North Carolina has long been a favorite for travelers, but for Airbnb hosts, the state is more than just a vacation destination: it's an investment opportunity. Yes, potential investors will be glad to know that North Carolina provides something for every type of host to be able to achieve short-term rental success.
To help you find the best Airbnb markets in North Carolina, we've analyzed the numbers and trends for 2025. Whether you're drawn to established hotspots or more up-and-coming areas, these best short-term rental markets in North Carolina are where hosts can find the most potential this year.
- Gerton: Best for high ROI
- Greenville: Best for affordability
- Elizabeth City: Best up-and-coming market
- Fayetteville: Best for consistent demand
- Durham: Best for lenient Airbnb laws
How we picked the best Airbnb markets in North Carolina
Instead of sticking to the usual cities, to find the best Airbnb markets in North Carolina for 2025 we had to dig into data and trends. Here's what guided our picks:
- Revenue potential: We looked for markets with strong average gross income, competitive nightly rates, and solid occupancy trends to maximize earnings.
- Accessibility: Markets with lower property prices and manageable entry costs made the list.
- Growth: Markets with rising guest interest, new rental activity, or increased local tourism stood out.
- Stability: Locations with consistent year-round visitors earned higher marks for reliability.
- Host-friendly laws: We prioritized cities with lenient regulations or clear policies that make hosting simpler.
By focusing on these criteria, we identified the best short-term rental markets in North Carolina, and then we used Forecast in SummerOS to pinpoint the data that matters. With Forecast, you can analyze revenue, market trends, and occupancy rates, helping smart investors choose the right market for their goals. 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.
Unlock North Carolina insights with Forecast in SummerOS
Learn more
1. Gerton: Best for high ROI
Gerton isn't trying to be a bustling hub, and that's its charm. Nestled in the mountains of Henderson County, this quiet community offers a relaxing escape while still being close to Asheville and Chimney Rock State Park.
The appeal for investors? It's affordable and profitable. With an average Airbnb price of $279,000, buying in Gerton won't drain your budget. Hosts can charge a daily rate of $205, leading to $34,616 in annual revenue. While the 50% occupancy rate isn't sky-high, the higher nightly rates help make up for fewer bookings, especially for properties with cozy, guest-friendly touches like BBQ and fire pits.
What's more, Gerton's short-term rental market is refreshingly small, with only a handful of active listings. That means a lot less competition, especially when compared to places like Asheville.
2. Greenville: Best for affordability
You don't need a massive budget to invest in a short-term rental, and Greenville is proof of that. The city's combination of low property prices and stable demand makes it a smart choice for first time investors or affordability-focused Airbnb hosts.
Located in eastern North Carolina, this busy college town has a population of over 87,000, driven by the presence of East Carolina University and a growing medical community. This translates to a solid 60% occupancy rate, and overall decent returns.
In terms of property prices, Greenville has some of the lowest entry points in the state with an average Airbnb price of $175,000. Hosts in Greenville earn a gross revenue of $29,460 with a daily rate of $165.
Greenville's rental scene is also manageable, with around 100 active short-term rental units, making it less competitive than larger cities. Guests visiting Greenville range from families of ECU students to medical professionals and travelers exploring the area's parks and cultural events. For hosts who can cater to this diverse audience, the potential for consistent bookings is strong.
3. Elizabeth City: Best up-and-coming market
Elizabeth City offers a refreshing alternative to more popular short-term rental markets. Located along the Pasquotank River and just an hour's drive away from the Outer Banks, this small waterfront city is growing in appeal, as data will show.
Airbnb properties here command a daily rate of $162, generating an average gross revenue of $32,395 annually. While the average Airbnb price of $463,347 may not be the lowest in North Carolina, Elizabeth City stands out for its ability to deliver consistent returns with its 66% occupancy rate.
Currently, Elizabeth City's few active short-term rental units make it an approachable space for new hosts. Though the market may be small, this is a 66% increase from what it was two years ago–so jump on this opportunity before it grows even further.
4. Fayetteville: Best for consistent demand
Fayetteville might not be flashy, but its steady demand and affordability make it a practical choice for investors who want consistency.
With a population of over 200,000 and proximity to Fort Bragg, one of the largest military installations, this city brings in a consistent mix of military personnel, families, and business travelers. In other words, it's a dependable destination for short-term rental hosts.
And the numbers back it up. With a 70% occupancy rate, hosts here enjoy reliable demand, even with a daily rate of $113. That translates to an average gross revenue of $25,530 annually. It might not be the highest, but pair it with an average Airbnb price of $179,000 and it starts to make a lot more sense for investors seeking steady returns without a huge upfront cost.
This isn't the market for hosts who want high-risk, high-reward investments. Instead, it's a market where you can benefit from a built-in guest base that keeps the market active throughout the year. There's no need to rely on peak travel seasons to see returns, and with only around 200 active short-term rentals, there's still plenty of opportunity to make your mark.
5. Durham: Best for lenient Airbnb laws
Durham is a rare find: a fairly large, fast-growing city with Airbnb regulations that make hosting straightforward. With over 285,000 residents and a booming rental market, it's not every day you come across a city of this size that welcomes short-term rentals with open arms.
Unlike many large cities across the nation, Durham doesn't have complex short-term rental rules. Instead, properties are regulated through the Proactive Rental Inspection Program (PRIP). The requirements? Simple registration, periodic inspections, and an annual fee of $200 for properties with up to two units and $400 for three or more.
Even better, all types of short-term rentals are allowed, giving hosts the flexibility to operate however they choose.
This friendly regulatory environment has helped Durham's Airbnb market thrive, with 400+ active short-term rental units and counting. And the numbers make a strong case for investing here: an impressive 70% occupancy rate, a daily rate of $156, and average gross revenue of $33,765 per year. While the average Airbnb price of $422,000 is on the higher side, the consistent demand and host-friendly setup make up for it.
Durham's appeal doesn't stop at its lenient rules. As part of the Research Triangle, it attracts a steady stream of guests that keep Durham's rental market busy year-round. If you're looking to invest in the city, now's the time to act.
Is Airbnb profitable in North Carolina?
Deciding on your next investment in a state like North Carolina isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on what you're looking for, because each market offers unique opportunities. It all comes down to what will fit your goals and where you're willing to explore.
The key to finding the right market for you is to understand the numbers. For that, use Forecast, a tool to evaluate income potential, booking patterns, and short-term rental market dynamics in the state and beyond.
So, if you're ready to find the best Airbnb markets in North Carolina, try out Forecast in SummerOS and find your next short-term rental investment today.
Unlock North Carolina insights with Forecast in SummerOS
Learn more
