Key Takeaways

• Nashville STR owners average roughly $46,000 in annual revenue, with top-performing properties clearing $9,000+ per month
• October and March are the strongest months; January is the slowest at around $1,900 in average revenue
• Larger properties (6+ bedrooms) average over $148,000 annually, making Nashville ideal for group-travel investments
• Supply grew 23% in 2025 but revenue and nightly rates still trended upward, a sign demand is absorbing new listings
• Nashville is a FIFA World Cup 2026 host city — analysts project 3-5x normal occupancy rates during tournament weeks

Nashville isn't just a music city. It's one of the more reliable short-term rental markets in the country, drawing millions of visitors for bachelorette parties, concerts, sporting events, and general tourism year-round. If you own a property there and want to know what it can realistically earn in 2026, you're asking the right question at the right time.

The numbers are solid, the demand story is real, and there's a once-every-four-years event coming this summer that will reshape the demand picture entirely.

What Nashville STR Properties Actually Earn

The average Nashville short-term rental generates around $46,000 in annual revenue, based on market data from Airbtics and AirDNA covering the most recent 12-month period. That works out to roughly $3,800 per month at the median.

Top-performing properties tell a different story. According to AirROI's 2026 dataset, the top 10% of Nashville listings clear $9,000 or more per month, while the top 25% earn at least $5,900. The gap between average and excellent is significant, and it mostly comes down to pricing, listing quality, and how well the property is managed.

Average daily rates across Nashville range from around $216 to $335 depending on the data source, property type, and neighborhood. Occupancy rates run between 44% and 60%, with well-managed listings in prime areas consistently outperforming the market average.

For context, properties in top San Diego markets — the other coastal market we know well — run a similar income range for comparable property sizes. The profile is different (beach access vs. nightlife and events), but the earning potential at the median is comparable. If you're curious how your San Diego property stacks up, our free income estimator for San Diego vacation rentals gives you a quick benchmark.

Property Size Makes a Bigger Difference Here Than in Most Markets

Nashville rewards larger properties more than nearly any market we've seen. The city's group travel segment is enormous. Bachelorette parties, family reunions, corporate retreats, and sports fans all need space — and they'll pay for it.

Properties with six or more bedrooms average $148,197 in annual revenue, according to Rabbu market data. That's more than three times what a typical listing earns. Even moving from one bedroom to three bedrooms produces a dramatic income jump.

If you're evaluating a Nashville investment and you have the budget for a larger property, that's almost always the right call. The demand exists, and the price premium guests will pay for extra space and additional bedrooms is real.

Nashville's Seasonal Patterns

The Nashville rental calendar has clear peaks and valleys, and knowing them makes a meaningful difference in your annual income.

October is the strongest month for most listings, averaging around $5,084 in revenue per property, according to Rabbu. March and May are close behind. These months stack up events, good weather, and strong general tourism demand.

January is the slowest period, averaging roughly $1,920 per listing. That's not a disaster — it's the floor, and you should plan around it. A well-managed property should expect two or three peak months to carry a disproportionate share of annual income. Trying to pretend January is March with your pricing will hurt your occupancy more than it helps your rates.

This is exactly why dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs and Beyond are worth using. Adjusting nightly rates in response to real-time demand is one of the highest-leverage things you can do to close the gap between average and top-tier performance.

The 2026 Wild Card: FIFA World Cup

Nashville is one of 16 U.S. host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with matches running from June through July. Demand projections from industry analysts suggest host cities should see 3-5x normal occupancy rates during tournament weeks.

For Nashville STR owners, that's a genuine revenue event that doesn't come around often. Well-positioned listings with accurate availability calendars and competitive pricing will have significant pricing power during match weeks. If your pricing strategy hasn't accounted for this yet, that's the first thing to fix.

Neighborhoods That Produce Results

Not every Nashville zip code performs the same.

East Nashville draws guests who want walkable neighborhoods, local restaurants, and a less touristy vibe. The 12 South area is a consistent performer for similar reasons. Midtown and the areas near Broadway draw visitors who want to be in the center of the action and will pay nightly rates that reflect that convenience.

Being within walking distance of the Ryman Auditorium, major event venues, or the honky tonk corridor on Lower Broadway adds meaningful premium to your nightly rate. If your property is near those areas and you're not seeing that reflected in your earnings, the gap is usually in how the listing is presented — not the market itself.

Supply Is Up, But So Is Demand

A reasonable concern about Nashville is the pace of new listings entering the market. Supply grew approximately 23% in 2025 — that's not a small number. But the notable detail is that revenue and nightly rates still trended upward during the same period, according to AirROI's 2026 dataset. That signals traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it.

The market hasn't tipped into oversaturation, but the window to get in while fundamentals are strong isn't unlimited. Average performance will likely tighten as supply continues to grow. The properties that will hold their ground are the ones with quality listings, consistent reviews, and smart pricing.

If Your Nashville Numbers Aren't Matching This

If you're already managing a Nashville property and your income doesn't reflect what's described here, the culprits are usually the same three things: stale pricing, listing photos that don't show the property at its best, or a mismatch between your property type and the guests you're trying to attract.

A management partner who actually knows the Nashville market can diagnose all three. At Stay Classy Homes, we've managed properties in Nashville alongside our San Diego, Kauai/Oahu, Phoenix/Scottsdale, and Oceanside portfolios. Our full-service property management covers everything from pricing strategy to guest communication to cleaning coordination so you're not leaving money on the table.

If you want a concrete number for what your Nashville property could earn, use our free revenue estimate tool and we'll put together a real projection based on current market data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a Nashville Airbnb earn in 2026?

The average Nashville STR generates around $46,000 annually, based on recent market data from Airbtics and AirROI. Top-performing properties earn significantly more, with the top 10% clearing $9,000 or more per month. Location, property size, amenities, and management quality are the biggest variables.

When is the best time to rent a Nashville vacation property?

October is historically the highest-earning month, followed by March and May. January is the slowest period, averaging around $1,900 per listing. Summer 2026 is expected to be unusually strong due to Nashville hosting FIFA World Cup matches.

Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Nashville?

Yes. Nashville requires STR operators to obtain a permit before listing. Regulations include zoning restrictions and operational requirements that vary by property type and location. Always verify current rules directly with Metro Nashville's planning department before listing or purchasing.

What property size works best in Nashville?

Larger properties perform significantly better in Nashville than in most markets. Properties with six or more bedrooms average over $148,000 per year, driven by strong demand from group travelers — bachelorette parties, corporate retreats, family reunions. Even adding one or two bedrooms has a meaningful income impact.

How does Nashville compare to other vacation rental markets?

Nashville ranks in the top 44% of U.S. markets for revenue, top 49% for ADR, and top 47% for occupancy, according to Airbtics data. It's a strong, mature market with year-round demand and solid fundamentals — particularly for larger properties targeting group travelers.

How does Nashville's STR income compare to San Diego?

Both markets produce similar median annual income for comparable property sizes, but the demand drivers are different. San Diego runs on beach access and year-round weather. Nashville runs on events, music culture, and group travel. Both reward professional management and quality listings.