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Airbnb vs Long Term Rental Calculator
Should you rent your property on Airbnb or sign a 12-month lease? This calculator compares short-term rental income against long-term rental cash flow to see which makes you more money.
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How to use this calculator
- Enter the purchase price and your monthly long-term rent expectation.
- Add your estimated Airbnb average nightly rate and occupancy %.
- Enter your annual expenses (insurance, property tax, maintenance).
- Add your monthly mortgage payment to see true net cash flow.
What your results mean
The comparison shows your monthly and annual profit under both strategies. Often, Airbnb generates significantly more gross revenue, but after factoring in higher turnover costs, furnishing, and platform fees, the net margin might be closer than expected.
5 tips for choosing between Airbnb and long term rentals
- Check local regulations first — many cities strictly limit or ban short-term rentals.
- Factor in higher wear-and-tear and utility costs for Airbnbs.
- Remember that Airbnb income fluctuates seasonally, while long-term rent is guaranteed monthly.
- Use dynamic pricing software for Airbnbs to maximize your nightly rates.
- If you self-manage an Airbnb, treat it like a hospitality job, not passive income.