AirROI ranking · 202624 markets ranked
Best Places to Buy an Airbnb in Alabama (2026)
Gulf Shores is the best place to buy an Airbnb in Alabama in 2026, according to AirROI's ranking of 24 markets. Its listings averaged $49,700 in revenue over the 12 months to October 2026 and were booked on 40% of nights. It also earns the most per listing of any ranked market. Dauphin Island and Fairhope come next.
- Markets tracked
- 91
- Active Airbnb listings
- 18,800
- Avg. revenue per listing
- $37,200
- Occupancy rate
- 38%
- Avg. nightly rate
- $360
- Revenue change, typical market
- +9%
The short answer
Alabama Airbnb Market at a Glance
Across Alabama, the 18,800 active Airbnb listings tracked by AirROI, a short-term-rental data firm, averaged $37,200 over the same period. They were booked on 38% of nights at about $360 a night; the ranking covers the 24 markets with at least 100 active listings. Revenue per listing rose in 20 of the 24 ranked markets with a comparable year of data, by 9% in the typical one.
The biggest earners pay for it in seasonality. Gulf Shores, Dauphin Island and Crane Hill earn the most per listing of the ranked markets, but their slowest month brings in 20–29% of their best. The steadiest markets, led by Dothan and Mobile, earn less per listing and still take in about three-quarters of their peak revenue in their quietest month.
The ranking weighs revenue per listing most, then occupancy and market size, then how evenly income spreads across the year and how it changed on the year. It reflects rental performance, not purchase prices or local short-term rental rules. How the ranking works.
Where the top 10 Airbnb markets in Alabama are
Each dot is one of the 91 markets AirROI tracks in Alabama, sized by active listings and coloured by average revenue per listing. Select a number to jump to its profile.
Top 10
The Top 10 Airbnb Markets in Alabama
Each profile draws on the market's full AirROI report: how it earns, when in the year, who books and what sells. Monthly figures are averages per listing active in that month, so twelve of them add up to more than the annual average, which also counts listings that operated for only part of the year.
| # | Market | Avg. revenue | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Gulf Shores High earnings · Large market | $49,700 | 40% | |
 Dauphin Island Growing revenue · High earnings | $48,900 | 40% | |
 Fairhope High occupancy · High earnings | $43,400 | 44% | |
| 4 |  Orange Beach Large market · High earnings | $41,200 | 36% |
| 5 |  Birmingham Large market · Growing revenue | $23,900 | 39% |
| 6 |  Foley High occupancy · Growing revenue | $29,800 | 41% |
| 7 |  Montgomery High occupancy · Year-round demand | $20,500 | 42% |
| 8 |  Mentone Growing revenue | $31,400 | 38% |
| 9 |  Mobile Year-round demand · Large market | $20,200 | 41% |
| 10 |  Opelika Growing revenue · Year-round demand | $32,500 | 36% |
1. Gulf Shores
Known for: High earnings · Large market
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Gulf Shores - Avg. revenue
- $49,700 +21% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 40%
- Nightly rate
- $435
- Active listings
- 5,300
Where it places among the 24 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 1st of 24
- Occupancy 8th of 24
- Market size 1st of 24
- Year-round 22nd of 24
- Growth 2nd of 24
- How it earns
- Gulf Shores is Alabama's largest Airbnb market, with 5,300 active listings to price against. Listings averaged $49,700 in revenue over the year, the highest of the 24 ranked markets. A typical listing takes in about $4,470 a month; the top quarter clear $7,540 or more. Revenue per listing rose 21% over the year, the second-biggest gain in Alabama, helped by nightly rates 16% higher.
- When it earns
- Gulf Shores' season runs from May to August, peaking in July at about $11,200 per listing; December, the quietest month, brings in about $2,540. Guests book early, about 73 days ahead against roughly 48 for the typical market in Alabama, and stay about 5 nights.
- Guest expectations
- Average ratings (4.73 stars) trail the typical market in Alabama (4.88), which leaves room for a well-run listing to stand out.
- The competition
- Professional managers run 49% of listings, against about 18% in the typical market in Alabama, and the largest operator runs 155 listings, so new hosts compete with polished operations.
- Who it suits
- It suits buyers who can carry costs through a quiet December and plan to use a professional manager or run a polished operation.
Revenue per listing by month
$11,200 $2,540- Median listing
- $4,470/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $7,540+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 73 days
- Average stay
- 5 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 45%
Areas in the full report: Gulf Shores Beach · Orange Beach · Fort Morgan
Full Gulf Shores Airbnb report2. Dauphin Island
Known for: Growing revenue · High earnings
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Dauphin Island - Avg. revenue
- $48,900 +22% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 40%
- Nightly rate
- $410
- Active listings
- 636
Where it places among the 24 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 2nd of 24
- Occupancy 9th of 24
- Market size 4th of 24
- Year-round 24th of 24
- Growth 1st of 24
- How it earns
- Dauphin Island is Alabama's fourth-largest Airbnb market, with 636 active listings to price against. Average revenue per listing came to $48,900, the second-highest of the 24 ranked markets. In a typical month the median listing brings in about $4,470, and the best quarter clear $7,430. Revenue per listing rose 22% over the year, the biggest gain in Alabama, helped by nightly rates 10% higher.
- When it earns
- Revenue in Dauphin Island concentrates from May to August: July earns about $10,700 per listing, about five times as much as January. Bookings arrive well in advance, about 72 days before check-in, so much of a season's calendar fills early; stays average 5 nights.
- The competition
- Professional managers run 58% of listings, against about 18% in the typical market in Alabama, and the largest operator runs 127 listings, so new hosts compete with polished operations.
- What sells
- Big homes set the market: 76% of entire homes have three or more bedrooms, against about 50% in the typical market in Alabama, and houses make up 77% of supply.
- Who it suits
- Best for buyers who can ride out a slow January and plan to use a professional manager or run a polished operation.
Revenue per listing by month
$10,700 $2,110- Median listing
- $4,470/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $7,430+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 72 days
- Average stay
- 5 nights
- Most common home size
- 4 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 49%
Areas in the full report: East End · West End · Middle Island
Full Dauphin Island Airbnb report3. Fairhope
Known for: High occupancy · High earnings
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Fairhope - Avg. revenue
- $43,400 +4% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 44%
- Nightly rate
- $335
- Active listings
- 245
Where it places among the 24 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 4th of 24
- Occupancy 2nd of 24
- Market size 12th of 24
- Year-round 12th of 24
- Growth 17th of 24
- How it earns
- Fairhope fills more nights than most of Alabama: 44% of them, the second-highest occupancy of the 24 ranked markets, at about $335 a night. Average revenue per listing came to $43,400, the fourth-highest of the 24 ranked markets. Month to month, the median listing earns about $3,970 and a top-quarter listing $6,350 or more. With 245 listings it is a small market, so its averages can move more from year to year.
- When it earns
- In Fairhope, the months from March to July earn above the yearly average, led by July at about $6,080 per listing; January is the low point at about $3,180.
- What sells
- The most common entire home has 3 bedrooms (32% of entire homes), and houses make up 65% of supply.
Revenue per listing by month
$6,080 $3,180- Median listing
- $3,970/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $6,350+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 59 days
- Average stay
- 5 nights
- Most common home size
- 3 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 82%
4. Orange Beach
Known for: Large market · High earnings
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Orange Beach - Avg. revenue
- $41,200 +9% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 36%
- Nightly rate
- $435
- Active listings
- 4,380
Where it places among the 24 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 5th of 24
- Occupancy 16th of 24
- Market size 2nd of 24
- Year-round 23rd of 24
- Growth 12th of 24
- How it earns
- Orange Beach is Alabama's second-largest Airbnb market, with 4,380 active listings to price against. Average revenue per listing came to $41,200, the fifth-highest of the 24 ranked markets. A typical listing takes in about $4,330 a month; the top quarter clear $7,430 or more. Revenue per listing rose 9% over the year, helped by nightly rates 10% higher.
- When it earns
- Orange Beach's season runs from May to July, peaking in July at about $10,400 per listing; December, the quietest month, brings in about $2,320. Guests book early, about 78 days ahead against roughly 48 for the typical market in Alabama, and stay about 5 nights.
- The competition
- Professional managers run 65% of listings, against about 18% in the typical market in Alabama, and the largest operator runs 1,220 listings, so new hosts compete with polished operations.
- Guest expectations
- Average ratings (4.70 stars) trail the typical market in Alabama (4.88), which leaves room for a well-run listing to stand out.
- Who it suits
- A good fit for buyers who are prepared for thin bookings around December and plan to use a professional manager or run a polished operation.
Revenue per listing by month
$10,400 $2,320- Median listing
- $4,330/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $7,430+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 78 days
- Average stay
- 5 nights
- Most common home size
- 3 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 27%
Areas in the full report: Gulf Shores · Little Lagoon · West Beach
Full Orange Beach Airbnb report5. Birmingham
Known for: Large market · Growing revenue
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Birmingham - Avg. revenue
- $23,900 +14% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 39%
- Nightly rate
- $220
- Active listings
- 1,080
Where it places among the 24 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 16th of 24
- Occupancy 12th of 24
- Market size 3rd of 24
- Year-round 7th of 24
- Growth 5th of 24
- How it earns
- Birmingham is Alabama's third-largest Airbnb market, with 1,080 active listings to price against. Moderate rates keep revenue per listing at $23,900, 36% below the Alabama average. Its place at #5 rests on market size (3rd of 24) and revenue growth (5th of 24) rather than on revenue per listing. In a typical month the median listing brings in about $2,190, and the best quarter clear $3,770. Revenue per listing rose 14% over the year, helped by nightly rates 20% higher, even as the number of listings grew 27%.
- When it earns
- Birmingham has two seasons, June–July and September–October. June is the strongest month at about $3,580 per listing, and January the quietest at about $2,080. Guests book later than in most of Alabama, about 31 days ahead against roughly 48 for the typical market in Alabama; stays average 5 nights.
- Guest expectations
- Average ratings (4.74 stars) trail the typical market in Alabama (4.88), which leaves room for a well-run listing to stand out.
- What sells
- Two-bedroom homes lead the market (28% of entire homes), and apartments and condos make up 54% of supply.
- Who it suits
- It suits buyers who are comfortable adjusting prices close to the date and plan to use a professional manager or run a polished operation.
Revenue per listing by month
$3,580 $2,080- Median listing
- $2,190/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $3,770+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 31 days
- Average stay
- 5 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 53%
Areas in the full report: Southside · Downtown · Mountain Brook
Full Birmingham Airbnb report6. Foley
Known for: High occupancy · Growing revenue
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Foley - Avg. revenue
- $29,800 +12% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 41%
- Nightly rate
- $265
- Active listings
- 253
Where it places among the 24 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 11th of 24
- Occupancy 6th of 24
- Market size 11th of 24
- Year-round 17th of 24
- Growth 8th of 24
- How it earns
- Foley earns on volume. Rates run below the Alabama average at about $265 a night, but listings book 41% of nights. Moderate rates keep revenue per listing at $29,800, 20% below the Alabama average. Its place at #6 rests on occupancy (6th of 24) rather than on revenue per listing. Month to month, the median listing earns about $2,930 and a top-quarter listing $4,460 or more. Revenue per listing rose 12% over the year, helped by nightly rates 24% higher, even as the number of listings grew 31%. Its 253 listings make it one of the smaller ranked markets, so its figures are less settled than those of larger ones.
- When it earns
- Revenue in Foley concentrates from May to July: July earns about $5,550 per listing, about 2.4 times as much as September.
- What sells
- Big homes set the market: 65% of entire homes have three or more bedrooms, against about 50% in the typical market in Alabama, and houses make up 68% of supply.
- Who it suits
- Best for buyers who would rather price for occupancy than for rate and want a large home for groups and families.
Revenue per listing by month
$5,550 $2,270- Median listing
- $2,930/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $4,460+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 45 days
- Average stay
- 5 nights
- Most common home size
- 3 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 67%
7. Montgomery
Known for: High occupancy · Year-round demand
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Montgomery - Avg. revenue
- $20,500 +6% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 42%
- Nightly rate
- $185
- Active listings
- 506
Where it places among the 24 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 20th of 24
- Occupancy 3rd of 24
- Market size 7th of 24
- Year-round 4th of 24
- Growth 14th of 24
- How it earns
- Rates in Montgomery sit below the Alabama average, at about $185 a night, but listings are booked on 42% of nights. Moderate rates keep revenue per listing at $20,500, 45% below the Alabama average. Its place at #7 rests on occupancy (3rd of 24) and year-round demand (4th of 24) rather than on revenue per listing. A typical listing takes in about $2,280 a month; the top quarter clear $3,650 or more. Revenue per listing rose 6% over the year, helped by nightly rates 23% higher.
- When it earns
- Demand in Montgomery holds up through the year: January, the slowest month, still brings in about two-thirds of July's revenue. Bookings arrive closer to the date than in most of Alabama, about 23 days before check-in, so pricing close to the date matters, and guests stay about 7 nights.
- Guest expectations
- Average ratings (4.73 stars) trail the typical market in Alabama (4.88), which leaves room for a well-run listing to stand out.
- What sells
- The most common entire home has 3 bedrooms (37% of entire homes), and houses make up 73% of supply.
- Who it suits
- A good fit for buyers who want income that holds up all year and would rather price for occupancy than for rate.
Revenue per listing by month
$3,030 $2,050- Median listing
- $2,280/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $3,650+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 23 days
- Average stay
- 7 nights
- Most common home size
- 3 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 38%
Areas in the full report: Downtown Montgomery · Old Cloverdale · East Montgomery
Full Montgomery Airbnb report8. Mentone
Known for: Growing revenue
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Mentone - Avg. revenue
- $31,400 +17% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 38%
- Nightly rate
- $245
- Active listings
- 187
Where it places among the 24 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 9th of 24
- Occupancy 15th of 24
- Market size 15th of 24
- Year-round 11th of 24
- Growth 3rd of 24
- How it earns
- Mentone listings charge about $245 a night, 32% below the Alabama average, and are booked on 38% of nights. Listings averaged $31,400 in revenue over the year, the ninth-highest of the 24 ranked markets. In a typical month the median listing brings in about $2,610, and the best quarter clear $4,120. Revenue per listing rose 17% over the year, the third-biggest gain in Alabama, helped by nightly rates 13% higher, even as the number of listings grew 20%. With 187 listings it is a small market, so its averages can move more from year to year.
- When it earns
- Revenue in Mentone peaks twice, over October–December and again over June–July; October leads at about $3,880 per listing, while February brings in about $2,090. Guests book later than in most of Alabama, about 34 days ahead against roughly 48 for the typical market in Alabama; stays average 3 nights. Most hosts take one- or two-night bookings (98% of listings), more than in the typical market.
- The competition
- Professional managers run 37% of listings, against about 18% in the typical market in Alabama, and the largest operator runs 36 listings, so new hosts compete with polished operations.
- What sells
- Two-bedroom homes lead the market (35% of entire homes), and houses make up 49% of supply.
- Who it suits
- It suits buyers who plan to use a professional manager or run a polished operation and are comfortable adjusting prices close to the date.
Revenue per listing by month
$3,880 $2,090- Median listing
- $2,610/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $4,120+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 34 days
- Average stay
- 3 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 84%
9. Mobile
Known for: Year-round demand · Large market
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Mobile - Avg. revenue
- $20,200 +10% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 41%
- Nightly rate
- $185
- Active listings
- 548
Where it places among the 24 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 21st of 24
- Occupancy 7th of 24
- Market size 5th of 24
- Year-round 2nd of 24
- Growth 11th of 24
- How it earns
- Mobile earns on volume. Rates run below the Alabama average at about $185 a night, but listings book 41% of nights. Moderate rates keep revenue per listing at $20,200, 46% below the Alabama average. Its place at #9 rests on year-round demand (2nd of 24) and market size (5th of 24) rather than on revenue per listing. Month to month, the median listing earns about $2,130 and a top-quarter listing $3,480 or more. Revenue per listing rose 10% over the year, helped by nightly rates 14% higher.
- When it earns
- Mobile earns steadily through the year, from about $2,030 per listing in January to $2,880 in July. Bookings arrive closer to the date than in most of Alabama, about 36 days before check-in, and guests stay about 6 nights.
- What sells
- The most common entire home has 2 bedrooms (34% of entire homes), and houses make up 63% of supply.
- Guest expectations
- Average ratings (4.81 stars) trail the typical market in Alabama (4.88), which leaves room for a well-run listing to stand out.
- Who it suits
- Best for buyers who want income that holds up all year and are comfortable adjusting prices close to the date.
Revenue per listing by month
$2,880 $2,030- Median listing
- $2,130/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $3,480+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 36 days
- Average stay
- 6 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 58%
Areas in the full report: Downtown Mobile · Fairhope · Daphne
Full Mobile Airbnb report10. Opelika
Known for: Growing revenue · Year-round demand
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Opelika - Avg. revenue
- $32,500 +13% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 36%
- Nightly rate
- $335
- Active listings
- 122
Where it places among the 24 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 8th of 24
- Occupancy 17th of 24
- Market size 19th of 24
- Year-round 7th of 24
- Growth 6th of 24
- How it earns
- Opelika books 36% of nights at about $335 a night, close to the typical market in Alabama. That adds up to $32,500 per listing over the year, the eighth-highest of the 24 ranked markets. A typical listing takes in about $2,730 a month; the top quarter clear $4,930 or more. Revenue per listing rose 13% over the year, helped by nightly rates 9% higher, even as the number of listings grew 36%. Its 122 listings make it one of the smaller ranked markets, so its figures are less settled than those of larger ones.
- When it earns
- Opelika has two seasons, August–December and April–June. October is the strongest month at about $4,370 per listing, and February the quietest at about $2,530. Bookings arrive well in advance, about 76 days before check-in, so much of a season's calendar fills early; stays average 4 nights. Most hosts take one- or two-night bookings (95% of listings), more than in the typical market.
- The competition
- It is still largely owner-run: professional managers account for 3% of listings, and Superhosts make up 57% of hosts.
- What sells
- Three-bedroom homes lead the market (36% of entire homes), and houses make up 82% of supply.
- Who it suits
- A good fit for buyers who want to manage a property themselves.
Revenue per listing by month
$4,370 $2,530- Median listing
- $2,730/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $4,930+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 76 days
- Average stay
- 4 nights
- Most common home size
- 3 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 57%
Full ranking
How All 24 Ranked Markets in Alabama Compare
The overall ranking with the five measures behind it. "Slow month" is a market's weakest month of revenue as a share of its best, so a higher figure means steadier income. Select a column heading to re-sort.
| Gulf Shores High earnings, large market | $49,721 | 40% | $433 | 23% | +21% | 5,304 | |
| Dauphin Island Growing revenue, high earnings | $48,886 | 40% | $411 | 20% | +22% | 636 | |
| Fairhope High occupancy, high earnings | $43,390 | 44% | $333 | 52% | +4% | 245 | |
| 4 | Orange Beach Large market, high earnings | $41,235 | 36% | $435 | 22% | +9% | 4,384 |
| 5 | Birmingham Large market, growing revenue | $23,870 | 39% | $222 | 58% | +14% | 1,082 |
| 6 | Foley High occupancy, growing revenue | $29,833 | 41% | $264 | 41% | +12% | 253 |
| 7 | Montgomery High occupancy, year-round demand | $20,457 | 42% | $185 | 68% | +6% | 506 |
| 8 | Mentone Growing revenue | $31,420 | 38% | $246 | 54% | +17% | 187 |
| 9 | Mobile Year-round demand, large market | $20,219 | 41% | $186 | 71% | +10% | 548 |
| 10 | Opelika Growing revenue, year-round demand | $32,477 | 36% | $333 | 58% | +13% | 122 |
| 11 | Madison Year-round demand, high occupancy | $22,197 | 41% | $190 | 70% | +13% | 166 |
| 12 | Northport | $33,272 | 30% | $472 | 45% | +8% | 266 |
| 13 | Daphne High occupancy, year-round demand | $29,634 | 51% | $198 | 55% | −3% | 112 |
| 14 | Huntsville Year-round demand, large market | $17,815 | 40% | $165 | 67% | +10% | 514 |
| 15 | Dadeville High earnings, growing revenue | $39,605 | 31% | $458 | 24% | +11% | 169 |
| 16 | Tuscaloosa Growing revenue, large market | $29,505 | 25% | $489 | 42% | +16% | 480 |
| 17 | Crane Hill High earnings | $44,058 | 34% | $468 | 29% | 0% | 107 |
| 18 | Auburn Large market | $28,277 | 30% | $373 | 50% | −2% | 501 |
| 19 | Florence Year-round demand | $20,785 | 39% | $192 | 58% | +2% | 193 |
| 20 | Scottsboro | $26,993 | 39% | $251 | 51% | +5% | 102 |
| 21 | Enterprise High occupancy, year-round demand | $17,629 | 42% | $148 | 66% | −3% | 113 |
| 22 | Cullman | $31,049 | 35% | $280 | 38% | +3% | 100 |
| 23 | Guntersville | $23,021 | 33% | $239 | 41% | +6% | 212 |
| 24 | Dothan Year-round demand | $16,530 | 40% | $162 | 74% | −10% | 138 |
By measure
Alabama Airbnb Markets Ranked by Revenue, Nightly Rate and Occupancy
The overall ranking balances five measures. These lists take one at a time, for buyers who care most about income, pricing power, bookings, a steady calendar, momentum or market size.
Highest-earning Airbnb markets in Alabama
Average annual revenue per active listing over the past 12 months. Markets with at least 200 listings.
| # | Market | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Shores #1 overall | $49,700 | |
| Dauphin Island #2 overall | $48,900 | |
| Fairhope #3 overall | $43,400 | |
| 4 | Orange Beach #4 overall | $41,200 |
| 5 | Northport #12 overall | $33,300 |
| 6 | Foley #6 overall | $29,800 |
| 7 | Tuscaloosa #16 overall | $29,500 |
| 8 | Auburn #18 overall | $28,300 |
| 9 | Birmingham #5 overall | $23,900 |
| 10 | Guntersville #23 overall | $23,000 |
| 11 | Montgomery #7 overall | $20,500 |
| 12 | Mobile #9 overall | $20,200 |
| 13 | Huntsville #14 overall | $17,800 |
Most expensive Airbnb markets in Alabama by nightly rate
Average rate per booked night. A high rate earns most where occupancy holds up too. Markets with at least 200 listings.
| # | Market | Nightly |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa #16 overall | $490 | |
| Northport #12 overall | $470 | |
| Orange Beach #4 overall | $435 | |
| 4 | Gulf Shores #1 overall | $435 |
| 5 | Dauphin Island #2 overall | $410 |
| 6 | Auburn #18 overall | $375 |
| 7 | Fairhope #3 overall | $335 |
| 8 | Foley #6 overall | $265 |
| 9 | Guntersville #23 overall | $240 |
| 10 | Birmingham #5 overall | $220 |
| 11 | Mobile #9 overall | $185 |
| 12 | Montgomery #7 overall | $185 |
| 13 | Huntsville #14 overall | $165 |
Highest-occupancy Airbnb markets in Alabama
Share of available nights booked over the past 12 months. Markets with at least 200 listings.
| # | Market | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Fairhope #3 overall | 44% | |
| Montgomery #7 overall | 42% | |
| Foley #6 overall | 41% | |
| 4 | Mobile #9 overall | 41% |
| 5 | Gulf Shores #1 overall | 40% |
| 6 | Dauphin Island #2 overall | 40% |
| 7 | Huntsville #14 overall | 40% |
| 8 | Birmingham #5 overall | 39% |
| 9 | Orange Beach #4 overall | 36% |
| 10 | Guntersville #23 overall | 33% |
| 11 | Auburn #18 overall | 30% |
| 12 | Northport #12 overall | 30% |
| 13 | Tuscaloosa #16 overall | 25% |
Most year-round Airbnb markets in Alabama
Revenue in the slowest month as a share of the best month, so a higher figure means steadier income. Markets with at least 200 listings.
| # | Market | Slow month |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile #9 overall | 71% | |
| Montgomery #7 overall | 68% | |
| Huntsville #14 overall | 67% | |
| 4 | Birmingham #5 overall | 58% |
| 5 | Fairhope #3 overall | 52% |
| 6 | Auburn #18 overall | 50% |
| 7 | Northport #12 overall | 45% |
| 8 | Tuscaloosa #16 overall | 42% |
| 9 | Foley #6 overall | 41% |
| 10 | Guntersville #23 overall | 41% |
| 11 | Gulf Shores #1 overall | 23% |
| 12 | Orange Beach #4 overall | 22% |
| 13 | Dauphin Island #2 overall | 20% |
Fastest-growing Airbnb markets in Alabama
Change in revenue per listing from the year before, among markets where it rose. Markets with at least 200 listings.
| # | Market | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Dauphin Island #2 overall | +22% | |
| Gulf Shores #1 overall | +21% | |
| Tuscaloosa #16 overall | +16% | |
| 4 | Birmingham #5 overall | +14% |
| 5 | Foley #6 overall | +12% |
| 6 | Huntsville #14 overall | +10% |
| 7 | Mobile #9 overall | +10% |
| 8 | Orange Beach #4 overall | +9% |
| 9 | Northport #12 overall | +8% |
| 10 | Montgomery #7 overall | +6% |
| 11 | Guntersville #23 overall | +6% |
| 12 | Fairhope #3 overall | +4% |
Largest Airbnb markets in Alabama
Active listings. Bigger markets have more comparable rentals to price against and more buyers at resale.
| # | Market | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Shores #1 overall | 5,300 | |
| Orange Beach #4 overall | 4,380 | |
| Birmingham #5 overall | 1,080 | |
| 4 | Dauphin Island #2 overall | 636 |
| 5 | Mobile #9 overall | 548 |
| 6 | Huntsville #14 overall | 514 |
| 7 | Montgomery #7 overall | 506 |
| 8 | Auburn #18 overall | 501 |
| 9 | Tuscaloosa #16 overall | 480 |
| 10 | Northport #12 overall | 266 |
| 11 | Foley #6 overall | 253 |
| 12 | Fairhope #3 overall | 245 |
| 13 | Guntersville #23 overall | 212 |
| 14 | Florence #19 overall | 193 |
| 15 | Mentone #8 overall | 187 |
| 16 | Dadeville #15 overall | 169 |
| 17 | Madison #11 overall | 166 |
| 18 | Dothan #24 overall | 138 |
| 19 | Opelika #10 overall | 122 |
| 20 | Enterprise #21 overall | 113 |
| 21 | Daphne #13 overall | 112 |
| 22 | Crane Hill #17 overall | 107 |
| 23 | Scottsboro #20 overall | 102 |
| 24 | Cullman #22 overall | 100 |
Seasonality
When Airbnbs in Alabama Earn the Most
July is the best month for 54% of ranked markets in Alabama. January is the most common slowest month, in 16 markets.
July earns about 3.4 times what January does
Average revenue per listing across the 24 ranked markets in Alabama, by month
| Month | Avg. revenue per listing | Best month for | Highest-ranked examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | $2,380 | – | – |
| February | $3,590 | – | – |
| March | $4,590 | 1 market | Dothan |
| April | $4,120 | – | – |
| May | $5,370 | – | – |
| June | $8,040 | 5 markets | Birmingham, Madison, Huntsville |
| July | $8,170 | 13 markets | Gulf Shores, Dauphin Island, Fairhope |
| August | $4,570 | – | – |
| September | $3,920 | – | – |
| October | $3,690 | 5 markets | Mentone, Opelika, Northport |
| November | $2,800 | – | – |
| December | $2,550 | – | – |
Average revenue is per listing across the ranked markets, the line in the chart above. "Best month for" counts the ranked markets whose own revenue peaks in that month.
Management
Who Manages Airbnbs in Alabama?
AirROI ranks the 50 largest of the 136 companies that run 5 or more Airbnb listings in Alabama, by listings, guest rating and growth; companies run 45% of its listings.
Method
How the Ranking Works
The ranking covers the 24 markets in Alabama with at least 100 active Airbnb listings and data through October 2026. Each market is compared with the others on five measures, and markets are ordered by a weighted blend of where they place on each:
- Revenue per listing (35%): average revenue an active listing earned over the past 12 months.
- Occupancy (20%): share of available nights that were booked.
- Market size (20%): active listings. Bigger markets offer more comparable rentals to price against and more buyers when you sell.
- Year-round demand (15%): revenue in the slowest month as a share of the best month. The latest month is left out when its bookings look incomplete.
- Growth (10%): change in revenue per listing from the year before. Markets whose boundaries changed between years are scored in the middle.
Left out: 15 markets whose data predate the latest refresh. The score measures how rentals perform. It does not include purchase prices, financing, operating costs or local short-term rental rules, which vary by address and should be checked before buying. Figures are in US dollars and match each market's own report; see the data methodology for how listings are tracked.
To check one property before buying, run its address and size through the free Airbnb calculator for a revenue, occupancy and nightly-rate range from comparable listings.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb Investing in Alabama
What is the best place to buy an Airbnb in Alabama?
Gulf Shores ranks first of the 24 markets in Alabama in AirROI's ranking, with $49,700 in average revenue per listing and 40% occupancy. Dauphin Island and Fairhope follow. The ranking weighs revenue, occupancy, market size, seasonality and growth; it leaves out purchase prices.
What are the most profitable Airbnb locations in Alabama?
By revenue per listing, among markets with at least 200 listings, Gulf Shores leads at $49,700 a year, ahead of Dauphin Island at $48,900. Profit also depends on what a property costs to buy and run, which varies far more between markets than revenue does.
How much does an Airbnb make in Alabama?
The average active listing in Alabama earned $37,200 over the 12 months to October 2026, at 38% occupancy. Across the ranked markets, the middle half averaged between $20,800 and $33,300 per listing. Averages include listings that operated for only part of the year, so a listing rented all year typically earns more.
What is a good Airbnb occupancy rate in Alabama?
The average listing in Alabama was booked on 38% of available nights over the past 12 months. Half of the ranked markets fall between 34% and 41%, so a market above about 41% sits in the top quarter. Occupancy is only half the picture: a market with lower occupancy can still earn more if its nightly rates are higher.
Where is Airbnb demand highest in Alabama?
Among ranked markets with at least 200 listings, Fairhope has the highest occupancy, with 44% of available nights booked, followed by Montgomery at 42%. Its listings average about $335 a night and $43,400 a year.
Where are Airbnb nightly rates highest in Alabama?
Among ranked markets with at least 200 listings, Tuscaloosa has the highest average nightly rate, about $490, followed by Northport at $470. Huntsville is the least expensive, at about $165. The average booked night in Alabama costs about $360.
What is the best month for Airbnb in Alabama?
July is the highest-earning month for 13 of the 24 ranked markets, followed by June (5). January is the most common slowest month, in 16 of the 24 markets. Each market's report shows its own month-by-month revenue, occupancy and rates.
Which Airbnb markets in Alabama earn the most evenly through the year?
Among ranked markets with at least 200 listings, Mobile has the steadiest income: its slowest month, January, still earns about 71% of its best. Montgomery follows, at 68%. Steadier markets are easier to budget for, though they do not always earn the most per listing.
Which Airbnb markets are growing fastest in Alabama?
Among ranked markets with at least 200 listings, revenue per listing grew most in Dauphin Island, up 22% on the year before, and in Gulf Shores, up 21%. A single strong year can reflect events or new supply, so it is worth checking a market's monthly trend before relying on it.
Is Airbnb still profitable in Alabama in 2026?
Revenue per listing grew in 20 of the 24 ranked markets with a comparable year of data; in the typical market it rose 9%. Whether a given property profits depends on its purchase price, financing and running costs.
What are the best smaller Airbnb markets in Alabama?
Among ranked markets with fewer than 200 active listings, Mentone (#8 overall, $31,400 per listing), Opelika (#10, $32,500) and Madison (#11, $22,200) place highest. Smaller markets have fewer comparable rentals to price against, so their averages can move more from year to year.
How many Airbnb listings are there in Alabama?
AirROI tracked 18,800 active Airbnb listings in Alabama over the 12 months to October 2026, across 91 markets. The largest ranked market is Gulf Shores, with 5,300 listings, followed by Orange Beach with 4,380.
Directory
All 91 Airbnb Markets in Alabama
Every Alabama city with an AirROI Airbnb market report, A–Z, with its active listing count.
A
- Abbeville 52 listings
- Albertville 36 listings
- Alexander City 60 listings
- Andalusia 44 listings
- Anniston 56 listings
- Arley 51 listings
- Athens 62 listings
- Auburn 501 listings
B
- Baldwin County 18 listings
- Bessemer 38 listings
- Birmingham 1,082 listings
- Bremen 24 listings
- Bryant 28 listings
C
- Camden 26 listings
- Cedar Bluff 52 listings
- Centre 24 listings
- Crane Hill 107 listings
- Cullman 100 listings
D
- Dadeville 169 listings
- Daleville 18 listings
- Daphne 112 listings
- Dauphin Island 636 listings
- Decatur 65 listings
- Demopolis 33 listings
- Dothan 138 listings
- Double Springs 25 listings
E
- Eclectic 61 listings
- Elberta 45 listings
- Enterprise 113 listings
- Eufaula 39 listings
F
- Fairhope 245 listings
- Florence 193 listings
- Foley 253 listings
- Fort Payne 79 listings
G
- Gadsden 44 listings
- Gardendale 18 listings
- Grand Bay 46 listings
- Grant 33 listings
- Gulf Shores 5,304 listings
- Guntersville 212 listings
H
- Harvest 32 listings
- Helena 18 listings
- Homewood 24 listings
- Hoover 43 listings
- Huntsville 514 listings
I
- Irondale 19 listings
J
- Jackson 33 listings
- Jacksons' Gap 43 listings
- Jacksonville 20 listings
- Jasper 48 listings
K
- Killen 22 listings
M
- Madison 166 listings
- McCalla 22 listings
- Meadowbrook 19 listings
- Mentone 187 listings
- Millbrook 22 listings
- Mobile 548 listings
- Monroeville 28 listings
- Montgomery 506 listings
- Muscle Shoals 41 listings
N
- New Market 19 listings
- Northport 266 listings
O
- Oneonta 24 listings
- Opelika 122 listings
- Orange Beach 4,384 listings
P
- Pelham 20 listings
- Phenix City 29 listings
- Piedmont 22 listings
- Prattville 54 listings
R
- Rogersville 35 listings
S
- Salem 26 listings
- Scottsboro 102 listings
- Selma 46 listings
- Silverhill 20 listings
- Summerdale 23 listings
- Sylacauga 18 listings
T
- Talladega 69 listings
- Tallassee 28 listings
- Theodore 28 listings
- Tillmans Corner 25 listings
- Titus 21 listings
- Troy 43 listings
- Tuscaloosa 480 listings
- Tuscumbia 24 listings
- Tuskegee 25 listings