You need a good Airbnb arbitrage calculator before you sign any lease. Whether you’re evaluating your first rental arbitrage deal or scaling to your tenth property, running the real numbers is what separates profitable operators from people who lose their deposit. Use our free calculator below to estimate monthly cash flow, annual profit, and ROI in under 60 seconds
Key Takeaways:
- Use the calculator below to estimate monthly profit from any rental arbitrage deal in under 60 seconds
- Most successful arbitrage deals target a minimum 20% profit margin after all expenses
- Break-even typically occurs within 2-4 months with proper market selection
Free Airbnb Arbitrage Profit Calculator
Enter your property details below to see projected monthly revenue, expenses, cash flow, and annual ROI. Adjust any input to instantly update your results. Not sure what numbers to use? See our worked examples for Nashville, Phoenix, and Charlotte below.
How to Calculate Airbnb Arbitrage Profit (Step-by-Step)
Whether you use the calculator above or run numbers on a spreadsheet, every Airbnb arbitrage profit analysis follows the same six-step process. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Enter Your Monthly Rent
Start with the total monthly lease cost for the property. This is usually your single biggest expense. Include base rent only — utilities and other costs go in separate fields so you can see exactly where your money goes. For rental arbitrage, you’ll typically be looking at properties in the $1,200–$2,500/month range depending on market.
Step 2: Set Your Average Daily Rate (ADR)
Research comparable Airbnb listings within 1–2 miles of your target property. Look at listings with similar bedroom count, amenities, and quality. Tools like AirDNA, Mashvisor, or simply browsing live Airbnb listings will give you a realistic ADR. For conservative projections, use the lower end of the range you find.
Step 3: Estimate Your Occupancy Rate
Occupancy rate is the percentage of nights booked per month. Most urban markets average 60–70% annually. Vacation and seasonal markets swing more dramatically — sometimes 40% in off-peak months and 90%+ during peak season. For your first deal, use 60% to build in a safety margin. You can always revise upward once you have real booking data.
Step 4: Add Setup and Operating Costs
One-time setup costs typically include your security deposit, first month’s rent, furniture, decor, and initial supplies. Ongoing monthly costs include cleaning between guests, utilities (electric, water, internet), consumable supplies (toiletries, linens), insurance, permits, and any property management software. Be thorough here — underestimating expenses is the most common mistake new operators make. See our breakdown of rental arbitrage startup costs for a detailed checklist.
Step 5: Calculate Monthly Cash Flow
The core formula is straightforward. Monthly Revenue = ADR × Occupancy Rate × 30.4 days. Monthly Expenses = Rent + Cleaning + Utilities + Supplies + Other. Monthly Cash Flow = Revenue minus Expenses. Positive cash flow means the property makes money every month. Negative cash flow means you’re paying out of pocket — a clear signal to renegotiate or walk away.
Step 6: Evaluate ROI and Annual Profit
Annual Net Profit = Monthly Cash Flow × 12. ROI = (Annual Net Profit ÷ Setup Costs) × 100%. A strong arbitrage deal targets 50%+ annual ROI. Compare multiple properties before committing to make sure you’re picking the best opportunity available. Want to find the right market first? Check our guide to profitable Airbnb cities and best markets for rental arbitrage in 2026.
Airbnb Arbitrage Profit Examples: Nashville, Phoenix, and Charlotte
Numbers are easier to understand with real scenarios. Here are three worked examples using realistic 2026 market data for popular arbitrage cities. These illustrate how the same formula plays out in different markets.
Example 1: Nashville, TN — 2BR Downtown Apartment
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly Rent | $2,100 |
| Average Daily Rate | $185 |
| Occupancy Rate | 72% |
| Setup Costs | $6,000 |
| Monthly Cleaning | $520 |
| Monthly Utilities | $320 |
| Monthly Supplies + Other | $280 |
Results: Monthly revenue comes to roughly $4,051 (185 × 0.72 × 30.4). Total monthly expenses are $3,220. That produces monthly cash flow of about $831 and annual net profit of approximately $9,972. ROI on setup costs: 166%. Nashville’s strong tourism and music scene drive consistent demand. Break-even on setup costs happens in about 7 months.
Example 2: Phoenix, AZ — 3BR Suburban Home
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly Rent | $1,900 |
| Average Daily Rate | $165 |
| Occupancy Rate | 68% |
| Setup Costs | $7,500 |
| Monthly Cleaning | $480 |
| Monthly Utilities | $350 |
| Monthly Supplies + Other | $250 |
Results: Monthly revenue comes to roughly $3,413 (165 × 0.68 × 30.4). Total monthly expenses are $2,980. Monthly cash flow is about $433, producing annual net profit of roughly $5,196. ROI on setup costs: 69%. Phoenix has strong snowbird and event-driven demand from October through April, with slower summer months. The 3BR format attracts families and groups who stay longer and book further in advance. Break-even takes about 17 months.
Example 3: Charlotte, NC — 1BR Uptown Condo
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly Rent | $1,500 |
| Average Daily Rate | $125 |
| Occupancy Rate | 70% |
| Setup Costs | $4,200 |
| Monthly Cleaning | $350 |
| Monthly Utilities | $250 |
| Monthly Supplies + Other | $200 |
Results: Monthly revenue is roughly $2,660 (125 × 0.70 × 30.4). Total monthly expenses are $2,300. Monthly cash flow: about $360. Annual net profit: roughly $4,320. ROI on setup costs: 103%. Charlotte is an underrated market with growing business travel demand, lower rents, and consistent corporate bookings. The lower entry cost makes it ideal for first-time operators. Break-even happens in under 12 months.
Want to plug in your own numbers? Jump back to the calculator above and test any market.
What Is Airbnb Arbitrage and Why Use a Calculator?
Airbnb rental arbitrage means you lease a property long-term and sublet it as a short-term rental on Airbnb or Vrbo. You keep the difference between what you pay in rent and what guests pay you each night. The model works because short-term rental nightly rates typically generate 2–3 times what a long-term lease costs in the same area.
The biggest advantage of rental arbitrage over traditional real estate investing is the entry cost. You don’t need to buy property or qualify for a mortgage. A lease, landlord permission, and $4,000–$8,000 in setup capital is typically all you need to start your first Airbnb.
Without a calculator, you’re guessing. The difference between a profitable deal and a money-losing one often comes down to a $200 swing in rent or a 5-point difference in occupancy rate. A good calculator forces you to account for every cost and shows you the realistic picture before you commit thousands of dollars. That’s why running the numbers first isn’t optional — it’s the single most important step in the process.
Key Components of an Airbnb Arbitrage Calculator
Setup Costs and Initial Investment
Most operators spend $4,000–$8,000 to launch their first property. That breaks down to first month’s rent ($1,000–$2,500), security deposit ($500–$2,000), furniture and decor ($2,500–$4,000), and initial supplies like linens, toiletries, and kitchen essentials ($200–$500). Some experienced operators cut this below $3,000 by sourcing secondhand furniture, negotiating reduced deposits, and starting in lower-rent markets.
One critical step before spending anything: confirm your landlord permits short-term rentals in writing (review Airbnb’s hosting policies for platform requirements). Many leases prohibit subletting. You must get explicit written approval before you list a property. Skipping this step can lead to eviction and total loss of your investment.
Operating Expenses You Can’t Ignore
Monthly operating costs typically include cleaning between guests ($350–$600/month depending on turnover frequency and property size), utilities at $250–$400/month (electric, water, internet, gas), consumable supplies at $75–$150/month, insurance at $50–$150/month, permits and licenses at $25–$50/month amortized, and platform fees (Airbnb takes roughly 3% from hosts). Undercounting expenses is the number one reason new operators lose money. Build every cost into your calculator and add a 10% buffer.
Best Airbnb Arbitrage Calculator Tools Compared (2026)
No single calculator gives you the full picture. The best approach is to cross-reference 2–3 tools using conservative estimates. Here’s how the most popular Airbnb calculator tools stack up.
| Tool | Price | Data Source | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirDNA (Rentalizer) | From $250/yr | 10M+ Airbnb & Vrbo listings | Revenue estimates, market data | Expensive; can overestimate revenue |
| Rabbu | Free | Airbnb data + proprietary | Quick free estimates, interactive | Less granular than AirDNA |
| Mashvisor | From $50/mo | MLS + Airbnb + public data | Comparing investment metrics | More investment-focused than STR |
| Hostaway Calculator | Free | Aggregated listing data | PMS users wanting quick checks | Tied to their platform |
| Awning | Free | Airbnb + proprietary data | Address-level estimates | Newer tool, smaller dataset |
| 10XBNB Calculator ↑ | Free | Your own inputs | Custom profit scenarios, ROI | Requires you to research inputs |
Pro tip: Use AirDNA or Rabbu to find your ADR and occupancy estimates, then plug those numbers into our calculator above for a detailed profit breakdown including ROI and break-even timeline. That two-step process gives you the most accurate projection.
Free Airbnb Arbitrage Spreadsheet Template
Want to analyze multiple properties side by side? Download our free Google Sheets template that lets you compare up to 10 properties at once. It includes pre-built formulas for monthly cash flow, annual profit, ROI, and break-even calculations — plus a scenario tab where you can stress-test different occupancy rates and ADR assumptions.
→ Get the Free Google Sheets Template (Make a Copy)
The spreadsheet includes columns for property address, monthly rent, ADR, occupancy rate, all operating costs, monthly and annual profit, ROI, and break-even month. It’s the same tool many 10XBNB students use to evaluate deals before signing leases.
Understanding Airbnb Revenue and Occupancy Rates
Average Daily Rate by Market Type
ADR varies dramatically by location and property type. Major tourist destinations like Miami and San Diego can command $200–$350 per night for a well-furnished 2BR. Mid-tier cities like Nashville, Denver, and Charlotte typically range from $120–$200. Smaller or emerging markets might average $80–$130. Whole-home listings almost always outperform private rooms — typically by 40–60%. Unique properties (A-frames, treehouses, lakefront cabins) often command a 20–30% premium over standard apartments in the same area.
How Occupancy Rates Affect Profitability
Occupancy is often the make-or-break variable. A 10-point difference in occupancy (say 60% vs. 70%) on a $150 ADR property changes monthly revenue by roughly $456. For properties with thin margins, that swing can mean the difference between profit and loss. Seasonal markets require special attention — you might average 85% occupancy in summer but drop to 45% in winter. Calculate your annual projections using weighted monthly occupancy rather than a single flat rate to get a more realistic number.
Monthly revenue formula: ADR × Occupancy Rate × 30.4 (average days per month). Example: $150 ADR × 70% occupancy × 30.4 days = $3,192/month gross revenue. Always use this formula as your starting point and work expenses backward from there.
Airbnb Arbitrage Risks and How to Mitigate Them
Rental arbitrage avoids some traditional real estate risks — you don’t own the property, so you’re not exposed to market value drops or major structural repairs. But you face a different set of risks that you need to plan for.
Lease termination risk is the biggest threat. If your landlord decides not to renew or terminates your lease, you lose the business at that location instantly. Mitigate this by getting subletting permission in writing, building a strong landlord relationship, and keeping properties with multiple landlords so no single termination wipes you out.
Regulatory risk is growing in many cities. Short-term rental regulations change frequently, and some cities have enacted strict limits or outright bans. Before entering any market, research the current rules thoroughly. Check our coverage of the current state of rental arbitrage regulations for an updated overview.
Seasonality risk catches many first-time operators off guard. Plan for 2–3 slow months per year where occupancy may drop 20–30%. Build a cash reserve of at least 2 months’ rent to cover lean periods. Smart operators in seasonal markets adjust their risk management strategy by running properties in multiple markets with different peak seasons.
Maximizing Your Airbnb Arbitrage Returns
Dynamic Pricing and Revenue Optimization
Static pricing leaves money on the table. Dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs, Beyond Pricing, or Wheelhouse automatically adjust your nightly rate based on local demand, day of week, seasonal trends, and competitor pricing. Most operators see a 10–20% revenue increase after implementing dynamic pricing. Combine this with optimized listing photos, detailed descriptions, and fast response times to maximize both your ADR and occupancy rate.
Cost Control Strategies
Every dollar saved on expenses drops straight to your bottom line. Negotiate cleaning rates by guaranteeing consistent volume. Buy supplies in bulk. Use smart thermostats and LED lighting to reduce utility costs. Consider self-managing your first 1–3 properties before hiring a property manager (who typically charges 15–25% of revenue). Keep detailed expense records so you can identify cost creep early.
Scaling Across Properties
The real power of rental arbitrage is scalability, a principle well-documented across real estate investing communities like BiggerPockets. Once you’ve proven one property is profitable, the process is repeatable. Many successful operators run 5–20+ properties. Each additional property leverages the systems, vendor relationships, and market knowledge you’ve already built. The key is to scale systematically — add properties in the same market first to maximize operational efficiency before expanding to new cities.
Airbnb Arbitrage Calculator FAQ
How much can you realistically make with Airbnb arbitrage?
Most operators earn $500–$2,500 per property per month in net profit after all expenses. Returns depend heavily on location, property type, occupancy rate, and how well you manage operations. A well-chosen property in a strong market like Nashville or Phoenix can generate $1,500–$3,000 monthly. Your first property typically takes 2–4 months to recoup setup costs.
What is a good occupancy rate for Airbnb arbitrage?
A good occupancy rate is 65–75%. Most urban markets average 60–70% annually. Vacation markets can swing from 40% off-peak to 90%+ in peak season. For conservative financial projections, use 60%. Anything above 70% consistently is excellent.
How much does it cost to start Airbnb arbitrage?
Typical startup costs range from $4,000–$8,000 per property. This covers first month’s rent, security deposit, furniture and decor, and initial supplies. Some operators start for under $3,000 by furnishing with secondhand items and negotiating reduced deposits. See our full startup cost breakdown for detailed numbers.
What is the best Airbnb calculator tool?
AirDNA Rentalizer is the industry standard for revenue estimates, using data from over 10 million listings. For free alternatives, Rabbu offers solid projections with an interactive calculator. The best approach is to cross-reference 2–3 tools and use conservative figures. See our full calculator comparison table above.
Is Airbnb arbitrage legal?
Airbnb arbitrage is legal in most areas, but regulations vary significantly by city and state. You typically need written landlord permission to sublet, a short-term rental permit or license, compliance with local zoning laws, and proper insurance coverage. Some cities like New York and San Francisco have strict rules that make arbitrage very difficult or impossible. Always verify local regulations before signing a lease.
How do I calculate Airbnb arbitrage profit?
Gross Monthly Revenue = Average Daily Rate × Occupancy Rate × 30.4 days. Total Monthly Expenses = Rent + Cleaning + Utilities + Supplies + Insurance + Platform Fees. Monthly Profit = Revenue minus Expenses. Annual ROI = (Monthly Profit × 12) ÷ Setup Costs × 100%. Use our free calculator to run the numbers instantly.
Start Running Your Numbers Today
Every successful Airbnb arbitrage business starts with the same step: running the numbers honestly before signing a lease. Use the free calculator above to evaluate any property in under 60 seconds, cross-reference with tools like AirDNA or Rabbu, and download our free spreadsheet template to compare multiple deals side by side.
Whether you’re analyzing your first property or your twentieth, the fundamentals don’t change: accurate inputs, conservative assumptions, and thorough cost accounting. Get the numbers right and the profits follow.
Ready to go deeper? Read our complete Airbnb arbitrage guide or join the 10XBNB training program to learn the exact system our students use to build profitable short-term rental portfolios.
