Vacation Rental ROI Calculator

Calculate Airbnb/VRBO profitability with nightly rate, occupancy, and all expenses.

$
%
%
$
%
%
%
$

Annual Cash Flow

-$6,657.40

Cap Rate

4.7%

Cash-on-Cash

-7.2%

Gross Revenue

$47.5K

NOI

$18,890.22

Occupancy Break-Even

73%

268 nights/year

Revenue & Expenses (Annual)

Gross Revenue (237 nights)$47,450.00
Platform Fees- $1,690.41
Management Fees- $11,269.38
Net Revenue$34,490.22
Insurance- $3,000.00
Property Tax- $5,000.00
Maintenance- $4,000.00
Utilities- $3,600.00
NOI$18,890.22
Mortgage- $25,547.62
Annual Cash Flow-$6,657.40
Monthly Cash Flow-$554.78

Vacation Rental vs Long-Term Rental

Vacation Rental Cash Flow-$6,657.40
Long-Term Rental Cash Flow-$17,387.62
Difference$10,730.22
Better OptionVacation Rental

Use the Vacation Rental ROI Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

This calculator helps you determine the potential return on investment (ROI) for a vacation rental property. Understanding your ROI is crucial for making informed investment decisions, ensuring your property generates a healthy profit and covers its costs.

The ROI is calculated by dividing the annual net rental income (gross rental income minus all operating expenses, including mortgage payments) by the total initial investment (purchase price plus closing costs and initial renovations). This provides a percentage representing your annual return.

Accurately estimate all expenses, including unexpected repairs or vacancy periods, to avoid overestimating your ROI. Don't forget to factor in property management fees if you plan to use a service, as these significantly impact profitability.

Example: Beachfront Condo Investment

  1. 1 You're considering a beachfront condo for $500,000. Closing costs are $15,000, and initial renovations cost $20,000. Your estimated annual rental income is $60,000, and annual operating expenses (including mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities) are $35,000.
  2. 2 Initial Investment = $500,000 (purchase) + $15,000 (closing) + $20,000 (renovations) = $535,000. Annual Net Income = $60,000 (rental income) - $35,000 (expenses) = $25,000. ROI = ($25,000 / $535,000) * 100.
  3. 3 The calculated ROI for your beachfront condo is approximately 4.67%.
  4. 4 A 4.67% ROI indicates the property generates nearly 5% of your initial investment back annually. Compare this to other investment opportunities and market averages to determine if it meets your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Source: CFPB — Owning a Home · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good occupancy rate for a vacation rental?
Average Airbnb/VRBO occupancy rates range from 45-65% nationally. Top-performing properties in popular destinations can achieve 70-85%. A 55-60% occupancy rate is a reasonable planning assumption. Seasonal destinations may see 80%+ in peak season and 20-30% off-peak.
How much does a vacation rental make per year?
Revenue varies enormously by location, size, and amenities. A typical 2-bedroom vacation rental in a popular market might gross $30,000-$60,000 per year. After expenses (mortgage, management, cleaning, maintenance, utilities, taxes, insurance), net income is typically 20-40% of gross revenue.
What expenses should I include in vacation rental ROI?
Include mortgage/financing costs, property management (20-25% of revenue), cleaning fees, platform fees (3-5%), utilities, insurance (short-term rental policies cost more), maintenance/repairs (1-2% of property value/year), furnishing costs, property taxes, and income taxes on rental income.