Florida, California, and Texas collectively accounted for 32.5% of all Airbnb market searches conducted by investors in 2025, according to data released by real estate technology platform Chalet. The findings underscore the enduring appeal of Sun Belt states for short-term rental property investments, even as investor interest remains broadly distributed across numerous regional markets. The data reveals that regional vacation markets experienced higher engagement rates compared to major metropolitan areas for property investment searches. This trend suggests investors are looking beyond traditional urban centers toward destinations that cater specifically to vacation travelers.
Chalet provides free Airbnb market analytics and interactive performance data to help users analyze these markets. Despite the concentration of searches in the three leading states, no single market dominated investor attention in 2025. The most-searched individual market accounted for only approximately 1.8% of total searches, indicating a wide distribution of interest across the country. This dispersion points to investors conducting thorough research across multiple potential markets rather than focusing on a handful of traditional hotspots.
The platform, which combines transparent data with user-friendly tools including ROI calculators, supports data-driven analysis of short-term rental markets nationwide. Chalet has become a resource for understanding vacation rental performance across the United States since its founding in 2021. The company plans to introduce an AI Copilot in 2026 to assist with more efficient data interpretation and market trend comparisons. The search patterns documented in 2025 reflect ongoing investor interest in properties located in warmer climates and popular vacation destinations.
The higher engagement with regional markets compared to major cities may indicate a strategic shift toward markets with potentially lower acquisition costs and different regulatory environments. These insights come as the short-term rental industry continues to evolve, with investors seeking reliable data to inform their decisions in an increasingly competitive landscape. The data suggests that while Florida, California, and Texas remain focal points, investor strategies are becoming more diversified as they explore opportunities across various regional vacation destinations throughout the country.
