Daytona Beach Rental Market: 2026 Forecast
Daytona Beach Rental Market: 2026 Forecast (What Property Owners Need to Know)
Daytona Beach has always been one of Florida’s most dynamic short-term rental markets, but 2026 is shaping up to be a record-setting year. With rising tourism numbers, increased event traffic, and shifts in Airbnb behavior, property owners have a major opportunity to boost their earnings if they understand the trends shaping the Daytona Beach rental market.
At Stay Coastal Hospitality, we manage properties along Florida’s coastline and monitor short-term rental performance daily. This update breaks down what owners can expect in 2026, how demand is shifting, and what you can do right now to position your property for maximum profit.
1. Tourism Growth in Daytona Beach Is Set to Rise in 2026
Tourism across Florida is projected to grow 4–6% in 2026, driven by:
Expanded flight routes into Daytona Beach International Airport.
Strong continued demand for coastal travel.
Major events: Daytona 500, Bike Week, and Biketoberfest.
An increase in remote workers seeking flexible "bleisure" stays.
For short-term rental owners, this means higher occupancy potential especially for well-optimized listings located near:
The beach
Speedway area
Convention center
Main Street entertainment district
AirROI’s latest market metrics reveal a healthy environment for hosts, though there is a significant gap between average hosts and professional ones:
Average Daily Rate (ADR): $243 (for optimized listings)
Median Annual Revenue (Market Average): $24,980
Revenue Potential (Professionally Managed): $50,000+ (based on top-tier occupancy/ADR)
Year-over-year revenue growth: 24.1%
Active Airbnb listings: 1,217
STR Regulation Level: Low
Seasonality is highly defined:
Peak revenue month: March
Lowest revenue month: September
For owners with strong pricing and booking strategies, this seasonal structure creates major earning opportunities. If your property isn't yet optimized for event-driven tourism, you're leaving revenue on the table.
2. Airbnb Daytona 2026: What the Data Shows
Recent Airbnb trends show:
Longer booking windows for peak season.
Higher demand for 2–3 bedroom rentals.
Stronger mid-week occupancy during event periods.
Increased guest preference for amenities like smart locks, fast WiFi, and beach gear.
The Daytona Beach market shows clear performance tiers:
Monthly Revenue
Top 10% of listings: $6,613+ per month
Top 25%: $3,645+
Median: $1,939
Bottom 25%: $977
The gap between optimized and underperforming listings is massive—often a 500% difference in earnings.
Occupancy Trends
Best-in-class listings: 77%+ occupancy
Top 25%: 59%+
Typical listings: 35%
ADR Breakdown
Top 10%: $426+ per night
Top 25%: $295+
Median: $190
Well-managed homes consistently capture the highest nightly rates and occupancy. In 2025, the average ADR for Daytona Beach increased by 7–11%, and projections for 2026 show another 5–8% growth, depending on property size and amenities.
Owners who take advantage of dynamic pricing strategies will outperform the market.
3. Florida Rental Trends Driving 2026
Across Florida’s east coast, several trends are impacting rental performance:
Higher demand for premium amenities.
Preference for updated, modern interiors.
Shift toward direct bookings to avoid OTA fees.
Increased competition among budget listings.
Daytona Beach in particular is seeing an increase in travelers seeking:
Beachfront units
Family-friendly rentals
Walk-to-the-beach locations
Pet-friendly stays
Properties that meet these expectations are expected to earn 15–25% more in 2026.
4. Daytona Real Estate Market Insight for Investors
Daytona Beach continues to be one of Florida’s most attractive investment markets due to:
Lower entry prices compared to other beach towns.
Strong rental yields.
High vacation demand year-round.
The best-performing neighborhoods according to AirROI include:
Daytona Beach Shores (quiet, beachfront, family-friendly)
Main Street (events, nightlife, entertainment)
Ormond Beach (suburban, parks and beaches)
Ponce Inlet (peaceful coastal charm)
Port Orange & South Daytona (affordable and residential)
The market is primarily driven by domestic travelers—94.2% of visitors come from within the U.S., with Orlando, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Tampa, and Miami leading as top cities of origin.
In 2026, real estate appreciation is forecasted at 3–5%, with rental income growth outpacing home value growth—making short-term rentals especially profitable. For owners considering expanding their portfolio, 2026 is an excellent year to do so.
5. Short-Term Rental Statistics: What Owners Should Expect
Here’s what forecasting models show for 2026:
Average Occupancy: 62–75% (for professionally managed homes)
Event Week Occupancy: 90–100%
ADR: Expected to rise 5–8%
Seasonal Gaps: Smaller due to remote workers & shoulder-season bookings
The biggest factor influencing success? How well your listing is managed—pricing, operations, and guest communication.
6. How to Win in Daytona Beach’s 2026 Rental Market
To maximize revenue in 2026, owners should focus on:
High-quality listing presentation: Professional photography, SEO-optimized titles & descriptions, and highlighting top amenities.
Dynamic, data-driven pricing: Based on seasonality, local events (Daytona 500, etc.), market occupancy, and competitor rates.
Fast guest communication: Airbnb boosts listings with high response rates.
Consistent cleaning & operations: Strong operations = stronger reviews = higher ranking.
Amenity upgrades that increase value: Essential + differentiating amenities can significantly improve revenue.
Need Help Navigating Daytona’s 2026 Rental Boom?
The Daytona Beach rental market is becoming more competitive and more profitable. With the right strategy, your property can thrive in 2026.
At Stay Coastal Hospitality, we handle:
Pricing optimization
OTA strategy
Guest communication
Cleaning coordination
Maintenance support
Direct booking setup
See how we can help you profit from the 2026 boom.
