This is the first question every owner asks before getting started: "How much will I actually earn?". Between the gross income displayed everywhere and what actually remains in your account at the end of the month, the difference is often significant. In this article, we provide you with concrete figures by city for 2026, deductible expenses, and the real difference between gross and net income.
What really affects Airbnb income?
Two identical apartments can yield twice as much. Four factors explain most of the difference.
1. Location
This is the #1 criterion. A property in the city center, close to transport, shops, or the seaside, rents for more and more often. Large metropolises and tourist cities naturally drive up income, but competition is also stronger there.
2. Occupancy rate
A dwelling rented 25 nights a month does not generate the same income as the same property rented 12 nights. The occupancy rate depends on seasonality (coastline in summer, business cities during the week), but above all on the quality of the listing and responsiveness to requests.
3. Type and size of property
A studio has a lower nightly price than a two-bedroom apartment but a better occupancy rate and fewer expenses. Houses and large apartments rent for more, especially to families and groups, with peaks in high season.
4. Quality of management
Optimized listing, professional photos, dynamic pricing, meticulous welcome, and 5-star reviews: these are what drive up both the nightly price and the occupancy rate. This is precisely the role of a professional Airbnb concierge service.
How much does an Airbnb generate by city? (2026 estimates)
Here are ranges of average monthly gross income (smoothed over the year) observed for a well-managed property. These are estimates: high season or event peaks (festivals, trade shows) can significantly exceed these amounts.
| City | Property type | Estimated gross income / month | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | Studio | €1,900: €2,600 | 70 to 80 % |
| Nice | Two-bedroom apartment | €1,500: €2,200 | 65 to 75 % |
| Cannes | Two-bedroom apartment | €1,700: €2,800 | 60 to 75 % |
| La Rochelle | Two-bedroom apartment | €1,100: €1,800 | 60 to 70 % |
| Quimper / Brest | Two-bedroom apartment | €900: €1,500 | 55 to 70 % |
These figures remain approximate. For a precise estimate based on your address and property type, the easiest way is to try our free income simulator.
Gross income vs. net income: expenses to deduct
Gross income is what travelers pay. Net income is what you actually keep. Between the two, you must deduct:
- Platform commission (Airbnb, Booking, etc.): approx. 3 to 15%.
- Cleaning between each stay (often re-billed to the traveler, but must be organized).
- Consumables and linen (welcome products, sheets, towels).
- Tourist tax (collected for the municipality).
- Co-ownership charges, insurance, and maintenance of the dwelling.
- Management (your time, or the fees of a concierge service).
- Taxation (LMNP regime most often, to be anticipated).
In practice, a well-organized owner retains approximately 70 to 80% of gross income as net before tax. This is the basis to look at to judge real profitability.
Short-term vs. long-term rental: the real difference
For the same property, short-term rental generally generates 20 to 40% more income than traditional year-round rental in tourist or tight areas. In return, it requires much more management: listings, traveler communication, cleaning, check-ins... It is this extra work that makes many owners give up - or prompts them to delegate.
How to maximize (and secure) your income
The levers that really make a difference:
- An optimized listing : title, professional photos, complete description, customer reviews.
- Dynamic pricing : adjust prices daily according to demand, events, and season.
- Maximum responsiveness : responding in minutes increases the booking rate.
- Impeccable welcome : this is what triggers 5-star reviews, which in turn attract subsequent bookings.
Managing all this alone is possible but time-consuming. Entrusting your property to a specialized concierge service often allows you to increase the occupancy rate and average price while completely freeing yourself from logistics, the increase in income generally offsets the fees.
Estimate your income in 2 minutes
Every property is unique: the best way to know how much your home can earn is to get a personalized estimate. Use our free income simulator : enter your city and property type, and receive an estimate of your short-term rental income, free and without obligation.