy rates, and revenue.
  • Regulatory Monitoring: We actively monitor and incorporate local short-term rental regulations, licensing requirements, and tax obligations into our market analysis.

Analysis & Ranking

  • Proprietary Algorithms: AI and machine learning models analyze booking patterns, predict seasonal demand shifts, and identify emerging market trends in the STR space.
  • Key Metric Evaluation: We evaluate markets based on a weighted combination of critical investment factors using our extensive Airbnb analytics:
    • Revenue Potential: Average Monthly Revenue and Average Daily Rate (ADR).
    • Market Demand: Occupancy Rate and booking lead times.
    • Investment Scale: Number of active properties and market growth trends.
    • Regulatory Environment: Assessed impact of local STR regulations on operational feasibility and profitability.
  • Benchmarking: Performance is benchmarked against regional and global averages to provide context for vacation rental investment potential.

Key Metrics Explained

  • Properties: The count of active short-term rental listings in the market.
  • Monthly Revenue: Average revenue generated per property per month, a key indicator for Airbnb profitability.
  • Daily Rate (ADR): Average nightly booking price.
  • Occupancy: Percentage of nights booked out of total available nights, crucial for understanding STR demand.
  • Regulation: An indicator of the local regulatory climate impacting Airbnb investment.

This rigorous approach ensures our recommendations are based on real-world performance Airbnb data and forward-looking market analysis, empowering you to invest smarter in the vacation rental market.

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