While Savannah often takes the spotlight, there's so much more to this state's short-term rental market. From dynamic cities to small, hidden towns that are just beginning to shine, the best Airbnb markets in Georgia are full of opportunities for Airbnb hosts.
Using data from Forecast in SummerOS, we've uncovered the best Airbnb markets in Georgia. These areas have strong earning potential, growing demand, and appeal to a wide variety of travelers.
If you're ready to explore beyond the usual cities, these short-term rental markets in Georgia are worth a closer look:
- Cleveland: Best for great returns
- Columbus: Best for affordable investments
- Hinesville: Best for steady income
- Trenton: Best for potential growth
- Helen: Most friendly for Airbnbs
How we picked the best Airbnb markets in Georgia
Georgia's short-term rental market has plenty of standouts, but narrowing it down to the top took a deeper dive into the numbers, which we discovered using Forecast. These locations offer strong demand, good returns, and long-term potential, so there's something for every type of investor.
Here's how we created our list:
- Market activity: We looked at cities with strong booking trends, increasing guest interest, and a growing short-term rental presence.
- Earning potential: Gross revenue, occupancy rates, and nightly prices helped us identify markets where hosts can maximize their income.
- Accessibility: Cities with straightforward short-term rental policies and host-friendly environments stood out to us.
- Affordability: Property costs played a big role. We focused on markets where investors can see strong returns without massive upfront investment.
- Future growth: Rising tourism, population growth, or local investments pointed us toward markets ready to take off.
With these criteria, we identified the best Airbnb markets in Georgia for 2025. We didn’t just guess to find these Georgia Airbnb markets—we used Forecast in SummerOS to pinpoint the data that matters. With Forecast, you can go beyond the surface and access detailed insights on Georgia markets and beyond. From revenue projections to competitive set analytics, Forecast empowers you to optimize your Airbnb portfolio.
Want to uncover top STR markets for your next investment? Find your next opportunity with Forecast to turn data into smarter decisions.
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1. Cleveland: Best for great returns
Cleveland, Georgia, is a town located in the heart of White County. Though small, Cleveland is known for its proximity to popular attractions like wineries, Babyland General Hospital (the birthplace of Cabbage Patch Kids), and the Alpine-inspired village of Helen.
And, with an average Airbnb price of $267,000, Cleveland has one of the most accessible entry points in Georgia. Its average daily rate of $279 and gross revenue of $48,820 make it a very profitable market, although the 54% occupancy rate suggests seasonal fluctuations. Still, the higher-than-average nightly rates help balance income throughout the year.
There are currently around 100 short-term rental units in Cleveland–manageable competition that leaves room for your investment to grow. Based on our data, properties offering family-friendly amenities like BBQ and fire pits, or unique guest experiences like hot tubs, are particularly well-positioned to perform here.
2. Columbus: Best for affordable investments
Columbus proves you don't need a huge budget to make a good Airbnb investment. Situated along the Chattahoochee River, Columbus offers a mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities, all for an average listing price of $168,000.
This low cost, combined with a decent daily rate of $139 and gross revenue of $29,082, gives hosts a chance to achieve profitability without a significant upfront investment. The 66% occupancy rate means steady demand throughout the year, driven by a combination of military families, business travelers, and nature lovers visiting the area.
Though you'll have to compete with around 300 other short-term rental units, there's still room for success. For hosts prioritizing affordability without the risk of instability, Columbus is an excellent choice.
3. Hinesville: Best for steady income
Hinesville, located in Liberty County, is a small town with big potential. It's located just a few minutes from Fort Stewart, the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi, meaning it benefits from a steady stream of military personnel, families, and contractors throughout the year.
Its high occupancy rate of 72% reflects this consistent demand, and it's one of the most reliable markets in Georgia. The average gross revenue of $27,962 and daily rate of $122 might not top the charts, but the stability of year-round bookings makes up for it. This is a market where income is consistent, not seasonal, which is ideal for hosts looking to avoid the ups and downs of more touristy locations.
At an average Airbnb price of $201,000, Hinesville is also relatively affordable, making it accessible to investors who want steady returns without a steep upfront cost. The small number of current short-term rental units means hosts face next-to-no competition, leaving room to cater to the growing demand for quality accommodations.
4. Trenton: Best for potential growth
Trenton's short-term rental market has seen significant growth in recent years, even though its population is slowly declining. But, with active rentals increasing by 50% over the past 24 months, Trenton is quickly becoming a market to watch.
A property's average gross revenue of $42,094 and daily rate of $215 show strong earning potential for hosts who invest early. While the 57% occupancy rate has space to improve, the rising number of active rentals indicates growing demand for the area. With an average Airbnb price of $297,000, Trenton is still accessible for investors looking to tap into a fast-growing market.
Just a short drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and surrounded by outdoor attractions like Lookout Mountain and Cloudland Canyon State Park, Trenton's appeal lies in its location and natural beauty. For hosts offering stays like cabins or scenic retreats, the potential for growth here is undeniable.
5. Helen: Most friendly for Airbnbs
Helen is more than just a little Bavarian-inspired city–it's a great place to invest thanks to its relaxed Airbnb regulations. Situated in the foothills of the north Georgia mountains, Helen is a magnet for tourists looking for a unique cultural experience, though it does get affected by seasonal demand, as evidenced by its 48% occupancy rate.
While it isn't the best, the city's high nightly rates help hosts maintain strong overall income. With a gross revenue of $39,137, daily rate of $256, and an average listing price of $400,000, Helen still offers solid earnings. And, the around 200 short-term rental units in the area show a relatively active market that has space for new competition.
Helen's Alpine-themed downtown, Oktoberfest celebrations, and proximity to outdoor attractions like Unicoi State Park make it a popular destination, and the city has embraced short-term rentals, allowing hosts to operate without excessive restrictions. Properties in Helen must obtain a short-term rental business license and comply with basic safety and zoning requirements, but the process is extremely clear and manageable.
Is Airbnb profitable in Georgia?
Profitability in Georgia's Airbnb market comes down to choosing the right location for your investment goals. There are host-friendly towns like Helen, or markets with potential to grow like Trenton. Every city in the state offers unique opportunities for the right investor. The key is understanding the numbers and aligning them with what you want to achieve.
With Forecast in SummerOS, you can analyze revenue potential, occupancy trends, and market data to make informed, data-driven decisions to help your property grow. Explore Forecast, and start building a more profitable Airbnb strategy today.
Unlock Georgia insights with Forecast in SummerOS
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