US Cities Where Airbnbs Are Overvalued Compared To Long-Term Rentals

According to a recent study, some cities across the US have the most overpriced Airbnbs. Research was carried out by Evernest, where Airbnb listings were compared against long-term rentals, offering an insight into both markets. Meanwhile, the final ranking is ordered from the largest difference in pricing to the lowest. The following lists the top 10 US cities that feature in the study.

US cities where Airbnb prices are overvalued when compared to long-term rentals

Evernest analyzed more than 45 cities across the US to identify those with the most overpriced Airbnb.  Meanwhile, the final ranking is ordered from the biggest difference in pricing to the lowest. The following are listed in the top ten.

1. Palm Bay, Florida

Coming in at number one is Palm Bay in Florida, with the most overvalued Airbnb rentals when compared to long-term rentals. This city features a 306.8 percent difference in price but offers the cheapest rent for long-term properties at $1,216. However, Airbnb properties in the city can cost travelers up to $5K.

2. Salinas, California

Salinas, California, comes in second place in the list of US cities with overpriced Airbnbs, costing 275.2 percent more than a long-term rental. Meanwhile, long-term rents are quite expensive, with $2,166, while Airbnb listings ask for $8,130 on average.

3. Jacksonville, Florida

Coming in third place, Jacksonville, Florida, features a 241.8 percent price difference. There are more than 4,938 listings in the city, and the average long-term rentals cost around $1,553. Meanwhile, property listings on Airbnb go for over $5,310.

4. Key West, Florida

Meanwhile, Key West, Florida, holds fourth place with Airbnb properties costing 233.9 percent more than long-term rentals. This pricy city offers long-term rentals for $3,413, while Airbnb listings go up to $11,400 for a one-month stay.

5. Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara comes fifth in the ranking of US cities with the most overvalued Airbnb listings, as compared to long-term rentals, with a 225 percent difference. While the prices here are similar to Salinas, Santa Barbara is a tad more expensive, with the average long-term rental priced at $2,656.

6. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona, holds 6th place with Airbnb costing 197.2 percent more than long-term rentals. On average, Airbnbs here cost $4,890 while long-term rentals are much more affordable at $1,645.

7. Naples, Florida

Naples in Florida follows closely in seventh place with a 193.2 percent difference between Airbnbs and long-term rentals. While Naples has an extensive renting market, with more than 7,800 listings, the long-term rentals still cost $2,650 on average.

8. Nashville, Tennessee

Coming in eighth place, Music City sees Airbnb rentals costing 181.9 percent more than long-term. Meanwhile, Airbnb costs are up to $5,430, similar to Jacksonville, rentals provide more affordable housing at $1,925.

9. Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is listed 9th, with a 170.7 percent difference between Airbnb and long-term rentals. Moreover, the prices are similar to Nashville, with long-term costing an average of $1,950, and Airbnbs charge more than $5,280.

10. San Antonio, Texas

Coming tenth in the list of US cities where Airbnb prices are most overvalued, as compared to long-term rentals, with a 167 percent difference in pricing. Meanwhile, San Antonio, Texas, offers the second-most affordable long-term rentals at an average of $1,437, while Airbnb quotes $3,840.

‘Growing gap between short-term and long-term rental prices

A spokesperson for Evernest commented on the study:

America’s vacation rental landscape has evolved into a complex market where short-term stays command significant premiums over traditional housing options. Cities nationwide experience varying degrees of price differentials that reflect both tourism demand and limited housing inventory.

The growing gap between short-term and long-term rental prices highlights broader market forces at work as communities balance tourism revenue against residential accessibility in an increasingly digital accommodation marketplace.

Readers can access the full research findings here.