AirROI ranking · 202623 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 23 markets. Its listings averaged $46,900 in revenue over the 12 months to September 2026 and were booked on 39% of nights. It also earns the most per listing of any ranked market. Fairhope and Dauphin Island come next.
- Markets tracked
- 87
- Active Airbnb listings
- 18,500
- Avg. revenue per listing
- $35,000
- Occupancy rate
- 37%
- Avg. nightly rate
- $350
- Revenue change, typical market
- +4%
The short answer
Alabama Airbnb Market at a Glance
Across Alabama, the 18,500 active Airbnb listings tracked by AirROI, a short-term-rental data firm, averaged $35,000 over the same period. They were booked on 37% of nights at about $350 a night; the ranking covers the 23 markets with at least 100 active listings. Revenue per listing rose in 15 of the 23 ranked markets with a comparable year of data, by 4% 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 20–28% of their best. The steadiest markets, led by Dothan and Madison, earn less per listing and still take in about two-thirds 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 87 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 | $46,900 | 39% | |
 Fairhope High occupancy · High earnings | $40,300 | 43% | |
 Dauphin Island High earnings · Growing revenue | $46,300 | 39% | |
| 4 |  Orange Beach Large market · Growing revenue | $39,300 | 36% |
| 5 |  Foley High occupancy · Growing revenue | $28,200 | 41% |
| 6 |  Mobile Year-round demand · Large market | $18,900 | 40% |
| 7 |  Birmingham Large market · Year-round demand | $21,900 | 38% |
| 8 |  Daphne High occupancy · Year-round demand | $27,500 | 51% |
| 9 |  Mentone Growing revenue | $28,700 | 37% |
| 10 |  Montgomery Year-round demand · High occupancy | $18,900 | 41% |
1. Gulf Shores
Known for: High earnings · Large market
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Gulf Shores - Avg. revenue
- $46,900 +28% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 39%
- Nightly rate
- $420
- Active listings
- 5,280
Where it places among the 23 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 1st of 23
- Occupancy 9th of 23
- Market size 1st of 23
- Year-round 20th of 23
- Growth 1st of 23
- How it earns
- Gulf Shores is Alabama's largest Airbnb market, with 5,280 active listings to price against. Listings averaged $46,900 in revenue over the year, the highest of the 23 ranked markets. A typical listing takes in about $4,280 a month; the top quarter clear $7,240 or more. Revenue per listing rose 28% over the year, the biggest gain in Alabama, helped by nightly rates 22% higher, even as the number of listings grew 29%.
- When it earns
- Gulf Shores' season runs from May to August, peaking in July at about $10,900 per listing; January, the quietest month, brings in about $2,470. Guests book early, about 74 days ahead against roughly 51 for the typical market in Alabama, and stay about 5 nights.
- Guest expectations
- Average ratings (4.73 stars) trail the typical market in Alabama (4.87), which leaves room for a well-run listing to stand out.
- The competition
- Professional managers run 50% of listings, against about 18% in the typical market in Alabama, and the largest operator runs 160 listings, so new hosts compete with polished operations.
- Who it suits
- It suits buyers who can carry costs through a quiet January and plan to use a professional manager or run a polished operation.
Revenue per listing by month
$10,900 $2,470- Median listing
- $4,280/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $7,240+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 74 days
- Average stay
- 5 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 43%
Areas in the full report: Gulf Shores Beach · Orange Beach · Fort Morgan
Full Gulf Shores Airbnb report2. Fairhope
Known for: High occupancy · High earnings
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Fairhope - Avg. revenue
- $40,300 +4% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 43%
- Nightly rate
- $315
- Active listings
- 241
Where it places among the 23 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 4th of 23
- Occupancy 2nd of 23
- Market size 12th of 23
- Year-round 12th of 23
- Growth 13th of 23
- How it earns
- Fairhope fills more nights than most of Alabama: 43% of them, the second-highest occupancy of the 23 ranked markets, at about $315 a night. Listings averaged $40,300 in revenue over the year, the fourth-highest of the 23 ranked markets. In a typical month the median listing brings in about $3,720, and the best quarter clear $5,920. With 241 listings it is a small market, so its averages can move more from year to year.
- When it earns
- Revenue in Fairhope concentrates from March to July: July earns about $5,880 per listing, about twice as much as January.
- What sells
- The most common entire home has 3 bedrooms (30% of entire homes), and houses make up 65% of supply.
Revenue per listing by month
$5,880 $2,990- Median listing
- $3,720/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $5,920+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 61 days
- Average stay
- 5 nights
- Most common home size
- 3 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 82%
3. Dauphin Island
Known for: High earnings · Growing revenue
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Dauphin Island - Avg. revenue
- $46,300 +20% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 39%
- Nightly rate
- $400
- Active listings
- 623
Where it places among the 23 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 2nd of 23
- Occupancy 12th of 23
- Market size 4th of 23
- Year-round 23rd of 23
- Growth 2nd of 23
- How it earns
- Dauphin Island is Alabama's fourth-largest Airbnb market, with 623 active listings to price against. Listings averaged $46,300 in revenue over the year, the second-highest of the 23 ranked markets. Month to month, the median listing earns about $4,250 and a top-quarter listing $7,100 or more. Revenue per listing rose 20% over the year, the second-biggest gain in Alabama, helped by nightly rates 14% higher, even as the number of listings grew 19%.
- When it earns
- In Dauphin Island, the months from May to August earn above the yearly average, led by June at about $10,300 per listing; January is the low point at about $2,040. Bookings arrive well in advance, about 73 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 128 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 48% in the typical market in Alabama, and houses make up 78% 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
$10,300 $2,040- Median listing
- $4,250/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $7,100+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 73 days
- Average stay
- 5 nights
- Most common home size
- 4 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 50%
Areas in the full report: East End · West End · Middle Island
Full Dauphin Island Airbnb report4. Orange Beach
Known for: Large market · Growing revenue
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Orange Beach - Avg. revenue
- $39,300 +16% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 36%
- Nightly rate
- $425
- Active listings
- 4,380
Where it places among the 23 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 5th of 23
- Occupancy 16th of 23
- Market size 2nd of 23
- Year-round 20th of 23
- Growth 3rd of 23
- 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 $39,300, the fifth-highest of the 23 ranked markets. A typical listing takes in about $4,200 a month; the top quarter clear $7,180 or more. Revenue per listing rose 16% over the year, the third-biggest gain in Alabama, helped by nightly rates 10% higher, even as the number of listings grew 31%.
- When it earns
- Orange Beach's season runs from May to July, peaking in July at about $10,100 per listing; December, the quietest month, brings in about $2,360. Guests book early, about 77 days ahead against roughly 51 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 1,230 listings, so new hosts compete with polished operations.
- Guest expectations
- Average ratings (4.71 stars) trail the typical market in Alabama (4.87), which leaves room for a well-run listing to stand out.
- Who it suits
- A good fit for buyers who plan to use a professional manager or run a polished operation and are prepared for thin bookings around December.
Revenue per listing by month
$10,100 $2,360- Median listing
- $4,200/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $7,180+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 77 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. Foley
Known for: High occupancy · Growing revenue
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Foley - Avg. revenue
- $28,200 +12% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 41%
- Nightly rate
- $250
- Active listings
- 247
Where it places among the 23 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 10th of 23
- Occupancy 3rd of 23
- Market size 11th of 23
- Year-round 18th of 23
- Growth 5th of 23
- How it earns
- Foley earns on volume. Rates run below the Alabama average at about $250 a night, but listings book 41% of nights. Listings averaged $28,200 in revenue over the year, the tenth-highest of the 23 ranked markets. Its place at #5 rests on occupancy (3rd of 23) and revenue growth (5th of 23) rather than on revenue per listing. In a typical month the median listing brings in about $2,780, and the best quarter clear $4,270. Revenue per listing rose 12% over the year, helped by nightly rates 24% higher, even as the number of listings grew 36%. Its 247 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 $5,500 per listing, about 2.8 times as much as September.
- What sells
- Big homes set the market: 66% of entire homes have three or more bedrooms, against about 48% in the typical market in Alabama, and houses make up 68% of supply.
- Who it suits
- It suits buyers who can carry costs through a quiet September and would rather price for occupancy than for rate.
Revenue per listing by month
$5,500 $1,960- Median listing
- $2,780/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $4,270+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 45 days
- Average stay
- 5 nights
- Most common home size
- 3 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 68%
6. Mobile
Known for: Year-round demand · Large market
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Mobile - Avg. revenue
- $18,900 +8% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 40%
- Nightly rate
- $175
- Active listings
- 539
Where it places among the 23 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 19th of 23
- Occupancy 7th of 23
- Market size 5th of 23
- Year-round 3rd of 23
- Growth 8th of 23
- How it earns
- Rates in Mobile sit below the Alabama average, at about $175 a night, but listings are booked on 40% of nights. Moderate rates keep revenue per listing at $18,900, 46% below the Alabama average. Its place at #6 rests on year-round demand (3rd of 23) and market size (5th of 23) rather than on revenue per listing. Month to month, the median listing earns about $1,950 and a top-quarter listing $3,250 or more. Revenue per listing rose 8% over the year, helped by nightly rates 16% higher, even as the number of listings grew 22%.
- When it earns
- Demand in Mobile holds up through the year: September, the slowest month, still brings in about two-thirds of July's revenue. Guests book later than in most of Alabama, about 37 days ahead against roughly 51 for the typical market in Alabama; stays average 7 nights.
- Guest expectations
- Average ratings (4.80 stars) trail the typical market in Alabama (4.87), which leaves room for a well-run listing to stand out.
- What sells
- Two-bedroom homes lead the market (34% of entire homes), and houses make up 64% of supply.
- Who it suits
- Best for buyers who want income that holds up all year and would rather price for occupancy than for rate.
Revenue per listing by month
$2,760 $1,850- Median listing
- $1,950/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $3,250+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 37 days
- Average stay
- 7 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 60%
Areas in the full report: Downtown Mobile · Fairhope · Daphne
Full Mobile Airbnb report7. Birmingham
Known for: Large market · Year-round demand
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Birmingham - Avg. revenue
- $21,900 +5% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 38%
- Nightly rate
- $210
- Active listings
- 1,060
Where it places among the 23 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 15th of 23
- Occupancy 13th of 23
- Market size 3rd of 23
- Year-round 8th of 23
- Growth 10th of 23
- How it earns
- Birmingham is Alabama's third-largest Airbnb market, with 1,060 active listings to price against. Moderate rates keep revenue per listing at $21,900, 37% below the Alabama average. Its place at #7 rests on market size (3rd of 23) rather than on revenue per listing. A typical listing takes in about $2,030 a month; the top quarter clear $3,530 or more. Revenue per listing rose 5% over the year, helped by nightly rates 21% higher, even as the number of listings grew 43%.
- When it earns
- In Birmingham, the months from June to July earn above the yearly average, led by June at about $3,440 per listing; January is the low point at about $1,920. Bookings arrive closer to the date than in most of Alabama, about 32 days before check-in, and guests stay about 5 nights.
- Guest expectations
- Average ratings (4.74 stars) trail the typical market in Alabama (4.87), which leaves room for a well-run listing to stand out.
- What sells
- The most common entire home has 1 bedroom (29% of entire homes), and apartments and condos make up 54% of supply.
- Who it suits
- A good fit for 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
$3,440 $1,920- Median listing
- $2,030/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $3,530+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 32 days
- Average stay
- 5 nights
- Most common home size
- 1 bedroom
- Superhosts
- 56%
Areas in the full report: Southside · Downtown · Mountain Brook
Full Birmingham Airbnb report8. Daphne
Known for: High occupancy · Year-round demand
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Daphne - Avg. revenue
- $27,500 −1% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 51%
- Nightly rate
- $190
- Active listings
- 109
Where it places among the 23 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 11th of 23
- Occupancy 1st of 23
- Market size 21st of 23
- Year-round 7th of 23
- Growth 17th of 23
- How it earns
- Daphne earns on volume. Rates run below the Alabama average at about $190 a night, but listings book 51% of nights. Moderate rates keep revenue per listing at $27,500, 21% below the Alabama average. Its place at #8 rests on occupancy (1st of 23) rather than on revenue per listing. In a typical month the median listing brings in about $2,560, and the best quarter clear $4,510. With 109 listings it is a small market, so its averages can move more from year to year.
- When it earns
- Daphne's season runs from May to August, peaking in July at about $3,980 per listing; November, the quietest month, brings in about $2,310. Guests book later than in most of Alabama, about 35 days ahead against roughly 51 for the typical market in Alabama; stays average 8 nights.
- The competition
- It is still largely owner-run: professional managers account for 3% of listings, and Superhosts make up 71% of hosts.
- What sells
- Three-bedroom homes lead the market (26% of entire homes), and houses make up 51% of supply.
- Who it suits
- It suits buyers who would rather price for occupancy than for rate and are comfortable adjusting prices close to the date.
Revenue per listing by month
$3,980 $2,310- Median listing
- $2,560/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $4,510+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 35 days
- Average stay
- 8 nights
- Most common home size
- 3 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 71%
9. Mentone
Known for: Growing revenue
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Mentone - Avg. revenue
- $28,700 +8% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 37%
- Nightly rate
- $235
- Active listings
- 188
Where it places among the 23 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 9th of 23
- Occupancy 15th of 23
- Market size 14th of 23
- Year-round 11th of 23
- Growth 7th of 23
- How it earns
- Mentone listings charge about $235 a night, 33% below the Alabama average, and are booked on 37% of nights. Average revenue per listing came to $28,700, the ninth-highest of the 23 ranked markets. Month to month, the median listing earns about $2,470 and a top-quarter listing $3,840 or more. Revenue per listing rose 8% over the year, helped by nightly rates 14% higher, even as the number of listings grew 32%. Its 188 listings make it one of the smaller ranked markets, so its figures are less settled than those of larger ones.
- When it earns
- Mentone has two seasons, October–December and June–July. October is the strongest month at about $3,740 per listing, and February the quietest at about $1,940. Bookings arrive closer to the date than in most of Alabama, about 35 days before check-in, and guests stay about 3 nights. Most hosts take one- or two-night bookings (97% of listings), more than in the typical market.
- What sells
- The most common entire home has 2 bedrooms (36% of entire homes), and houses make up 48% of supply.
- Who it suits
- Best for 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
$3,740 $1,940- Median listing
- $2,470/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $3,840+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 35 days
- Average stay
- 3 nights
- Most common home size
- 2 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 82%
10. Montgomery
Known for: Year-round demand · High occupancy
Top-earning Airbnb listings in Montgomery - Avg. revenue
- $18,900 +2% vs. last year
- Occupancy
- 41%
- Nightly rate
- $175
- Active listings
- 499
Where it places among the 23 ranked markets in Alabama
- Revenue 20th of 23
- Occupancy 5th of 23
- Market size 7th of 23
- Year-round 4th of 23
- Growth 15th of 23
- How it earns
- Rates in Montgomery sit below the Alabama average, at about $175 a night, but listings are booked on 41% of nights. Moderate rates keep revenue per listing at $18,900, 46% below the Alabama average. Its place at #10 rests on year-round demand (4th of 23) and occupancy (5th of 23) rather than on revenue per listing. A typical listing takes in about $2,100 a month; the top quarter clear $3,370 or more.
- When it earns
- Montgomery earns steadily through the year, from about $1,900 per listing in January to $2,940 in July. Guests book later than in most of Alabama, about 23 days ahead against roughly 51 for the typical market in Alabama, so pricing close to the date matters; stays average 7 nights.
- Guest expectations
- Average ratings (4.73 stars) trail the typical market in Alabama (4.87), which leaves room for a well-run listing to stand out.
- What sells
- Three-bedroom homes lead the market (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
$2,940 $1,900- Median listing
- $2,100/mo
- Top 25% of listings
- $3,370+/mo
- Booked ahead
- 23 days
- Average stay
- 7 nights
- Most common home size
- 3 bedrooms
- Superhosts
- 40%
Areas in the full report: Downtown Montgomery · Old Cloverdale · East Montgomery
Full Montgomery Airbnb report
Full ranking
How All 23 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 | $46,939 | 39% | $422 | 23% | +28% | 5,280 | |
| Fairhope High occupancy, high earnings | $40,280 | 43% | $316 | 51% | +4% | 241 | |
| Dauphin Island High earnings, growing revenue | $46,261 | 39% | $399 | 20% | +20% | 623 | |
| 4 | Orange Beach Large market, growing revenue | $39,276 | 36% | $424 | 23% | +16% | 4,378 |
| 5 | Foley High occupancy, growing revenue | $28,174 | 41% | $250 | 36% | +12% | 247 |
| 6 | Mobile Year-round demand, large market | $18,932 | 40% | $177 | 67% | +8% | 539 |
| 7 | Birmingham Large market, year-round demand | $21,919 | 38% | $209 | 56% | +5% | 1,064 |
| 8 | Daphne High occupancy, year-round demand | $27,542 | 51% | $188 | 58% | −1% | 109 |
| 9 | Mentone Growing revenue | $28,712 | 37% | $233 | 52% | +8% | 188 |
| 10 | Montgomery Year-round demand, high occupancy | $18,859 | 41% | $174 | 65% | +2% | 499 |
| 11 | Opelika Year-round demand | $30,405 | 35% | $318 | 56% | +3% | 118 |
| 12 | Madison Year-round demand, high occupancy | $20,405 | 40% | $180 | 68% | −3% | 165 |
| 13 | Dadeville Growing revenue, high earnings | $36,612 | 30% | $441 | 23% | +12% | 170 |
| 14 | Huntsville Year-round demand, large market | $16,418 | 39% | $155 | 65% | +4% | 519 |
| 15 | Crane Hill High earnings | $40,745 | 34% | $445 | 28% | −1% | 108 |
| 16 | Northport | $29,683 | 29% | $447 | 44% | −11% | 262 |
| 17 | Florence | $19,804 | 39% | $183 | 55% | +5% | 188 |
| 18 | Auburn Large market | $25,729 | 30% | $353 | 46% | −13% | 494 |
| 19 | Scottsboro Growing revenue | $24,926 | 38% | $239 | 49% | +12% | 100 |
| 20 | Tuscaloosa Large market | $26,115 | 24% | $465 | 42% | −9% | 477 |
| 21 | Enterprise High occupancy, year-round demand | $16,595 | 41% | $139 | 63% | −7% | 111 |
| 22 | Dothan Year-round demand, high occupancy | $16,113 | 40% | $155 | 72% | −6% | 131 |
| 23 | Guntersville Growing revenue | $21,369 | 32% | $227 | 40% | +7% | 211 |
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 | $46,900 | |
| Dauphin Island #3 overall | $46,300 | |
| Fairhope #2 overall | $40,300 | |
| 4 | Orange Beach #4 overall | $39,300 |
| 5 | Northport #16 overall | $29,700 |
| 6 | Foley #5 overall | $28,200 |
| 7 | Tuscaloosa #20 overall | $26,100 |
| 8 | Auburn #18 overall | $25,700 |
| 9 | Birmingham #7 overall | $21,900 |
| 10 | Guntersville #23 overall | $21,400 |
| 11 | Mobile #6 overall | $18,900 |
| 12 | Montgomery #10 overall | $18,900 |
| 13 | Huntsville #14 overall | $16,400 |
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 #20 overall | $465 | |
| Northport #16 overall | $445 | |
| Orange Beach #4 overall | $425 | |
| 4 | Gulf Shores #1 overall | $420 |
| 5 | Dauphin Island #3 overall | $400 |
| 6 | Auburn #18 overall | $355 |
| 7 | Fairhope #2 overall | $315 |
| 8 | Foley #5 overall | $250 |
| 9 | Guntersville #23 overall | $225 |
| 10 | Birmingham #7 overall | $210 |
| 11 | Mobile #6 overall | $175 |
| 12 | Montgomery #10 overall | $175 |
| 13 | Huntsville #14 overall | $155 |
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 #2 overall | 43% | |
| Foley #5 overall | 41% | |
| Montgomery #10 overall | 41% | |
| 4 | Mobile #6 overall | 40% |
| 5 | Gulf Shores #1 overall | 39% |
| 6 | Huntsville #14 overall | 39% |
| 7 | Dauphin Island #3 overall | 39% |
| 8 | Birmingham #7 overall | 38% |
| 9 | Orange Beach #4 overall | 36% |
| 10 | Guntersville #23 overall | 32% |
| 11 | Auburn #18 overall | 30% |
| 12 | Northport #16 overall | 29% |
| 13 | Tuscaloosa #20 overall | 24% |
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 #6 overall | 67% | |
| Huntsville #14 overall | 65% | |
| Montgomery #10 overall | 65% | |
| 4 | Birmingham #7 overall | 56% |
| 5 | Fairhope #2 overall | 51% |
| 6 | Auburn #18 overall | 46% |
| 7 | Northport #16 overall | 44% |
| 8 | Tuscaloosa #20 overall | 42% |
| 9 | Guntersville #23 overall | 40% |
| 10 | Foley #5 overall | 36% |
| 11 | Gulf Shores #1 overall | 23% |
| 12 | Orange Beach #4 overall | 23% |
| 13 | Dauphin Island #3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Shores #1 overall | +28% | |
| Dauphin Island #3 overall | +20% | |
| Orange Beach #4 overall | +16% | |
| 4 | Foley #5 overall | +12% |
| 5 | Mobile #6 overall | +8% |
| 6 | Guntersville #23 overall | +7% |
| 7 | Birmingham #7 overall | +5% |
| 8 | Huntsville #14 overall | +4% |
| 9 | Fairhope #2 overall | +4% |
| 10 | Montgomery #10 overall | +2% |
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 | 5,280 | |
| Orange Beach #4 overall | 4,380 | |
| Birmingham #7 overall | 1,060 | |
| 4 | Dauphin Island #3 overall | 623 |
| 5 | Mobile #6 overall | 539 |
| 6 | Huntsville #14 overall | 519 |
| 7 | Montgomery #10 overall | 499 |
| 8 | Auburn #18 overall | 494 |
| 9 | Tuscaloosa #20 overall | 477 |
| 10 | Northport #16 overall | 262 |
| 11 | Foley #5 overall | 247 |
| 12 | Fairhope #2 overall | 241 |
| 13 | Guntersville #23 overall | 211 |
| 14 | Mentone #9 overall | 188 |
| 15 | Florence #17 overall | 188 |
| 16 | Dadeville #13 overall | 170 |
| 17 | Madison #12 overall | 165 |
| 18 | Dothan #22 overall | 131 |
| 19 | Opelika #11 overall | 118 |
| 20 | Enterprise #21 overall | 111 |
| 21 | Daphne #8 overall | 109 |
| 22 | Crane Hill #15 overall | 108 |
| 23 | Scottsboro #19 overall | 100 |
Seasonality
When Airbnbs in Alabama Earn the Most
July is the best month for nearly six in ten ranked markets in Alabama. January is the most common slowest month, in 15 markets.
July earns about 3.5 times what January does
Average revenue per listing across the 23 ranked markets in Alabama, by month
| Month | Avg. revenue per listing | Best month for | Highest-ranked examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | $2,270 | – | – |
| February | $3,360 | – | – |
| March | $4,330 | – | – |
| April | $3,930 | – | – |
| May | $5,180 | – | – |
| June | $7,860 | 5 markets | Dauphin Island, Birmingham, Scottsboro |
| July | $7,980 | 13 markets | Gulf Shores, Fairhope, Orange Beach |
| August | $4,380 | – | – |
| September | $3,280 | – | – |
| October | $3,560 | 4 markets | Mentone, Opelika, Northport |
| November | $2,790 | 1 market | Auburn |
| December | $2,530 | – | – |
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?
55 companies run 10 or more Airbnb listings in Alabama, and companies run 28% of its listings. AirROI ranks the 49 largest by listings, guest rating and growth.
Method
How the Ranking Works
The ranking covers the 23 markets in Alabama with at least 100 active Airbnb listings and data through September 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: 13 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 23 markets in Alabama in AirROI's ranking, with $46,900 in average revenue per listing and 39% occupancy. Fairhope and Dauphin Island 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 $46,900 a year, ahead of Dauphin Island at $46,300. 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 $35,000 over the 12 months to September 2026, at 37% occupancy. Across the ranked markets, the middle half averaged between $19,800 and $30,400 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 37% of available nights over the past 12 months. Half of the ranked markets fall between 34% and 40%, so a market above about 40% 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 43% of available nights booked, followed by Foley at 41%. Its listings average about $315 a night and $40,300 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 $465, followed by Northport at $445. Huntsville is the least expensive, at about $155. The average booked night in Alabama costs about $350.
What is the best month for Airbnb in Alabama?
July is the highest-earning month for 13 of the 23 ranked markets, followed by June (5). January is the most common slowest month, in 15 of the 23 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, September, still earns about two-thirds of its best. Huntsville follows, at 65%. 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 Gulf Shores, up 28% on the year before, and in Dauphin Island, up 20%. 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 15 of the 23 ranked markets with a comparable year of data; in the typical market it rose 4%. 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, Daphne (#8 overall, $27,500 per listing), Mentone (#9, $28,700) and Opelika (#11, $30,400) 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 18,500 active Airbnb listings in Alabama over the 12 months to September 2026, across 87 markets. The largest ranked market is Gulf Shores, with 5,280 listings, followed by Orange Beach with 4,380.
Directory
All 87 Airbnb Markets in Alabama
Every Alabama city with an AirROI Airbnb market report, A–Z, with its active listing count.
A
- Abbeville 51 listings
- Albertville 36 listings
- Alexander City 63 listings
- Andalusia 41 listings
- Anniston 56 listings
- Arley 51 listings
- Athens 58 listings
- Auburn 494 listings
B
- Baldwin County 18 listings
- Bessemer 38 listings
- Birmingham 1,064 listings
- Bremen 24 listings
- Bryant 33 listings
C
- Camden 24 listings
- Cedar Bluff 54 listings
- Centre 23 listings
- Crane Hill 108 listings
- Cullman 99 listings
D
- Dadeville 170 listings
- Daleville 18 listings
- Daphne 109 listings
- Dauphin Island 623 listings
- Decatur 65 listings
- Demopolis 34 listings
- Dothan 131 listings
- Double Springs 26 listings
E
- Eclectic 57 listings
- Elberta 43 listings
- Enterprise 111 listings
- Eufaula 38 listings
F
- Fairhope 241 listings
- Florence 188 listings
- Foley 247 listings
- Fort Payne 80 listings
G
- Gadsden 40 listings
- Gardendale 18 listings
- Grand Bay 47 listings
- Grant 32 listings
- Gulf Shores 5,280 listings
- Guntersville 211 listings
H
- Harvest 31 listings
- Helena 18 listings
- Homewood 23 listings
- Hoover 44 listings
- Huntsville 519 listings
I
- Irondale 19 listings
J
- Jackson 33 listings
- Jacksons' Gap 44 listings
- Jacksonville 20 listings
- Jasper 49 listings
K
- Killen 22 listings
M
- Madison 165 listings
- Meadowbrook 19 listings
- Mentone 188 listings
- Mobile 539 listings
- Monroeville 27 listings
- Montgomery 499 listings
- Muscle Shoals 42 listings
N
- New Market 19 listings
- Northport 262 listings
O
- Oneonta 24 listings
- Opelika 118 listings
- Orange Beach 4,378 listings
P
- Pelham 20 listings
- Phenix City 29 listings
- Piedmont 22 listings
- Prattville 53 listings
R
- Rogersville 35 listings
S
- Salem 28 listings
- Scottsboro 100 listings
- Selma 47 listings
- Silverhill 20 listings
- Summerdale 23 listings
- Sylacauga 18 listings
T
- Talladega 69 listings
- Tallassee 28 listings
- Tillmans Corner 25 listings
- Titus 21 listings
- Troy 43 listings
- Tuscaloosa 477 listings
- Tuscumbia 23 listings
- Tuskegee 25 listings