Austin is one of the hottest STR markets in Texas, driven by SXSW, ACL Festival, Formula 1, and a booming tech industry. The city attracts young professionals and tourists year-round. VRBO is particularly strong in Austin for whole-home vacation rentals. This calculator uses an 8% VRBO platform-fee assumption for the 5% commission plus payment processing.
VRBO Host-Side Fees
VRBO's pay-per-booking model includes a 5% commission plus a 3% payment processing fee when processing applies. This calculator uses an 8% platform fee. On a $1,500 booking, that models $120 in host-side fees.
Property Details
Total property acquisition cost
Average rate per night
Expected annual occupancy
Per turnover
Airbnb/VRBO service fee (typically 3%)
Annual
Annual
Monthly average
Monthly
% of revenue
% of revenue (0 if self-managing)
Comparing multiple properties?
Analyze 5 deals side-by-side with scenario modeling. One-time purchase, $29.
Financial Summary
Annual Expenses
Your Investment
Why VRBO Works in Austin
Family-Focused Travelers
VRBO attracts families and groups who book whole homes for vacations. Austin's urban market appeals to this demographic.
Longer Stays = Lower Turnover
VRBO guests typically book 5-7 night stays vs. 3-4 on Airbnb. Fewer turnovers mean lower cleaning costs and less operational work.
Platform Fee Assumptions
Model VRBO's 5% commission plus payment processing when it applies. Adjust the platform fee if your account or software setup uses a different fee structure.
Austin Market Highlights
- 1Major events (SXSW, ACL, F1) drive premium pricing periods
- 2Booming tech industry creates strong corporate housing demand
- 3Live music capital draws consistent tourist traffic
- 4No state income tax benefits investor returns
Seasonality in Austin
Strong year-round with peaks during major events (March for SXSW, October for ACL, November for F1). Summer sees family travelers.
Austin STR Regulations
Austin requires STR licenses for rentals under 30 consecutive days. The city adopted significant STR rule changes in 2025 and will begin platform-removal enforcement for unlicensed properties on July 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Market averages are estimates for educational purposes only. See full disclaimer